We usually don't boondock, but will be spending 3 days in Death Valley in Nov, want to be able to run my 3 fantastic fans 24/7 (have an old dog who doesn't do heat well) other than the fans the only electrical draw would be to the converter and lights which are led, everything else fridge and water heater will be on propane, I realize there is a draw from sensors and to keep the dsi working, so I'm wondering in an 800 W generator running for 4-6 hours a day would keep the batteries up. I really don't want an expensive generator as I hope that we really won't use it other than this trip. Thanks

I would look at a Honda 2000 watt unit. I am not sure 800 watts would be enough.I have a 4000 watt unit and only use it twice a year - but it is a backup in case we loose power to the house.

A small genny would do it but what do you do at some point in the future when you need more. Maybe enough to power a small appiance like a toaster or power tool along with other small draws.Get the Honda 2000 & be finished with it.

I think Furnace Creek has some electric hookups now.I recommend 80 to 140 watts of solar over the 800w generator.Swing by Norco Cal and pick up a panel & controller on your way.140w $154 +tax.

I have two of the Honda EU2000i generators, so I can hook them up together and run the AC if I choose. I also have solar panels on the roof, which keep all four of my batteries charged most of the time, unless I'm parked in lots of shade. They provide plenty of juice daily so I can even watch TV at night and keep everything charged. With them I rarely use a generator. Total output is 144watt for the two panels. When these wear out I plan to upgrade the output.

Thank you for all the replys so far, I should have mentioned this generator is at Harbor Freight for $128.00. We don't plan to boondock if we were considering it I would definitely go solar, as far as we hope this is a one time only. Yes Furnace Creek has electric, but they are booked anytime that we wanted to go. Thanks Veebyes, that is what I wanted to know, I understand what you are saying but we survived for 10 years with one, if it wasn't for the dog we wouldn't even be thinking about this

keeping batteries charged | Good Sam Community

mamestra
Explorer
Aug 01, 2014
Thank you for the advice, I'm going to try to either rent one for the three days or see if I can find a used 1000W Honda. I hadn't realized that 91 db was as loud as a lawn mower, don't want to disturb the peace that much.
Veebyes
Explorer II
Aug 01, 2014
Whatever genny you get do NOT get a cheap open framed very noisy one unless you don't mind being the most unpopular person in the CG & don't mind the sound of a lawnmower roaring away.
AH64ID
Explorer
Aug 01, 2014
As long as you don't let the batteries get too low you should be fine. The $129 harbor freight genny I found online is 900w surge and 800w continuous.

A 55w converter will draw more than 800w if your batteries are low.

The trick would be to run more often than you think you need so you don't overload a generator.

Have you looked into renting a generator? The weekend cost might be lower to rent, and you could end up with a quiet 1000w or 2000w generator instead of a noisy 800w one.

The Harbor Freight generator is 91DB, which is NOT quiet.
doughere
Explorer
Aug 01, 2014
You need to make sure your converter will not overload the 800 watt genny. If you can control the converter (PD's can have a pendant to control) you should have no problem.

A converter over 45 or 50 Amps might overload the genny.

I had one of the 2cycle little generators, and you are aware that they are a POS, but it did work for awhile. You are aware that anyone around you is going to give you dirty looks.

Test it out before you leave, making sure the voltage is OK; the first one I got put out about 140 Volts, took back and second was OK.

Doug
Rvpapa
Explorer
Aug 01, 2014
As you say this trip is probably a one off there is no reason to buy anything larger than the 800w. Geez it will power a 50 amp converter/charger but will probably be fairly noisy.
Art.
AZ_T_T
Explorer
Aug 01, 2014
I think you will be fine. You also could add some inexpensive solar panels.
mamestra
Explorer
Aug 01, 2014
Thank you for all the replys so far, I should have mentioned this generator is at Harbor Freight for $128.00. We don't plan to boondock if we were considering it I would definitely go solar, as far as we hope this is a one time only. Yes Furnace Creek has electric, but they are booked anytime that we wanted to go. Thanks Veebyes, that is what I wanted to know, I understand what you are saying but we survived for 10 years with one, if it wasn't for the dog we wouldn't even be thinking about this
Willcamp4
Explorer
Aug 01, 2014
I have two of the Honda EU2000i generators, so I can hook them up together and run the AC if I choose. I also have solar panels on the roof, which keep all four of my batteries charged most of the time, unless I'm parked in lots of shade. They provide plenty of juice daily so I can even watch TV at night and keep everything charged. With them I rarely use a generator. Total output is 144watt for the two panels. When these wear out I plan to upgrade the output.
time2roll
Nomad
Aug 01, 2014
I think Furnace Creek has some electric hookups now.

I recommend 80 to 140 watts of solar over the 800w generator.

Swing by Norco Cal and pick up a panel & controller on your way.
140w $154 +tax.
Veebyes
Explorer II
Aug 01, 2014
A small genny would do it but what do you do at some point in the future when you need more. Maybe enough to power a small appiance like a toaster or power tool along with other small draws.

Get the Honda 2000 & be finished with it.