RV Generator vs. Engine Advice

[jjphat]

Hi,

We are looking at renting an RV without a generator. It has a coach battery that everything runs on. Is this going to be a problem? We have no idea and need some advice.

Questions:

-Can we run our fridge and our kitchen equipment?
-Can we run aircon for a few hours in the day?
-Do we need to run our engine periodically to charge the battery?
-If so will starting the engine ruin it by sucking in dust particles?
-Can we get an external generator to run as the shore power? if so how much gas will this take?

Thank you!!!

[ygmir]

most of those are best answered by the place you rent from, since they know the equipment, and details, capacities and all.

[AbundantChoice]

Hi,

We are looking at renting an RV without a generator. It has a coach battery that everything runs on. Is this going to be a problem? We have no idea and need some advice.

Questions:

-Can we run our fridge and our kitchen equipment?
-Can we run aircon for a few hours in the day?
-Do we need to run our engine periodically to charge the battery?
-If so will starting the engine ruin it by sucking in dust particles?
-Can we get an external generator to run as the shore power? if so how much gas will this take?

Thank you!!!

-The fridge should run off propane and shouldn't drain the battery.
-The kitchen stuff will use the battery to operate the water pump, and the interior lights will run off the coach battery too; you'd be shocked at how easy it is to drain the coach battery over a few days if you can't plug it in somewhere to recharge.
-You will almost definitely not be able to use the Air Conditioning, the Microwave, or any of the normal "wall outlets" plugs off your coach battery. Even if you could (and you almost certainly can't), something like running the AC would drain the coach battery hilariously quickly.
-Running the engine will recharge the coach battery, but do it relatively slowly. It won't ruin the engine, but it is going to get the engine bay considerably dirty the more you run it on playa. Also consider your neighbors and try not to idle your engine next to them for hours at a time.
-You can definitely get an external generator, and they don't use as much gas as you'd think, but they're not cheap.

[Token]

If you are renting a self propelled RV and it does not come with a generator, don't rent it. Find another dealer.

RVs are not as plug and play as you may think. They require craft and experience to drive and later operate. If you found a sweet deal on an RV that requires extra knowledge, daily work and maintenence, pass on it this time and go to Burning Man to experience BM, not deal with a dysfunctional RV.

[dragonpilot]

Most reputable RV rental agencies rent RVs with generators. If you're renting someone's RV without a generator consider taking along an external generator. Lotsa folks who camp in tents and other shelters have gennies to run lights, music, fans, etc. Otherwise do without, experience the playa, and upgrade from there in following years....it'll be a blast regardless!

[dragonpilot]

And check out the RV Survival Guide: viewtopic.php?f=286&t=54180