This whole generator discussion thread comes down to the same two issues that these kind of discussions always come down to: The "boy scout preparedness" RV folks thinking as many bases as possible should be covered - versus the "why prepare for things that we can't imagine will ever occur" RV folks. These kind of discussions usually differ between the towables group versus the powered coach (motorhome) group.
We have a Class C motorhome and our thinking is that of the first group, within budget, time, and RV room constraints ... always with a bias towards preparedness.
Here's some comments related to why we have both a built-in big generator - and also carry along a very small (650 watt) portable generator - whenever we go on RV trips whether or not we think we'll need either one on any one particular trip ... because life is unpredictable:
- The big generator makes it possible to turn over the chassis engine if the chassis battery should fail, anywhere anytime.
- The portable generator makes it possible to turn over the chassis engine if the chassis battery should fail, anywhere anytime.
- The big generator makes it possible to air up the RV's tires, anywhere anytime.
- The big generator makes it possible to run the air conditioner in weather conditions that are becoming less and less predictable, anywhere anytime.
- The big generator makes it possible to heat the entire RV if the propane supply system or the propane furnace should fail, anywhere anytime.
- The big generator makes it possible to keep the refrigerator running if the propane supply system should fail, anywhere anytime even if traveling.
- The portable generator makes it possible to keep the refrigerator running if the propane supply system should fail, anywhere anytime when not traveling.
- The big generator makes it possible to cook if the propane supply system should fail, anywhere anytime.
- The big generator makes it possible to charge the coach or chassis batteries anywhere anytime.
- The portable generator makes it possible to charge the coach or chassis batteries anywhere anytime.
- The big generator makes it possible to use the microwave oven anywhere anytime.
- The big generator makes it possible to operate any power hand tool anywhere anytime.
- The portable generator makes it possible to operate some power hand tools anywhere anytime.
- Both the big and portable generators make it possible to run the CPAP machine anywhere anytime if the coach battery system should fail.
I consider having adequate generator power along as a very high priority in any RV - right up there with all the other systems in the RV. IMHO from an electrical power perspective, adequate generator capability for everything should come first - then after that solar battery charging capability.
So far we have no solar capability. We drycamp and boondock camp whenever necessary. The built-in generator is fairly quiet, and the small generator is very quiet. The portable generator partially backs up the built-in generator, and an idling chassis engine and it's alternator can very quietly partially back up both from it's 55 gallon fuel tank.
