Running Generator While Away From Coach?

[TandCplusRV]

Hey All,

Stupid Newbie here with another Stuipd Newbie Question. My wife and I are taking a trip to Disney's Fort Wilderness in about 2 weeks. We are anticipating arriving early enough that we may have to check-in and be directed to their overflow parking lot prior to our site being ready. Of course, since it's Disney, we want to hit the parks, etc.

My question: Is it common to leave the generator running (to keep the coach cool - I'm thinking of foodstuffs and things that would melt or otherwise get gross in the FL heat if we don't make it back to the rig for several hours) when you are away from the motorhome for an extended period of time? I imagine folks with pets (we don't have any that would travel with us) must do this rather regularly? This is one of those things that I can't get my head around and makes me nervous , so I'm hoping to get some advice from long-timers or folks with experience here.

Thanks!

[tedgard01]

As far as the refrigerator, I would assume it would be running on LPG, the generator would not be required.

From what you said, I don't think you have pets, correct?

[MSHappyCampers]

Yep, that's the way most folks do it! Those generators are like the Energizer bunny, they just run, and run, and run...........

[Maladjusted]

Run it... lock it up... and enjoy your day!

Come back to a nice cool coach!

Mal

[Chuck13]

Agreed, turn on genny, set AC to comfortable level, lock up the rig, and go have fun.

[gemini5362]

I am going to add a couple of things. If your generator runs off of the coach diesel tank make sure you have more than 1/4 tank in your coach when you stop. Below that mark some generators get shut off so you do not run your diesel tanks dry.

I have to look into why but every once in a while my generator just shuts itself off not sure why yet. Make sure you do not leave anything out that could be harmed if the generator were to shut off and the coach heat up. Mine will shut off then restart immediately I have not had the chance to look at the codes when it does that to see why yet.

[Jim_HiTek]

And one other thing...if the overflow lot has several other occupied RVs in it, be absolutely sure that your exhaust is not blowing directly onto or under your neighbor's RV. They may have pets in there, or they may be taking a nap, and occasionally the CO in a genset's exhaust can sicken or even kill next door. If you have to walk a little extra to park in a sparsely populated area, that's a small price to pay for saving a life. If someone comes along and parks next to you, they should be able to hear it running and plan accordingly.

Also, some parks have rules about gensets, even in overflow lots, so check with them.

[becks]

Not a problem, we do it often with a pet on board. In fact with auto gen start it starts up as needed to cool coach, or to charge the batteries. Enjoy Disney.

[wendyjeff]

I have to look into why but every once in a while my generator just shuts itself off not sure why yet. Make sure you do not leave anything out that could be harmed if the generator were to shut off and the coach heat up. Mine will shut off then restart immediately I have not had the chance to look at the codes when it does that to see why yet.


Mine will shut itself off if I have it on while working in the driveway on a hot day. I just assumed it was overheating, if I let it set for a few minutes it would start back up.

[Maladjusted]

Originally Posted by wendyjeff

Mine will shut itself off if I have it on while working in the driveway on a hot day. I just assumed it was overheating, if I let it set for a few minutes it would start back up.

If it is overheating, there is an underlying problem. The Genset is designed to run and provide itself with adequate cooling even on the hottest days under full load.

Check the codes when it shuts down.

[calhyatt]

Originally Posted by TandCplusRV

Hey All,

Stupid Newbie here with another Stuipd Newbie Question. My wife and I are taking a trip to Disney's Fort Wilderness in about 2 weeks. We are anticipating arriving early enough that we may have to check-in and be directed to their overflow parking lot prior to our site being ready. Of course, since it's Disney, we want to hit the parks, etc.

My question: Is it common to leave the generator running (to keep the coach cool - I'm thinking of foodstuffs and things that would melt or otherwise get gross in the FL heat if we don't make it back to the rig for several hours) when you are away from the motorhome for an extended period of time? I imagine folks with pets (we don't have any that would travel with us) must do this rather regularly? This is one of those things that I can't get my head around and makes me nervous , so I'm hoping to get some advice from long-timers or folks with experience here.

Thanks!

Set it and forget it. Have fun......

[UFO Pilot]

Do your "neighbors" in overflow a big favor and invest in a Camco Gen-Turi Generator Exhaust System - Walmart.com

[TandCplusRV]

Thanks to all! You have eased my mind (well, ONE of the the things on my mind anyway) prior to departure next weekend. I figured that it was all right, but with the new-to-us coach being our first, every time I'm about to do something I have visions of returning to a flaming pile of rubble because of forgetting to do something or doing something stupid that I didn't know was stupid. ;-) You folks eased my mind for sure! Thanks especially to Jim HiTek - wouldn't have thought about the exhaust unless I was right on top of somebody. At this point though, I'd definitely be parking as far away from everybody else as I can get! Not used to how this baby corners yet. :-)

[fastcat]

X2 on the Genturi. They help keep the exhaust fumes out of your own coach also. Don't leave home without it.