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Running roof ac while driving

Thestigmach1
Explorer
Explorer
I'm preparing to make a long trip and buying a travel trailer. It will be something a bit older like early 2000s and around 24ftish. I'd like to be able to have my dogs ride in the trailer while traveling. I know this controversial but I've weighed the benefits and risks and I'm ok with it. Also there's no where else for them to ride. Way to big to ride in the cab, and the reason for posting here too hot to ride in the bed with a camper shell. A big problem that I'm presented with is the heat. Is it possible, and safe to wire up an generator that would ride on the back to run the ac in the camper? I'd have it sit on one of those receiver hitch platforms. How much power do these really pull? I'd like to run the fridge too but that's optional. How long could I run off the house batteries? Im talking 2000 miles of driving most likely almoat non stop ( ill have multiple drivers) Maybe wire the batteries to charge off my truck battery? I did that with an winch on my car trailer.
70 REPLIES 70

NoVa_RT
Explorer
Explorer
Yes it can be done. But before you do, have someone take you and the dogs for a long ride in the trailer.

I believe there have been posts here indicating that some dogs didn't react well to traveling in a trailer. I was under the impression that many states prohibit passengers in the trailer, but a camera might provide the needed info.
2013 RT 190-Popular

rbpru
Explorer II
Explorer II
I have often wondered why a horse trailers seems to be able to keep hay and tackle in place and they tell me the horses adapt to the road.

All I know is if you do not secure the items in our TT, they will be on the floor and scattered.

Maybe a horse trailer owner can enlighten us.
Twenty six foot 2010 Dutchmen Lite pulled with a 2011 EcoBoost F-150 4x4.

Just right for Grandpa, Grandma and the dog.

Bird_Freak
Explorer II
Explorer II
Insulate the bed and cap of the truck and add a separate ac evap unit in bed. Same thing used on conversion vans.
Eddie
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Sprink-Fitter
Explorer
Explorer
rbpru wrote:
Yes it can be done. But before you do, have someone take you and the dogs for a long ride in the trailer.

A ride in my 25 footer is about the same as jumping into a cloths dryer. Our 60 lb. beast rides in the truck.

Good Luck


Why not just ask some horses how they feel riding in a trailer.
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2012 Can Am Commander XT 1000

SoundGuy
Explorer
Explorer
TomG2 wrote:
Surprised nobody has mentioned the obvious. Tie the dogs to the roof of the tow vehicle.


Nah, that won't work - the roof is reserved for the MIL. :W

Agree with the previous "clothes dryer" comment - our guy rides in the truck with us. 🙂
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Bucky_Badger
Explorer
Explorer
TomG2 wrote:
Surprised nobody has mentioned the obvious. Tie the dogs to the roof of the tow vehicle.


I suppose that's better than the bumper
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and
2009 Nomad 3980

TomG2
Explorer
Explorer
Surprised nobody has mentioned the obvious. Tie the dogs to the roof of the tow vehicle.

rbpru
Explorer II
Explorer II
Yes it can be done. But before you do, have someone take you and the dogs for a long ride in the trailer.

A ride in my 25 footer is about the same as jumping into a cloths dryer. Our 60 lb. beast rides in the truck.

Good Luck
Twenty six foot 2010 Dutchmen Lite pulled with a 2011 EcoBoost F-150 4x4.

Just right for Grandpa, Grandma and the dog.

hohenwald48
Explorer
Explorer
Wild Card wrote:
Yes figure out what you need to do to mount a generator, back of truck, tongue of trailer. I would not reccomend back of trailer because it take away tongue weight.

About the dog riding in the trailer...that's where my 2 Labs ride. It's not illegal and it's not in humane, and its not illegal...people just need to get over it. Mine jumps in 28* water to fetch ducks. I also dislike the fact of dog hair in a 60k truck. People tend to take better care of their pets than themselves.


What he said.

Animals ride in trailers all the time.
When seconds count, the police are only minutes away.

2019 Newmar Canyon Star 3627
2017 Jeep Wrangler JKU

Wild_Card
Explorer
Explorer
Yes figure out what you need to do to mount a generator, back of truck, tongue of trailer. I would not reccomend back of trailer because it take away tongue weight.

About the dog riding in the trailer...that's where my 2 Labs ride. It's not illegal and it's not in humane, and its not illegal...people just need to get over it. Mine jumps in 28* water to fetch ducks. I also dislike the fact of dog hair in a 60k truck. People tend to take better care of their pets than themselves.
2015 Ram 3500 Dually
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Jebby14
Explorer
Explorer
In Ontario the law states its illegal to move a travel trailer with occupants inside. I was referring to people. I don't see dogs falling under this rule however I would not do it. You have been given a humane option that will likely cost less and be easier. why not use it?
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ROBERTSUNRUS
Explorer
Explorer
🙂 Hi, I wired my trailer to work from my truck bed mounted generator. I did this for the purpose of having power at rest stops and to pre-cool my trailer before getting to camp grounds in hot weather. So yes it will run while I'm driving.

I pulled into a camp ground and it was 103 degrees inside of my trailer; It took more than one hour to get it to a livable temp inside. I would leave my dog in the truck with the air conditioner on until my trailer was cool enough for him. And this is why I made my truck bed generator set-up.

I would never have my dog ride in the travel trailer, but then again, none of my dogs were crate trained. If your dog/s are crate trained and the crates are secured in place, it might work.
🙂 Bob 🙂
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ulvik
Explorer
Explorer
I would buy an adequate vehicle or just put a camper shell on the truck and a pass through window to the camper shell for air like an accordion gasket. I would never put my dogs in a moving travel trailer.
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pianotuna
Nomad III
Nomad III
Hi,

In small towns sometimes impossible.


Sprink-Fitter wrote:

how is propane hard to find?
Regards, Don
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hohenwald48
Explorer
Explorer
Jebby14 wrote:
^ don't know about where you are but up here its not legal


Where is it not legal to let your dogs or horses ride in a trailer?
When seconds count, the police are only minutes away.

2019 Newmar Canyon Star 3627
2017 Jeep Wrangler JKU