alternator?????

[la nomade]

i have been traveling with my brand new 22ft safari sport-bambi and the thing i miss is :can not use the outlets ,nor the air conditioner unless i am on shore power.....is there any way to install a alternator and if so what does it involve????with this hot weather is was hard to boondock or use harvest host..etc....just wondering....thanks...M

[overlander63]

An alternator usually requires a method of rotation, generally an engine. If you are near a source of flowing water, you could possibly rig up a paddle wheel to move the alternator, or a windmill if it's windy. I suppose you could connect an alternator to a stationary bike, which would also work.

Though I really don't know why you would want to go to such lengths simply to charge your 12v battery.


Are you sure you aren't wanting to know about an inverter? It takes 12v DC and makes 120v AC.
And no, if that is what you are asking, it is impossible to use one to generate enough power to run your air conditioner for more than about 2 minutes with your single battery.

[TG Twinkie]

How about buying an inverter generator?

[la nomade]

its all about wording ..o.k inverter it is....i have solar panels and thought it would keep the battery full....you can make fun,,,i do not pretend to know anything...this is why i ask the forum....

[r carl]

Solar panels will not power your air conditioner. You need a generator.

[la nomade]

Originally Posted by r carl

Solar panels will not power your air conditioner. You need a generator.

Thanks. Too bad

[Jim Flower]

Hi la nomade
Your Bambi should have some outlets that are receiving 110 volt power when you have turned your inverter on in addition to the outlets that are powered by 110 volts from shore power. You will not be able to use the air conditioner unless you have 110 shore power or you purchase a generator large enough (about 3000 watts) to power the air conditioner. You can usually keep comfortable enough by carefully adjusting air flow using window adjustment and the fantastic fan. It's all a bit of a dance that you will get good at over time. Good luck.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by Jim Flower

Hi la nomade
Your Bambi should have some outlets that are receiving 110 volt power when you have turned your inverter on in addition to the outlets that are powered by 110 volts from shore power. You will not be able to use the air conditioner unless you have 110 shore power or you purchase a generator large enough (about 3000 watts) to power the air conditioner. You can usually keep comfortable enough by carefully adjusting air flow using window adjustment and the fantastic fan. It's all a bit of a dance that you will get good at over time. Good luck.

Sport models do not have factory equipped inverters.

[uraljohn]

Originally Posted by la nomade

i have been traveling with my brand new 22ft safari sport-bambi and the thing i miss is :can not use the outlets ,nor the air conditioner unless i am on shore power.....is there any way to install a alternator and if so what does it involve????with this hot weather is was hard to boondock or use harvest host..etc....just wondering....thanks...M

The simplest, least expensive way to run 120v & A/C while boondocking is purchasing a quality Inverter Generator. It would cost a bunch of money to put together enough solar and battery combination to run your A/C. Lots of folks buy the small Honda 2200 watt gas powered unit. Little expensive at around $1100.00 but stone reliable. I have a Champion 3500 watt Dual Fuel and run it exclusively on propane. Cost $1050.00 at the dreaded Camping World. Powers everything with room to spare. Electric start, RV plug in ready and so far has not missed a beat. A little heavy at just under 100 LBS, but my tow vehicle has a lot of cargo capacity. Your going to need a generator. Do some research and get one that fills the bill for your power requirements.

[Jim Flower]

Originally Posted by overlander63

Sport models do not have factory equipped inverters.

Solar and no inverter? I guess one should not assume.

[la nomade]

Originally Posted by uraljohn

The simplest, least expensive way to run 120v & A/C while boondocking is purchasing a quality Inverter Generator. It would cost a bunch of money to put together enough solar and battery combination to run your A/C. Lots of folks buy the small Honda 2200 watt gas powered unit. Little expensive at around $1100.00 but stone reliable. I have a Champion 3500 watt Dual Fuel and run it exclusively on propane. Cost $1050.00 at the dreaded Camping World. Powers everything with room to spare. Electric start, RV plug in ready and so far has not missed a beat. A little heavy at just under 100 LBS, but my tow vehicle has a lot of cargo capacity. Your going to need a generator. Do some research and get one that fills the bill for your power requirements.

Best reply and idea yet
Thank you I will research
Or just give up the idea

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by Jim Flower

Solar and no inverter? I guess one should not assume.

I should never say "never". I guess if somebody waved enough cash at them, they'd put one in, but as a a normal option, they don't.

[uraljohn]

Glad I could be of help. Sounds like you wanted to avoid getting generator. I understand that. Kind of takes the "Off the Grid" aspect away. As I stated, do a bit of research. There are many different brands of generators out there. Some better than others. One thing to keep in mind, if you boondock with a group, try to get a quiet running unit. The Honda is kind of the benchmark for low noise. The Champion that I have is ever so slightly louder than the Honda. Not much louder, but you can tell. Good luck with your research and ask any question you need answers for. This Airforums group is generally a pretty good bunch. Happy travels.

[uraljohn]

Go to "YouTube" and put in "Best RV Generators" a whole bunch of reviews of just about every brand of generator will come up. Grab a cold one, have a seat, and conduct research! Happy hunting.

[la nomade]

Originally Posted by overlander63

Sport models do not have factory equipped inverters.

Thank you. Will have to adjust since there is no simple solution
Use campgrounds when needed
Boondocking if not too hot