Community Forums

bpu699 · 06-22-2021, 07:47 PM

I know, probably not.

But why not? If you had 1000w solar that would be enough to charge your chassis and house batteries while driving. Enough to power fridge, lights, etc...

So... alternator is freewheeling...

Alternators probably draw 5-10 horsepower at full gallop?

Wouldn’t that improve gas mileage?

Enquiring minds want to know

Massparanoia · 06-22-2021, 08:03 PM

Nope

TonyMac · 06-22-2021, 08:04 PM

I care more about money. What is the cost of your solar and when would it pay off in fuel savings? Less draw on the alternator but more weight and drag. Do the cost benefit? What is your current mileage in cents per mile? $4/gal and 8mpg = 50cpm. If you got 5% better mpg (8.4mpg), when would those savings add up to your solar install? Does any sober person think you'll get 5% better cpm? How about 1% (8.08mpg)? Pushes your payoff out 500%. Payoff is better if fuel goes to $10/gal, but that has drawbacks too.

Matt A · 06-22-2021, 08:12 PM

You’ll save fuel, but only because you won’t be running the generator as often.

Outbound · 06-22-2021, 08:14 PM

This is an easy one, No savings on mileage.

bpu699 · 06-23-2021, 05:58 AM

Well, it was a nice thought

153stars · 06-23-2021, 06:17 AM

Ding ding ding there's your winner . I doubt you'll see much of a hit in drag or weight either. Most MHs are as aerodynamic as a cinder block anyway. I have read that Source Engineering's radiator fan can free up a lot of HP. More about being able to use the HP than milage. But I don't know what exact models it's designed for exactly.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt A

You’ll save fuel, but only because you won’t be running the generator as often.

RightUR · 06-23-2021, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Outbound

This is an easy one, No savings on mileage.

Ditto. x2

RightUR · 06-23-2021, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TonyMac

I care more about money. What is the cost of your solar and when would it pay off in fuel savings? Less draw on the alternator but more weight and drag. Do the cost benefit? What is your current mileage in cents per mile? $4/gal and 8mpg = 50cpm. If you got 5% better mpg (8.4mpg), when would those savings add up to your solar install? Does any sober person think you'll get 5% better cpm? How about 1% (8.08mpg)? Pushes your payoff out 500%. Payoff is better if fuel goes to $10/gal, but that has drawbacks too.

great answer