Solar or Generator for Boondocking
This is for a truck camper, no a/c. This would be to keep batteries charged. I was putting together a solar kit (on paper, for purchase at a later date) and started thinking about a generator and wh...
Forum Discussion
I have 300W solar on a small class C and it provides useful -even complete power for many trips. It also silently and effortless charges the batteries when I get home in the event they're partially discharged from the trip.
I live in southern CA and camp often in sunny locations. I've camped in Oregon and seen only a couple amps output from solar due to deep woods. For sure the solar is dependent on how much sun you get at the sites.. But generally partial sun is beneficial. The generator gives peace of mind as a backup.
Personally if I were in your shoes I'd carry a quiet generator, have a power converter or charger which will charge the batteries relatively quickly, go to LED and other power saving features, and have a couple hundred watts solar on the roof (if it will fit). Probably should start with the generator-and make sure the converter model you have will quickly charge the batteries. Some don't and the generator will be grinding away without a lot of benefit.
I live in southern CA and camp often in sunny locations. I've camped in Oregon and seen only a couple amps output from solar due to deep woods. For sure the solar is dependent on how much sun you get at the sites.. But generally partial sun is beneficial. The generator gives peace of mind as a backup.
Personally if I were in your shoes I'd carry a quiet generator, have a power converter or charger which will charge the batteries relatively quickly, go to LED and other power saving features, and have a couple hundred watts solar on the roof (if it will fit). Probably should start with the generator-and make sure the converter model you have will quickly charge the batteries. Some don't and the generator will be grinding away without a lot of benefit.
