Solar or Generator??
We are going to have some short boon-docking trips (3-4 days). I do not know my actual energy needs right now, but the DW and I are conservative when it comes to water and power. I really just want ...
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For dry camping of only 3-4 days at a time, I would save the money and not buy the Trimetric monitor. Make sure you convert to LED bulbs; that will save a lot of juice. We have found that basic usage is ~30 AH per day with a small amount of furnace usage. Less if you don't need to run the furnace. Obviously your mileage may vary but I still think you will figure it out on your own soon enough, just by being vigilant of your voltage readings, and maybe checking amps on some things if you feel like it.
Do you like to camp in the shade? If so, solar is not going to be productive. I made a 100w portable solar unit out of two 50 watt panels, and 50' of heavy gauge landscape twin wire. It's not a bad way to harvest some sun while parked in the shade. In full sun here in AZ right now, I have gotten about 45AH in a day from that 100w setup. In theory, meaning no cloudy days, that 100w could keep up with our use. But clouds happen.
I'd buy the generator and a good battery charger. That is #1 and 1A.
Then more battery AH as #2.
Then if you want to have fun with solar, try a portable like I did. You'll soon find out if you are going to be able to scale up the solar into something that will take care of you all the time.
The resale on Honda 2000's is quite good, so really you are just renting it for cheap, but with a long term deposit. :)
Do you like to camp in the shade? If so, solar is not going to be productive. I made a 100w portable solar unit out of two 50 watt panels, and 50' of heavy gauge landscape twin wire. It's not a bad way to harvest some sun while parked in the shade. In full sun here in AZ right now, I have gotten about 45AH in a day from that 100w setup. In theory, meaning no cloudy days, that 100w could keep up with our use. But clouds happen.
I'd buy the generator and a good battery charger. That is #1 and 1A.
Then more battery AH as #2.
Then if you want to have fun with solar, try a portable like I did. You'll soon find out if you are going to be able to scale up the solar into something that will take care of you all the time.
The resale on Honda 2000's is quite good, so really you are just renting it for cheap, but with a long term deposit. :)
