Anyone know the gallons per hour this engine uses at idle?

[captaincaveman]

I'm evaluating all kinds of options for having AC while boondocking, and one easy option would be to leave the van idling with the AC on.

 

Anyone know how man gallons per hour it would consume?  Interested in how that would compare to the gph for a generator to run a shore powered AC unit.

Edited September 19 by captaincaveman

[radin2son]

Safer to run generator. 
 

You may have to run van at fast idle.
 

Sportsmobile forum long ago had a post about fuel used while idling (90 minutes), charging house batteries. Post calculated gas used to show minimal mpg loss. Other option was driving around for 30 minutes. Both will not give you a full charge. Just enough to be able to run the fridge overnight. 

Edited September 25 by radin2son

[crusty]

Also idling the engine will be heating the van.  Hot engine under the hood, blowing hot air under the chassis warming the floor, not to mention the added heat radiating off the exhaust.  You would be adding to the AC load.  Idling engines are not very efficient either. 

[radin2son]

Sportsmobile forum (almost exclusively Ford Econoline) sends 2 emails each week with new posts, but good info can be found. Recent posts by jamlip in Palm Springs document a rebuild of the interior, some exterior, of a ‘99 7.3 4x4. Worth reading if you can pull it up. 
 

Improved air circulation may help you. We had and never used a clamp on 12v fan. Plastic clamp was useless and broke. (Koonie or similar rechargeable fans were recommended.) Power drain when recharging while boondocking but you could always solar. We use a small solar panel to charge our phones (takes about an hour). 
 

 

[radin2son]

Per another post on Sportsmobile forum, LiFePo4 are recommended for house battery replacement. Compatible with solar.
 

“Costs more upfront, but gives 10-20x return in lifespan and easily 2x in capacity in the same space and half the weight.”

 

This, however, doesn’t address your ac question.