SoundGuy wrote:
I've been on / off with the genset / solar issue for several years now and came to the exact opposite conclusion - genset first, solar second. I did get my first EU2000i to run a 13.5 BTU A/C reliably until the temps got into the 90s (ironically when I'd want A/C the most), then concluded I wouldn't bother with it anyway as running A/C all day means running the genset all day which in turn means dragging along copious amount of fuel ... which ain't happenin'. OTOH I am very much interested in the freedom having a genset on hand provides in terms of being able to dry camp at any time, for as long as I want, a particular advantage here in Ontario where getting an electric site during the busy summer months of July / Aug is pretty well impossible without reserving months in advance. By dry camping I can get a last minute site, without reservations, with little difficulty at all ... but I need a way to recharge the battery. Yes, I did consider solar but there's no way I'm going to babysit a portable system to follow the sun and to avert theft issues ... a system permanently mounted on the rig wouldn't work either because we so often camp in deep shade, especially if we're dry camping and have to rely on fans for cooling. For sure, genset noise can be an issue, even with a so-called "quiet" inverter genset, but I think I've managed to dull that down to the point where I'm confident most people walking by our site would hardly notice. Pics and a couple of vids are here for anyone who may be interested.
X10! Excellent post.
I totally agree on generator first, solar second .... that is if you want your RV equipped to be ready for anything anytime anywhere so that you don't have to rely only on planning or lucking out. We're spontaneous campers and as such never know what situations we might find ourselves camping in. However, we've never added solar - which I consider a deficiency in our equipment list. We carry two generators - a large one for the A/C and emergency heating, and a small ultra quiet one for battery charging. The V10's 130 amp alternator is also a third electrical power source. If I finally add solar maybe this year, it most likely will be portable so as to continue to keep us flexible in choosing a camping site - however I won't babysit the panels - just put them out when I'm at the campsite. They'll just be another choice on the flexibility list.
P.S. #1 We have another generator, with fuel, at home for power outages anytime.
P.S. #2 BTW SoundGuy ... a great Honda generator installation as shown in your link. Now you're ready for anything.
