Community Forums

JohnParker · 10-30-2011, 03:47 PM

I have looked at some of the historical threads regarding how low in the fuel tank the dip tubes for the generator go. The consensus seems to be that the generator will shut down when the tank dash gauge shows ~1/4 full.

I also have an Aqua Hot furnace system that pulls fuel from the main tank.

My practice has been to fill up when I still have ~1/3 of a tank left. So far, no problem. But it would be nice to know if I can go to 1/4 full before things start sucking air.

My question is whether anyone knows if both the generator and Aqua Hot dip tubes are the same length, at what level are they supposed to be set, and if one will shut down before the other.

"007" · 10-30-2011, 03:57 PM

If your traveling around in cold weather I would refill before it got close to 1/4.
You maybe sucking air into lines and loose your prime and than run into problems getting both back in operation.
Your wife may not like a cold coach, something to consider.

JohnParker · 10-30-2011, 05:49 PM

Ha! Neither she nor the YorkyPoo like to not have the option of turning up the heat!

That's why I look for a FJ or WM with a diesel pump when it starts getting close to 1/3.

bucks2 · 10-30-2011, 07:20 PM

John I think you asked a question with no absolute answer. Unless you run the generator and AH on YOUR rig to where they suck air, you won't know. Fuel gauges are sometimes wrong, the pickup for your rig might have been longer or shorter than standard, any of the components could have "looked" like the one it was supposed to have when manufactured, and so on.

If you have them on while driving you may have fuel sloshing in the tank enough to pick up an air bubble and shut the item off. My fuel gauge reads different when going up hill or down hill, I'd never trust the fuel pickup to be at exactly 1/4 tank.

jfran304 · 10-30-2011, 07:49 PM

Personally when my fuel gauge gets to the 1/2 tank mark I start looking for a place to fill up. That gives me a comfort zone in case something happens around the next corner.

Jon

JohnParker · 10-30-2011, 09:08 PM

Thanks Guys;

I would be in big trouble with the Admiral and the Captain if I let either the generator in summer for AC or the AH in the winter for heat run dry. So I start looking for a stop at 1/2 and fill at no less than 1/3 tank. I just wondered what the pucker factor was for others.

soricobob · 10-31-2011, 06:46 AM

I think you're asking for opinion not fact. As you can tell from almost every thread on this site, Newmar does not build all units alike, and what may be fine for one may not work for you. Consider, for instance, if you are parked on a slight slope, and the tank reads 1/4 full, but because of the incline is not. Like was advised before, unless you want to be disappointed don't flirt with the 1/4 mark.