To Generator or not to Generator

[KingBilly]

So Mark, first a caravan, now a generator.  Are you sure you are on the right forum?

Pop over here mate http://caravanersforum.com  They should be able to help

KB

[MarkVS]

So Mark, first a caravan, now a generator.  Are you sure you are on the right forum?

Pop over here mate http://caravanersforum.com  They should be able to help

KB

  cruel but funny....

Now KB....as you and I BOTH know it's not a Cara..thingy.....it's a hard wall camper....

Also remember..YOU have to be careful as you never know what you'll end up with

[briann532]

I was always of the belief that "caravans" went to caravan parks and "campers" went camping. 

Its just some "campers" have some extra features such as non canvas sides.....
or roof......

[muzza01]

As said above, we have a EU20 Honda that we take with us when we think we may need it. This last xmas on Straddie we camped for 15 days, it was very hot but at the same time there were quite a few cloudy days, we run 1 x 75l Engel and 1 x 40l Engel as well as lights and a water pump. The gennie hooked to the 30amp Projecta battery charger ment we could maintain 13v + in our batteries (220amp ) for the whole time.

On a weekender trip it's not needed so it's left a home, but on a trip like Cape York we use the gennie because by the time you stop each arvo there's not much sunlight left for panels ( we have 260w ), and one gennie can power a lot of camp sites. Last time we were running half the camp on the one gennei each night, we switch the fridges over to 240v for the night and give the batteries a rest and in the morning everyone is good to go       

Hope that help Mark !!

Cheers
John

We do exactly the same. X 2

[Jakster1]

Generally no, generator not required as we run off batteries and solar.
BUT
During a hot north QLD summer, sometimes the only way to get the missus and kids to enjoy camping is with fans and/or A/C running at night.
Then the genny is invaluable. Beats sweaty, screaming and tired  kids (and me) every time.
Of course we're careful to not piss off other campers but usually they get to grab some power too if they want  and our camping is fairly isolated so not many around anyways

[jetcrew]

I have a 1kva Honda for many years and take it on long trips for all the reasons listed above .

Just spent 5 days at sandy creek with the 300w roof mounted.

I had to have camper in sun all day to get the amps in with the roof mounts .. Bloke across from us nice shady spot by creek under the trees 2 hrs a day on Jenny and he was done .. While we baked in the sun.

Solar is awesome but has limitations esp in a roof mount scenario such as what we have now .. I will most likley take 200+ watts portable on my trip as the roof mount is now just a bonus not to be relied upon as baking in the sun is no fun and reminded me why I prefer portable panels .

Get a 1kva just in case is my thoughts . I don't run them to annoy others and that's another debate but as far as usefulness you can't beat em on a long trip . If you gave an alternator issue or similar a geny and charger can get you through it out of trouble .

Jet 

[GeoffA]

.......... as the roof mount is now just a bonus not to be relied upon as baking in the sun is no fun and reminded me why I prefer portable panels........

Really Jet??.......

[jetcrew]

Yes really  really

Also the dust had them covered up pretty quickly lost 40% production in dust coverage .

Jet