Living long term in an RV with no power is difficult. The furnace fan eats batteries for lunch and dinner; they won't last overnight. Who will start the generator? Anyone who isn't feeling well has trouble bending over and pulling a start cord...
Olympian Wave propane heaters take no power but even a Wave 8 would have trouble heating a 32 footer. I almost froze to death in my Holiday Rambler with a 6 and it was not Christmas yet. (WA state)
A Magnatek 6300 is not well thought of as a battery charger. It tends to overcharge (and ruin) batteries. You could disconnect the charger and use a battery "maintainer" or replace the Magnatek. I'm sure there will be folks along with suggestions as to brand/type.
I think some questions that should be asked are: Will she need a fan or A/C in hot weather? How cold does it get? Will she need the furnace? Does the refrigerator need 12 volts to operate? (that's the electronics, not cooling on 12 volts) If the batteries go dead one too many times, they are toast...
I'm thinking that you should look into providing power for your Mother. It might be cheaper than buying a generator? And buying gas for the genny? Depending on circumstances, power is needed if someone is to live comfortably in a trailer. Good Luck and hope your Mom feels better! VK
Yes I would suggest the 4 batteries as a minimum for full timing in that RV. That way she should be able to get two days from the batteries, in the event she does not get out to start the engine one day, or runs out of gasoline.
Also the 4 batteries can easy accept 50 amps at a time, while 2 might only take in 25 amps once they are a little over 1/2 full. And you can put 200 amp hours into the battery in about 4 hours, not needing to start the generator each day. Make sure she knows to recharge at 12.0 volts, not letting it get much lower, or if you have an indicator that reads 1/3 2/3 and full, to recharge at 1/3 not wait until it is empty, as this can tend to build up sulfur deposits on the battery plates and require more frequent replacement.
You might check with a local golf cart repair place. If you can get some Trojan T-125, they are slightly larger and heavier but the weight does not matter once parked in one place. T-145 is a little more rare, but still a larger capacity, while still light enough to carry without to much help.
The golf cart batteries are rated at 75 amp draw (in a golf cart motor service) for 105, 125 and 145 minutes respectively. I have the T-105, and mine are 4 years old, going great, the originals lasted 9 years and when I gave them away, they where still in great shape.
Is the TV set 12 volts or 120? You can get a small inverter - prefer one without a fan, that is rated as close to 100 watts as practical, as it will be more energy efficient than a 500 watt one. Then wire in with #10 wire to the battery with 20 amp fuse. 20 amp fuse will give up to 200 watts.
You can run a vacuum cleaner or microwave with the 2 KW Honda. There are also electric start versions, that are much heavier and louder, but easy key start. This might become important later in life? They also have a larger fuel tank, and also consume a little more power than the 2 KW. The 2 KW sure is quiet.
Did you happen to look for a used generator? Craigslist.com has some listed much of the time. Honda also makes a nice built-in water cooled generator. They might be more difficult to find used, but should last a long time, and is very quiet, but will require a larger separate tank. A used one from a junkyard pickup should work fine.
You might want to check prices here if you don't have the generator already. Mayberrys.com
I got tired of listening to my generator, and went with a large solar system. I also use a Olympic Catalytic Heater, and a 6,000 Btu will keep my RV toasty warm down to about 30F outside temps. Below that, I also run the furnace a bit to keep up. You do need to leave a roof vent open, as well as a window, put it does not use any electricity, and is completely silent.
I also love my very silent solar system. I have 400 watts, and that works great for full timing, when you are not using a lot of power in the winter. SolarOnSale.com
I hope that she enjoys the trailer. It is a low cost way to go, and can be an adventurer. With the correct equipment, it can be very comfortable too!
What state will she be parked in? That can give us some idea of the climates that she will need to be prepared for.
Do you have a solution for fresh water and dumping the holding tanks?
I ended up using a maserator pump and use a portable toilet to dump my RV. Or the same company that rents portable toilets can dump your black water tanks once every 2 weeks or so.
Potable water is a bit more difficult to get when it is a long distance from another house. But 1,000 feet of 3/4" PVC is only about $100 if there is a well nearby. It would also be possible to run a extension cord that distance, along with a voltage booster will work to power the batteries.
It is also possible to install a 12 volt DC well pump. Not easy or free, but possible. You can find some resources at HomePower.com
The 6300 Magnatek at 3 amps, is not a charger. So you will start w/ buying the largest battery charger,...about 40 amps.
But better yet, do a converter changeout, to an 80 amp 3 stage converter/ charger, like a PD 6280. You can use the DC part of the generator, but you would be limited to 8 amps charging,...hardly worth running the generator for.
Rich
'98 Flair, 454, Onan Microlite 4k, Intel PD 9155 w/ wizard, Sta-power 1500 watt Inv, 2 6v batts, ammeters, KingDome/sat, Oly Catalytic Heat, hauling 2 Bent Bikes and sometimes towing a Tracker F&S boat.
If you are going to use a generator regularly I'd consider the Honda EU3000iSA with remote electric start. If your mother has medical problems, starting a recoil start gen is not going to help anything!!
Can't you run a electrical line, sure would be a lot easier for her.
Papa Bob
1* DW "Granny"
1* 2008 Brookside by Sunnybrook 32'
1* 2002 F250 Super Duty 7.3L PSD
Husky 16K hitch, Tekonsha P3,
Firestone Ride Rite Air Springs, Trailair Equa-Flex, Champion C46540
"A bad day camping is better than a good day at work!"
In the summer time you will probably have to run the AC 24 hours a day and that means the generator will have to run. What about water and sewer connection too? If you live in a cold winter area, a lot of RV's are not set up for continued cold weather use.
I think that you have more questions here then answers.
doughere wrote: If you are going to use a generator regularly I'd consider the Honda EU3000iSA with remote electric start. If your mother has medical problems, starting a recoil start gen is not going to help anything!!
Doug
Starting the gen is only a small part of the problem, the gas in the tank will not last a full day and you will have to go there more than once a day to refill the tank if she cannot do it for herself. especially in really cold weather.
Keep in mind that her medical problems will probably only get worse. If you can not run permanent power, as well as a phone line to the trailer, FORGET IT! or you will soon regret the money you wasted doing it.
Both my parents are gone now but I remember the problems we faced over the years they were with us. They wanted to be independent too but if they aren't able you have to face it or you will just make things worse. JMHO!
Jerry, Dottie & Chan, "the little furry one"
98 Bounder 34V, 99 F-53 Ford V10 chassis
06 Saturn VUE 4I
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