Wind Generator Power??

[henw]

I'd like a small nuclear reactor. Bet it would be quiet too.
When we camp the juice flows. AC, TV's, microwave, coffee pot, blow dryer, flat iron, stereo, party lights. Gave up the tent quality camping a long time ago.

[jzelle]

Even small wind generators are quite noisy, your neighbors might not appreciate it.

[markdoane]

Originally Posted by henw

I'd like a small nuclear reactor. Bet it would be quiet too.

. . . but until then, I'd like to have a reformer and a stack of fuel cells.

[craftsman]

The Air-X is on it's third incrarnation with much lower noise levels. There are other small wind generators used mainly Wind Generators Kiss High-Output Wind Generator for sailboats that could be adapted to RVing

[Poprivet]

Originally Posted by overlander63

Uhh...I did a search on "wind", and for some reason, I got search results for burrito fixin's...

Could it be an add for wind generator fuel?

[overlander63]

I've been thinking, and, if money were not so much an object, is there a reason you couldn't use both solar and wind power generation? My experience has been that on cloudy days, when there is less light for the solar panels, it tends to be windy.

[chandles]

Hi, All:

Thanks for all your responses (even the burrito one!). It's looking like everyone agrees that wind is nice, but as added to solar; and then on top of that, have a small generator for backup. Quite a pricetag, but given that i want to boondock more than not, it seems like it might be the ticket. Again, thanks for the advice.
i'll be doing more research on both wind and solar generation.

[slowmover]

I am enjoying reading this also. As I see our trailer as being an alternative home if a hurricane or other destroys our house in this city -- and we are living "elsewhere" for 9-18 months during rebuilding -- it would seem that a combination of sources is practical (beyond initial cost). Hope to see more.

[craftsman]

Air-X makes this telescoping tower for RV's. I think the cost is $700.00.

[Aage]

Assuming that the trailer is something like a 25 footer, and I don't need to run A/C what kind of a system would take care of "normal" demands?

By "normal", I'm thinking lights, hot water, exhaust fans, maybe a small LCD TV, a bit of radio, and so on.

What would I need to install, and what would approximate costs be for quality solar equipment?

thanks,
Aage

[Pick]

I priced some solar equipment at our local A/S dealer. $198 for a 15 watt panel?? Then you have to buy a charge controller for it.

I'll stick to my Honda generator, thank you.

[audiobox]

Originally Posted by Pick

I priced some solar equipment at our local A/S dealer. $198 for a 15 watt panel?? Then you have to buy a charge controller for it.

I'll stick to my Honda generator, thank you.

I think this would be comparable to buying wine at a restaurant. It's convenient, 'cause there you are, but the cost/performance relationship is not tilted in your favor.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Might be a great idea for our Nations Capitol.

Plenty of HOT AIR there!!

[lewster]

Originally Posted by Aage

Assuming that the trailer is something like a 25 footer, and I don't need to run A/C what kind of a system would take care of "normal" demands?

By "normal", I'm thinking lights, hot water, exhaust fans, maybe a small LCD TV, a bit of radio, and so on.

What would I need to install, and what would approximate costs be for quality solar equipment?

thanks,
Aage

Aage,

You asked for a 'quality' system. Check out the AM Solar web site at Welcome to AM Solar - Your RV Solar Specialists since 1987. After a lot of research, I found their systems to be at the top of the heap.......so much so that I now represent them and install their systems.

A complete 1 panel (100 watt) system hat will keep your batteries charged properly will cost you between $1025 and $1375, depending on which controller you decide is best for your application. (and by 'complete' I mean everything you need for the install, right down to the wire, cable clamps, labels, etc........EVERYTHING!!!)

I am currently running a 2 panel system linked to a HPV-30DR charge controller and 2 Lifeline GPL-6CT golf cart batteries that are 300 amp hours. Coupled to that is a Magnum 2000 watt sine wave inverter, so I'm ready for a lot of draw-down. I use the system (which is mounted in my service van) to run power tools while working, and also to power the Engel refer to keep the beveredges frosty!)

I think a proper AGM hi-capacity battery linked to a Sunrunner 100/30DR system will do you nicely. You will also need an inverter to run your TV, etc, but you surely don't need a 2000 watt unit. There are lots of others out there.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

[Aage]

Thanks, Lewster, that's not nearly what I though it would be.

IIRC, those wind gennies ran $1300 and up, right? That really doens't sound bad at all. Not having to worry about running down the battery or having to lug some gas genny around makes that a real interesting solution.

Thanks again!

regards,
Aage

[6PackCharlie]

Greetings All:
Check out this site for an RV Wind Generator:
MotorWave

$300 dollars plus $49 for shipping.


I haven't purchased one yet, I need to buy an A/C unit first.
Hopefully in the near future.
Charles