Fulltiming

[Ryan Wright]

Leroy,

> 50%-.675gph
> 75%-1.012gph
> 100%-1.35 gph

Well, I can tell you when I boondock I run the genset maybe a couple
of hours per day at nowhere near 50% duty cycle. Just a 15 amp draw
off the battery chargers, maybe the occasional microwave use. So I
might draw a whopping gallon of diesel per day, and use a bit of
propane if it's cold out. Still cheaper than a campground and I don't
like campground showers and bathrooms. Half the reason I own a coach
is to have my own facilities.

I know you included a bunch of operating costs. I don't include them
in my calculations because most of the costs you listed are fixed for
infrequent users such as myself. I have to change the oil, coolant,
filters, etc, whether I use them or not. I have to replace batteries
and parts and equipment as they age whether I use them or not. I don't
use any of it enough to wear it out - everything is replaced on a
schedule of time, not hours, because I don't go through that many
hours.

So, the way I figure it is, why own it and spend money to keep it up
if I'm not going to use it? So I park and camp wherever I like and use
my genset because it seems a waste to haul it around with me and pay
for maintenance and not use it.

Anyhow, there is no right or wrong answer here, everyone's situation
is different.

> One bad thermostat combined with a failed auto shut down system and the
> above numbers are out the window in a matter of seconds.

True, but the same could be said about your main engine, too. Why
drive it at all, something might happen and cost you twenty grand for
a new engine. Better to stay parked at home so it will last forever.
;-)

-Ryan
'86 PT-40 8V92