To buy a generator or not...
Looks like we will be taking a week long camping trip up to Lake Syskyou near Mt Shasta, CA the second week of August. We looked at the weather forecast and the temps look to be ranging in the 90s to 100s. I guess this place just isn't super high in elevation to keep things cool. So that puts us in an interesting conundrum similar to our failed Yosemite trip a few weeks ago where we returned early. We have to be able to put the babies to bed in the camper but we need to cool the camper off so it isn't sweltering inside. To do it effectively, we probably have to run the generator for about two hours each night (babies go to bed at 7 and it is projected to stay warm until 8 or 9pm).
My sister is in a site that doesn't have any power or water and we initially booked a site right next to her with no power or water either. I then called back in and managed to book a second site that is electric but it is on the other side of the campground and we only get it for four of the seven nights. We were able to get another power site for one additional night which means we have to move. For the last night we would either go to our original no power site (move a second time) and go without power or just head home early (weather dependent). Though it is nice to have power, I think being so far away from family will ultimately make the entire trip much more challenging. So, we are considering options...
1. The camper does have an onboard generator but it sucks propane like crazy and is pretty loud and lot's of vibration. Of course, with the AC running, the noise and vibration isn't that much of an issue. It then becomes more of a question of how long do I want to run it and how much propane will I need to bring. Biggest concern is really the volume outside that could impact other campers (I don't want to be THAT guy...).
2. The second option is to get a nice Yamaha or Honda generator. Pricey but a long term investment. The issue is that realistically, we would hardly ever use it I think. If I could find a used one that might make it a little easier to swallow but then I'm inheriting someone else's issues.
3. Purchase a cheaper Harbor Freight or similar generator. I know they aren't top of the line compared to Honda or Yamaha but for our infrequent needs it might be the way to go.
Thoughts?
Edit: Looking at 14 day forecast, we might get luck with temps in the low to mid 80s during the day. Might wait till we get closer to see if those temps hold.
My sister is in a site that doesn't have any power or water and we initially booked a site right next to her with no power or water either. I then called back in and managed to book a second site that is electric but it is on the other side of the campground and we only get it for four of the seven nights. We were able to get another power site for one additional night which means we have to move. For the last night we would either go to our original no power site (move a second time) and go without power or just head home early (weather dependent). Though it is nice to have power, I think being so far away from family will ultimately make the entire trip much more challenging. So, we are considering options...
1. The camper does have an onboard generator but it sucks propane like crazy and is pretty loud and lot's of vibration. Of course, with the AC running, the noise and vibration isn't that much of an issue. It then becomes more of a question of how long do I want to run it and how much propane will I need to bring. Biggest concern is really the volume outside that could impact other campers (I don't want to be THAT guy...).
2. The second option is to get a nice Yamaha or Honda generator. Pricey but a long term investment. The issue is that realistically, we would hardly ever use it I think. If I could find a used one that might make it a little easier to swallow but then I'm inheriting someone else's issues.
3. Purchase a cheaper Harbor Freight or similar generator. I know they aren't top of the line compared to Honda or Yamaha but for our infrequent needs it might be the way to go.
Thoughts?
Edit: Looking at 14 day forecast, we might get luck with temps in the low to mid 80s during the day. Might wait till we get closer to see if those temps hold.
