Running generator while traveling

[Gamecock7483]

I am new to traveling with a Class A Motorhome. My questions -
1. is there any problem running the generator and Air Conditioner unit while traveling.
2. should the generator be shut down when pull in to fill up with gas?

Many thanks

[2gypsies1]

When you're fueling there will be gas fumes in the air which 'could' cause a fire if under the right conditions, I suppose. It's no big deal just to turn everything off, especially things with open flames.

[Effy]

dave17352 wrote:

Effy wrote:

J-Rooster wrote:
I run my genset when the temps get over 90* when traveling down the Hwy. And to your second question you don't want any type of motor running when your fueling. In fact you don't want to use your cell phone when fueling do to static electricity and fuel fumes a bad combination.

Sorry I just don't get the "don't run your motor while fueling". Other than the obvious inconvenience of carbon monoxide, millions of people pull up to pumps and pull away from pumps daily with their vehicles running, stopping, starting, running again, running through and continually running. Millions. And not a one blowing up because of it.

Interesting. I almost never see people fuel up with their gas engines running. I do see some diesels do so though.

that's not what I said. they pull up to the pumps with their engines running, shut off, start the engine and pull away with it running, and people pull through the pumps while driving. I am just curious what the hazard is, if at any given time an engine is running around pumps? I am not advocating letting it run at all - so don't mistake my meaning. I just don't get the doom and gloom about the hazard if you do. Obviously it's inconsiderate, but I am not sure an explosion hazard is really present. If that were the case we'd all have to drift into the station with engines off and push them away before starting.

[time2roll]

Gamecock7483 wrote:
Many thanks to both of you for the info. One more item: using the refrigerator on gas, I believe for safety that should be shut down when refueling as has a pilot light. Is this what is normally practiced? Thanks again

Mine stays on continuous.
I believe it would take a direct effort for something to happen.

[dave17352]

Effy wrote:

J-Rooster wrote:
I run my genset when the temps get over 90* when traveling down the Hwy. And to your second question you don't want any type of motor running when your fueling. In fact you don't want to use your cell phone when fueling do to static electricity and fuel fumes a bad combination.

Sorry I just don't get the "don't run your motor while fueling". Other than the obvious inconvenience of carbon monoxide, millions of people pull up to pumps and pull away from pumps daily with their vehicles running, stopping, starting, running again, running through and continually running. Millions. And not a one blowing up because of it.

Interesting. I almost never see people fuel up with their gas engines running. I do see some diesels do so though.

[Effy]

J-Rooster wrote:
I run my genset when the temps get over 90* when traveling down the Hwy. And to your second question you don't want any type of motor running when your fueling. In fact you don't want to use your cell phone when fueling do to static electricity and fuel fumes a bad combination.

Sorry I just don't get the "don't run your motor while fueling". Other than the obvious inconvenience of carbon monoxide, millions of people pull up to pumps and pull away from pumps daily with their vehicles running, stopping, starting, running again, running through and continually running. Millions. And not a one blowing up because of it.

[Effy]

Yes, run it while on the road. You bought a MH for all the conveniences it offers, so use them.

I don't shut my gen down when fueling if it's real hot and I need the ac to keep running. When I pull up to the pumps the gen is usually sticking out way beyond the fuel island as my gen is in the front and fuel fill is in the rear. But if you do turn your gen off, make sure your fridge is set to off or ac only or it will try and spark ignite as soon as the coach loses power from shutting the gen down. Nothing like striking a match next to a fuel pump.

[J-Rooster]

I run my genset when the temps get over 90* when traveling down the Hwy. And to your second question you don't want any type of motor running when your fueling. In fact you don't want to use your cell phone when fueling do to static electricity and fuel fumes a bad combination.

[Johnny_G1]

Just came home from Toronto to BC, ran the gen set all the way, 115 degree's in Iowa and the Dakota's and Yes you need the extra air conditioning.

[DSDP_Don]

If you haven't been told, the fuel pick up tube for the generator does not go to the bottom of your fuel tank like the pick up tube for your engine. Most are designed to only draw down to a quarter tank so that you don't run out of fuel while camping.

So.....if you intend to run your generator while driving, you need to keep your fuel tank above a 1/4 full, or the generator will stop.

[Blaster_Man]

gbopp wrote:
...Running the generator and A/C is no problem. It doesn't hurt anything...

Agree, that's why it's there.

[Ivylog]

Since you said gas, not diesel then yes turn them off. Would help if you added your rig to your signature or even mentioned it in one of your 16 posts. I do not turn off while getting diesel at the truck... diesel only islands.

[catkins]

Run your generator and AC while driving, turn off generator and propane appliances when refueling. Happy Trails!

[gbopp]

Running the generator and A/C is no problem. It doesn't hurt anything.

I shut off the propane when refueling. Some do, some don't. The chance of causing a fire is very small. But, I feel there's no point taking unnecessary chances.
It's simple to turn the propane off.

[afrescopXx]

Gamecock7483 wrote:
Many thanks to both of you for the info. One more item: using the refrigerator on gas, I believe for safety that should be shut down when refueling as has a pilot light. Is this what is normally practiced? Thanks again

YES!