New trailer: WDH, Generator

canuckystan wrote:
I'll be picking up a new Rockwood Geo Pro 16BH in May. Dealer said I should try without a WDH. Also said solar panels can keep batteries topped up.

Trailer is 3000 pounds dry. Towing with 2014 F150 with tow package to 13,000 pounds. Thoughts on WDH?

Also, do you think I should invest in an 800w Generac generator? How long would that take to re-charge 2 6 volt batteries? No TV, no air con, no intention to run anything off a generator, strictly using batteries for basics like water pump, furnace fan, maxxair fan, etc.

I like the Andersen with its integrated sway control which has kept my unit rock solid in all kinds of weather. I don't go camping without a generator even if I'm going to a campground with shore power.

Congrats on the new rig! If all you plan on using the generator for is charging the battery, I would go for the solar panels to be honest.

The generator will use a trickle charger to charge the batteries and will take a fairly long time. I believe it was in the realm of 3-4 hours if they were about half. 2 ea 6V batteries will do you for a weekend with moderate use in my experience.

I only use a 100 w solar panel and my generators run when we use appliances and what not, so that would be the only reason to use a genny. Just my thoughts.

Good luck!

Just wondering if I even need a WDH, dealer says no....

GeoffW90 wrote:
Congrats on the new rig! If all you plan on using the generator for is charging the battery, I would go for the solar panels to be honest.

The generator will use a trickle charger to charge the batteries and will take a fairly long time. I believe it was in the realm of 3-4 hours if they were about half. 2 ea 6V batteries will do you for a weekend with moderate use in my experience.

I only use a 100 w solar panel and my generators run when we use appliances and what not, so that would be the only reason to use a genny. Just my thoughts.

Good luck!

800 watts is probably too small to properly charge the battery. A Honda 1000 (rated 900va) will barely put 40 amps into the battery. Most converters now are 55+ amps and frequently operate at a fixed voltage giving the battery just a trickle charge.

Get the trailer and post the actual converter model number for best answers.

canuckystan wrote:
Just wondering if I even need a WDH, dealer says no....

GeoffW90 wrote:
Congrats on the new rig! If all you plan on using the generator for is charging the battery, I would go for the solar panels to be honest.

The generator will use a trickle charger to charge the batteries and will take a fairly long time. I believe it was in the realm of 3-4 hours if they were about half. 2 ea 6V batteries will do you for a weekend with moderate use in my experience.

I only use a 100 w solar panel and my generators run when we use appliances and what not, so that would be the only reason to use a genny. Just my thoughts.

Good luck!

Here is what I would do... try it without, worst case is you will need to purchase one. Any (well a good dealer) would have stock and be able to set you up. The trailer isn't too heavy IMHO, I would go without. I had a small trailer before this one with a Ram 1500. Roughly the same dims and weights as yours, I just used a height adjustable hitch that I picked up at Canadian Tire.

-GW

Thanks - if that's the case, will solar do much better? Trailer does come solar ready with a zamp type plug in near the tongue.

time2roll wrote:
800 watts is probably too small to properly charge the battery. A Honda 1000 (rated 900va) will barely put 40 amps into the battery. Most converters now are 55+ amps and frequently operate at a fixed voltage giving the battery just a trickle charge.

Get the trailer and post the actual converter model number for best answers.

I like that plan. Hadn't thought about height-adjustable hitch. Are there quality differences among those types of hitches?

GeoffW90 wrote:

canuckystan wrote:
Just wondering if I even need a WDH, dealer says no....

GeoffW90 wrote:
Congrats on the new rig! If all you plan on using the generator for is charging the battery, I would go for the solar panels to be honest.

The generator will use a trickle charger to charge the batteries and will take a fairly long time. I believe it was in the realm of 3-4 hours if they were about half. 2 ea 6V batteries will do you for a weekend with moderate use in my experience.

I only use a 100 w solar panel and my generators run when we use appliances and what not, so that would be the only reason to use a genny. Just my thoughts.

Good luck!

Here is what I would do... try it without, worst case is you will need to purchase one. Any (well a good dealer) would have stock and be able to set you up. The trailer isn't too heavy IMHO, I would go without. I had a small trailer before this one with a Ram 1500. Roughly the same dims and weights as yours, I just used a height adjustable hitch that I picked up at Canadian Tire.

-GW

"No TV, no air con, no intention to run anything off a generator, strictly using batteries for basics like water pump, furnace fan, maxxair fan, etc."

You, sir, are the perfect candidate for a solar system but, yes, a backup generator is a good idea for cloudy days. I carry one. Haven't used it except to "exercise" in last 55 days of camping. Mine's a 2,000 but I'd get a smaller one if buying again. Don't fret about a TV. Mine runs on 5 amps per hour...TV, signal booster and inverter.

On a 1/2 ton its not tow capacity, its PAYLOAD that will limit you.... I have a 2010 F150 without a tow package, my trailer is about 3100, I have a WDH, and never regretted it, my dealer said try it with out first, I said just do it...

Sizing a solar system

You might try things without the WDH. Do make sure the trailer is level and the tongue weight is 10-15% of the trailer weight. Add a WDH if the rear of the truck squats very much, or the steering is squirrely.