Generator Use While Driving?

[irish57]

Someone mentioned that they used their generator while driving to use the microwave, or turn on the tv for the kids. Has anyone tried this...wondering what the pros and cons (extra use of gasoline) of this might be? I am a bit leery of trying it.

Thanks, Doug Maume
------------------------------------------
2003 Itasca Suncruiser 38G

[Monacoach]

We use our Genny when ever we can which includes while driving to run the ac

Yes it will use some fuel but the bonus is that with generators the more you use them the longer they will last.

[Mr_D]

Why not?
But the TV's should run off the inverter so no gen needed.
If a TV can be seen by the driver when in motion most states require it to be off anyway.

[TonyDi]

I run my genny whenever it’s needed. If you’re in a hot area your dash a/c can’t keep the MH cool. E start the genny and turn the roof units on. Been doing it for years.

[davismills]

Heck, that's about the ONLY time we use the generator.

[Old Scout]

...tons of threads on this forum about running genny while driving......nearly everyone does it, save for a few nervous-nellies. Depending on how your rig is configured, most folks can use batteries, inverter and engine alternator to power TVs or microwaves, slow cooker, etc. while driving As mentioned, most typical use for genny while driving is to power cabin heating or cooling when driving in extreme weather conditions.....
PS--gennies love to be used, so use them....

[rk911]

we also run the genny for the AC as needed. we find there is a negligible effect on MPG.

[69Stang]

Originally Posted by davismills

Heck, that's about the ONLY time we use the generator.

Same with us.

[irish57]

Great!!! Thank you all for your feedback; can't wait to use it tomorrow when we head back to VA! Happy New Year!

Cheers, Doug

[A32Deuce]

If you are traveling and stop about an hour out from,your destination in the summer, start the genny and run the air. Should b comfy inside by the time you are all set up and ready to connect the elec. I do it all the time. Our C dash air keeps us cool up front but not the rear.

[winniman]

If driving in cold weather as well, running the generator can allow the use of small heater in the wet bay if required. You can also run electric heaters in cabin too, since the genny is running. I run mine all the time in the summer to use air conditioning. The dash air does very little to cool a large motorhome. Some say it actually uses less fuel to run the genny, than to run the dash air. Either way, it is meant to be used while driving. Use it as required.

[scbwr]

I would be careful just from a safety point of view when using the microwave while underway. Heating solid food shouldn't be a problem but heat liquids could be risky due to road bumps, sudden braking, etc.

[Brecklundin]

we run ours anytime it's needed. We get about 7-8 mpg so adding about another 0.5 gal/hour is essentially nothing in those terms.

Safety is always important and comment about being in motion using MW or even the cook top... no liquids and it's pretty much a no on cooking as well. You never know what toad gremlins are ahead just waiting yo have their way with your day!

And yes generators need to be used... ours recently hit 4100 hrs on the old Generac NP66G. It is surely in need of a major service as last was at about 2500 hrs. But I keep the oil changed every 100-150 hrs and a new oil filter every other oil change. Air filter every so often when I feel guilty about it. So use it or lose it as the saying goes.

[MSHappyCampers]

We sometimes use the generator while driving in hot weather to run both A/C units! No problem with doing that!


Our genny is diesel and they say it uses from 1/2 to 1 GPH, depending on the load.