Coach A/C vs chassis A/C

[Carolina Fun]

Just got a 2004 Bounder 35E with 56,700 miles on it. I am getting ready to head out on a 600 mile trip from NC to NY. Which is more efficient, running the generator and coach A/C or the chassis A/C. Thanks

[autofish]

I would think the chassis a/c if it will keep up.

[az bound]

If by efficient you mean fuel wise, the chassis a/c would use less fuel.
If you mean efficiency in cooling a 35ft. motorhome use the coach a/c.
Running the genny for approximatly 10 hrs. will use from .5 to .8 gallons per hr. so the extra fuel used would be between 5 and 8 gallons.

[336muffin]

I look at it this way, we can keep our coach nice and cool, run the fridge,and water heater all off the gen. When we stop for lunch the coach is comfortable even if we want to take a nap. After driving in the heat of the day and stop for the night in a CG it takes a while after setting up to cool everything down, especially the bedroom. I'll run the gen. Those numbers that the gen uses are under FULL LOAD. Most of the time it is just idling after everything is warmed and cooled. Just my opinion

[clyon51]

You'll find most of us use the chassis AC until such time it's not enough. I've always figured that was the most fuel efficient.

[troyrice76]

If you are leaving early in the morning you should be fine to just run the dash AC. As the day goes on and the temps rise you may need to turn on the Gen to run the rooftop units. If you have anybody wanting to sleep towards the back you will definitely need the roof top units on.

[336muffin]

I was just curious and looked up the specs on my gen. No load it consumes .1 gal per hour and that is a Onan diesel 10,000K, so if it's idling just half the time that's not bad.

[Wizard]

If you have a wife like mine, when warm we run both and never had a problem. Not gonna save a dollar and be miserable while driving, just ain't gonna happen.

Jerry