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Executive45's avatar
Executive45
Explorer III
Apr 10, 2015

Newbie Question

Newbie question here: We are in a position where we will be staying at an Elks Lodge for three days. While we've spent the random single day without hookups this will be the longest we've gone "off the grid" so to speak. I'm looking for some advice on how you guys run your generator and inverter so as to keep you batteries up.

I have a 3000W inverter
10000W Generator
4 battery bank..all new batteries
45W solar panel
Residential fridge

We will be running the residential fridge of course and maybe a couple hours of TV at night. (DW watches, I don't, so only 1 TV)

Am I over thinking this or should I just let the coach's electronics do it's thing. The intelletic will kick on the genset if the batteries get too low and the EMS will keep the amps in check. OTOH, I don't like to stress out the equipment so should I run the generator for a couple hours each morning? TIA for any help...Dennis
Class A
  • JimM68's avatar
    JimM68
    Explorer
    Apr 10, 2015
    Dennis, my setup is similar but not as big.
    When we do the nascar races, 3-4 days boondocking, we run the genny for an hour in the morning and an hour at dinnertime.

    There is always plenty of power to make a pot of coffee, microwave the DW's cup of tea, and run the hair dryer all on battery in the morning.

    we have a magnum inverter with auto gen start, so far I don't trust the auto start.
  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    Apr 10, 2015
    Dennis, what size are the four batteries? Assuming four golf cart I'd say it's going to take two hours at night (start when the DW is going to use the micro) and one hour in the morning when turning on the coffee maker. If you are away from the MH most of the day then only an hour at night may be enough generator time.
    You need to come over to the dark side of boondocking more often as it's easy to do with a big Monaco.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Apr 10, 2015
    I'd run the gen whenever you can and not disturb anyone. By the way, that's a big one.

    The 45w panel isn't doing much of anything.

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