Adding VAs Gen Running Things Question
I had the gen out again doing a few tests. One thing that I don't understand is this: RV fridge on 120v (a heater) by itself VA (and watts same) 355 MW by itself 1426 (watts 1340--was some PF wi...
Forum Discussion
Goodness! Just need to figure out the best ploy for a four-day off grid in the woods in the winter with no solar. (See pic in my profile)
Using maybe 200AH a day out of 400AH at 5C (450 at 25C)--
A. drive around to where there is some solar, plus get in some alternator charging (worked last year ok)
B. add two more batteries. Can do BTDT too. Does it if you are three days instead of four and cut back on 12v use (stove top instead of MW or kettle eg).
C. use the little gen to get some AH back as required. Plus A and B. Not tried that yet.
D. except if you have an extra vehicle along, so the Class C stays in the woods the whole time--no sun and no alternator (unless you want to idle for an hour or two) BTDT- big difference, almost like with the 5er- three days used gen one day for three hours.
E. four days straight in the woods-- how much gas for the gen? Don't know that one yet.
F. Campground says 2 hours for gen 9-11am and 6-8pm (dark out 6-8, nuts to that)
G. 50-80 gets the 75 amps for that two hour gen time (ok 50 -73) but red light flashing. What about a 70-90 every day? No red light? Waste of gen time? What if you want to go off somewhere in the morning, and not be stuck battery charging with the gen on?
So I did the posted backyard tests with the gen, and am able to figure out what to do "depending". Got that from using the Kill-A-Watt and Trimetric, plus some real life. Didn't need a scope. Not in line for a Nobel Prize in RV electronics. Just want to go camping and get back alive. :)
So far the record is in September this year, 8 days off grid with some solar, no gen using the 450AH only, got home at 40% SOC. Perfect! Can't do that in the winter though--which is why the little gen, just in case.
I would not pay the regular $800 for that, ever. It was on sale for $549 so well worth that. Turns out I really like this little guy. It is not a Honda, but it is very nice and not too loud. Actually the more I use it the more I like it. :)
Using maybe 200AH a day out of 400AH at 5C (450 at 25C)--
A. drive around to where there is some solar, plus get in some alternator charging (worked last year ok)
B. add two more batteries. Can do BTDT too. Does it if you are three days instead of four and cut back on 12v use (stove top instead of MW or kettle eg).
C. use the little gen to get some AH back as required. Plus A and B. Not tried that yet.
D. except if you have an extra vehicle along, so the Class C stays in the woods the whole time--no sun and no alternator (unless you want to idle for an hour or two) BTDT- big difference, almost like with the 5er- three days used gen one day for three hours.
E. four days straight in the woods-- how much gas for the gen? Don't know that one yet.
F. Campground says 2 hours for gen 9-11am and 6-8pm (dark out 6-8, nuts to that)
G. 50-80 gets the 75 amps for that two hour gen time (ok 50 -73) but red light flashing. What about a 70-90 every day? No red light? Waste of gen time? What if you want to go off somewhere in the morning, and not be stuck battery charging with the gen on?
So I did the posted backyard tests with the gen, and am able to figure out what to do "depending". Got that from using the Kill-A-Watt and Trimetric, plus some real life. Didn't need a scope. Not in line for a Nobel Prize in RV electronics. Just want to go camping and get back alive. :)
So far the record is in September this year, 8 days off grid with some solar, no gen using the 450AH only, got home at 40% SOC. Perfect! Can't do that in the winter though--which is why the little gen, just in case.
I would not pay the regular $800 for that, ever. It was on sale for $549 so well worth that. Turns out I really like this little guy. It is not a Honda, but it is very nice and not too loud. Actually the more I use it the more I like it. :)
