Is it OK to set the thermostat on my AC before I start driving, in preparation for starting up the generator on the road when it gets too hot? I'd like to not have to stop to turn on the AC, but I'm not sure this is good for the system or might cause problems. Thanks for any advice!

It's best to bring the genny up to speed before hitting it with a big load and failing to do so may deprive the AC of power for a proper start.

ScottG wrote:It's best to bring the genny up to speed before hitting it with a big load and failing to do so may deprive the AC of power for a proper start.Yep that's exactly what I was concerned about...

Don't think you'd be able to set the thermostat without the generator already running and the A/C units on.

I do the same thing. My generator come on but does not create a load for about 10/15 seconds, after that its ready. Once the transfer switch has power then both AC come on. I have a 50 amp system.

My thermostat stores the last setting, I suppose as long as there is 12vdc to it. Turn on your a/c and see if there is a delay before it actually comes on. Mine is a minute or 2. If your's has a delay, you will be fine doing what you ask.

AC on while driving question | Good Sam Community

topflite51
Explorer
Apr 30, 2013
We have never had to turn on roof top AC's while driving, maybe we are lucky that the dash AC has been sufficient.
rv4jimnme
Explorer
Apr 30, 2013
Hi we found out that you should not have a/c on and then plug into power or turn on generator. We overloaded and burned out a component dong this. So we now wait until we are plugged in or the generator is showing full load settings.
Mike_and_Trish
Explorer
Apr 30, 2013
I still don't get why you have to stop driving to start the generator. Don't you have a switch on the dash?

As the the A/C question, I think it depends on your EMS. I trust mine not to let the loads come on until the generator is up to full power. When I (or the AGS) start the genny, I can watch the lights on the panel come on progressively, showing the power available for loads. In hot weather driving, I have left the thermostat set for AC (usually just on the front zone) and flipped on the genny when it gets too hot, with no problem whatsoever. But my rig is not yours.
Getup_ngo
Explorer
Apr 30, 2013
hershey wrote:
We seldom use the AC when traveling...mostly because we travel in moderate weather the majority of time. But yesterday we overstayed our "moderate" stay in Pam Springs and had to travel in 100+ temps. Can't remember ever doing that in the past 8 years of fulltiming.
Point: All we used was the dash AC and it was perfectly comfortable. Even when we did a roadside stop for a couple minutes or so. Our MH is only 36' long so maybe that has something to do with it and its a DP which puts much of the engine heat behind us.
Do most people have to use the rooftop ACs to keep cool in hot weather?

I've been told running the house A/C off the generator uses less gas than running the dash A/C. I always start the genny about 10-20 minutes before I head out to make sure I have a cool house on departure. Better than trying to cool a hot house on the road, IMHO. Takes a while to cool a hot cockpit. I do use a fan to offset the heat that comes through the windshield.
beckid
Explorer
Apr 30, 2013
Mr.Mark wrote:
We also have the delay when I flip on the air conditioners. But, I never leave the switch in the 'on' position. I just don't want to risk overloading the transfer switch which I'm sure wouldn't happen with our system.

What I do.... I have the thermostat in the off position but have the air conditioners set to come on when the button on the thermostat is flipped to the 'on' position. So, when I start the genny and let it come up to speed, I have my co-pilot walk over to the thermostat and flip it on. That way, I know for sure that I'm not putting any kind of strain on anything.

MM.

I wish I could always have a co-pilot. But I don't and therein lies the dilemma. I think I'll have to pull over to start the genny/AC while driving. Just seems safer that way...
fourmat
Explorer
Apr 30, 2013
Sully2 wrote:
hershey wrote:

Do most people have to use the rooftop ACs to keep cool in hot weather?

When I get too warm I get sleepy and thats no way to be and do any driving. In warm weather with the sun coming thru the windshield..I run the genset and roof air(s) and that way I can stay comfortable.
+1 why be uncomfortable
exioum
Explorer
Apr 30, 2013
Mr.Mark wrote:
We also have the delay when I flip on the air conditioners. But, I never leave the switch in the 'on' position. I just don't want to risk overloading the transfer switch which I'm sure wouldn't happen with our system.

What I do.... I have the thermostat in the off position but have the air conditioners set to come on when the button on the thermostat is flipped to the 'on' position. So, when I start the genny and let it come up to speed, I have my co-pilot walk over to the thermostat and flip it on. That way, I know for sure that I'm not putting any kind of strain on anything.
I agree and do the same thing, better safe then $orry.
MM.
Mr_Mark1
Explorer
Apr 30, 2013
Chuckftboy, our air does great but since our engine is in the back, that's where the heat starts to build on really hot traveling days. We are good for a long time up front but my threshold is about 95 degrees (outside). Otherwise, I will put on the inside air to cool the whole coach so we arrive cool at our destination. I like air blowing on me ALL the time. I have yet to use the heat while driving.

MM.
chuckftboy
Explorer
Apr 30, 2013
hershey wrote:
We seldom use the AC when traveling...mostly because we travel in moderate weather the majority of time. But yesterday we overstayed our "moderate" stay in Pam Springs and had to travel in 100+ temps. Can't remember ever doing that in the past 8 years of fulltiming.
Point: All we used was the dash AC and it was perfectly comfortable. Even when we did a roadside stop for a couple minutes or so. Our MH is only 36' long so maybe that has something to do with it and its a DP which puts much of the engine heat behind us.
Do most people have to use the rooftop ACs to keep cool in hot weather?

I don't use the house air, only the dash and it does a fine job. Even on a 100 degree day.
Mr_Mark1
Explorer
Apr 30, 2013
We also have the delay when I flip on the air conditioners. But, I never leave the switch in the 'on' position. I just don't want to risk overloading the transfer switch which I'm sure wouldn't happen with our system.

What I do.... I have the thermostat in the off position but have the air conditioners set to come on when the button on the thermostat is flipped to the 'on' position. So, when I start the genny and let it come up to speed, I have my co-pilot walk over to the thermostat and flip it on. That way, I know for sure that I'm not putting any kind of strain on anything.

MM.