I was discussing it today with my Airstream Dealer and they seemed
pretty impressed with it. They are going to order one as a demo and test it out.
I liked the portability of it (it weighs only 17 lbs.) and of course not having to carry around gas cans.
There is also a free standing telescoping RV stand available for it (weighs 66 lbs.).
It's not cheap (list $844.49).
But then again, wind is free!
I don't know if it is the same unit, but a couple I know who have an airstream they take down to padre island every winter has a wind generator and they swear by it. Of course, there is always wind there. The other thing is that they stay in one place for extended periods so set up and take down is less of an issue.
Interesting, but you will still need a charge controller to provide the proper metering of the current to your batteries ($300-400 for a good one).
What is the wind speed necessary for maximum output? I think unless you were headed for a spot with known, consistent wind, I would go solar instead!
I have friends with a surf camp in Baja and they use 2 of these, backed up by 8 solar panels and (shudder the thought) a diesel generator! All this is connected to a humongous battery bank of 12, 8-D behemoth Lifeline AGM batteries...making their own AC thru inverters. Obviously, there is no electricty available in their remote area...but the surf shure is great!!!!!
Interesting, but you will still need a charge controller to provide the proper metering of the current to your batteries ($300-400 for a good one). What is the wind speed necessary for maximum output? I think unless you were headed for a spot with known, consistent wind, I would go solar instead!
Yup, I agree. If it were $84.44, I'd consider along with solar panels... otherwise, $844 is awfully rich for those dead summer daze (which we seem to run into alot down here). However, the SUN is definitely out. Alot!
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. Bill & Kim's Marvelous Adventure with Catahoula Charlie
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Great idea and maybe a good investment if the math works out. I'd take a reasonable loss just to be green anyway. You should look into the decibles the thing makes at speed, though I hear the newer designs are getting a lot quieter.
Good luck,
Steve
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Have you paid no regard to their accounts- Job 21:29
I was discussing it today with my Airstream Dealer and they seemed
pretty impressed with it. They are going to order one as a demo and test it out.
I liked the portability of it (it weighs only 17 lbs.) and of course not having to carry around gas cans.
There is also a free standing telescoping RV stand available for it (weighs 66 lbs.).
It's not cheap (list $844.49).
But then again, wind is free!
Noise is one problem with wind generators the faster they turn the noisier they are. This can be a problem in the middle of the night. In order to be effective they have to be above the tree line.
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Ruby, (05 BMW R1200RT) serviced and put to bed for the winter
Daisy, (06 Diesel F-250 w/Tow Command)
Butter Cup, (06 Classic 31 w/dinette, solar) http://Michelles-Adventures.US
On a small Airstream like mine, mounting enough solar panels to really make a difference seems like it would be cumbersome and unsightly.
The stand for the wind generator is very portable with a small "L" at the bottom that you drive a tire over to stabilize. I couldn't find a photo but I saw one at the dealer.
It would be nice to be able to bring it only when needed or leave it at home.
Or take it with you if you sell your Airstream.
As far as price goes...I don't know if there is a less expensive version available? Has anyone seen other models out there for less?
The windmill and charge controller work out $$ wise to a solar panel set up.
With the windmill you need to set up and take down and have enough wind. Hopefully that model is not as loud as others I've heard.
Talk with Uwe and if a panel fits on your roof (and I think it will) you might be better off going solar.
We have one panel on the roof that keeps our batts fully charged. In winter camping the juice we use running the furnace all night is recharged by noonish. With your smaller size and reduced heating requirments it should not be a problem for you.
No matter which system you choose you'll still need a genny to run the A/C.
I notice at the bottom of this very page is the "similar thread" list with a few of the previous turbine discussions.
My hesitation with solar is that I like to park in the shade to avoid using A/C and I would hate to have to choose the sunny spot just to charge my batteries. If we're rolling my batteries are getting recharged anyway.
Best wishes,
Steve
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Have you never questioned those who travel?
Have you paid no regard to their accounts- Job 21:29
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