Solar or generator for older camper?
I have an 89 Lance camper and plan on dry camping with my wife and toddler daughter. I'd like to know people's opinions on adding solar versus plopping the dough on a Honda Generator. I'd ultimate...
Forum Discussion
Sorry, I know that this topic is very old, but maybe my answer will help someone in the future since I spent a lot of time to find the right information.
Most lower priced non-inverter generators produce 60 cycle AC current directly
by turning at a very specific speed. This means the engine on a
non-inverter genny must run at full speed all the time- even if there is nothing connected to it. This makes more noise and burns more fuel.
Some higher priced inverter generators produce DC current which is
electronically inverted to 60 cycle AC power.
This means the engine does not have to run at a specific speed.
For this reason, when the generator is under light load the engine can run
at a lower speed. This is often quieter and more fuel efficient.
NOTE: Honda calls this eco mode or something. I'm not sure that all
inverter genny have the low speed under light load option so you might
want to check before you purchase one.
Also, this more expensive inverter genny typically have better mufflers.
They are pretty quiet but I disagree with folks who say they can't hear
them run!! I CAN HEAR A HONDA from across the road no problem!
They ARE quieter than most others tho....
Finally, some campgrounds don't allow generators during certain hours.
Even the quiet ones are not allowed in some areas.
Hope this helps a bit!
Most lower priced non-inverter generators produce 60 cycle AC current directly
by turning at a very specific speed. This means the engine on a
non-inverter genny must run at full speed all the time- even if there is nothing connected to it. This makes more noise and burns more fuel.
Some higher priced inverter generators produce DC current which is
electronically inverted to 60 cycle AC power.
This means the engine does not have to run at a specific speed.
For this reason, when the generator is under light load the engine can run
at a lower speed. This is often quieter and more fuel efficient.
NOTE: Honda calls this eco mode or something. I'm not sure that all
inverter genny have the low speed under light load option so you might
want to check before you purchase one.
Also, this more expensive inverter genny typically have better mufflers.
They are pretty quiet but I disagree with folks who say they can't hear
them run!! I CAN HEAR A HONDA from across the road no problem!
They ARE quieter than most others tho....
Finally, some campgrounds don't allow generators during certain hours.
Even the quiet ones are not allowed in some areas.
Hope this helps a bit!
