Is an RV generator worth it?
My RV has an Onan Microlite 4000 generator that has been well maintained. It now starts but stops running as soon as I release the Start button. My mechanic identifies the problem as electrical and ...
Forum Discussion
burningman wrote:
Did that guy earlier really say wire length doesn’t factor into what gauge size is needed for a certain amount of current?
I’ve done high-power inverter from idling engine setups by using multiple alternators.
Those feed a battery bank and a large inverter.
It’s relatively low cost and works. But, you have to be able to fab the bracket try and drive setup.
In the application I did my setup on, there was going to be an idling engine anyway, so why not use that power.
But otherwise, yeah, use a generator.
Voltage Drop = Amps x Ohms.
8 awg wire is .63 ohms per foot, 1 awg is .12.
Length always matters. Voltage drop is power being dissipated as heat in the wire. 8 awg is pushing it for 70 amps even for a few feet if kept cool, usually not recommended for more than 40.
More here: https://www.bluesea.com/resources/1437
My generator is also more efficient than my V10 its .5 gal/hr at half load and .7 at full load while my V10 idles at .8 and high idle would prob be above 1.
Probably make more sense with smaller engines in a van especially the little diesels like in a sprinter.
