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EASY_RIDER's avatar
EASY_RIDER
Explorer
Jul 06, 2016

using coach a/c while driving?

Is it a good idea to use my coach a/c while driving on the highway?
Have been told it makes it easier on vehicle engine to shut off a/c and use the coach a/c (use of generator) while climbing steep mountain roads. any suggestions would be appreciated,
  • Running the house A/C and generator are often the only things that keep the Class A habitable in summer. The dash A/C is inadequate to the task, so why waste the mpg? Our generator ran all day on 100+ degree days as we traveled to/from Yellowstone last September, and had no effect on the mpg.
  • You will not hurt anything by running the generator and house A/C while driving.
  • It is certainly OK to use the generator/house AC while driving.
  • Use the engine A/C only. A well insulated and powered coach needs no generator A/C.
  • We do and many others do the very same, whether it is for better cooling, traversing steep inclines, or any other reason, it is your rig and your call when to do so. Generator will love the chance to get some exercise anyway.
  • We have used the Gen and run the AC on hot days while traveling many times. It is also good when going through the mountains puts less strain on the engine than running the dash AC.
  • Way back when.... we ordered our first and only MH sans dash air. Used the generator and roof air exclusively. Worked just fine and kept the whole coach cool
  • I gear down on mountain grades. I use dash air all except hottest days. I run a ceiling fan in the bathroom and it pulls dash air throughout the coach.

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