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Old 12-11-2009, 10:35 AM   #21
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Gen - whoa...didn't think of the downside...I keep getting pulled toward the combo of:

Expensive Honda Gen + Solar

At least I can do one maybe in 2010 and the other in 2011 to spread out the cost...
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Old 12-11-2009, 11:04 AM   #22
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hi big john...

well, good gensets DO seem expensive at first glance.

but the RESALE is excellent and there are good deals to be found on used models.

IF you've got a quiet reliable genset and healthy batteries there is NO need to add solar, unless THAT is a priority.

solar is great but COSTLY and really beyond what the average camper needs.

also dig deeper into the wind thing, it is NOT nearly as useful as some are suggesting.
___________

don't expect the tow vehicle to RECHARGE the trailer batteries to ANY significant extent...

you can confirm this in MANY threads or by MEASURING the amps provided at the 7 pin plug.

the alternator via the 7 pin and oem wiring is really a trickle charge

and takes days of driving to RESTORE a deep cycle battery that's at 50%.

cheers
2air'
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Old 12-11-2009, 11:14 AM   #23
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One more bubble burst

Solar works best with long sunny days. TN winters feature many gray skies and short hours of sunlight. Unless you are in the south west, solar is an adjunct for winter charging at best.
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Old 12-11-2009, 11:15 AM   #24
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hmmmm....

2air' - thanks for the advice re: the trickle charge - I was actually going to try that out with my multimeter as I had similar suspicion but now I don't have to.

I will begin my craigslist adventure to SELL the $500 Home Dept gen I just bought (hopefully I'll only take a $100 loss on it) and find me a Honda at a reasonable price (I've seen the multiple links).

Since you are reading - minimum WATT rating required on a genset to run my 86 SOV - both with and without the Air Conditioner?
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Old 12-11-2009, 11:28 AM   #25
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Quote:
Originally Posted by big_john View Post
...minimum WATT rating required on a genset to run my 86 SOV - both with and without the Air Conditioner?
1 2000w will handle ALL the systems except the AC.

and "how much" for the AC really depends on the AC in question and how long u would like it to last...

simple answer is 2x2000 on the gensets....

so get 1 2000 now and when/if u really wanna run the AC, add a second one at that time (plenty of time for shopping used too).

there are smaller ACs and more efficient ACs...

and there are folks reporting that 2400 watts (a yamaha) will run SOME ac units ok...

again check the specs for YOUR model of air conditioner and how many amps are needed at start up and for continuous operation.
________

UNDER powering the start up or marginal power is a sure way to KILL the ac in short order.
________

some are using 2800 watt gensets or 3000 or 3400.

the larger gensets are harder to move/lift/carry but DO work fine.

the utility of 2 smaller gensets in parallel is that they are easier to move and ONLY one can be used most of the time.
________

scan the genset thread subforum, there are GREAT long exchanges by smart folks on what works and why.

and reading here is free!

cheers
2air'
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Old 12-11-2009, 11:42 AM   #26
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thanks - been doing some great reading on the generator forum. some really neat stuff out there.

i just LOVE research!!
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Old 12-11-2009, 04:07 PM   #27
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Heat is btu's, can get them from any source BUT if it was simple and cheap all would be doing it. I can say solar, wind or batteries won't. Shore electric, genset electric, propane will for as long as the tank and batteries last. You can solve part of it by doing an efficiency study of your space, IR thermometers are getting cheaper, shoot the walls, outlets, windows from inside and out and see where the heat is going. If you can elliminate loss you will be be able to use the least of any power you decide to use. Right now I have a fire going in the fireplace, not camping. Very few do the simplest pot belly stove, they do make them for boats so it wouldn't be too hard to use in an AS, but they come with many precautions. Stay warm.
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Old 12-11-2009, 05:03 PM   #28
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Well....

Our boondocking likely won't last more than a long weekend and we will likely stick to the SE USA for the time being.

Hence a GenSet seems to be the most reasonable option!

I appreciate all the feedback. As we get more adventurous and branch out we may have to use some other options....

Best!

BigJohn
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Old 12-11-2009, 05:28 PM   #29
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If all you are going to do is charge batteries, I would think about picking up a used 1000. You should be able to pick one up cheap I would think.
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Old 02-05-2010, 05:39 PM   #30
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Would you please explain in more detail, the phemon of LP going to a lit pilot and BOOM?
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