Wow! Thanks everyone for the input, that was my first post and I can tell I've found the right place.
I'm fairly certain that all my research points to the fact that I should go for the good Honda gen and be done with it. I'd mount it in the bed of my truck and run it from there.
I haven't filled out my signature at all so you all know nothing about my rig. I have a 2017 Mallard 245, I do have 200w of solar that I travel with. Even just 100w of solar kept the gen off for 3 days and all I have are 2 12V batteries - I haven't tested the second panel yet. My family and I don't like RV parks, so we camp a lot without hookups, in national parks, etc with a lot of tent campers so we want to be respectful. We also camp at a lot of concerts, and there's no hookups there either, with a lot of tents.
The generator is mainly for air conditioning, and to pop some popcorn and to top off the battery if it's been cloudy. That's it. I would like to add a third battery while these are still in good shape, then when they all fail together I'll upgrade to 6V batts. I have a 1500w inverter as well that I haven't installed yet. I have questions about that too of course ;). I'd like to install it so that I can run a TV and DVD player (kids!) And so that I can run the microwave on a limited basis.
In my approximation I think I should be able to add the third deep cycle 12V battery up front with the other stock two (any easy solution for this??), add the inverter in the front storage area, and somehow wire it into the 120v circuit in the coach. How is this typically done? How ought I penetrate the front storage area with the cables for the inverter?
Thanks again! I'll fill out my signature soon, again this seems like a great place. A lot of solid info. :)
Scott
