Generator question

The OP is pulling our chain with several threads going here on the forum about the same topic - generators. In this thread I asked why he considers a generator to be so costly compared to a pair of 6 volt GC-2 batteries and his reply was "The generator was from a friend was 110, the cost of 2 golf cart batteries was 345 makes sense to me". Well what is it? ... a new genset, a used one from a friend, a genset that to him would be a better choice regardless of how noisy it is?! :R He's just fishing when the obvious answer to his original question about how to best dry camp for a couple of days in state parks was answered long ago - upgrade his battery reserve and go camping. :S

If you're just trying to boondock for 3 days I would suggest getting a larger group 31 battery. You can get a good battery for <$150. Use that as your main and swap over to your smaller one if needed. Charge them both up before you leave the house and again when you return.

Carrying a second battery is much easier for a short trip than hassling with a genny, and cheaper.

Get a baseline data point by driveway camping. Use a volt meter to monitor your battery as you go. Don't rely in the idiot lights on your panel.

If you are determined with buying a genny for boondocking just to charge the battery any inverter type will work fine.

Westcoasting wrote:
Try a weekend first. I have a single 12v deep cycle and i go 5 to 6 days before i need to charge. That is running lights when needed and water pump and what ever small amount the fridge takes to keep going.

This is what we do. When we first got our camper, I was talking to a friend (who owns a camper) about buying a generator - he said to wait and see if we actually needed it. It has been 12 seasons of camping, and we haven't needed one yet.

We "dry camp", without electric or water hookup, during the spring and fall. In the middle of summer we camp with electric hookups in case we want the A/C.

toedtoes wrote:

jarata1 wrote:
Bikendan
First i think you should read posts again I was talking about state public campgrounds most in new england have no hookups what part of that didnt you understand:h

His question is because first you said you would be using it in a New England state park campground, then later you say you wouldn't be using it in a crowded campground. Personally, any campground that is at least 1/4 full would be too crowded to use a contractor style generator - people don't want to listen to that for 2 hours every day while they are trying to enjoy the outdoors.

Thank You!

A pair of golf batteries and some LED lights should be about $200 and last 10 years.
If that is a budget buster how will you put fuel in it?

Give it a go a few times and see what you need.

Try a weekend first. I have a single 12v deep cycle and i go 5 to 6 days before i need to charge. That is running lights when needed and water pump and what ever small amount the fridge takes to keep going.

jarata1 wrote:
Bikendan
First i think you should read posts again I was talking about state public campgrounds most in new england have no hookups what part of that didnt you understand:h

His question is because first you said you would be using it in a New England state park campground, then later you say you wouldn't be using it in a crowded campground. Personally, any campground that is at least 1/4 full would be too crowded to use a contractor style generator - people don't want to listen to that for 2 hours every day while they are trying to enjoy the outdoors.

Again, you're only going for 2 days - what's the worst that can happen if you run out of juice? You use a flashlight? You use the campground facilities? I've been camping twice and had my battery power go out - it's not a big deal.

Bikendan
First i think you should read posts again I was talking about state public campgrounds most in new england have no hookups what part of that didnt you understand:h

Boon Docker wrote:
Actually the Champion 3500 is 59db.

i believe the OP is talking about the open frame contractor-style Champion 3500/4000 that has been around for years.
often costs under $300.
i own one and it is WAAYYY TOO LOUD for a campground. that's what i use my Honda 2000i for.

the Champion 3500 inverter generator is new and only been out for a few months.

Actually the Champion 3500 is 59db.