solar for your RV
So I was poking around this morning on Amazon, and I see that the parts to add solar to your RV have made doing so *really* competitive with generators, not just in long term operating costs, but in u...
Forum Discussion
pianotuna wrote:
Vahalla360,
I don't find generators reliable. My first RV was a class C diesel from 1987. It had a 30 watt solar system from 1992 that cost $1700.00 If it was below freezing, the RV required the block heater to be run before it would start. That started me on generators.
I got a Kipor 2800 watt. That unit was not bad--and did last from 2000 until 2009. I had to have it repaired 4 times. I replaced it when it would no longer output the full wattage.
The replacement was a Boliy. It did not last through the first trip. I had two expert mechanics work on it--but it just would not keep running.
My next RV was a 2004 Ford E-450 chassis. No need for the block heater--and the solar kept the starter battery in good shape. I went for five years with no generator at all.
Then I went full time, and 256 watts was not enough. I made a mistake and I got a Yamaha 3000 iSEB. It lived on a rack on the back of my class C. That is, until someone cut through the hardened steel security cable.
I replaced it with another. I have a custom cage that it lives in. That and another new custom made bumper cost $2500.00
All in all, if I add up what I have paid for generators, maintenance, and repairs, I could have had a big enough solar system and enough battery storage to run my roof air. Likely that would include running the water heater, too.
My solar system, which cost $1700 in 2005, simply continues to work, with NOT one fault ever. And that, is what I call, reliable.
If all you need is to keep the starting battery up and a few light loads, I agree. Solar is the way to go.
I would strongly discount any generator or solar costs older than 10yrs...they simply aren't comparable to the modern situation.
We have a 2007 Yamaha 2400...only recently have we had any issue. At idle it surges a bit. Probably need the carb cleaned out but once loaded, it smooths right out. Only ever did oil changes on it. But to compare costs...that was around $1800. Just helped a friend pick a generator and he got a 3100w dual fuel Champion for $700. Of course, these were purchased not to charge the starting battery but to run the air/con units. While technically possible on solar, it's a pretty extensive system to have air/con in an large RV in hot weather on demand.
