generators

We mostly dry camp and use our Honda 2000I to recharge batteries if our solar can not keep up, also once in a while we will use the built in generator for the microwave or AC while dry camping but it is noisier and uses a lot of propane. when using either generator we comply with the generator usage rules for the campground or park we are in and try to be courteous to other campers

Race dirt bikes once a month April-October. Locations don't have campgrounds. Typical for us to run 30 hours in a weekend, mainly to have AC overnight, but also to enjoy all the other amenities. We don't have solar.

Also nice to run while travelling in hot weather so rig is cool when we stop.

If we have a choice, we'll take a full hook up campground in most cases, but generator let's us enjoy all our camper has to offer, regardless.

We have boondocked in AZ for the past seven years. We occasionally add some generator time when batteries get low and solar is slow to recharge(cloudy days.) We run the generator for using AC and rarely in the morning to recharge the batteries faster when needed.

Note: Gas generators need to be run monthly under load according to the manufacturer. Avoids gumming up the carburetor and more. No need to discuss how I learned this with my first RV.......... thought I was being smart to not run it. NOPE. They are designed and need to be used. Monthly exercising run time is in your manual.

A generator would give you a lot more flexibility in staying in different types of campgrounds (national parks, national forests, etc.) Solar would do the same. Having neither would be the pits... for us, anyway. We dislike RV parks.

We have both an onboard and portable inverter generator, in either case both can be started remotely, and are used predominately to power high current items such as AC and convection microwave.

We purchased our rig to enjoy all the amenities it provides and having a generator allows us to do so when not tethered to a power pedestal. We simply love being 100% fully self contained.

Since our preferred method of RVing is boondocking and dry camping, along with sufficient solar and 12 volt stored reserves, our generators guarantee success even during extreme weather scenarios.

On most occasions our genny gets minimal usage, converting to LEDs and using energy conserving electronics minimizes consumption, our solar array restores nearly all consumed amphours with few exceptions.

Although when circumstances dictate, having the ability to press a single button from within our RV and have our rig fully capable as if connected to shore power makes wherever we go just like being at home.

1) How often do you veterans run your generator? : Last time was 2012 and we dry camp almost 99.9% of the time.

2) Why do you need a generator?: I do not know if our generator will run our A/C and because we have dual his and hers 12V fans over the bed and we avoid really hot places, A/C is not needed. If it is, we will stay at a campground with AC.

3) What aspects of camping require a generator?: Because of solar and inverter, for us, no aspects of camping.

4) Does a generator give you a much better camping experience?: No

5) Other than run the A/C and microwave, what does a generator do for you?: Our microwave operates from our 2000W inverter. Our generator has done nothing for us in the last 6 years. We bring it along because it is only 50lbs and fits in our pass through nicely.

Dave

I do full time and have some solar.

My generator run time last year was 100 hours. I do have a remote electric start kit installed.

The generator can be used to recharge the battery bank. I almost never do this.

In hind sight I wish I had gone to massive solar with a 48 volt battery bank. It would have been cheaper than having a generator in the long run, and a heck of a lot less annoying.

They work best if you're full-timing.

It gives us some additional flexibility when we travel. We recently needed to make a 3 day drive with just a couple of stops along the way. Without the ability to plan ahead, we found there were no campgrounds available where we wanted to stop. An overnight at Wal-Mart and generator and we were good to go. We also use the generator to run our A/C when we have to travel in very hot weather. As others have mentioned, it also always some dry camping stays in areas out the beaten path which are some of our greatest experiences.

I don't full time but, a generator allows us to be self sustaining for a few days if necessary.

We don't need a generator. Same as you don't need a TT, fifth wheel or motor home to go camping. You can use a tent. And, years ago I camped without a tent, so that is not needed.
It's a personal choice for the level of comfort you want while camping or traveling.

Plus, a generator can be used at home in the event of a power outage.
It's a choice, not a need.