How much does it cost you to run your MH generator?

Onan 4k is great way to fire up an 80 cup coffee pot for those large boondocking outings.

pnichols wrote:

Gjac wrote:
I will add one way not mentioned is that I use my electric chain saw to cut up wood for camp fires in remote locations.

Another interesting and excellent use of an RV's generator!!

We sometimes use our RV's built in generator to power a hair dryer at the end of an extension cord for blow drying our dog's hair outside the RV after it's bath.

Perhaps we should start a new forum topic on interesting ways folks have made use of their Class C motorhome's built-in generator. ;)

Good Idea.

Gjac wrote:
I will add one way not mentioned is that I use my electric chain saw to cut up wood for camp fires in remote locations.

Another interesting and excellent use of an RV's generator!!

We sometimes use our RV's built in generator to power a hair dryer at the end of an extension cord for blow drying our dog's hair outside the RV after it's bath.

Perhaps we should start a new forum topic on interesting ways folks have made use of their Class C motorhome's built-in generator. ;)

pnichols wrote:

tpi wrote:
As mentioned the generator does need to be run for maintenance purposes. I like to push that into actual productive use if possible. I don't usually run it in campsites, but often run it for lunch stops or rest stops during the day. Find a scenic park or pull off, fire up the generator and AC/microwave, re heat leftovers, look at the map, computer, make reservations, chat, relax for a bit. I do lot of trip planning that way en route.

That's a perfect way to exercise and use a built-in generator in an RV. :C

We do run ours for extended periods (A/C for trip planning, resting, eating, etc.) if it's hot while we're off paved roads out rockhounding, exploring, or boondock camping ... but we make sure we gas up the RV before going to remote locations so we have as large as possible main tank fuel supply in addition to the full tank in the 2nd generator and the extra fuel we carry in a separate container.

I find it hard to use my genset enough in normal use so I don't have to just waste gas to exercise it once a month in the drive way. I will add one way not mentioned is that I use my electric chain saw to cut up wood for camp fires in remote locations.

I also make sure I refill our built -in-generator back to full after every trip so next time we head out its something we won't have to worry about...

tpi wrote:
As mentioned the generator does need to be run for maintenance purposes. I like to push that into actual productive use if possible. I don't usually run it in campsites, but often run it for lunch stops or rest stops during the day. Find a scenic park or pull off, fire up the generator and AC/microwave, re heat leftovers, look at the map, computer, make reservations, chat, relax for a bit. I do lot of trip planning that way en route.

That's a perfect way to exercise and use a built-in generator in an RV. :C

We do run ours for extended periods (A/C for trip planning, resting, eating, etc.) if it's hot while we're off paved roads out rockhounding, exploring, or boondock camping ... but we make sure we gas up the RV before going to remote locations so we have as large as possible main tank fuel supply in addition to the full tank in the 2nd generator and the extra fuel we carry in a separate container.

gmctoyman wrote:
I find it odd that a couple of responders didn't worry about it, or didn't care. If so why did they bother to read this thread, and even respond with useless comments ?

It is good info to have, esp if you know how much fuel you have available. You don't want to break down on the road in AZ in July with only a 1/4 tank of fuel ! Most generator fuel pickups are mounted above the bottom 1/4 tank to give you a "get home" reserve....if you survive till the wrecker arrives.

...and where's your answer? All I see is a "useless comment" (your words) from you...

One other calculation comes into play here-cost of running AC for a stopover in very hot weather. Here in southwest it is often cheaper to get a desert hookup site in the summer than running generator/air conditioner more than a few hours a day. If you're crossing AZ in the summer look for snowbird sites as good stopover. I've seen some of them very reasonable w/ Passport America.

As mentioned the generator does need to be run for maintenance purposes. I like to push that into actual productive use if possible. I don't usually run it in campsites, but often run it for lunch stops or rest stops during the day. Find a scenic park or pull off, fire up the generator and AC/microwave, re heat leftovers, look at the map, computer, make reservations, chat, relax for a bit. I do lot of trip planning that way en route. Locate where you won't disturb others with generator noise.

I find it odd that a couple of responders didn't worry about it, or didn't care. If so why did they bother to read this thread, and even respond with useless comments ?

It is good info to have, esp if you know how much fuel you have available. You don't want to break down on the road in AZ in July with only a 1/4 tank of fuel ! Most generator fuel pickups are mounted above the bottom 1/4 tank to give you a "get home" reserve....if you survive till the wrecker arrives.

rvten wrote:
Never worried about it.

x2...don't know and don't really care

We bought our RV to enjoy it and not worry about the little things