Sleeping With The Genny On

[wannabegone]

DW and I have several trips coming up in the next few months, we plan to leave straight from work and expect to spend several night boon docking in transit. With the summer heat I'm sure we will need the A/C to sleep comfortable. Without hook up I'll be running the genny to keep us cool. I know from being on this site for many years lots of people run the genny while sleeping but the DW read that it is not safe to sleep with it running. I understand the reasons for this but I'm wondering if there is any need for concern or is this just to satisfy the lawyers?

Has anyone here ever had any issues sleeping with the genny running?

[wannabegone]

BuckBarker wrote:
I think that if anyone had "issues" with the genny running while sleeping, they probably wouldn't be here to tell us about it.

That is something I should have thought of. I did forget to mention it is a built in generator, sorry about that and my idea of stopping in transit is pulling over at a rest area, truck stop or even the occasional wally world for a few hours of shut eye. I certainly wouldn’t use it where it will disturb anyone else’s sleep. There is the factory installed CO detector and I picked up another one to install in the cab over area. Also after seeing a picture of a burned out travel trailer over the TT forum I picked up a second fire extinguisher for the cab over area. I figure if there is a fire when I’m sleeping the one at the door is not going to do me any good.
Thanks for all the feedback. I hope to not need it but I like to have options

[kohldad]

I wouldn't let it run all night, but that's just me.

If you are in transit trying to make time you will be stopping late. If so, a fantastic fan set to exhaust with the roof vent over the bed creates a very nice draft right down on the bed. For me at least, that is good for any temps below 80*.

If you do decide to run it all night, try to park where the exhaust is blowing down wind to keep the wind from blowing the exhaust back onto the camper. Also, make sure you CO detector is on and not expired.

[Kayteg1]

pianotuna wrote:
7.2 hours on Honda 3000 3.4 gallons of fuel. Cheaper to find an inexpensive campground.

I measure 2.6 gallons on my Honda 3000 inverter and it did power 15k AC for over 12 hr continuously.
I have propane Generac built-in my camper, but still for long weekend I took Honda 3000 with me. Can't be the low noise and low fuel consumption.

[jmckelvy]

joebedford wrote:
Several people assume that you're using an external generator - you didn't say one way or the other.

I'd be worried about theft of an external generator but wouldn't hesitate to run my built-in generator.

Oh dang - I just realized I was reading the truck camper forum not the 5th wheel forum. You probably don't have a built-in. Nevermind.

My AF990 has a built in generator. I also have a Honda EU2000i which we don't carry anymore.

[Reddog1]

Some TCs have built in generators.

[joebedford]

Several people assume that you're using an external generator - you didn't say one way or the other.

I'd be worried about theft of an external generator but wouldn't hesitate to run my built-in generator.

Oh dang - I just realized I was reading the truck camper forum not the 5th wheel forum. You probably don't have a built-in. Nevermind.

[pianotuna]

7.2 hours on Honda 3000 3.4 gallons of fuel. Cheaper to find an inexpensive campground.

[Kayteg1]

Over the years I heard quite a bit about deaths due generator set up wrong.
I am not talking about forum rumors, but about ranger telling me "last month couple died on neighborhood campground"
I wonder what area require generator overnight.
Even in California nights are pretty cool and worse nigh shutting off AC at 10PM makes it comfortable.
That said, would I have to do it, I would get at least 2 CO detectors, make sure the generator fumes go with the breeze away from RV, or install one of those chimneys that are required on lot of campgrounds.

[Reddog1]

I do not agree that there are cheap RV Parks everywhere. On the other hand, what is cheap?

I ran my Honda and A/C on about one gallon of gasoline as I recall. Less than $4. Boondocking with no one around.

Actually, I sleep more sound with my generator running, so I think that is a personal thing.

[sky_free]

I know this is obvious, but if you are just "in transit", why not go to a cheap RV Park that has electrical hookups? They are everywhere, and you can sleep peacefully.

[Reddog1]

Unless I am camped someplace it could bother other people, I have no problem running the generator for the A/C. I have only had the need a couple of times.

Wayne

[2oldman]

wannabegone wrote:
Has anyone here ever had any issues sleeping with the genny running?

I don't do it, but I'm sure it's ok as long as the exhaust is vented away.

Given your scenario, I'd be more concerned about noise bothering folks around you wherever you're staying, and theft.

[RoyB]

MKASNER - If I lived in your area around all those many DISPERSED camping location I would most likely have the same thoughts haha... Way too many rules of engagement to deal with here on this side of the USA. Not too many open spaces around here... I lived in the PHOENIX area for a couple of years back in the late 60's and we did just about whatever you wanted to do in the high country of Arizona...

This coming late season I am hoping to get down in the NC area and get back off the trails and do some back woods camping there. Its all inside a NATL FOREST area so I'm sure the same generator use time rules are in force there as well...

The RV'ers that have the built-in generators seem to get away with alot of rules bending as far as the generator is concerned. I guess they can't tell if the engine is running or the generator...

My generator sits secured in the covered tail gate corner of my truck bed and I have to pull it out onto the tail-gate to use. The only reason I use my generator is to re-charge battery bank so that can most always be done within the rules on running them during the daytime. Thats when i get make up my days worth of good ole fresh ground bean coffee too... At night the woods cools down great and the roof fans does great.

Having tent camped for many years way back then you know how to deal with hot nights without air conditioning. We made many of GROUP JEEP RUNs with the Arizona 4X4 clubs. Every JEEP guy had a utility trailer behind their JEEP loaded down with all the camping gear and JEEP parts haha...

Love waking in the mornings looking at sun hit the red rocks around the SEDONA red rock canyon areas...

Roy Ken

[deserteagle56]

Just be very careful where the generator is placed......

http://www.nevadaappeal.com/news/lahontanvalley/9937911-113/hendrix-rachel-family-rodeo

[mkasner]

RV'ers are a funny bunch...