So I've read that it is not recommended to run a generator at night in a motorhome while everyone is sleeping because of the chance of CO poisoning. Is this true? Or is this similar to the debate on how safe it is to run a fridge on propane while driving? I am just curious as I assumed the whole purpose of a generator was to provide electricity to the MH when not plugged in, so if you need AC at night the gen is needed, right? I know in some parks due to quiet times you can't run them at night, but if there is no restriction and you have CO detectors installed in the MH is CO provisioning from your Gen running a common issue?

No but the neighbors might be a problem,,,,

CO is a product of incomplete combustion. A small amount of CO will be generated by a properly running generator. Some of it will likely seep into your RV. More will seep in if there is more created. This is partly offset by fresh air that slightly pressurizes your RV when the AC is running, assuming the AC draws in fresh air on the roof. Make sure your genset runs good. Use multiple, newer CO detectors. Follow all the other safety procedures for operating the genset. Use it if you need it and it is allowed.Personally, I'm more worried about a genset fire than CO.

We've run our coach's Onan generator for 3 to 5 days non-stop at times, when the power has been out at our base cottage due to storms, etc. We do run it with a Gen-turi exhaust deflector installed though, that redirects the exhaust to a point above the roof line. Our digital CO detectors have never shown any abnormal readings.

People have died from CO poisoning. There's a extension that can be put on the exhaust pipe so that it's vented above your RV.

Hi,I would not run a generator while sleeping, unless I could have it 20 feet from the RV.

Running generator at night while sleeping? | Good Sam Community

62 Replies

cjoseph
Explorer
Aug 04, 2013
2gypsies wrote:
cjoseph wrote:

I have run it in a wide open campground with the nearest RV about 40 feet away. That was for 15 minutes to make the coffee. (WINK, WINK)

They make stove-top coffee perculators and they make excellent coffee. :) Also, buttering bread & toasting it in a frypan tastes terrific.

I have a percolator in the basement. Haven't busted it out in quite a while. The K-cup is much better for us, the percolator takes too long. I do use it on an annual tent camping fishing excursion with the guys. We actually use two percolators to feed ourselves the juice.

I would be glad to debate whether we should use generators in campgrounds, but the OP just wants to know about sleeping with it on. The owners of the campground dictate whether they can be used or not. When allowed, I choose the gennie. It is much more convenient and that's one of the reasons we traded the TT for the MH.
Gau_8
Explorer
Aug 04, 2013
pianotuna wrote:
Hi Gau8,

Some roof top air conditioners do draw in some outside air. They MAINLY recirculate but not 100%.

As I said, most do not.
Gau_8
Explorer
Aug 04, 2013
beemerphile1 wrote:

After that warn them about CO because that is what comes from combustion. CO2 is what makes your soda fizz.

CO2 is also a product of internal combustion engines. It, however is not as deadly as CO.
pianotuna
Nomad III
Aug 04, 2013
Hi Gau8,

Some roof top air conditioners do draw in some outside air. They MAINLY recirculate but not 100%.
Gau_8
Explorer
Aug 04, 2013
roam1 wrote:
When in Texas, do as the Texans do.......it's 100/80 day/night
Run your gen round the clock and take the normal precautions
Gen-turi and working CO detector

Agree. It is no more dangerous at night than during the day. Most Rooftop ACs do not draw in fresh air.. They recirculate

AC at night in the South is not a luxury, IMHO! My 8KW Cummins/Onan Genset is very quiet.
SolidAxleDurang
Explorer II
Aug 04, 2013
antiquedrose wrote:
Axle wins the Red Azz Metal today and is rewarded by a studio ticket to watch Gale King blather endlessly on Monday morning TV.

Woohoo!
antiquedrose
Explorer
Aug 04, 2013
Axle wins the Red Azz Metal today and is rewarded by a studio ticket to watch Gale King blather endlessly on Monday morning TV.
SolidAxleDurang
Explorer II
Aug 04, 2013
Never mind. Probably not - based simply upon your focus on noise in your response above. CO and CO2 is silent last i checked.
Big_Katuna
Explorer II
Aug 03, 2013
Veebyes wrote:
If you simply must have the AC on at night, go to a CG that has power. If you are at a music festival or such where everyone, RVs & tent campers, is all mixed together at close quarters, suffer with the rest in the heat.

This is what a decent battery bank & an inverter is for. No, you can't have your AC but you can have a very tolerable night with the fantastic fan going all night & the inverter to power those small 110 loads.

When you do run the genny to recharge, & perhaps have some A/C, be a good neighbour & offer them a plug in for their cellphones. They can't complain about the noise if they are benefiting from it.

No campground on campus at football games. If plug in power was an option. don't you think we would do it?

And try sleeping in Florida in no shade without AC.
Atlee
Explorer II
Aug 03, 2013
I have a Gen-turi. It most certainly doesn't restrict exhaust. The end of the Genturi is about 3 inches from the end of generator, and is about 3-4 inches in diameter. It doesn't restrict exhaust, but does send the exhaust up and over the MH.

boatms03 wrote:
I would not want to add that to my generator. adding that extra 8' or so of pipe will restrict the exhaust. this may cause the generator motor to work more causing premature failure. if you dont believe me try breathing thru a 2' hose then a 10' hose... see which one you can breath all day and night thru.