Solar or generator for older camper?
I have an 89 Lance camper and plan on dry camping with my wife and toddler daughter. I'd like to know people's opinions on adding solar versus plopping the dough on a Honda Generator. I'd ultimate...
Forum Discussion
Paul,
Here's all the specification info I currently have on early Honda generators. I guess more research would be required to determine what a Honda EX700 is. However, note from this specification table, that none of the models shown can match the EX650's noise spec:
http://www.tappedin.com/hop/html/litegen.htm
I also own an EX1000 given to me in like-new condition but do not carry it in our RV (instead of the EX650) because of the EX1000's higher noise level and heavier weight. The EX650 is all we need for battery charging. Sometimes I do use the engine alternator for up to an hour for initial battery charging before starting up the EX650 to complete the charging, as the idling V10 is even quieter than the Honda and it's alternator supplies more initial charging current into the batteries than does the Honda when feeding the stock 13.8 volt fixed voltage RV converter. I haven't added solar yet, but may later. I wanted to begin our serious RV'ing with a small ultra-quiet generator instead of solar because a generator permits more flexibility in our camping, as we can then charge batteries anywhere anytime.
I've noticed that a lot of the info on older Honda generator models seems to be posted on sites with UK based addresses, so you might want to kindof keep that in mind when doing searches. Maybe the older Hondas are still popular in Britain?
P.S. You don't need to buy several generators - just one used EX650 from eBay or Craigslist for $150 - $250. ;)
Here's all the specification info I currently have on early Honda generators. I guess more research would be required to determine what a Honda EX700 is. However, note from this specification table, that none of the models shown can match the EX650's noise spec:
http://www.tappedin.com/hop/html/litegen.htm
I also own an EX1000 given to me in like-new condition but do not carry it in our RV (instead of the EX650) because of the EX1000's higher noise level and heavier weight. The EX650 is all we need for battery charging. Sometimes I do use the engine alternator for up to an hour for initial battery charging before starting up the EX650 to complete the charging, as the idling V10 is even quieter than the Honda and it's alternator supplies more initial charging current into the batteries than does the Honda when feeding the stock 13.8 volt fixed voltage RV converter. I haven't added solar yet, but may later. I wanted to begin our serious RV'ing with a small ultra-quiet generator instead of solar because a generator permits more flexibility in our camping, as we can then charge batteries anywhere anytime.
I've noticed that a lot of the info on older Honda generator models seems to be posted on sites with UK based addresses, so you might want to kindof keep that in mind when doing searches. Maybe the older Hondas are still popular in Britain?
P.S. You don't need to buy several generators - just one used EX650 from eBay or Craigslist for $150 - $250. ;)
