Heating and Cooling on the road

Generator.

If you cool down the insides before leaving the campground/unplugging from 120 v, the dash air maintained an acceptable temperature. I don't remember ever running the gen set in route to run the aC. Also since I stopped for a short rest every hour or two I would run the generator at the rest area, etc. to cool things down.
bumpy

I would never say "stuck with the generator". That's what it's there for. Your own on-board power supply to run AC, TV's, etc. One of the reasons I bought a class A was to have a rolling apartment and all the comforts it offers. So yes, generator. We run ours pretty much 100% of the time when travelling. Especially in the summer. My wife and son cook food in the microwave, watch TV, all while the central AC keeps us cool. Fuel impact is negligible. Might detract .5 mpg. Your dash AC will likely hamper your engine that much and won't offer any cooling to anything 3 feet behind you. Your inverter will not run the AC.

Mile High wrote:
I'm probably a little naive on this coming from a 5th wheel, but when rolling down the road with passenger is a class A, are you pretty much stuck with the generator running the whole time to cool behind the cockpit? Or will the inverter operate any of those 3 AC/heat pumps?

For the most part the Dash A/C will work as you drive down the road. (if you buy used that would be important to be sure the dash air still is GOOD - it is a weak point on many "A's") but if you need the Air on a day going across Utah or in the Foothills of Colorado you will need to run the Generator - we have found it uses maybe .6 gallons per hour so IMHO is not a factor.

Your Inverter is usually only sized to run the minimal Kitchen Micro or TV, unless you opt up to a larger 2,000 - 3,000 watt unit.

BOL on your search - you will find that it is Totally Different in a good way from the 5'er.

JMHO,

Most run their generators, BUT I rarely have to run the generator to stay cool and NO you cannot run a AC off the inverter... they are not on the inverter's 120V circuits. One of the problems with the dash air is the hot water valve rarely shuts off all of the hot water... I installed a manual valve that I close in the summer. I also bypassed the evaporator temp switch so my compressor runs all of the time when AC selected... never defrosts. Out west I rarely have to shut the AC off to melt the ice buildup which slows the flow of air. When I know it's going to be 95+ I turn the front AC on and open all of the front vents (close all of the rear) so if the dash air cannot keep up, all I have to do is press the generator start switch on the dash IF it gets too warm. Closing the door to the back also helps to keep the engine heat in the back.

If I have to run the generator, then 30 minutes before getting to a CG with 50A service I'll have the DW turn on the front two AC's to start cooling the MH off. Otherwise it's going to take a while to get comfortable at the CG even with the door to the rear closed.

My Chassis AC does fine as long as your in the front seats. If it's really hot out side 90 plus, I run my generator happily and whenever I feel like it. Surely not a burden or a negative. Uses a little fuel but that's the price of comfort and why I have a generator. You'll know what works for you.

Ah thanks all - it was the fuel mileage I was concerned about. I had no idea how much they drink and was thinking it would pull a lot worse. I'm used to an LP generator. The A we are signed up for is the 8K diesel. The inverter is a 2800 but I think its sized for the fridge.

Excellent reminder to check the dash AC - I don't think I ever did.

Remember it is always easier to keep it cool then to get it cool. If you cool down the inside before departure and close off everything behind passenger compartment (bedroom, bath etc) you should be able to keep it cool with dash/chassis air. Start generator before you stop and turn off engine to run a.c. Otherwise you are stuck running running the generator down the road for a.c. Usual amount of fuel comsumption is roughly 1/4 gal/hr.

Hi,

I can run the roof air from my inverter--but I found out that using it on the fan only setting helps to distribute the dash air output to the rest of the RV.

Seems to be somewhat of a trade off between running generator at about .6 gallons an hour or reduced MPG running the dash AC. For us we run the generator, I would rather have the entire coach cool and better power from my V10.