Generator while driving

[rlchall]

2007 Sunseeker 2860ds
In very hot weather, we'd like to beat the heat by having the unit cooled before setting up camp. Can we run the generator the last couple hrs of driving time? Any other tips when arrival is midday in the high 90s. Thanks! !

[daywalker567]

We run the gen set so we can stay cool if the temp is hot enough the dash air is also used. And we can use the crock pot or rice cooker while under way so supper is ready when we get to our campsite

[Garrette]

Yes..


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[757Dave]

Yep!

[ATVer]

I know people do run the generator while traveling and I have not heard anyone blame a generator failure on doing it. However I would not but that's me. My reasons are that it will put maximum heat stress on the air cooled engine and generator for the following reasons:
The cooling air intakes are close to the road which would be hotter than any campsite might be.
It is also just behind the v10 engine which will heat the cooling air even further.
At these temps you are adding to the stress by putting a high load on the generator because the AC is the largest load except for using the electric mode of the water heater.

[trdutch]

I had a salesman tell me people run the gen for air conditioning instead of dash air for better fuel economy
I too worry about the gen getting proper cooling
As for the last hour or two of your trip to precool the coach,
Go For It!
I do that all the time

[rlchall]

Thanks for all the responses! !

[lbrunning]

Run that gen set often and hard and it wont let you down. the people with generator problems are the ones that never run them. I have over 800 hours on mine and run it going down the road whether it is a 2 hr drive or a 8 hour drive. As far as better fuel economy it is so little difference I cant tell and the only ones that seem to be able to are the salesmen.

[funfinder5]

In the same as Ibrunning above. With a family of five living in Texas, there is only a few months out of the year I can get by without running the generator for the roof air.

On our long travel days it runs from sun up till we pull into a campground for the night.

[howzball]

Pulling a toad up and down mountains in the desert heat I promise you you're going to want to cool on the generator rather than cab air. You need all the HP you can get out of that v-10.

Just carry a box full of replacement fuel pumps for that Onan generator. I think they must make those things out of bubble gum.

[Garrette]

My genny uses .409gal per hour. This is a one time measurement over an 8 hour period. Stopped at Pilot, filled up, parked, ran genny for 8 hrs+-15min, filled up next morning. AC and Coffee pot.

[rlchall]

Thanks to all of you for offering your generator testimony. Our generator is built in our Sunseeker. How do we fill it up?

[n-e-d]

Runs off your chassis fuel tank.

[rlchall]

Thanks, NED!

[n-e-d]

One more thing, It should shut off at 1/4 tank-so you dont run out of gas for chassis

[rlchall]

That's great news! !

[Garrette]

Uses about .4gal/hr fyi

[rlchall]

We'll definitely be using the generator next time.

[Santabobswife]

We found that by turning it on about 45 minutes before getting to our site, the RV is comfortable when setting up. If it's not hot, not a problem.

Santabobswife