Community Forums

Charming · 08-19-2022, 02:13 PM

I understand there are strong arguments on both sides of the discussion.

Just as before we were heading out on our cross country trip last fall our dashboard A/C blew out all of its coolant in a big whoosh! Leaving us with no time or options to get it repaired before we left town and no time to get it repaired between our CA trip and our trip to Savannah 3 weeks after returning home in the spring. We made a sweltering trip to NC during the 100+ heatwave in June, cut it short, too miserable to do anything.

Fast forward to now, the new owner of the rv repair shop seems to be less competent than I am. I don't think he has called the mfg of the ac unit. So, it may or may not be ready when we leave on our 2 month trip in September.

The question is, what are the votes for running the generator when needed for the AC to cool the coach for the dogs, and us?

Crasher · 08-19-2022, 02:18 PM

We've been running our generator as needed for AC in 7 different coaches for 25 years. We had the engine alternator fail one time and we drove 1100 miles home with the Genny running to keep the batteries charged. There is absolutely no reason not to use the generator while traveling if it is needed for anything.

ga traveler · 08-19-2022, 02:22 PM

Many folks would rather use the generator instead of the dash air. Most people use the roof air at some time when traveling. We start the generator and turn on the roof airs before stopping for a meal break. We run the generator any time we have other people in the coach to keep the living room cool.
There is no problem with running the generator and roof airs while traveling. That is what they are there for.
You stated that there is arguments on both sides. I don’t remember anyone saying not to use the generator while traveling. I was a service manager for 15 years and not one manufacturer ever cautioned against using the generator underway.

Jim_HiTek · 08-19-2022, 02:22 PM

I'm with Crasher. Two different Class A's, 18 years of full timing. Have used my generator whenever needed, on the road. For cooling when my dash AC went out OR for heating when my dash heat went out. Gives extra time to fix things when you use it instead of feeling you need to run to the first RV repair shop you see on the road in a strange place where you don't know anyone.

RVStitchy · 08-19-2022, 02:41 PM

We run ours sometimes while driving. If there are other passengers in the back it is required for AC. I find when driving the dash AC does just fine for the first couple hours. Then when it gets in the mid 80's in the back the dash AC gets warmer as it tries to recirculate the warm air.

We don't boondock so rarely need the generator at other times. If we didn't run it while driving it would net get run - which is not good.

BonS · 08-19-2022, 02:50 PM

I wouldn't hesitate and have done it for many miles. That said, I now have ample solar and lithium batteries so I run just the front AC and we stay cool without the generator.

George Schweikle · 08-19-2022, 03:04 PM

As with the other respondents, we have run the generator & roof air for several decades. Any occasional generator problems were with the generator itself with no connection to using the roof air.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charming

....The question is, what are the votes for running the generator when needed for the AC to cool the coach for the dogs, and us?

96 Wideglide · 08-19-2022, 03:08 PM

I'm curious what the argument would be against it

.

USMCRET · 08-19-2022, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 96 Wideglide

I'm curious what the argument would be against it

.

X2!

Charming · 08-19-2022, 03:27 PM

I did hear in passing, but no reason given.

I thought like all things in RV'ing there were at least 2 schools of thought on the subject.

BonS · 08-19-2022, 03:30 PM

Here's this from a Newmar owner's manual.

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**Lt Dan** · 08-19-2022, 03:32 PM

When we left on our current trip, I started the generator before I left the storage lot and didn't shut if off until 10 hours later at our first overnight stop. In 95-100 degree weather the whole way, the coach was nice and cool when we arrived.

Ray,IN · 08-19-2022, 03:35 PM

EVERY RV appliance is designed by the mfgr. to function while driving, from the genset to the oven and TV's, those TV's within the line of sight of the driver have a lockout when the ignition is on.

It is the owners choice if they want to use them.

DW runs the genset to cool the coach and to power the slow cooker she sits in the sink while I'm driving. When we stop for the day dinner is ready.

Charming · 08-19-2022, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

EVERY RV appliance is designed by the mfgr. to function while driving, from the genset to the oven and TV's, those TV's within the line of sight of the driver have a lockout when the ignition is on.

It is the owners choice if they want to use them.

DW runs the genset to cool the coach and to power the slow cooker she sits in the sink while I'm driving. When we stop for the day dinner is ready.

Thank you all! With all these wonderful ideas, I'll be running the generator even when we don't need the ac!

Now, the next question, I wonder why it has taken almost 10 years to find this out! I've seen posts of people who have their crockpots in the sink while driving - I just thought they had the house batteries as a source.