a/c and generator use

volvoman

Senior Member
Joined
Aug 30, 2009
Messages
490
Location
Rockford
when using air conditioner off generator do you leave generator idleing all the time or can you make a/c start generator on demand?
 
Good question. I have to run my generator all the time. And then a/c cycles on and off as needed according to the thermostat on the wall. I don't think you'd be able to have the thermostat turn the generator on. Maybe somebody makes something fancy to do that? The deisel generator you have to hold on the start button for a few moments to get the glow plugs heated up before it cranks over. I don't think it's a huge thing tho, running the generator all the time. Mine is a Onan 8k quiet diesel. I think it uses .5 gallons an hour under half load and 1.02 gallons/hr under full load. Full load on mine is 65 amps. I doubt I'll ever be able to draw that. I think it might be better for the generator to keep it running all the time too, no heat up and cool down cycles on it. A good one is made to run long hours.
 
thanks bob. i'm going to check in to how trailer reefer units start as needed. i'll let you all know what i find out.
 
My rig has an auto gen start on it. I can set it to start if the battery levels drop to a certain level or the temp in the coach reaches a certain temp. The min run time for the gen set is one hour.

Another words, if I want to keep the coach at 70 degrees without running the gen set al the time while I am away...I set the auto gen.

Hope this helps
 
Mine is a Magnum auto gen start. Connected to the inverter. I had it on the class a I had before as well. They are not very expensive. Comes in handy from time to time.

Hope this helps
 
The auto gen runs off of one thermometer in the coach...if you have three it may not meet your needs as to where u want it cool. my needs are to keep dog s cool in the garage...If I need to run genny it is on all the time running three ac and everything else
 

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