Generator Auto Start

[Pete Masterson]

My coach has an 'auto-start' feature but I haven't learned the magic
incantation to make it work as I might expect. (Not a question, just
an observation.) However, the primary problem I see with generator
auto-start is that most campgrounds have a quiet time where generator
operation is prohibited. (e.g. I stayed in a California State
campground with an 8 PM to 10 AM "quiet time" enforced. --I had to
shed load to avoid damage to the batteries by turning nearly
everything off.)

My current practice, if I'm spending a night were there's no shore
power and running the generator isn't an option, is to simply turn
off the "amp-sucking Amana" when I go to bed. The refrigerator does
not warm up much with a shut down of 7 or 8 hours during the night.
(If I'm staying someplace that it really hot and requires AC for
comfort, then I wouldn't not use the generator and/or I'd stay where
there was shore power.)

I've analyzed the situation with the amp-sucking Amana and the
solutions I've come up with are:
1. replace the inverter(s) with true sine wave units. The modified
sine wave of the OEM inverters cause a loss of efficiency in the
compressor motor operation that might make a difference in overall
energy use.
2. Replace the amp-sucking Amana with a new higher efficiency
refrigerator. Since the energy labels aren't as "honest" as is ideal,
check ratings in Consumer's Reports to find the most energy efficient
model that will reasonably fit the space used by the Amana.

These two steps would go a long way toward improving the performance
of the system as it is designed. However, they're probably more
expensive and more of a problem than setting up the generator auto-
start.

Pete Masterson
'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
aeonix1@...
On the road at Lebanon, TN



On Oct 30, 2008, at 6:36 PM, Larry Kehler wrote:

> I am interested in knowing if anyone has retro fitted a generator auto
> start module to their bird. What brand and how has the experience
> worked out?
> My brief internet search appears that there are several brands
> available to retrofit.
> I am tired of getting up in the middle of the night to check voltage
> because of my big Amana amp sucking refrigerator.
>
> Larry Kehler
> 94 PT40 "BAM"
> Home in St Louis
>
>