Hey y’all, it’s your favorite RV expert, Matthew, here to give you the lowdown on all things RV related.
Now, let me tell you a little story.
So, there I was, cruising down the highway in my trusty RV, and I thought to myself, “Hey, wouldn’t it be great if I could just turn on the generator and drive without being tethered to a campground?” And that’s when it hit me – I had no idea if you could drive an RV with the generator running.
And that’s how this post was born! I did some digging, asked around, and now I’m here to share all the juicy details with you.
So sit back, grab a cold one, and let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
Can You Drive an RV with the Generator Running?
Yes, you can drive an RV with the generator running, but it’s not recommended.
Now, before you go revving that engine and hitting the road, let me explain why it’s not the best idea.
You see, RVs are designed to be used while stationary, not while in motion.
And that’s because driving an RV with the generator running can put a lot of stress on the engine, causing it to overheat and potentially break down.
Additionally, the vibration from driving can cause the generator to become damaged, which is a pricey repair that you definitely don’t want to deal with.
Trust me, I’ve seen it happen and it’s not pretty.
What Are the Alternatives?
So, if you can’t drive with the generator running, what are your options? Well, there are a few alternatives that you can try, depending on your specific RV setup and needs.
Shore Power
One option is to use shore power, or plugging your RV into an electrical outlet.
This is a great option if you’re parked at a campground or RV park and have access to electrical hookups.
Inverter
Another option is to use an inverter, which converts DC battery power into AC power.
This can be a great option for shorter trips or if you’re boondocking and don’t have access to shore power.
My Personal Experience
I’ve been RVing for a few years now and I’ve learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t.
And let me tell you, I’ve made some mistakes along the way.
Like the time I tried to drive with the generator running, only to have it overheat and break down on the side of the road.
It was a hot, sticky mess and a huge inconvenience.
Since then, I’ve switched to using shore power or an inverter and I’ve had zero problems.
Plus, it’s a lot more peaceful not having to listen to the generator while I’m driving.
FAQ
Can the generator run while driving?
No, it’s not recommended to run the generator while driving as it can cause stress on the engine and vibration that can damage the generator.
Additionally, RVs are designed to be used while stationary, not while in motion, and running the generator while driving can put a lot of stress on the engine, causing it to overheat and potentially break down.
What is shore power?
Shore power refers to plugging your RV into an electrical outlet, usually at a campground or RV park, and using that power source instead of the generator.
This is a great option if you have access to electrical hookups.
What is an inverter and how does it work?
An inverter is a device that converts DC battery power into AC power.
This can be a great option for shorter trips or if you’re boondocking and don’t have access to shore power.
You can use the battery power in your RV to power your appliances and devices, and the inverter will convert that power into AC power that can be used.
The Last Hoorah: Concluding Thoughts
In conclusion, while you can technically drive an RV with the generator running, it’s not recommended.
Running the generator while driving can put a lot of stress on the engine and cause damage to the generator.
Instead, try using shore power or an inverter for a smoother and more enjoyable RV experience.
And that’s a wrap folks! I hope you found this post informative and helpful.
If you have any other questions, feel free to leave a comment and I’ll do my best to help you out.