 |
01-13-2018, 05:40 PM
|
#1
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Greenwood
Posts: 426
|
Running Generator while towing
I have noticed in several threads regarding AC and FW with residential fridge that some folks are running an installed generator while towing. This is something I never considered doing. I used to run tow my TT with the propane on to run the fridge, but I always considered running the generator in the FW while towing would be dangerous. I understand the pros of running the AC while towing to cool the unit down before getting to your destination and not draining the batteries to run the residential fridge. I would like to understand the cons if there are any.
I would like to hear from those of you who tow with the generator running and why you do it.
Thanks,
__________________
ETCrockett
2016 Jayco Pinnacle 38FLSA
2009 Ford F450 DRW
RVing all my life......1st Jayco
|
|
|
|
01-13-2018, 06:08 PM
|
#2
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: DFW
Posts: 3,493
|
I can't give you a tow experience with generator running, as I don't have one (generator). But, I have a residential fridge and have three 12 volt batteries to run the fridge while traveling down the road with the inverter. I have yet to have a problem...the farthest I've towed was from N. TX to the panhandle of FL. Sorry...I know I didn't answer your specific question, but I thought I'd give you my experience thus far.
__________________
Dan
'24 GMC 2500 AT4X AEV Edition
|
|
|
|
|
01-13-2018, 06:18 PM
|
#3
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: anytown
Posts: 1,751
|
Generator engines like most are made to run. Onan recommends shutting down theirs at least every 40 hours to check the oil level.
Sitting unused for extended periods is not good.
|
|
|
|
|
01-13-2018, 08:45 PM
|
#4
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Magnolia
Posts: 4,841
|
Running Generator while towing
I have a champion generator that I run while towing. (Only during the summer) Mine is dual fuel so I run it on propane. I have a cargo carrier on the back of the trailer that the generator and propane tank ride on. Very nice to have a cooled rig when you get to your destination.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
__________________
2016 North Point 377 RLBH, with a few mods, disc brakes, shocks, Sailun g rated tires, wet bolts
2014 Ford F350 Platinum sold
2017 Ford F350 Lariat, CC, 6.7PSD, DRW, Trailer Saver BD3 hitch
|
|
|
|
|
01-13-2018, 08:50 PM
|
#5
|
|
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Oklahoma City
Posts: 22
|
The Onan users manual actually states that it is recommended to run the generator during towing as it puts the generator under load for an extended time, therefore helping it run better. I think it actually says something along the lines of "that's what it's for".
|
|
|
|
|
01-13-2018, 08:52 PM
|
#6
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: DFW
Posts: 3,493
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Magnolia Tom
I have a champion generator that I run while towing. (Only during the summer) Mine is dual fuel so I run it on propane. I have a cargo carrier on the back of the trailer that the generator and propane tank ride on. Very nice to have a cooled rig when you get to your destination.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
|
And I'm Uncle Money Bags?? Sorry..couldn't resist! Back to your regular scheduled program.
__________________
Dan
'24 GMC 2500 AT4X AEV Edition
|
|
|
|
|
01-13-2018, 08:53 PM
|
#7
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Magnolia
Posts: 4,841
|
Lmao Dan! [emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
__________________
2016 North Point 377 RLBH, with a few mods, disc brakes, shocks, Sailun g rated tires, wet bolts
2014 Ford F350 Platinum sold
2017 Ford F350 Lariat, CC, 6.7PSD, DRW, Trailer Saver BD3 hitch
|
|
|
|
|
01-13-2018, 09:50 PM
|
#8
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Wilmington
Posts: 121
|
Run the installed generator anytime it's hot for a least 2 hours prior to stopping for the day to run the AC. No different than running any other gas motor.
|
|
|
|
|
01-14-2018, 12:53 AM
|
#9
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Gilroy
Posts: 175
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Magnolia Tom
I have a champion generator that I run while towing. (Only during the summer) Mine is dual fuel so I run it on propane. I have a cargo carrier on the back of the trailer that the generator and propane tank ride on. Very nice to have a cooled rig when you get to your destination.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
|
Tom, so how do you run the AC cable from the generator to the AC plug?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
__________________
2018 Jayco NorthPoint 377RLBH
2017 Ruby Red F350 Lariat Ult CCLB SRW
Truck Covers USA American Work Cover
Andersen Ultimate 5ver Hitch
|
|
|
|
|
01-14-2018, 01:00 AM
|
#10
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Twin Falls
Posts: 930
|
It’s just another engine running, I don’t see any undue risks, semi trucks run much larger units to cool the refrigerated trailers
__________________
2011 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins
2012 Starcraft Autumn Ridge 297 BHS
|
|
|
|
|
01-14-2018, 07:14 AM
|
#11
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Greenwood
Posts: 426
|
As always, great feedback. Everything said makes perfect sense to me. I will take advantage of the onboard generator and never have to endure an over heated FW after a long day of travelling.
Thanks,
__________________
ETCrockett
2016 Jayco Pinnacle 38FLSA
2009 Ford F450 DRW
RVing all my life......1st Jayco
|
|
|
|
|
01-14-2018, 08:55 AM
|
#12
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Magnolia
Posts: 4,841
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by bzeller
Tom, so how do you run the AC cable from the generator to the AC plug?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
|
I have a 30 amp cord that I run from the shore power connection on the trailer to the genny. I wrap the extra length of cord around the ladder before it get plugged into the generator
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
__________________
2016 North Point 377 RLBH, with a few mods, disc brakes, shocks, Sailun g rated tires, wet bolts
2014 Ford F350 Platinum sold
2017 Ford F350 Lariat, CC, 6.7PSD, DRW, Trailer Saver BD3 hitch
|
|
|
|
|
01-14-2018, 11:23 AM
|
#13
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Gilroy
Posts: 175
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Magnolia Tom
I have a 30 amp cord that I run from the shore power connection on the trailer to the genny. I wrap the extra length of cord around the ladder before it get plugged into the generator
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
|
Interesting. I’ve been hesitant to do this for a few reasons but maybe I’ll give it a shot!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
__________________
2018 Jayco NorthPoint 377RLBH
2017 Ruby Red F350 Lariat Ult CCLB SRW
Truck Covers USA American Work Cover
Andersen Ultimate 5ver Hitch
|
|
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Threads |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Linear Mode
