Community Forums

WogStL · 06-19-2013, 03:52 PM

Folks,
Headed out in a few weeks across the middle of the US (KS, TX, OK) and probably going to have some HOT spells while driving....is it okay to run the generator while mobile? I know it will put a dent in our fuel range but any other consideration??

Thanks in advance!
Paul

JMonroe · 06-19-2013, 03:57 PM

By all means. We hit 90 degree plus weather just last week on our way down to the Florida panhandle. With the sun coming in the windshield full bore the dash A/C couldn't quite keep up. Running the genny kept us comfortable.

Pepper2 · 06-19-2013, 03:58 PM

We run ours all the time. Our dash air quit last year!

RickO · 06-19-2013, 03:58 PM

No problem at all. Many people do it.

Rick

tomwalt · 06-19-2013, 04:09 PM

No problem; we always run the genny and house A/C, but turn the engine driven A/C off - this way you won't reduce fuel range enough to notice.
We close off the back (shut the door), direct the house A/C vents to blow cold air forward, and run a fans to help move the cool air around. Works well and you need to exercise that genny anyway.

cb1000rider · 06-19-2013, 08:47 PM

Above is good advice. Note if it's really hot (like last summer) some RVs (such as the ACE) were having issues with gensets shutting down. This isn't the rule though, but it is pretty darn hot above the pavement.

We carry a spare (in Texas) and I mount it to the trailer hitch in a rack. We'll be making a big trip this year and I'll probably be powering off of that $700 generator versus the $3000 Onan that came with the RV...

Mr_D · 06-19-2013, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cb1000rider

I'll probably be powering off of that $700 generator versus the $3000 Onan that came with the RV...

Why?

flaggship1 · 06-19-2013, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D

Why?

X 2 --- when I had a Class B the gas powered Microlite would sometimes kick off while underway. Pretty much concluded a little too much bouncing around would cause the carb to flood or empty for a moment and cough itself off. Wait a bit and start again. It's probably the nature of the beast but I would use the coach generator and document issues. If there's something wrong it needs fixin. If it's a fuel thing probably, just a little inconvenience. Might even happen with the $700 unit. Have you road tested it?

No problems like that with the diesel generator.

Just For Fun · 06-19-2013, 10:13 PM

No problems like that with the diesel generator.[/QUOTE]

I'm learning also. Why no problem with a diesel genny?

sc3283 · 06-19-2013, 10:21 PM

Paul, the compressors used so commonly on the RVs draws 5-6hp to run. What hp is lost lost due to extra alternator load from the blower motor and powering the AC clutch? That I can not say.

Some coaches can't spare any extra HP so running dash AC is not done

If you have the HP to spare....using your dash AC (if it can keep up) will save wear and tear on roof AC units and your genny

Totally an owners choice type thing

Mr_D · 06-19-2013, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just For Fun

No problems like that with the diesel generator.

I'm learning also. Why no problem with a diesel genny?[/QUOTE]
No carburetor, no float.

flaggship1 · 06-19-2013, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just For Fun

No problems like that with the diesel generator.

I'm learning also. Why no problem with a diesel genny?[/QUOTE]

No carburetor. If the pump a pumpin - it's a runnin.

mikell · 06-20-2013, 05:39 PM

Dash AC 2 mpg give or take

Genny 1 gallon per hour at most

Do the math

ahicks · 06-22-2013, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D

I'm learning also. Why no problem with a diesel genny?

No carburetor, no float.[/QUOTE]

No carb, no float, and liquid cooling! Much more efficient in weather extremes.

I would add that running the cab AC set to 'recirculate' is an excellent plan as well. That way your cab AC is handling/cooling down pre-cooled interior air, vs. trying to cool fire hot air coming off of the pavement outside. Don't worry about the air getting stagnant. Most leak air like a sieve, and that's rarely an issue.