Inverter use and auto start generator

dickb46 · 04-09-2017, 06:49 PM

I'm new (2 months) to our 03 Journey and have been reading threads and thinking. Does anyone use the inverter to power the refer going down the road? it sounds better to me than using propane.

Second. I was reading the threads and someone mentioned auto start on their generator (it starts by itself if the batteries get low). Is that a function on newer machines than I have or is it something I just can't find?

2003 Journey, 7500 watt diesel generator, 1500 watt Freedom 15 inverter.

kb2ztx · 04-09-2017, 07:18 PM

We use propane alot. I think its just as efficient. Depending on the usage I wouldn't worry. We go for over 2 weeks with no power and the fridge runs on propane the entire time. I guess if your worried about a year on propane I understand but we only fill once a year. Granted we dont live in it, but over a dozen camping trips a year, hot water, fridge and stove and have yet to fill up...

dickb46 · 04-09-2017, 08:25 PM

Thanks kb2ztx,
We've been rv'n since '86 and figured this would be our "forever machine". We move up from a 95 Vectra and are new to a lot of the different things. We started looking for a 35U but they were way pricey! So we got this Journey for 6 grand more. The diesel has a lot of different experiences and I'm just trying to investigate then all.
We bought the coach feb 9 and have 3000 miles on it and are planning a 6000 mile trip at the end of the month. We aren't even full timers!
Thanks again, we normally filled our propane every three years, just curious
dick&linda.. Whidbey Island

rk911 · 04-09-2017, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dickb46

I'm new (2 months) to our 03 Journey and have been reading threads and thinking. Does anyone use the inverter to power the refer going down the road? it sounds better to me than using propane.

Second. I was reading the threads and someone mentioned auto start on their generator (it starts by itself if the batteries get low). Is that a function on newer machines than I have or is it something I just can't find?

2003 Journey, 7500 watt diesel generator, 1500 watt Freedom 15 inverter.

our 2-previous motorhomes had dual-powered refrigerators (LP and 120-volt AC). we always ran the fridge on LP unless we were running the genny for the coach air conditioning. our first motorhome had a 3-way fridge (LP, 120-volt AC and 12-volt DC). of the three modes the 12-volt DC was the least effective. many, many RVers run their RV fridges on LP while traveling. just be sure to turn off the fridge was re-fueling the RV.

our new MH has an auto-start feature but we've never had the need to set it.

akcretired · 04-09-2017, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dickb46

Thanks kb2ztx,
We've been rv'n since '86 and figured this would be our "forever machine". We move up from a 95 Vectra and are new to a lot of the different things. We started looking for a 35U but they were way pricey! So we got this Journey for 6 grand more. The diesel has a lot of different experiences and I'm just trying to investigate then all.
We bought the coach feb 9 and have 3000 miles on it and are planning a 6000 mile trip at the end of the month. We aren't even full timers!
Thanks again, we normally filled our propane every three years, just curious
dick&linda.. Whidbey Island

Whidbey Island??

Lived on that island for 30 years. Both kids went to Oak Harbor HS.

dickb46 · 04-09-2017, 09:01 PM

rk911
I was asking about running the refer on 120 vac via the inverter. The inverter puts out 1500 watts and the refer uses 660 watts. the engine generator is 160 amps. 160 amps x12 volts is 1920 watts.
I'm really new to having this much energy, just wondering if it was ok to use it
dick

dickb46 · 04-09-2017, 09:06 PM

akcretired,
Linda was an AKCS, just before she retired her rate was changed to AWCS. I retired as an AW1.
We both retired at Whidbey.
She flew C-9's, I flew P-3"s
dick

akcretired · 04-09-2017, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dickb46

akcretired,
Linda was an AKCS, just before she retired her rate was changed to AWCS. I retired as an AW1.
We both retired at Whidbey.
She flew C-9's, I flew P-3"s
dick

Small world. I retired as AKC from Whidbey in 2003. VAQ squadrons..several different ones, CVWP and NAS Supply.

Then went into Law enforcement.

dickb46 · 04-09-2017, 09:27 PM

What's your rv. the picture is too small

dickb46 · 04-09-2017, 09:29 PM

kid (I retired in '88)

akcretired · 04-09-2017, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dickb46

kid (I retired in '88)

Lol... Old man...

2015 Winnebago Tour

rk911 · 04-09-2017, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dickb46

rk911
I was asking about running the refer on 120 vac via the inverter. The inverter puts out 1500 watts and the refer uses 660 watts. the engine generator is 160 amps. 160 amps x12 volts is 1920 watts.
I'm really new to havcing this much energy, just wondering if it was ok to use it
dick

i see no problem with thst, dick. we run our residential fridge off our inverter while traveling. the point is if you have the power use it. you'll be fine.

dickb46 · 04-09-2017, 10:03 PM

thanks rich,
dick

BillJinOR · 04-09-2017, 10:30 PM

If it's like the 03 journey we had the fridge is on the 110 not inverted line so the inverter won't run it. Several 110 plugs or not on the inverter When on generator of course all 110 lines will work .. behind the fridge were two plugs one run through the inverter for the ice maker and the other non inverted for the fridge. You could move the fridge to the inverter pass through line but if you forget you'll kill your battery very fast !
We left ours on gas
Our journey of that year didn't come with auto gen start I doubt yours has it unless someone added it.
By the way, If the air conditioner gives you problems keeping up ( a complaint on them ) the duct that runs up the back from the basement air to the roof could be disconnected . They seem have a problem doing that. I found a way to seal mine from below without removing the entire rear cap $$$ which is what the service wanted to do
Diesel is a big improvement we did enjoy ours!

dickb46 · 04-09-2017, 11:58 PM

Thanks Bill, I think you addressed all of my questions and then some, April isn't a good month to check the A/C but I'll write this down

Skip Y · 04-10-2017, 09:19 AM

I frequently run the fridge with 110 from the inverter while on the road, works just fine. Many locations (tunnels, etc, even some states) require the propane be off while travelling. Sometimes easier to start the trip with propane off rather than stopping to shut it off. Most fire safety seminars suggest propane be off. In other words, it's your choice.

Skip Y
2010 Journey TD

grumpytoo · 04-10-2017, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skip Y

I frequently run the fridge with 110 from the inverter while on the road, works just fine. Many locations (tunnels, etc, even some states) require the propane be off while travelling. Sometimes easier to start the trip with propane off rather than stopping to shut it off. Most fire safety seminars suggest propane be off. In other words, it's your choice.

Skip Y
2010 Journey TD

We used the inverter on our motorhome to power the refrigerator all the time. That is whenever the coach had the refrigerators outlet connected to the inverter. One thing to remember if you stop for awhile, Ilke take a tour or visit an outlet make sure your auto gen start it on or switch to propane. We forgot once and returned to very low coach batteries.