Idling the camper

Idling to charge is hard on the alternator.

Alternators are typically only ~50% efficient. When the alt is pumping out 500w for your use it is also creating 500w of heat, cooking itself. The easiest way to avoid excess alternator heat is only charge from the alternator while driving (engine rpm ~2,000). This has multiple effects:

1. the alternator spins fast enough that its own cooling blades become effective, and
2. the alternator is running at its most efficient RPM¹⁾
3. airflow from the forward motion of the vehicle helps remove heat from underhood

Assuming people are going to do it anyhow, here are some steps to reduce changes of a Bad Outcome:

• open the hood to allow excess underhood heat to escape. Sun should not shine directly into the engine bay.
• point the vehicle's grille into any breeze, if present
• watch for red flags
  • hot smells
  • belt squealing
  • engine RPM dropping significantly
  • chassis voltage falling from normal levels (14.1v, or whatever you observe without charging)
  • charger reporting less current than usual, if applicable

The most common reason people give for wanting to idle all night is to run the heater or air conditioner. This can have serious effects on the vehicle's engine:

Idling for one hour every day for one year is equivalent to 64,000 miles of engine wear. – source

Idling accelerates engine wear and tear creating a need for more regular maintenance and an increase in the number of oil changes. – source

Because the engine is not operating at its optimal temperature when idling, fuel is only partially combusted, leading to fuel residue buildup on the cylinder walls. This can further damage engine components, including spark plugs and exhaust systems, increasing maintenance costs and shortening the life of the engine. – source

In addition,

• idling can result in CO poisoning
• Direct-injected gasoline engines can be carbon-fouled by idling

In the long term it is more practical to heat with a propane heater before bed, and a contact heater and appropriately-rated sleeping bag for sleeping. People in very cold climate may want to install a vented heater for overnight heating.

Air conditioning will require a generator or access to shore power.