Battery question
Ok, this is embarrassing, but I have to ask. This is out first 5th wheel without a generator. So please bare with me. How can I run my TV or other small appilances off the batteries? That is if it ...
Forum Discussion
I understand wanting to buy a do-all-in-one package generator. Buy big to take care of the home during a possible outage while having something to camp with.
Unfortunately, there lies issues in doing so.
Firstly, a 7KW generator is Heavy. Do you want to lug this extra weight around with you while traveling? Can your Tow Vehicle (TV) handle it? Can your back?
Secondly, running a grossly oversized generator is not fuel efficient. You will burn more fuel over time compared to using the properly sized generator. It's comparable to driving your 1 ton truck to the grocery store when a 4 cylinder subcompact would do the job.
Thirdly, noise. Your $700 7KW generator will be louder than a properly sized unit.
OK, you bought this 7KW unit to protect the home, run power tools, etc. I say that's a good buy on your part. But boondocking? Really?
If your camper is a 50A system be careful how you connect it or you may smoke your electronics.
There is a good chance you may only be able to tap into 3.5KW of that 7 KW anyway, depending on how the generator is wound and configured.
Do you NEED air conditioning, microwave, toaster, electric coffee pot or a hair dryer while boondocking? If the answer is no then the 7KW generator is a poor fit for boondocking. A properly sized MSW inverter (I use a 400W MSW) and smaller, quieter generator to recharge the battery is a better fit.
I can watch satellite TV, use my laptop, recharge cell phones, run a fan, etc for hours on my inverter and a single group 27 battery. I then recharge my battery with a HF 1kw generator and 10A charger. I don't use the built-in converter/charger because it takes too long to recharge.
Unless you are boondocking on your own acreage and your neighbors don't mind, leave the 7KW home and buy the right tool for the job.
Unfortunately, there lies issues in doing so.
Firstly, a 7KW generator is Heavy. Do you want to lug this extra weight around with you while traveling? Can your Tow Vehicle (TV) handle it? Can your back?
Secondly, running a grossly oversized generator is not fuel efficient. You will burn more fuel over time compared to using the properly sized generator. It's comparable to driving your 1 ton truck to the grocery store when a 4 cylinder subcompact would do the job.
Thirdly, noise. Your $700 7KW generator will be louder than a properly sized unit.
OK, you bought this 7KW unit to protect the home, run power tools, etc. I say that's a good buy on your part. But boondocking? Really?
If your camper is a 50A system be careful how you connect it or you may smoke your electronics.
There is a good chance you may only be able to tap into 3.5KW of that 7 KW anyway, depending on how the generator is wound and configured.
Do you NEED air conditioning, microwave, toaster, electric coffee pot or a hair dryer while boondocking? If the answer is no then the 7KW generator is a poor fit for boondocking. A properly sized MSW inverter (I use a 400W MSW) and smaller, quieter generator to recharge the battery is a better fit.
I can watch satellite TV, use my laptop, recharge cell phones, run a fan, etc for hours on my inverter and a single group 27 battery. I then recharge my battery with a HF 1kw generator and 10A charger. I don't use the built-in converter/charger because it takes too long to recharge.
Unless you are boondocking on your own acreage and your neighbors don't mind, leave the 7KW home and buy the right tool for the job.
