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 > Generator or solar?

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pnichols

Santa Cruz Mountains

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Joined: 04/26/2005

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Posted: 07/03/08 08:42pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Another point very rarely mentioned is that you don't need a Honda 2000 inverter generator to charge "most" RV house battery banks quietly. This generator, although excellent when required, is overkill in power and the pocketbook for probably most folks' RV battery charging needs.

The Honda 1000 inverter generator will do just fine, at a lot less purchase price and a little better fuel consumption than the 2000.

Even the excellent earlier Honda EX650 you find on the used market will do, as the EX650 can continuously supply around 45 amps at 12V DC through the very common RV built-in 45 converter/charger, or when powering other 120V automotive type chargers you bring with you. You can get these excellent generators on the used market for around $300 or less. Although the EX650 is not an "inverter" charger and hence runs at a continuous 3600 rpm, it runs at this speed at only a 54dB sound level all the way up to it's full power output - while the Honda 1000 and 2000 inverter generators IDLE at only one dB less (53dB), and are of course above this sound level at their full power points. The EX650 runs 6-8 hours on it's 0.53 gallon gas tank, and may go longer than this when powering many RV battery charging setups.


Phil, 2005 E450 Itasca 324V Spirit

BRAVE

Maine

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Posted: 07/04/08 04:19am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

example, if you’re looking for a way to have all the “comforts” of home no matter where you are, get a generator. That way, you can run every appliance without running down your batteries.

On the other hand, if you can live without ACs, microwaves, big TVs, and coffee makers, consider getting a solar panel and a few extra batteries. You’ll never use and fuel and they run silently.

If you have the money, get both. Then you can run the generator when you need it but use the solar panel(s) to keep your 12 volts system (lights, water pump, furnace, fridge) humming along. By the way, if you do go with a solar system, purchase a Trik-L-Start. It enables your chassis (starting) battery to be charged by the solar system. Otherwise, only your coach (house) batteries will be charged by the solar panel(s).

Jack

Spaceman Spiff

Great White North

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Posted: 07/04/08 06:12pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Thanks to everyone who replied. I broke down and picked up a Yamaha EF2400iS Genny. It ran the 13500 A/C in trailer with no issues :-)

Spiff


01 F150 Super Crew
06 Zeppelin 303
Reese Dual Cam Sway System w/ Prodigy

tatest

Oklahoma

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Posted: 07/05/08 11:40am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Microwaves, electric coffee makers, blow dryers, toasters will put you into the generator, rather than solar, category of dry camping. Most of these will run OK on a 2 KW inverter, but will use more energy from the battery than you restore during a day of gathering electricity from sunlight.

Too much TV, feeding power to a computer or video game, also puts you in the generator category. Maybe less than 1 KW at any time, but full time use is likely more power than you can restore.


Tom Test
Itasca Spirit 29B
2001 Ranger Edge


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