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Tricolor · 06-08-2023, 07:13 PM

I know that a propane furnace can be used while driving and that it will heat up the whole coach as well as some critical basement compartment.

I also know that the Gen can be activated and allow the use of A/C while on the road.

My question is: Can the A/C be used in heat mode while driving in temperature as low as 50F?
If so, I could close all ducts but the ones close to the cabin and maybe consume less fossile energy for the same comfort.

I would like to know from those Snowbirds who have experienced both sources of heat while driving south.

**Lt Dan** · 06-08-2023, 07:23 PM

Yes, it's no different than running the A/C in hot weather. We've used the heat pumps with the generator running in cold weather several times.

153stars · 06-08-2023, 08:57 PM

The generator will burn about .33 gph running one AC. According to Google avg. RV furnace will burn .33 gph continuous. My guess is the furnace would not need to run continuous with the dash heat . . The generator would need to run continuous if your talking about 50 f. So I think LP would would burn about half as much at a 50% burn rate. At 45-50f I don't the furnace will need to run hard at all with dash heat. Some owners have added a curtain to keep dash heat or AC up front.

Old-Biscuit · 06-08-2023, 09:13 PM

I don't have a Heat Pump but have run A/C, furnace while traveling.

My suggestion...TRY IT (no harm/no foul)
Won't hurt anything

As for propane consumption vs generator fuel usage???
Depends on size of propane furnace (btu rating), run time vs generator size. Cost of propane vs Fuel etc

But why run 2 appliances (gen-A/C unit) vs 1 appliance (furnace)

Tricolor · 06-09-2023, 07:15 AM

Thanks for the replies. I suspected that using the A/C in thermopump mode wouldn't be affected much by the high winds generated while driving.
I just wanted to make sure.

But considering the approximate estimation of energy used by propane vs A/C, I will choose propane AND/OR the option of a curtain behind the cabin, this last option being practical for hot weather as well.