This is my dilemma I don't boondock but I do road trips that are days travel time, I only run the microwave for a few minutes and maybe a toaster on this trips or charge a device here and there. I am having a hard time trying to figure a 2000w generator or about 300w of solar. Thanks for your help again.

Colo Native wrote:This is my dilemma I don't boondock but I do road trips that are days travel time, I only run the microwave for a few minutes and maybe a toaster on this trips or charge a device here and there. I am having a hard time trying to figure a 2000w generator or about 300w of solar. Thanks for your help again.IMO, you'd be better off with the genny. On-demand power day or night, multiple batteries not needed (saves weight and maintenance), lower overall cost, can get 2 gennies and parallel them for more power, if needed; just a few things off the top of my head. If you find you're starting to boondock, or otherwise dry camp, then you may need to rethink the solar at that time.Lyle

Generator first. It is more versatile.Solar later, maybe. It is quiet and passive. Requires almost no human interaction. It is always there, but does not always work.

I have a TT with 2 WalMart batteries; I used to have a 2000Watt gennywhich ran for 3 hours each day to top up the batteries. Earlier this year I purchased a 160W solar panel (and controller) for $180. This panel keeps the batteries topped up as long as there is daylight (it does charge even when overcast). I no longer take my genny with me and rely on the Solar panel. I have not tried it yet during the winter when there are daylight hours - we shall see.Of course - I can not run the microwave/toaster as only 12V is "live" - but you may be able to get an inverter for those items.Gerry

I think you need to run the numbers for the solar to decide. Either option is viable but the solar option is more cost and complication than just buying 300watts of panels. - A generator is a throw it in the truck and crank it up when you need power (admittedly, an occasional oil change and filling the fuel) and that about it. You get as much power as the generator can provide for as long as you have gas. - With solar, the panels are just the start and if you want to take advantage of them on the move, you need a permanent mount. You also need a charge controller mounted and wired in. If you want to run a high draw item like a toaster, you need a fairly large inverter. To power a fairly large inverter you need a decent size battery bank. This all comes with cost and complications. I suspect by the time you are done the generator will be cheaper and more versitle. The biggest downside to solar is if you ever want to run the air/con, the solar is a no go.Another alternative since you say it is being used for road trips is build the solar system but skip the solar panels. 6-8hrs with the truck hooked up and charging should be enough to top up the batteries negating the need for solar panels. You will still need the inverter and larger battery bank.

Solar is great but you have to have a back up means of charging when the sun doesn't play well. That could be as simple as a pair of jumper cables or a generator. We don't take ours on shorter trips but I wouldn't hit the road without it. Leaving the batteries discharged for too long or take them down too far waiting for the sun may damage them. To run a microwave off of battery even for a few minutes requires at least two batteries if not four, plus a inverter big enough to run it. It all cost money but then again quiet inverter generators are not free either. I would think a Champion 2000i inverter generator would be the least expensive way to go.

Solar or Genny | Good Sam Community

32 Replies

C_Schomer
Explorer
Sep 13, 2015
Solar made the most sense to me. I have 2 - 6v batteries, no matter what and I don't use any 120v appliances anyway when I camp. I put 150 watts on our previous 5er and the batteries were at full charge by the end on every afternoon. This 5er came with 240 watts and that's more than enough.
My wife didn't think we could live w/o a generator so she bought a Honda 2000 but I haven't needed it.
The solar has been maintenance free, no gas or oil, and the RV doesn't need to be plugged in when stored. Craig
time2roll
Nomad
Sep 13, 2015
NONE OF IT. Just adjust your lifestyle very slightly.

Put a USB adapter in the 12v outlet and charge away.
Plan some meals to use the stove top or eat out.

If you are driving several hours each day the vehicle will keep the trailer battery mostly charged in most conditions. Once in camp you can fire up the MW while the battery charges overnight.
MM49
Explorer
Sep 13, 2015
For me solar takes the travel out of travel trailer. I don't want some flimsy solar panel screwed through my rubber roof. I also don't want to clean around them. The thought of hauling 600 - 1000 lbs. of battery is not pleasant. Again I am not against permanent solar installations in locations without Edison.
Mm49
bbaker2001
Explorer
Sep 13, 2015
I have a 150 watt panel system. it keeps me charged. I don't think I could run a microwave using solar only.
I did buy the Costco Champion 2000 and it was great, but it would not run my microwave. overloaded instantly. tried the next Costco gen, and would barely run, and sounded crazy. went to Honda 2000 and it does rev up, but handles it ok. coffee in morning.
good luck
JiminDenver
Explorer II
Sep 07, 2015
We like our 750w of solar and big bank too. Then again we only Boondock, I wouldn't consider it for an occasional dry trip or lay over on the road. I think a 100w of solar to keep the batteries up and a 2000w generator would be ideal.

Now if you ever do decide to go all out, let me know. I'll show you where the deals on solar are around here. It would be a drive but there are some 435w panels going for 65 cents a watt in NM.
bpounds
Nomad
Sep 07, 2015
rjsurfer wrote:
I'm running 700 watts solar into four 6 volt gc batteries and a 2000 watt inverter and like the setup. It keeps me from running the genny more often than not...

700 watts is a lot of panels for a 245 size camper. I would be interested in seeing a pic of your roof layout. I'm assuming they are roof mounted, not portable. Sounds like a very nice system.
rjsurfer
Explorer
Sep 07, 2015
I'm running 700 watts solar into four 6 volt gc batteries and a 2000 watt inverter and like the setup. It keeps me from running the genny more often than not.

The only time I NEED to use the Honda 2000 is for those hot humid days. It does require some fore thought, converter has to off and all utilities on gas and of course no extra's plugged in to 110 outlets. Forget about it at elevations above 6000'

Right now we're in Gros Ventre (no electric, water etc.) campground in the Tetons, last night it was 30 degrees and the batteries more than handled the furnace AND some intermittent electric heater, TV, electric coffee pot and micrwave use. At 6AM the batteries are at 70%.

Even being partial shade the 6 panels will more than recharge the batteries by 1PM.

I'm thinking of moving to the non-generator loop today, I know what's coming here this morning, dozens of noisy generators coming on line at 8am to warm up everyone's camper and make coffee.

If you like camping in the wooded areas like my wife and I do, install extra panels. The usual rule of thumb is 100 watts of solar for every 100 amp hours of battery. That's fine for the desert but double that for shaded spots.

Good luck

Ron W.
tinner12002
Explorer
Sep 07, 2015
Honda would and is my choice of genny.
hclarkx
Explorer
Sep 07, 2015
Colo Native wrote:
Ok, seems to be Generator is best way not to open a can of worms but I have looked at several Honda 2000i companion( Like that it has a 30 amp plug) Champion 2000i(cheaper)so what is good I don't plan on using A/C and I want to be able to pick it up and the 3000's are to heavy. And maybe get 100w solar for keeping the batteries charged.

I went this route after similar deliberations. The Companion 30 amp outlet is handy because it avoids your 30-20 adapter, but of course is only good for 16.7 amps (2000W) unless you couple in the second generator (this is the overload rating, continuous is less, 1600W or similar). So, the only advantage of getting the Companion is not needing a 30amp to 20amp adapter.

Added Note: I believe that the "Companion" version leaves you without 12V output for charging your tow vehicle battery or your RV batteries should your converter fail. The regular unit has 12V terminals while the Companion has no "12 volt receptacle" according to the Camping World catalog.
Veebyes
Explorer II
Aug 29, 2015
Different strokes for different folks.

Solar won't do you much good if you are an in the trees type of camper. Great if you like deserts.

Solar does not generate 120V AC so an inverter will be needed. Between solar & inverter the price can exceed an inverter genny in no time.

The cheapest way might be to simply increase the size of the battery bank & install an inverter.

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