Boondocking: solar vs generator

[squatting dog2]

I don't have solar, and for now I don't have plans on getting any. I know how everyone feels about solar power but it's so expensive and when you don't need it...
I have a generator (came with my van) that I haven't needed because my battery bank is hooked to my van engine's alternator. When I drive, my batteries charge. My only electric uses are a laptop that I also charge while going down the road, an extra large heating pad for warmth in the winter, and the occasional light. I try not to use my lights too much - flashlights and LED lights powered by AA batteries suffice. I might use my generator more in the summer for my AC, though I have an idea for a more efficient way to keep cool. I'll post the link below but here's a description for those wifi/data challenged: You get a round oscillating fan on a stand, ziptie copper tubing to the face of it, place rubber hoses on each end. The rubber hoses go to a small pump that is sitting in icewater. It will only be a small comfort in 100 degree weather but somewhere with 80 degree summers, it should be nice.

If your going to be using in a small space, this may be a better space saving alternative. Just use 12v. fan instead of 110v.

 

[lterry]

If your going to be using in a small space, this may be a better space saving alternative. Just use 12v. fan instead of 110v.

I considered this also, but doesn't this put moisture into the air whereas the other method only produces drips from the copper coils?

Also, I already have an oscillating fan that's the size I'd like to use (the size of the one in that video), but it's 110. Can I pull the plug off of it and splice the cord with a 12 volt plug (it's currently connected to a smaller fan that hasn't rotated from the day I brought it home)?

 

[squatting dog2]

I considered this also, but doesn't this put moisture into the air whereas the other method only produces drips from the copper coils?

Also, I already have an oscillating fan that's the size I'd like to use (the size of the one in that video), but it's 110. Can I pull the plug off of it and splice the cord with a 12 volt plug (it's currently connected to a smaller fan that hasn't rotated from the day I brought it home)?

If I understand correctly you are thinking you can replace a 110v cord with a 12v cord? If so, no is the simple answer. An electric 110 ac motor will not run on on a 12vdc current.  Also, I expect you will get moisture from any kind of cooler. (some more than others), but, I'm not sure that would be a bad thing in a warm climate which I would figure is the reason for some kind of a/c

 

[lterry]

If I understand correctly you are thinking you can replace a 110v cord with a 12v cord? If so, no is the simple answer. An electric 110 ac motor will not run on on a 12vdc current.  Also, I expect you will get moisture from any kind of cooler. (some more than others), but, I'm not sure that would be a bad thing in a warm climate which I would figure is the reason for some kind of a/c

I'm in Florida. While the humidity doesn't bother me, I'm guessing adding more moisture to our very humid air inside of a van isn't a great idea. We already have the propensity of mold due to our climate. So the less I add the better.

As far as the OP wishes, I'm sure either "air conditioner" would do well.

 

[dkh1020]

Greetings,

From all the research I've done, running AC off Solar can be done but requires a hefty battery bank and a substantial solar system. Most conservative solar systems can power an efficient refrigerator and the items you referenced. I'm new to this and am going to begin testing the limits of my system shortly. I have 600 + amp hours of battery, 1000, watts of panels, a 3500 watt inverter and around 35 amps in full sun. From my calculations, I could run my AC on solar  with full sun but would still deplete my battery bank in short order. Won't know for sure  how long I can run until I get out in the field and start testing. I have renogy panels, they are reasonably priced and  Renogy backs up their up their products. The rest of my system is Outback. Lastly, spend the extra money on an MPPT controller. They are much more efficient and will pay off in the long run.

I would always suggest a quality pure sign wave generator. If boon docking, a generator is a must backup source for power.There are multiple brands out there but you don't want to go cheap on a generator. I have two Hondas in parallel that easily power my entire coach including my AC.  I already had a Honda so it was a no brainer to get a second. The Yamaha is also an excellent choice.  You could buy a larger Honda or Yamaha but I like the fact that you have 2 if one fails. Stay away from cheap home depot generators. They are terribly noisy and typically not pure sign wave. These are modified sign wave and can damage sensitive electronics and other devices in your coach. All said, my advice is to run solar and have a generator if it's within your budget Hope this helps





Does anyone boondock without solar panel and just use a generator? i do not know what i want   just solar,just generator . My main concern is being able to watch cable TV and dvds,go online with my laptop,  make sure I can run AC when hot,hot water and fridge. My issue with splar price and  trying to figure out how many watts i need.

 

[Mobilesport]

I have, but I have no solar, no batteries, nor propane. I needed the generator to power an electric ceramic space heater and a 12VDC DC Power Supply to power my cabin lights.

Is the generator really loud when powering the [font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]electric ceramic space heater?[/font]
[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Every heater I've powered with my Honda seems to make the Honda scream.[/font]
[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Also I wonder how cost effective running only the generator would be , I mean more fuel burnt but you would'nt have to buy batterys , charger , solar, furnace , solonoid , plus keeping all of those systems up[/font]

 

[jimindenver]

Lots of people don't need either solar or a generator. We didn't until we got the trailer in 2011. Lighting is easy with the blue LED puck lights, radio, TV and DVD were all rechargeable. Heat was bringing in the lantern before bed or making breakfast in the morning. Slow cook something and have heat all day. (with ventilation of course)

That's how we used our van, our canned ham trailer and tent. No solar, generator or even battery was needed, nor wiring, fuses, switches and what not. We never thought we were suffering, in fact we thought we had it pretty good.

We did try doing it with this trailer our first run up to the boonies. We decided quickly we didn't spend the money to have a hard sided tent.

 

[bullfrog]

We did really well with 18 volt tool rechargeable batteries and table lights and fan from Home Depot (Ryobi I believe). They have a charger that plugs into a car or truck. Lights lasted 3 days or so on one of the batteries and fan on high lasted 4 hours. Bought extra batteries as I use their impact to drive carriage bolts I use for tent stakes and remove lug nuts. Basically kept one on charge all the time. Lights and fan were fairly cheap but batteries and charger were almost 200 dollars. They have lasted over 2 years now with no problems but we will probably go solar so we can keep a freezer.