Forum Discussion
pnichols
Aug 29, 2012Explorer II
Regarding running of a built-in generator while driving so as to be able to use the coach air conditioner in hot weather: This topic is about 24 foot Class C motorhomes. We have a 2005 24 foot Itasca on the Ford E450 chassis and we find that the cab air is very powerful ... so powerful that it can keep the whole coach area cool in sweltering weather when on the road. There should be no need to run the built-in generator when underway for cooling only a 24 foot Class C.
As far as running the generator for the kids to watch TV when underway: An inexpensive inverter (converts 12 volts DC to 120 volts AC) will easily do this by plugging it into a 12 volt receptacle in the coach area when traveling. The main engine's alternator powers these receptacles whenever the engine is running.
That being said, a built-in generator in a 24 foot Class C can sometimes be a priceless piece of equipment to have for other reasons - make sure any 24 foot Class C you buy has one, that it works, ... and that when running it isn't too loud inside and outside and that it doesn't vibrate the coach floor a lot when running. Built-in generators can be installed poorly, or well, by Class C manufacturers. I've often seen forum member's comments that thier built-in generators were "too loud" ... even in the supposedly high end Class C motorhomes, so you might want to watch for this when shopping.
As far as running the generator for the kids to watch TV when underway: An inexpensive inverter (converts 12 volts DC to 120 volts AC) will easily do this by plugging it into a 12 volt receptacle in the coach area when traveling. The main engine's alternator powers these receptacles whenever the engine is running.
That being said, a built-in generator in a 24 foot Class C can sometimes be a priceless piece of equipment to have for other reasons - make sure any 24 foot Class C you buy has one, that it works, ... and that when running it isn't too loud inside and outside and that it doesn't vibrate the coach floor a lot when running. Built-in generators can be installed poorly, or well, by Class C manufacturers. I've often seen forum member's comments that thier built-in generators were "too loud" ... even in the supposedly high end Class C motorhomes, so you might want to watch for this when shopping.
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