Might sound like a dumb question, but is being plugged into a running generator essentially the same as being plugged into shore power like running electrical outlets in the travel trailer and charging it's battery?
thanks.
thanks.
Generator
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Trebor English
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Like everything, it depends. Short answer, probably yes.
The generator might not have enough juice to run everything all at the same time. A 3 way ammonia fridge set to 120 volts will increase gasoline use but save propane. Air conditioning might have problems. A big battery charger might not be happy with an inverter generaror eco mode. That's easy to turn off if it causes a problem.
The generator might not have enough juice to run everything all at the same time. A 3 way ammonia fridge set to 120 volts will increase gasoline use but save propane. Air conditioning might have problems. A big battery charger might not be happy with an inverter generaror eco mode. That's easy to turn off if it causes a problem.
Depends on the output wattage of the generator.
A genset in the 1000 watt range will run items like TVs, radios, laptops, cpaps, fans, small appliances, things that don't heat or cool.
2000 watt gensets will usually run a microwave, A/C, one space heater, electric hotplate, etc, but normally only one at a time, plus any of the previous items.
3000 watt and up, you can start to run a combination of items above, but not likely to run 2 or more roof A/C units at the same time.
4000 watt gensets will power a typical small to medium size RV and almost everything you would like to run will have no problem, although if you try to run 2 1500 watt space heaters AND a microwave at the same time, the circuits or the genset might get overloaded. But you would be able to easily power a large roof A/C unit and a microwave plus a variety of multiple small appliances, listed above.
Just FYI: 3000 and 4000 watt generators tend to be noisy, expensive, and heavy.
A genset in the 1000 watt range will run items like TVs, radios, laptops, cpaps, fans, small appliances, things that don't heat or cool.
2000 watt gensets will usually run a microwave, A/C, one space heater, electric hotplate, etc, but normally only one at a time, plus any of the previous items.
3000 watt and up, you can start to run a combination of items above, but not likely to run 2 or more roof A/C units at the same time.
4000 watt gensets will power a typical small to medium size RV and almost everything you would like to run will have no problem, although if you try to run 2 1500 watt space heaters AND a microwave at the same time, the circuits or the genset might get overloaded. But you would be able to easily power a large roof A/C unit and a microwave plus a variety of multiple small appliances, listed above.
Just FYI: 3000 and 4000 watt generators tend to be noisy, expensive, and heavy.
free2enjoy
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I’ve got a Generac 2000 watt inverter generator. It’s been very good and is about half the price of the Honda.
rm.w/aview
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So with the above info considered, yes. The generator provides the 110 for your needs, within the 15, 20, or 30 amp limits set by the generator.
Note that something rated as "2000" is likely being "marketing-optimistic", maybe can handle that many watts as a very brief transient peak.
Look on the specs sheet for actual **continuous** supported load, and then take off 15-25%, less for Honda more for cheapies, to be more realistic.
You don't want to run the genny at max capacity load for hours, better to buy the next one up and chug along more comfortably at 60-80%.
Getting two units that parallel together gives a lot of flexibility and redundancy.
Look on the specs sheet for actual **continuous** supported load, and then take off 15-25%, less for Honda more for cheapies, to be more realistic.
You don't want to run the genny at max capacity load for hours, better to buy the next one up and chug along more comfortably at 60-80%.
Getting two units that parallel together gives a lot of flexibility and redundancy.
Yes I was referring to continuous duty ratings in my previous post. I should have stated that.
The Old Farmers Wife
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hausmutti said:
Not a dumb question at all. I've been wondering the same thing. We finally decided on a generator, but I have MANY questions, that others will consider dumb. Glad you asked
I can only answer "yes" to the power outlets, as when running the break in period of our new generator, I plugged in my wax scent device & it worked. Don't laugh, I'm a woman, I want my RV to smell good too :blush:
wagoneer
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A dumb question what is a wax scent device? My bachelor pad on wheels can get a little funky and I would like to present a pleasant environment smell wise.
I will still have an empty passenger seat leaving on the 7th
I will still have an empty passenger seat leaving on the 7th
highdesertranger
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there are NO dumb questions. only dumb answers. highdesertranger
GeorgiePorgie
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highdesertranger said:
If one wants to stealth camp, are there generators that charge the batteries fairly quickly that one could use somewhere in the daytime like a public park? I have noticed that most van-dwellers seems to try to stay away from using generators and I am wondering why. Obviously, you could not use them in a lot of places, but others seem like they would not be a problem for a few hours a day.
Trebor English
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Lead acid batteries are slow to charge. More generator doesn't fix that. The first phase, current limited, bulk, can be speeded up. The absorption, constant voltage phase depends on the battery. You give it 14.4 volts and the battery controls the amps. Some people use a generator to start and let solar handle the slow finish.
Lithium batteries can charge faster and don't have the slow finish.
Lithium batteries can charge faster and don't have the slow finish.
highdesertranger
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using a genny as your only charge source is not very economical. getting the batteries up the last 10-20% takes a very long time. you would have to run the genny 6-8 hours a day. however if you use it as a supplement to solar it can work very well. a genny and good charger can get the batteries up to 80% pretty fast, then solar for the long tail end. highdesertranger
GeorgiePorgie
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Sorry I was not more clear. I want to use solar, but not be totally dependent on it. I am looking for an inexpensive way to charge the batteries when solar not enough. Is there anywhere (dependable) to pay a (reasonable) fee to charge batteries with land power that does not require paying rent to stay overnight?
Almost There
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GeorgiePorgie said:
Simple answer is: nope!
The easiest, cheapest and dependable way to have a good charging source for your house battery system is to carry a generator.
A good, quiet and dependable generator is going to be a fairly high initial investment but it pays off in the long run...cheap operating costs, low maintenance costs and long term use. One of my generators is going on 11 yrs old and other than a couple professional tune-ups it's needed nothing but oil changes and a couple of spark plugs.
A battery charger needs to be sized appropriately for your battery bank and then the generator has to be powerful enough to run the battery charger...bottom line - the more daily power you need, the larger the house battery system, hence a larger charger and a bigger generator.
For example, I use quite a lot of power keeping both a fridge and a deep freeze running in the van. I have 4 - 6 V Trojan T105REs on board for 450 A/hs. The battery charger is a 55 amp one that requires more power than my first Honda 1000 generator can provide so I opted for a second gennie which runs in parallel so they're equal to a 2000 W generator.
Others with less power needs can get by with a smaller battery system, much smaller charger and a 1000W generator quite easily.
The other alternative source of power to charge your battery bank is adding a solenoid to your vehicle engine alternator/battery set up so that when you're driving, the house batteries are being charged.
It still takes hours to recharge a house battery bank after 50% discharge but the combination of all three charging sources makes sure that I can keep the batteries topped up each and every day. I'm either parked and using the generator/solar system or driving and utilizing the solenoid/alternator to charge...sometimes all 3 in a day....
Unless you go to LFP for your bank
you need to charge at least 5-6 hours to get a depleted lead bank back to full
If your solar input is not enough
a quiet genny run early in the morning before solar starts
get the bank to 80-85%
and then let the solar handle "the long tail" until endAmps specified 100% Full
at least a few times per week, a quality bank can last a decade or more
you need to charge at least 5-6 hours to get a depleted lead bank back to full
If your solar input is not enough
a quiet genny run early in the morning before solar starts
get the bank to 80-85%
and then let the solar handle "the long tail" until endAmps specified 100% Full
at least a few times per week, a quality bank can last a decade or more
It will always be expensive. One good quality or many failed lessor quality devices. You need a quality charger such as ProNautic, http://www.promariner.com/en/products/dry-mount-chargers
A quality charger can be used on mains electric or on a small generator. You should have a quality generator if you are going to have one, Such as Honda or one of the better inverter types, 1000 to 2000 watt
My charger was $350, my Westinghouse generator was $600.
Finding an outlet without paying for the electricity? That could get you into deep stuff.
A quality charger can be used on mains electric or on a small generator. You should have a quality generator if you are going to have one, Such as Honda or one of the better inverter types, 1000 to 2000 watt
My charger was $350, my Westinghouse generator was $600.
Finding an outlet without paying for the electricity? That could get you into deep stuff.
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