Is a generator necessary?

No, it is not a requirement, but we prefer to dry camp and boondock, so for us a generator is a necessity. We can pretty much run most 120 VAC items (as needed) through our onboard MSW or PSW inverters for a couple of days with our current battery bank, but with the genny replenishing our 12 VDC reserves, it becomes a non-issue. We didn't buy a RV to not be able to utilize the creature comforts it provides by scrimping on energy usage, could of just stayed with tent camping if that was the case. We run our genny mostly to supply power to our high current draw items that we may use for an hour or two a day, all the while our Iota IQ4 quickly returns lost capacity from our taxing 12 VDC requirements when camping off the grid. To point, yes is the answer for if a genny is needed.

Solar panels will work as well but are far more expensive than a generator. We have a generator and usually use it only once a year. When we need it we are glad to have it. Sometimes we just want to pull over at Cabela's or some remote spot. In 7 years fulltiming we have had to use our generator once for a power outage and that was at a state park we were volunteering at.

needed,no. I would not camp without mine though, we have had power outages at RV parks and have run into high and low voltage that required us to provide our own power. Our RV only came with one 12 volt battery so it does not last long without support. I would recommend either having a very good battery bank and inverter, complete solar system or a generator.

Happy Camping

Dan & Janice

As some one said, go ahead and try it in the manner you desire to camp - if it works then your okay. We started out with the same concept, but then seen where having a small generator available would be nice, so we bought a Honda 2000i, and it has been worth every dime we spent.....back in '02! We could pull into a Rest Area, turn on the generator and make a pot of coffee, and then be back on the road. It was also great when we boondocked for a week or more...charged those batteries right up. It is a personal call, but you can always change your mind. Safe travels.

Needed? No
Nice to have? Yes

No. You do not NEED a generator. Living without hookups is much easier WITH a generator. Asking how far the batteries will take you is like asking how long a 6 pack of beer will last. Some people can make it last 6 days, others 6 weeks, but some can't last one day! My 2 12 volt batteries, with careful monitoring and minimum usage will last 3 to 4 days. Solar panels will not do just as well as a generator unless you have a serious setup. Typically, when not on hookups, I like to run my generator about an hour in the morning. During this time I try to get my coffee made, and any microwave usage I need for the day as well as letting it charge my batteries. I will usually run it an hour in the evening around supper time, again for some microwave use, maybe the news on television, and topping off the batteries for the night. There is nothing worse than having your propane alarm go off at 3:00 AM because your batteries have gotten too low!

With enough batteries you can go a couple/three days without charging with the right usage regimen. A generator is noisy and uses fuel. Solar is more expensive initially, but has a long-term payback. No noise, sunlight is free.

What is your setup and usage currently? How you will or want to use power is a starting point for determining options.

My advice...try it and see how it goes with your style of camping off the grid..
Generators are easy to find and easy to buy.
(unless you are camping on the moon....:))

We easily go 3 days on the batts..unless it's really cold and we have to run the furnace a lot.

No you really do not need a generator for a couple of days. We usually spend three or more days at a time on the Metolious with no hookups just fine. About three years ago we were there over Memorial day weekend, cloudy, cool and some rain. So lights , tv and heat were pretty much on all the time and my batteries were fine. I did run the generator for a couple of hours on the last day just to be sure. If you decide on a generator, start with something like a Honda 2000? That is a good handy tool. Easy to carry and store and will produce enough power to recharge the batteries.