Generator, Storage, Solar, et. al

We have a 23 foot fun finder. I have a 3 battery set up. I can go 7 days dry camping. I have 2 each 2k Honda generators have never used them camping, and we are finishing out 12 month traveling in the last 26 months. I should sell the generators as they are a pain to keep service and running

So you would recommend extra batteries as opposed to a generator? How long does a battery generally last without recharging? I suppose that's a hard question to answer...

“Second: Solar power. I have glanced at a few articles/posts about solar power. Is it worth an attempt at all for a family that will mostly be at parks, only on random weekends, but would like freedom to dry camp on occasion?“

Not sure at all you were ready to buy an RV (may be overweight and where to store) but solar works very well with a properly sized system. Do more than glance. Cost wise solar only makes sense if you dry/boondock regularly. Small generator for you probably makes more sense but please camp away from me.

“I suppose that's a hard question to answer...” You suppose correctly. Do an energy audit to figure your usage.

All the batteries in the world won't run the air conditioner so if you camp where it will be over 80 degrees, the generator is what you want to look at. Do a search on this forum using the keyword generator and prepare to drown in information overload. Basically, you have the Japanese inverter generators at the top of the market in quality, reliability, resale, cost, and quietness. Then you have some Chinese inverter models that are much more affordable and seem to be getting quieter and more reliable year after year. Then you have the loud and cheap construction type generators. Your air con may be ran with a 2000 watt generator. Mine needs a 3000 watt so you will need to figure that out also. Use that search function on the left hand side mid way down at the top of every page.

oyarsa wrote:
So you would recommend extra batteries as opposed to a generator? How long does a battery generally last without recharging? I suppose that's a hard question to answer...

It all depends on your usage. The normal group 24, 12V marine battery that your camper likely came with is not really a good choice for dry camping. If you keep your electric consumption to a minimum, you can probably get thru a night or two. Personally, if you want to do much dry camping, the first thing I'd do is upgrade the batteries. Preferably AGM (more expensive) or 2 6V golf cart batteries connected in series. They are true deep cycle, unlike the marine batteries. I have 2 golf cart batteries and can easily make it 3 nights without recharging.

If you want to go longer than that, you'll need solar or a generator. If you go the generator route, do not get one of the open frame units they sell at big box stores - way too noisy. If your main use for the genny will be charging, the best option is one of the 2kw inverter generators. Honda or Yamaha are both great but are about $1000. There are others for about half the price. I have the Champion 2kw and have been very happy with it.

Google the Harbor Freight 100w solar panels and see what you think. Its an inexpensive portable system so mounting and drilling holes is not needed and sometimes gets blocked by shaded campsites.

I now have both solar and gens. I have 2 honda 2000 generators that can be paired to run my AC if need be .
One of them alone will run the hair dryer, coffee maker, toaster or microwave individually.

Solar:
I added a 25ft ext cord to the panels so i can follow the sun around my campsite. Being I have a small demand of 12v power, these relatively small panels get the job done for under $150 using 2 grp 31 batteries. You can also use 2 , 6v deep cycle batteries combined to 12v. Either set up works fine. I did use some caulk on each panel , where the glass meets the frame for tighter weatherproofing.

I camp off grid for 2 weeks at a time and the generator fills the void on cloudy days. I can run it for 2-3 hrs a day and it will replenish my batteries to about 80% which works fine for my use. On sunny days my solar does the same.
If you only need to a generator to charge your batteries you can get by using a less expensive 1000 genny.

Congrats on your Bullet purchase! We have a 2014 Bullet 285RLS that weighs in at just under 6000 and pull it with an Expedition with an E2 WD hitch. Does great! Have never had a single thing malfunction on it! You will find the Bullet is top quality for an Ultralight! Have never seen a bad review on them! If you getting a gen, get a small Honda-- very reliable and long term. Stay away from the Walmart Chinese cheap ones-- I learned my lesson!

Thanks for all the suggestions!

Congrats on the new TT. My advise is to go slow on what you purchase until you decide how you like to camp.

I have put over 30,000 miles on our TT in a little over three years. I still have stuff I was told I could not live without, wrapped in their original packages. :)

Generators, solar, extra batteries and the like are added as need. If you enjoy State Parks, full service campgrounds with activities for the kids, campgrounds near tourist attractions etc. You my never need more than what you have. If your family enjoys the far flung corners of BLM wilderness you may need all if it.

The DW and I can go for four days without electricity with just an extra battery. But, we come from a tent and canoe background. However, we rarely do without electricity for more than a day or two, because we enjoy the creature comforts that a TT provides. That is why we bought it in the first place.

There is a fair amount of "stuff" that is hauled while camping, I always resist the temptation to add one more peace of junk I need to deal with. A few trips will show you what you really need for your style of camping.


I like to have my TT close at hand between trips. We have, on a whim, taken it out to a State Park in the dead of winter, for a day or two of dry camping while snowshoeing. Plus, there is a fair amount of maintenance of you use it a lot.

Camping is supposed to be a fun hobby. Keeping it simple helps keep it that way.

Good luck

Is your new battery on your new trailer now connected while in storage? In a week or so, the parasitic draws of circuit boards, alarms, and such will have it dead. Do that a few times and you will be buying new batteries.

One elegant way of dealing with battery disconnect is to install a switch. That disconnects the battery from those parasitic draw items. You can also install small solar which will keep your batteries charged.