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Generator power for block heater

Yahoo Message Number: 3856
I don't know why CC would tell you not to use the generator for the block heater. Only reason I could think of would be the capacity of the generator output and the electrical needs of your inverter system. I would think that you have at least a 7kw generator. You might not have enough amps for both the generator and the inverter and normal appliances to be operating. I know I would look into running the generator, turning off all major appliances including the inverter and then let the generator supply power to the block heater. I don't know how your particular coach is built but if the generator is not plugged into an outlet in the motor bay, then run a good quality extension cord from an outlet that you know is powered by the generator to the block heater. Block heater might draw like 10 amps or so (maximum) then use a short cord capable of 15 amps. 14 gauge wire is good for 15 amps.

If there is an outlet in the engine bay that the block heater is plugged into, check it out first. Unplug the block heater. Unplug your shore power (if connected). Run the generator and plug a light into the outlet to see if you have power. If not check to see if there are certain circuit breakers turned off that need to be on.
Try them one at a time. With our bus conversion all we do is turn on a remote switch for block heater. It works from either shore power or from the generator. We can also warm our engine before starting by running our Webasto oil-powered heater which heats the bus and our hot water for washing.

As for how long to leave the blcok heater on before starting the engine. That depends on how cold it is. If it is like below 32 I would leave the block heater on for 6 hours or longer if colder. We used to leave our Mack trucks plugged on all the time in the winter when they were not running on the road (outside of course). You may be able to see temperature increase on the water temp gauge. Check it once in a while when plugged in and you should see it increase.

Bill-PA-CC Prevost 40 XL 1998