vilnis
rehoboth beach
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I was told that the V6 diesel is quieter that the Onan propane generator. So, with a large converter, run the roof AC on the dual batteries with the engine idling rather than using the Onan generator. I know truckers idle their diesel engines all night in cold weather. Has anyone in the camping world used the AC this way in their Adventurous or the Legend??
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My Roadtrek
Tucson, AZ.
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I'm sure you will get a more detailed answer, but in the mean time, extended idling, of a Sprinter, is not recommended by the manufacture.
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marvmarcy
Polson, MT, USA
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Diesel engines cool off while idling. This is harder on the engine than running with a moderate load. OTR truck drivers (unless O/Os) are just drivers of someone else's truck, so are not too concerned about fuel consumption or engine wear as compared to keeping warm or cool overnight. My truck (in sig below), like many OTR turcks, has a separate sleeper ac/heater with engine auto start and control to reduce engine wear.
While you will use more fuel and contribute to extra wear, your diesel engine will still last far longer than a gasoline engine. Unless you plan to keep the rig for a very long time, you probably won't do enough damage to matter. Just change the oil more frequently. IMHO: I wouldn't do it unless it became unbearably hot or cold - but that's just me.
Marv
2001 Volvo VNL42T420, ISX450/1650, super 10sp w/GearMaster
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kmessinger
Bay area but NOT San Francisco or Berkeley
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Rodger wrote:I'm sure you will get a more detailed answer, but in the mean time, extended idling, of a Sprinter, is not recommended by the manufacture.
I am not sure that is correct. Although many have had problems with soot buildup on the EGR valve and consider excessive idle the cause I haven't heard MB or Chrysler admit to this.
The last recall, H44 (http://www.ourexcellentadventures.com/wp-content/documents/H44.pdf), addressed the soot accumulation problem.
One option on Sprinters is an idle control (MT4)which lets you set the idle rpm to what you want or need. It works only when in park. I have this option as I use the Sprinter engine as a generator when needed (which is very seldom).
In addition the EGR valve is very easy to clean. I think if I were idling frequently, I would clean it every time I changed oil.
Regards,
Keith
The excellent adventures of Keith and Debbie. Observations about life, at home and on the road in our 2008 Sportsmobile Sprinter. (Warning: Occasional sharp turns to the right.)
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Hit The Road Jack
Treasure Coast of Florida
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vilnis wrote:I was told that the V6 diesel is quieter that the Onan propane generator. So, with a large converter, run the roof AC on the dual batteries with the engine idling rather than using the Onan generator. I know truckers idle their diesel engines all night in cold weather. Has anyone in the camping world used the AC this way in their Adventurous or the Legend??
Don't know whether the Sprinters idle is quieter than the 'No-Ran', but do know it would take @LEAST a 2000 watt INVERTER (not converter) coupled with a HUGE battery bank to run your roof-top AC, without running your vans engine.
2006 DIY Dodge Badged Sprinter Conversion
'Roadhouse'
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My Roadtrek
Tucson, AZ.
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My mistake, you will need the Hi-idle system. I think they need to idle at 2000 rpms minimum. From what I have read they are pretty loud at that faster idle.
I was thinking about the soot build up at lower idle.
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Handbasket
Asheville, NC
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I dunno how loud the engine cooling fan the V-6 Sprinter is. But I'm pretty sure that a lot of engines at 2000 rpm with the cooling fan on would be about as loud as the Onan with minor quieting... resonator & SuperTrapp.
But if you're going to do this, why not just run the dash A/C and maybe a small 12V for air circulation?
Jim, "Deja pews: the feeling that you've heard this sermon before."
'06 Tiger CX 'C Minus' on a Silverado 2500HD 4x4, 8.1 & Allison ('Loafer's Glory'); '07 Forester 2.5 ( the 'HANDBSKT'); '95 Toyota SR5 V-6 4x4 pickup, ARB locker, Bilsteins, Warn hubs & M8000, etc;
'94 968, M030 swaybars ('DOPPLER')
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dreed
Mtm. View,Ca.
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Just don't do it in California.
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20081124185936AArdPLn
Dave
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kmessinger
Bay area but NOT San Francisco or Berkeley
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The option on the window sticker is called Adjustable Idle Control. It is actually 2 switches, one to turn it on and the other to raise or lower idle. You can also use the cruise control to raise or lower idle.
It only works when in Park with the emergency brake on. You can raise the idle as high as you want. You can't lower it below the normal idle speed.
We have a 2000w converter and 2 7amp solar panels with NO a/c other than the Sprinter's. I have used the idle after several days of marginal sunshine (Alaska). Pushed it up to about 1200 rpm - still wasn't noisey in my opinion but we were in the boonies.
Sportsmobile has a pretty good section about keeping warm/cool in a Sprinter that addresses the requirements of a roof a/c. http://www.sportsmobile.com/2_sr_heatingcooling.html
Regards,
Keith
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