Angus_NB wrote:
Thank you guys.
I did check Wikipedia before asking and your explanations of PF are easier to understand. :)
I understand that the Champion is a 1600 watt ($500 CDN) generator not a 2000 watt ($1100 CDN) generator. I just wanted to make sure that 1600 watts was going to be enough for my usage. It's difficult to justify an additional $600 for the added 400 watts unless it was necessary. I know they are not a direct product comparison but in reality we have to compare the Champion to what is available on the market. If Honda / Yamaha did have a 1600 watt unit the cost would be in the $1000 range in Canada so the dollar savings would still be substantial.
The way I understand this now is; if I keep the batteries in the 70% - 100% range and not let them get down to the point where the WFCO is going to go to full power charge I should be ok. I can use the standalone charger for times when the batteries get low enough that the WFCO is drawing too much power.
Please correct me if I am wrong.
I have a breaker for the Converter and Water Heater. This will isolate the converter but the water heater will still run on propane with 12v to ignite it.
I never used AC for my water heater and fridge anyway, always propane. We also never use the air conditioner.
The only AC appliance I use while dry camping is a toaster for a few minutes in the morning. All of my lights are 12v.
My goal is to camp for 7 days on two batteries while running the generator about 4 hours a day. If it's a rainy dark day where we are in the trailer with lights on I would let it run all day in Econo mode. At most we have 6 single bulbs at once for any length of time.
Is this a reasonable expectation?
I tried running my 3500 watt noise maker about two hours a day and it wasn't enough.
Mark, I understand that you don't own a Honda but most of us have (barely) heard them running. By your description it seems like the Champion is nearly as quiet or at least quiet enough to not bother the neighbours. :)
Again, thanks for the detailed information everyone.
