Recent Posts

21

Technical Support / Re: How much to run generator when dry camping

« Last post by Carl Boger on October 04, 2026, 11:35:04 PM »

If you just want to keep the batteries topped off than you can probably get away with a hour in the morning and a hour in the evening as long as you limit the electricity you are using.  If you want to use more energy like the AC unis then run the generator as much as you want, especially if no one near you objects to your running the generator.  I know people who would run the generator for 5 days straight at the race tracks, as did many of their neighbors.

22

Technical Support / Re: Engine Shutdown While Driving

« Last post by Bill Heffernan on October 04, 2026, 04:58:15 PM »

The mystery deepens. We got the rig out of the service shop anticipating jumping the starter board to get to our next stop in Bend, OR. The coach started right up and never even hinted of shutting down the entire trip. I have no idea what changed. The rig was stored overnight inside (the problem has seemed to manifest in the morning when its cooler and humidity level are higher) and the shop removed, examined and re-installed the board. Should we have problems on the next leg, I've got the jumper and will have a replacement relay available.

FYI, I would avoid Gordon Truck Service in Olympia, WA. They claimed that they spend 10 hours on their diagnoses and never even sent an estimate for the repair. While I think their diagnoses may have been accurate, I don't believe that they spent anywhere near that amount of time on it.

23

Technical Support / Re: How much to run generator when dry camping

« Last post by David T. Richelderfer on October 04, 2026, 02:38:21 PM »

Another simple GOOGLE AI question and answer for a 10kw diesel generator:

Fuel Consumption Breakdown by Load
While diesel generators use a baseline amount of fuel just to stay running (idling to maintain its governed RPM, typically 1,500 or 1,800 RPM), consumption scales up as electrical demand increases:

• Idle / No Load: ~0.3 – 0.5 gal/hr (1.1 – 1.9 L/hr)
• 1/4 Load (~2.5 kW): ~0.25 – 0.35 gal/hr (1.0 – 1.3 L/hr)
• 1/2 Load (~5 kW): ~0.4 – 0.55 gal/hr (1.5 – 2.1 L/hr)
• 3/4 Load (~7.5 kW): ~0.6 – 0.8 gal/hr (2.3 – 3.0 L/hr)
• Full Load (10 kW): ~0.85 – 1.1 gal/hr (3.2 – 4.0 L/hr)

24

Technical Support / Re: How much to run generator when dry camping

« Last post by David Ciotti on October 04, 2026, 02:26:05 PM »

How much diesel does the generator consume at idle? At full load?

25

Technical Support / Re: How much to run generator when dry camping

« Last post by Frank Bergamo on October 04, 2026, 02:48:08 AM »

I run my generator 90 minutes or so in the morning and the same in the evening when not plugged in to keep house batteries charged. I also monitor the batteries, with the control panel, or with a volt meter at the batteries. Your coach came equipped with an Echo Charger, it will keep your chassis batteries charged if working properly when generator is running. If batteries are in good shape, this should be sufficient. Hope this helps, good luck.

26

Technical Support / Re: How much to run generator when dry camping

« Last post by David T. Richelderfer on October 04, 2026, 01:04:01 AM »

Our Marquis is a real power hog.  If we leave the Marquis for more than 5 or 6 hours, then the house batteries will be weak.  I suppose if I turned off the inverter, then that would help.  lol  In answer to your question, consult the voltage of the batteries.  If they are at 12.4v. then they are 1/4th discharged, at 12.2 they are 1/2 discharged.  Don't let them get far below 12.2v.

Anyways, we carry a Honda 3000 in the towed pickup that we run when dry camping.  It has a 3.6 gallon gas tank and will idle along for about 16 hours on a fill.  I should also note that we run the bedroom TV all night.  lol  I turn the inverter charging amperage down to 10 amps from its maximum of 30 amps... just in case some device gets turned on that would kick-out the Honda.

27

Technical Support / How much to run generator when dry camping

« Last post by Vernon Boen on October 04, 2026, 12:44:07 AM »

I have a 2001 Beaver Marquis. We are camping a couple nights next week with no hookups.  My coach is not equipped with auto start on the generator. My question is how much do I run the generator? Can I monitor the house battery charge to determine when to fire it up or do i need to run it continuously?

28

Technical Support / Re: 2001 Beaver Marquis. Transmission selector not working

« Last post by Vernon Boen on October 04, 2026, 12:38:34 AM »

Yep that's it.

29

Technical Support / Re: 2001 Beaver Marquis. Transmission selector not working

« Last post by David T. Richelderfer on October 04, 2026, 12:29:25 AM »

I didn't know what a VIM is or does.  So I asked GOOGLE AI for information.  The following is the reply... relative to a vehicle.


"Vehicle Interface Module (Chassis & Transmission)

"On heavy-duty diesel pushers and class A motorhomes (especially older models equipped with Allison transmissions like the WTEC systems), the Vehicle Interface Module (VIM) is a critical black control box.

"What it does: It acts as an electronic translator between the engine, the chassis, and the Transmission Control Module (TCM). It houses essential relays and dedicated fuses that feed power directly to the transmission’s electronic brain (ECU/TCM).

"Why it matters to owners: If your motorhome suddenly fails to crank or won't start after replacing the house or chassis batteries, a blown fuse inside the VIM box is an incredibly common culprit.

"Where to find it: It is usually tucked away in the front electrical bay (directly under the driver's window), behind the brake pedal firewall, or inside the dash area near the shift keypad panel."


Hmmmm... is that the black clamshell-like box directly under my transmission control pad, left side of the pilot's seat in the console.  I know that box has two fuses inside it.

30

Technical Support / Re: Engine Shutdown While Driving

« Last post by Fred Cook on October 03, 2026, 10:55:55 PM »

At the coach, AI was clueless on the relay. I now have it. It appears to be a hard to find part? Thanks!

Nope, you can get that relay on Amazon all day long. G8P-1A4P-12VDC 30A 250VAC Fully-Sealed PCB Relay for PC Board. Pretty sure this is what you need for your circuit board in your rear run box.