I may have stumbled onto a way to cut down on our Predator 3500 generator’s fuel consumption. Stay with me here.
To the left of the starter button is a switch labeled ESC THROTTLE (“electronic speed control,” or what I’ve been calling “eco mode”). When turned on, it reduces engine RPM and, therefore, increases fuel efficiency. The downside is that at that speed the generator can’t handle surges (sudden demands for power) — we proved that to ourselves the first day we ran it.
Thing is, we keep the RV’s air conditioning set to 70°F. It produces two surges — one when the fan starts and one when the compressor kicks in. Both happen within the first minute or two of operation. Because in this heat the inside thermostat won’t see anything close to 70°F, its running wattage doesn’t change.
A couple of days ago I conducted an experiment — I started the generator, turned on the AC, waited for the fan and compressor surges to pass, then flipped the ESC THROTTLE switch. I heard a very subtle throttling-down of the engine, but it didn’t stumble. It didn’t overload.
And it kept running.
The best part is that since I’ve been operating the generator this way, runtime is up by 10% to 15% — four hours on a tank has become over four-and-a-half hours. That’s a big damned deal.
Making the trick work means remembering to throttle-up before switching AC units, using the microwave, and so on. I’m pretty sure I can do that.
This (pictured) is what Deb was up to the last two days. Ernie’s interior looks better than it did when we brought him home almost three years ago. We’ve taken very good care of the ol’ boy — remember, he’ll turn 20 years old in February — and Deb’s hard work brings that out.
Before the heat took hold this morning, I added a little more low-voltage lighting to the inside of the shed. I’d found a pair of LEDs that I suspect will bridge the gap between convenience lighting and task lighting — each with a six-foot USB cable, able to be joined with the included Y-adapter, drawing 5W, for less than 15 bucks.
I’ll have a ten-foot USB extension cable soon that’ll reach from the power station in the back of the shed to where I intend to use these lights toward the front. They won’t have a permanent place, either — the plan is to leave them hanging on nails and then, when I want a little extra light in that area, I’ll pull ’em down, plug ’em in and move ’em to the task.
Deb got me a solar-powered ceiling fixture that I’ll install in a week or two, once I’ve confirmed that the solar security lights I mounted outside are getting enough sun to sustain them. And that, I think, will be the last of the shed lighting.
It’s pretty simple. I’d like to keep it that way.
Deb came out of two days cleaning Ernie thoroughly gassed. Neither of us, quite frankly, was motivated to do much of anything today, especially with what promises to be a busy week kicking off tomorrow.
I hung those lights in the shed, gathered a few parts that the mobile RV tech will need tomorrow, and tried to organize some of the last leftover leftovers Deb hauled back from the motorhome. Deb did some tidying up, too.
It’s been kinda like moving in twice.
In the morning I’ll take trash to the transfer station, grab generator gas and replenish our supply of fresh water. The usual.
Despite the routine and the chore and the never-ending (it seems) complications, we’re lovin’ life on The Mountain. We’re still enjoying the cool dawns and the warm sunsets. It’s the best place we could possibly be.
Take care of yourselves, Patriots. Stay calm. Stay sharp. Stay free.
#WiseUp #LibertyOrDeath #Ungovernable
#LetsGoBrandon #FJB