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Ladyeeyore's avatar
Ladyeeyore
Explorer
Apr 25, 2017

Solar vs generator

We just purchased a 2018 coachman freedom express. Some of our camping trips may involve boondocking. Is it better to invest in the solar panels or a generator. We were also told that we could install a second battery.
Any thoughts?

25 Replies

  • I boondock almost exclusively. I went with a generator. Even a super quiet generator like my Yamaha will make some noticeable noise. Luckily where I camp mostly, everyone else is running theirs, because it is still 95 at night. Lots of pros and cons for each. You'll have to weigh what matters for you.
  • We have both, since going solar we still have used the generator occasionally on those cloudy rainy days. We started with the generator but after further research we purchased solar and highly recommend it as long as there is sufficient sunshine.
  • Ladyeeyore wrote:
    We just purchased a 2018 coachman freedom express. Some of our camping trips may involve boondocking. Is it better to invest in the solar panels or a generator. We were also told that we could install a second battery.
    Any thoughts?


    Once you by solar you don't need to by gas.
    Depending on how much boondocking you are going to do, you may want to install four batteries and 480 watts of solar.
  • I prefer a generator works when there is no sun. will also work when the power at home goes off. will work fine if you have a single battery. Get a Honda or Yamaha 2000 watt
  • Do you get a lot of sun where you boondocks? Do you mind the noise of a generator? Will your potential neighbors mind the noise of a generator. A second battery will certainly help. Factory battery on a cool to cold day will only last about a day. If you're trying to use 120v stuff like tv you'll be better off with a generator I think, vs extra battery plus inverter