Sprinter LP and A/C

We had an incident where the AC stopped cooling, but was still running while plugged into electric. The coils froze up. Now when we leave our dog in the van with AC running, we will open the fantastic fan and set to turn on at a certain temp, and open the side windows a couple of inches on opposite side of gen. muffler. If the AC stops working, or the generator, the fan will kick in and keep the air moving inside. If we are stopping for a bite to eat, depending on temps, we'll just turn on fan and open widows. Traveling with pets takes a little more thought and concern with the potential of things stop working.

The only company I know that will install a diesel generator is Sportsmobile, and due to the dimensions of the genset, it will be mounted just forward of the tow hitch. The unit will be a Powertech model designed specifically for Sprinters.

Two comments.

First, in most cases, a Honda EU2000 genset will NOT start and run the AC in most Bs. While it may run it, it won't start it. But, two EU2000s, with a parallel cable between them will start the AC and run it just fine. But, storage, security, and sufficient gasoline are all issues to think about.

Second, while propane gensets really drink up the propane, gasoline gensets are a bit better.

The usual genset installed is 2500 watt if propane, or 2800 watt if gasoline. Either will start and run the AC (but no microwave, coffee pot or other "hungry" devices at the same time). And, while gasoline Bs usually have around a 35 gallon tank, by my calculation, if one starts with a full fuel tank, you can run the genset (meaning running the AC if you want) for almost three days around the clock. While I've never done it, I have done so for around twelve hours and couldn't "see it" on the vehicle fuel gauge.

As others have said, if any component - genset, AC, fuse, etc. - fails in an unattended B, well, it's gonna get real warm inside in a BIG hurry. Tinting, reflectix, and finding shade are among the strategies one can use.

It is possible to install an "alarm" that will "call" your cellphone in the event of a system failure.

Cheers.

If you have dogs, there are monitors you can get that will page you if the temperature in the vehicle gets too high.

Since I live in Texas, A/C is a must, I'd do one of two things if I were buying a Sprinter. The first would be buying a Honda eu2000i Companion (where one can plug the 30A cord directly into) and an extended run tank for it, which would be secured to a hitch mounted cargo rack, then at the campsite, moved well away from the van, but still secured via a thick steel cable so the generator doesn't walk off. If more than 2000 watts is needed, one can just get two parallel cables and another 2000 watt Honda, but the A/C on most Sprinter vans will run on a 2000 watt generator.

Another option is an Extend a Stay kit and propane bottles, but a propane generator chugs the stuff, so a 20# bottle might not last more than a few hours, and larger sizes can get unwieldy.

Sportsmobile will build you a Sprinter with a diesel gen but I think any builder would give you that option. Lots of dogshow people have Sportsmobile custom build vans for them. Go to sportsmobile.com and look in galleries.

The LTV Unity has a 13.2 gallon/50 lbs. tank. Get thermal insulation for all windows and vents. Might have to go out and fill up during the weekend in those conditions.

I have an '06 Pleasure Way Plateau TS with a 12 gallon propane tank. The Onan propane genset burns approx 1/2 gal / hour with half load according to documentation.

Sometimes we run the generator all weekend. In the 100 degree Texas heat it is a must. We never leave the dogs more than an hour or so. I guess that means we go with a gas class B.

Yes, we have 12 US Gallon LP tank in our PW Plateau TS. On Hi setting it does use about 1 gal an hour as noted. But if it is set to Low the useage is closer to half that. In terms of leaving the dogs inside I assume it would be for only an hour or two. I have never boondocked and left our PW with aircon/genset running. I dont trust these devices that much. In temperatures up to 80/85 and with heavily tinted windows and shades down, the interior is not uncomfortable for our pooch. We ran it in the city last summer when it was over 90 degrees for two hours but we were inside with our dog!! Cheers

I think you mean 10 gallon propane, not 10 #.
I have no idea about propane consumption for the generator but I'm thinking it's pretty high. Someone will come up the figures but I imagine about 10 hours on a tank based on 1gal/Hr. That is one disadvantage of a diesel unless they make a diesel generator for it.
Good luck.