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

bpounds
Nomad
Aug 28, 2015
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.
laknox
Nomad
Aug 28, 2015
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

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Solar or Genny

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