Trailer is 40 yrs. old. Would a generator benefit us?

[MTsafari]

Our 1970 safari doesn't have all the electric bells and whistles of the newer models. We're generator illiterate, and are wondering if having one would benefit us. We don't have air conditioning (don't need it where we travel) and our appliances work well with propane gas. It would be nice to be able to use the electrical outlets (especially for a coffee maker), but cannot do so using 12 v. We most often camp in primitive areas (no hook-ups) that usually enforce limited generator use.

Do any of you use a generator with your older trailer? Would you recommend the investment?

Thanks.

[overlander63]

We have a 2000 watt Honda generator we use with our trailer. It will run everything but the a/c, it is nice being able to run the microwave or coffee maker when there is no electricity.

[65Safari65]

We did some long-distance travel in our '65 Safari and thought we would need a generator, but decided to wait and see how it was when we were on the road. Didn't miss it at all- get a good battery (we switched over to a 4D from Batteries Plus), and if you are driving for a couple of hours every few days, the alternator in the tow vehicle will replace all the power you used. Don't get a generator just for coffee- switch over to a stovetop percolator or a drip-through "Thai/vietnamese coffee maker", which you can get at most asian grocery stores. We didn't sit around and carefully count amp-hours, we just turned things off when we weren't using them, and never ran low-ever.

I guess you could do the research, and decide the exact model and make of generator you would buy, and then if you end up needing it, go out and get it. I just never need another engine to take care of in my life.

Brad

[purman]

All you would need is a 1000 watt one. I'm going to be picking up a Yamaha. Mostly to recharge the batteries. If the heater runs during the night it can kill my two batteries after a couple of nights, One if it is really cold... I have a 3 and 6 yr old but it's the wife that doesn't want to sleep cold..


I would go solar but like to camp in the trees when I can. maybe one day...

[ROBERT CROSS]

A 1000w Yamaha worked very well for us for 10 years with our 63 Safari.

Now use a 2000 Honda w/ dual mode propane conversion. Sooper set-up.

[FreshAir]

We camp half the time with no hookups and half with. Our Honda 2000 recharges our trailer battery nicely after a chilly (outside) evening of watching videos on the 22" flat screen. The trailer battery is in the rear of the coach which takes a long time to recharge from the car on the road. One time when de-camping the car battery died. So I pulled the trailer battery to jump start the car. That was too low to start the car as I had not recharged it that morning. The Honda 2000 with the optional car battery charge cord had us on the road pronto.
Neil.