Running a Generator Whilst Driving?

Thanks Gerald,


To be honest I am not seriously contemplating this, just daydreaming here at work haha! If anything, it would be while towing the van in hot places during summer and having the air-con running so when you get there, it's all nice and cool!!


Cheers


Alan

Also the Mr Whippy vans.

And all those coffee vans you see roaring around the place

...not to mention electric cars :)

Cheers
Greg

Talk about coincidences...........Mr Whippy 'vans that is.

Was walking down to work the other day, in Longreach, and this ice cream van comes round the corner, and into the main street.

On the back, mounted off the chassis on passenger side, is a little Honda powered genny. Can't remember if he had the genny going, but my camera was packed away so no chance of a photo.

After reading this thread a couple of times the day before, it sort of made my day :-) I'm easily amused these days.........

Bob.

Thanks Adam,


I do understand however I don't mean to hard wire it into the van's electrical system; I was talking about running from the genset to the normal caravan inlet (just as I would do if free camping).


Many thanks


Alan

If you want to wire the genset up permanently - install a 2 pole changeover switch to avoid live pins on the inlet plug.

Hi
If it is a "standard" portable generator[ with no inbuilt RCD]
& is wired up permanently,It SHALL comply with the STANDARDS AS/NZS3001 AND AS/NZS3000

A 2pole Change over switch cannot do THAT!!!
In any case it is a job for a licensed electrician !!


PeterQ

Hi Oldtrack – I should have known you would nail me on regulations.
I agree it should be done by a licensed electrician.
As for the caravan's RCD - it is not functional when plugged in via an extension cord to the genset anyway – so the danger hasn’t been increased by the installation of the changeover switch.

Hi Dennis

I agree the danger has not ben encreased,.
but carried out to the RULES the danger is decreased!!

PeterQ

Thanks Stu, I certainly take your point on the live 240V point however by your argument, no-one should bother with purchasing or using a caravan with air con to go away with!


I am sure many people quite enjoy going away in the middle of summer or up north but enjoy the respite of having an air-conditioned van to return to! I certainly enjoy the the experience of the great outdoors but that doesn't necessarily extend to doing it without an non-airconditioned van to return to on a 40 degree day haha! I definitely don't go away and then just live in the van!!


You are probably not aware but the van would take several hours to cool down sufficiently on a hot day with the air-con running, so this was simply a thought on getting a head start if possible!


Thanks for sharing your opinion!

G'day Alan,
I guess your suggestion just did not wash with me at all because I spend most of my time in the OUTDOORS. I don't even have an airconditioner in my car or home.

Done lots of outback travel in temps over 40 deg & basically just work my lifestyle according to the weather. Afternoon siesta in the over 40's heat!
I do admit to having a 12v fridge for a cool drink though so I will admit to that. Not much fun drinking liquids that are like drinking warm bathwater.
Each to their own I guess. If more people stick to their airconditioned vans I will still have lots of places to get right away & enjoy everything the environment throws at me.

Cheers
Stu

Hi Stu,
I have an enclosed genset permanently fixed to the van - runs in all weather.
Often on a hot day we pull up on side of the road, turn on the aircond, whilst having lunch.
There’s no point in being uncomfortable, just because you’re on the road.

Guys I have to say that generators in the bush drive me nuts!

I think I will have to stick to my nice lunch stops & camps in the bush well away from all the racket of airconditioners & generators listening to the bird calls & water flowing down the rivers. Thats if we get any rain down here that is!

Cheers