Forum Discussion

Sparksvonrou's avatar
Sparksvonrou
Explorer
Feb 01, 2018

Adding a wind generator. Need mounting info

We've been boondocking with solar and it works swell. We wanted to take advantage of the wind that is pretty constant and strong at a few places we stay. We got a 400W unit and it has a swivel flange mount. I can get a flange to bolt it to but am not sure what everyone that has one uses for pipe. What size? 1/2" black iron to small? 1" ? How about aluminum? Once I decide on the pipe size then I can get the flange and get it bolted up. I was thinking of making three 5 foot sections of pipe that screw together with couplings. They could be disassembled and then carried in the back of the Jeep toad. To assemble, screw them together, have a hole drilled through the coupling with a big cotter key to retain it. (one end of the coupling welded permanent). But do I put it against the ladder on the back of the Southwind Storm or make it self standing with guy wires or what? So in summary, wonder about pipe size and material and where you fasten it.
Thanks
Sparks
Seeking Advice
  • GordonThree's avatar
    GordonThree
    Explorer
    Feb 01, 2018
    There was a wind thread a week ago. I don't think a single forum member came forward and admitted using wind while RVing. We all had a good time armchairing why it wouldn't work.

    400 watt is going to be a pretty big diameter propeller right?

    I'd think 1.5 inch schedule 80 at a minimum.

    As cheaply as RV are built, wouldn't want anything like that attached to mine.

    Sink the pole in the ground and maybe use trees or buried anchors for the temporary guy wires?
  • DutchmenSport's avatar
    DutchmenSport
    Explorer
    Feb 01, 2018
    I would think where and how you mount the pipe would be driven by how permanent you want it standing. If you are setting up and tearing down camp often (even once every couple weeks), I would think you'd want something portable enough it would be very easy to move. If, on the other hand, you are talking more seasonal sites and not moving the camper, then a more permanent solution. The ease of set-up and tear down is your option.

    If looking for the easy route, I think I'd just bungie strap a pole to the rear ladder if you have one. Simple and done!

    And I'd use a telescoping pipe. Easy peasy!

    I just did a very quick Google search and stumbled into this company, for example of a telescoping pipe: Click here.

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