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Old 02-05-2015, 05:34 PM   #1
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Another Newbie Question

Getting ready to purchase a used Sunseeker 3170ds. Have owned TT in the past, but first time with a MH. Never had a generator before, so my question is how long can we run it while vacationing. We are planning a trip to Texas this summer and know that we are going to be running it 24/7. Any advice?
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Old 02-05-2015, 07:32 PM   #2
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Well, rate of consumption is about .5 gallon at half load. (.3 no load .7 full load)
You have a 55 gallon tank, with the inlet being 1/4 tank up.
55 x 3/4= 41.25 gallons 41.25/.5= 82.5 hours straight give or take.

However when you're at a campsite you'll be plugged in, so no gen necessary.
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Old 02-05-2015, 08:03 PM   #3
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Thanks

Thanks for the info. I just don't want to burn the unit up by over use. So I should be ok running it while driving to keep the interior cool. Yes, plug in when parked at camp site.
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Old 02-05-2015, 08:32 PM   #4
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Thanks for the info. I just don't want to burn the unit up by over use. So I should be ok running it while driving to keep the interior cool. Yes, plug in when parked at camp site.
Not quite sure how you could burn it up by overuse??? It is designed to be used
For the intended purposes. Unless your dash A/C isn't working or you have a full baseball team riding in the back, there should be no need to run the generator going down the road.
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Old 02-05-2015, 08:41 PM   #5
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Baseball team?

Thanks for the info. There will be seven adults traveling together on this trip, so almost a full baseball team! They will be demanding to stay cool. So will be running generator while driving. But that is all we will be using it for while in motion. Again, thanks for your input.

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Old 02-05-2015, 09:54 PM   #6
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We run our generator going down the road with the roof a/c on all the time with no problems. I think it actually saves fuel over running the truck a/c.
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Old 02-05-2015, 09:59 PM   #7
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Thanks, glad to hear that. Wife and I have been to Texas many times in the summer and know how hot it can get. Want to keep everyone cool, but didn't want to do any damage doing so. Glad to hear that you have not had a problem.
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Old 02-05-2015, 11:12 PM   #8
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Run that generator often and under full load. we have a 2011 3170 pushing 1200 hrs on generator. The onan was built to work and the ones that have problems with them are the ones that rarely run them. Fire it up going down the road crank the air down and have someone microwave you popcorn and enjoy.
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Old 02-06-2015, 07:13 AM   #9
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We run our generator going down the road with the roof a/c on all the time with no problems. I think it actually saves fuel over running the truck a/c.
Well, if you do the math, it works out about the same. 8 and 1/2 MPG works out to 7.05 gallons (at 60 mph) per hour. If you drop to 8 mpg using the dash air, you will use 7.5 gallons (at 60 mph) per hour. If the generator uses .5 gallons per hour, it works out darn close to the same total fuel consumed. If you only have two people sitting in the front, the dash air should be all you need to stay cool. No reason to have 2 motors running.........but if it makes you happy to run both, go for it.
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Old 02-06-2015, 08:30 AM   #10
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All this math to predict fuel consumption is a guess at best. Many factors determine fuel consumption such as weight, speed, temperature, crosswinds, etc. Sit back and enjoy the country. There's a gas station on just about every corner.
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Old 02-06-2015, 08:53 AM   #11
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When we purchased our Class C several years ago the folks at Camping World told us the biggest issue with generators was due to lack of use. We were told 3,500 hours is a reasonable life for an Onan generator. Use it!


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Old 02-06-2015, 11:35 AM   #12
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All this math to predict fuel consumption is a guess at best. Many factors determine fuel consumption such as weight, speed, temperature, crosswinds, etc.
Pretty sure you missed the point. Point being that you don't save any gas by running the generator and the motor w/A/C off than you do with just running the motor with the A/C on.
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Old 02-06-2015, 11:42 AM   #13
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Wow!

Checked in this AM and saw all of these great responses to my question! I really appreciate everyone's efforts on my behalf. I believe I am going to enjoy reading and interacting with everyone. Again, Thanks.

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Old 02-06-2015, 11:43 AM   #14
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I think you missed his point. Sit back, relax and don't sweat the small stuff.
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Old 02-06-2015, 12:55 PM   #15
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I get the point. My analytical side of my brain overpowers the relax side sometimes.
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Old 02-06-2015, 03:08 PM   #16
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I do believe the point was is it okay to run the a/c continuously without doing any damage, not how much fuel it uses. At least, that's the way I read it.
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Old 02-07-2015, 02:05 AM   #17
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Sorry to start such a controversy. Every forum has "that guy" now we know who he is.
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Old 02-07-2015, 03:18 AM   #18
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Bclemens and ActionJackson.... Can you please keep the math to a minimum I think I hurt my brain?
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