What generator?

Outdawes

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Hi Guys, newbie to this forum so thought I would ask for help on finding the best small generator to use. I have read a few reviews about Honda and suzuki but still have'nt really got a clue all I know is they cost a fortune!
I only need one for short periods of time and I ma planning on going to france so could come in handy for that as well...
 
Have you thought about going the solar panel route, I have fitted a 100 watt solar panel and a 10amp charge controller this keeps my 2- 85 amp leisure batteries and the vehicle battery charged up, I now do not need hook up or a generator.

John.
 
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Please don't buy a generator. And if you do: don't park in my neighbourhood :(
Follow Trkerman's advice: go solar (no noice, no smell, free energy als long as the sun shines :p)
 
Excellent Idea!

Never thought of that bit old school I am afraid but I like the solar idea, which one though and are they easy to fit, thanks
 
Have a look at my thread on page 4 of motorhome knowledge base in the forum index. I will also try to get pictures of my install.

John.
 
Here is a diagram of installation, I fitted mine to roof rack, put my charge controller in a cupboard then run the cables from solar panel to charge controller then down to batteries, you have to make sure that you connect the solar panel connections last and the battery first, also advisable to cover the panel when installing to prevent short circuit especially in bright sunlight.

John.
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the answer is follow the sun .leave uk about november come back end of april begining of may. have lots of power then even for twintub washing machines through inverters.
 
Winter can be a problem as you are likely to use more power due to colder weather & less hours of daylight means less charging time. The only way around it would be more batteries & solar panels or wind turbine. :eek: Much cheaper to head south to the winter sun :rolleyes:

Its surprising the number of people who carry generators but rarely or never use them.
 
If you "wildcamp" the last thing you want to do is advertise your presence - generators do tend to make a bit of noise unless you pay big money for Honda or similar "silent" gennys
The very affordable gennys* that are on offer at Costco, Makro, B&Q&Q etc for £40 or there abouts can be made quieter. Use a moped type silencer and run the thing in an acoustic surround.
Personally, I reckon the advice that you have been given on the solar route is a better option

* There is a vicious rumour that all these gennys are made in China and then badged as to what the vendor wants on them
This is not true: They are made in Mexico from recycled slot machine parts
 
Daveandjacqui said:
What do you solar panel guys do in winter ?
Click to expand...

Sterling's Battery to Battery Charger. Have always used this item as back-up when mother nature can't quite keep up with power demand (especially in the winter). This uses your existing alternator (without upgrading it), weighs approx 6kg inc wiring and you are using the fuel in your tank rather than carrying any other fuel for the genny. Added bonus - it's about the size of a Workbook, so very compact.
This system is also a 4 stage charger, which is by far a better way of fast charging rather than a bigger split charge circuit (which is a better way rather than simply putting the engine and leisure batteries in a paralell state, with your engine battery being of a smaller capacity than the leisure battery bank normally).
Previous experiences allowed my 220AH leisure battery to gain most if not all of it's capacity within 1 to 1.25 hours, just by merely ticking over on idle speed.

Sterling Power Products: Battery to Battery Chargers

PM me if you need more ;)
 
Head for the sun sounds good advice , we only use ours for missus's hairdryer .

Comfort factor as a bac up though
 
i use a similar charge system to nickj vanbitz . by durite it as 24v input but 12v outlet thinking battery charger .works a treat .never get much from solar on the move. could br down to the cold so i,m told might not be true .
i do carry a big diesel for welding etcbut not for normal use. and the honda silent genny is far from silent . but is bloody annoying. for an hour or so acceptable, but some cant live without genny,s.
 
Thanks Guys!

Excellent love the diagram and will investigate further. Thanks for all the responses, I do however like the idea of following the sun but unfortunately cannot afford to do it:D
As for only using a generator to power hairdryers etc... well ermm I do not have that much hair left on top and with the size of my missus head think it would need to be on for 4 hours! luckily she does not read this thread so I can write this...
 
hi outdawes .you may be suprised to know going away all winter isnt that expensive .with a bit extra shopping in the summer a couple of grand can see two of you all winter for 6 months if you are carefull with the pennies. thats not including the ferry. some of us cant afford to stay home . but if you have 3 grand then life is like a lords . i used to read camper mags and wonder how they did it but as you get older your time should come . but you have to pave the way. i saved from nov78 to oct 98 after reading about two that went to india. it was my fantasy .when the kids grew up we actually set off round the coast of africa . i still have the magazine it was in .motor caravan world cost 20pence. now i just cant stay here in damp cold uk. roll on november ,summer starts then. (didnt do india that trip as there was trouble in pakistan with nuclear arms or something) but try it its life changing. we normally do 3 months in maroc thats a good trip in the middle of winter 6weeks through spain.then on return 6 weeks portugal/spain . lovelly.
 
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