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Post by ronc on Feb 29, 2020 11:00:35 GMT -5
I’ve got an onboard 5.5kw Onan propane generator (factory installed). I know most motor home owners run their “house” AC’s on their generators as they travel. Has anyone ever done this with a 5th wheel? What are your thoughts on this practice? I’ve thought about it, but never done it ... I always assumed the equipment was designed to only operate while stationary, but motor homes use the same generator and AC units and they do it as a normal practice ... thoughts?
As an aside, it would be a good way to exercise the generator😉.
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Post by ronc on Feb 29, 2020 21:15:34 GMT -5
I did a google search on this topic and found that it is not uncommon for people to use their OEM generators (Onan) to run their AC’s while they travel. Some just do this at all times when they travel on hot days. Others stop about an hour before arriving at their destination to run the AC for that last hour so that it is cooled down when they arrive. This would exercise the generator but will use more propane. Something to consider.
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Post by Edd505 on Feb 29, 2020 21:17:04 GMT -5
A buddy does it all the time in his class A with the Onan. I don't see any reason not to, mobile is mobile and in the heat the 5W would be cooled when you arrive.
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Post by ronc on Feb 29, 2020 23:17:10 GMT -5
A buddy does it all the time in his class A with the Onan. I don't see any reason not to, mobile is mobile and in the heat the 5W would be cooled when you arrive. I agree. I don’t know why it took me three years to think about it😂😂😂😂 |
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Post by Edd505 on Mar 1, 2020 13:39:05 GMT -5
One of his digs at me when we get some place together, his is cooled & I have to wait. On the plus I sit in his while mine cools.
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Post by ronc on Mar 1, 2020 21:04:15 GMT -5
One of his digs at me when we get some place together, his is cooled & I have to wait. On the plus I sit in his while mine cools. That is a plus😎 |
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Post by nvguy on Mar 1, 2020 22:19:26 GMT -5
Good question and I think the answer is sure why not? Lots of the M/H guys do this to make up for less than thrilling dash A/C performance.
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Post by mkpaint on Mar 1, 2020 22:37:20 GMT -5
I met some people that had generator on back they ran to keep dog cool
In trailer while they pulled
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Post by ronc on Mar 1, 2020 22:41:36 GMT -5
I met some people that had generator on back they ran to keep dog cool In trailer while they pulled I am learning that this is “a thing” ... I thought I was off on a creative track and come to find out, the path is well worn😏 |
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Post by Edd505 on Mar 2, 2020 21:25:12 GMT -5
I met some people that had generator on back they ran to keep dog cool In trailer while they pulled That had a rear plug for shore power? I carry a genset on the rear but my shore powers about mid way on the side, lot or rewire to be able to run driving. Guess I could duck tape the cord to the side.  |
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Post by mkpaint on Mar 3, 2020 0:45:59 GMT -5
I didn’t see how they were plugged in
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Post by ronc on Mar 3, 2020 10:18:02 GMT -5
I met some people that had generator on back they ran to keep dog cool In trailer while they pulled That had a rear plug for shore power? I carry a genset on the rear but my shore powers about mid way on the side, lot or rewire to be able to run driving. Guess I could duck tape the cord to the side. Several 5ers have their plug in the rear ... Montana has that. |
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Post by laknox on Mar 4, 2020 10:40:56 GMT -5
I didn’t see how they were plugged in I've seen a couple rigs that had a 90 plug on the trailer side and ran the cord underneath using hangars they installed for the purpose. I've seen one that had the cord up the side, woven back and forth between vents and A/C and down the back to their genny on a rack. Given the state of the rest of the rig, it was probably pretty standard for this guy. :-) Lyle |
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Post by Edd505 on Mar 4, 2020 22:52:16 GMT -5
I didn’t see how they were plugged in I've seen a couple rigs that had a 90 plug on the trailer side and ran the cord underneath using hangars they installed for the purpose. I've seen one that had the cord up the side, woven back and forth between vents and A/C and down the back to their genny on a rack. Given the state of the rest of the rig, it was probably pretty standard for this guy. :-)Lyle That's funny  I'll have look into a 90 that might be doable with a 30amp cord going under just not sure how much I would use it. |
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Post by laknox on Mar 5, 2020 11:37:02 GMT -5
I've seen a couple rigs that had a 90 plug on the trailer side and ran the cord underneath using hangars they installed for the purpose. I've seen one that had the cord up the side, woven back and forth between vents and A/C and down the back to their genny on a rack. Given the state of the rest of the rig, it was probably pretty standard for this guy. :-)Lyle That's funny I'll have look into a 90 that might be doable with a 30amp cord going under just not sure how much I would use it. IIRC, a guy on rv.net installed a second plug in the rear of his rig so he could use a rack-mount genny. If it's the same guy, I think he also had a custom-made gen-box. Lyle |
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Post by juzplanekrazy on Mar 17, 2020 16:24:42 GMT -5
After reading all of these posts I'm thinking I need to do this too. (Ginny on the back, and add a plug back there.)
After a 2 month trip thru AZ, New Mexico, TX, Arkansas and OK. in the middle of the summer last year, my wife was pissed at each stop, and so was the dogs. I just sit in the shade with a ice cold beer.
At least fire it up a hour or so from the next night stop.
Uhmmm.
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I'll have look into a 90 that might be doable with a 30amp cord going under just not sure how much I would use it.