Were contemplating a longer journey next year in our little New Age road owl, it has no solar Panels or generator.
Any views, advise, opinions on whether its best to go for a genny or solar panels or do we need both? We're looking to do Sydney to Perth then maybe north, maybe for up,to,six months in the road...
Also as soft pohm, we would need the air con turned on a lot of the time!
Any views or thoughts very welcome.
cheers.
Keith and Carol
-- Edited by Wylie foxes on Monday 11th of December 2017 08:57:47 PM
Barboots said
09:40 PM Dec 11, 2017
Sounds like you're going to be one of those "generator guys"...
TheHeaths said
09:52 PM Dec 11, 2017
K and C,
quite clear cut if you need the air conditioner on. If you are going to free camp often, then you will need a generator, as the battery in the van will not run the A/c. If you are going to stay in parks, then solar will suffice for batteries for other things if you do the odd free camp. That said, if you are in the north during June - September, you will probably get by most times with a couple of 12 volt fans in the van.
As you will probably be selling the van when you leave, a portable panel, and a second hand generator may be the way to go to limit cost.
Enjoy your trip, and just be prepared for some comments not accepting the use of generators in any shape or form.
Aus-Kiwi said
12:15 AM Dec 12, 2017
Invest in good brand geni one with quiet operation Could get away with fan at night in some places ? It gets quite cool at night .
Tony Bev said
01:47 AM Dec 12, 2017
If you need to use the air conditioner you only really have three options
Cheapest way is have a generator big enough to operate your size air conditioner
Second cheapest is to book into a caravan park, on the really hot days
Most expensive is to have enough lithium batteries, solar panels, and inverter, to operate your size air conditioner
With speaking to others in the free camps, generators are not liked, but they are tolerated, as most of us realise that some people need 240 volt for their CPAP machines, to help them breath, while sleeping
If you must use the air conditioner, it pays to go to the far end of a camp, and then keep the generator exhaust facing away from others
Some travellers are privileged to have good hearing, and enjoy the silence of the bush In Western Australia, generators are not allowed in some national parks, as they disturb the wildlife
I have found that experienced travellers, stay outside of their caravan/recreation vehicles, under their awnings, in the heat of the day, as it is too hot inside, to be comfortable
T1 Terry said
03:27 PM Dec 12, 2017
As Tony has already stated, you can run the air con all day and night from batteries and solar with the back up of DC to DC charging from the alternator when the sun isn't enough on the poor solar days..... but it would be a solid investment and probably not good value for only 6 mths use ..... unless you could recoup the money when you sold the rig.
Generator users are bit like smokers, the users can't see a problem
T1 Terry
Aus-Kiwi said
04:32 PM Dec 12, 2017
Wingers wingers everywhere ! Park away from other campers . Youâll be fine !! May as well make all the noise you want . Some will complain anyway !!
Ron-D said
05:10 PM Dec 12, 2017
That's a petty selfish attitude
-- Edited by Ron-D on Tuesday 12th of December 2017 05:47:30 PM
Aus-Kiwi said
06:44 PM Dec 12, 2017
Oh why park there ? Blocked my view ?? I parked here first !!
Bagmaker said
07:27 PM Dec 12, 2017
a decent generator will set you back a lot of nights in a caravan park.......
rockylizard said
10:32 PM Dec 12, 2017
Bagmaker wrote:
a decent generator will set you back a lot of nights in a caravan park.......
Gday...
Probably about 60 to 65 nights I reckon
cheers - John
Barboots said
10:47 PM Dec 12, 2017
Yeah but you can't resell a night in the caravan park Oops... which side am I on here!
KAYOS said
01:01 AM Dec 13, 2017
Whether to invest or not invest in alternative power sources comes down to how many nights you are going to be away from caravan parks or show grounds with 240 volt power and how long you intend to keep your van. In 2013 Irene & I took eleven months to travel around Australia. Prior to the trip we decided to set the van up for free camping. To cut a long story short, the alterations, roof top solar panels, generator etc. came to a total of $5000.00. We spent a total of ten nights free camping in eleven months. Free camping on that trip worked out at five hundred dollars per night.
With more experience and many trips later we find the solar panels and extra battery fantastic, along with the inverter to run a decent size 240 volt fan at night and morning use of the hair dryer to keep harmony. We very seldom use the generator.
Hope this is some help.
Bill
Ron-D said
08:38 AM Dec 13, 2017
With generators there handy things to have for a lot of people ,but there heavy to carry around,noisy for the poor bloody neighbors,you have to cart fuel around as well ,if there used sensibly on the odd occasion to top batteries up ect thats makes sense,if there used especially with the noisy cheap things running for hours on end destroying the peace and quite for your neighbours your a pretty low self centred person...
solar makes the most sense but genies used in a sensible manner considering other people would be a good idea .
Aus-Kiwi said
10:26 AM Dec 13, 2017
All for solar . Iâve seen people park 100âs of meters away to run their geni . Then a couple drive or walk past hear the geni and give them a blast ! Even though it canât be heard from where they are camped . Yes two sides to this . In this case the poor guys wife had a strange ke and required air conditioning and other health equipment. Lucky I was there to send the grumpy old bugger on that complained . Just because your right doesnât mean you take over and become Mr sherif !! This guys wife who had the stroke . Wanted him to enjoy the nomad life as they BOTH PLANNED this nearly all their life together . This bought tears big time when we talked about their traveling etc . Yes there are dirty, noisy generators! The little Honda 2000 is very quiet . My Built in Onan is also . Fuel is not an issue ! Itâs connected to motorhome tank ..
Ron-D said
05:15 PM Dec 13, 2017
Good post AK ..
Wylie foxes said
11:42 AM Dec 17, 2017
Thanks to all those who posted helpful and informative advice!
On reflection we think we will probably not go down the road of buying a generator. We may opt for some cheaper free standing solar panels but as we really prefer being on camp sites anyway we might just stick to using sites and hooking up.
Thanks again to everyone who posted.
Safe travels all.
yobarr said
09:52 PM Jan 16, 2018
Aus-Kiwi wrote:
Wingers wingers everywhere ! Park away from other campers . Youâll be fine !! May as well make all the noise you want . Some will complain anyway !!
I can only assume that you mean whingers,as I have never heard of a winger,except maybe an All Black?
Blues Man said
07:33 AM Jan 17, 2018
Wylie foxes wrote:
Thanks to all those who posted helpful and informative advice!
On reflection we think we will probably not go down the road of buying a generator. We may opt for some cheaper free standing solar panels but as we really prefer being on camp sites anyway we might just stick to using sites and hooking up.
Thanks again to everyone who posted.
Safe travels all.
"On reflection we think we will probably not go down the road of buying a generator"
Hey guys if you want some comfort , get yourself a quiet generator and stop worrying about the whingers .
Some people will whinge at the least little thing.When free camping ,just park yourself away from other campers as ( AK ) said
and if someone is going to park near you just tell them that you will be starting up a generator , and then if they do whinge
tell them they will have to shift.
Ron-D said
09:26 AM Jan 17, 2018
Blues Man wrote:
Wylie foxes wrote:
Thanks to all those who posted helpful and informative advice!
On reflection we think we will probably not go down the road of buying a generator. We may opt for some cheaper free standing solar panels but as we really prefer being on camp sites anyway we might just stick to using sites and hooking up.
Thanks again to everyone who posted.
Safe travels all.
"On reflection we think we will probably not go down the road of buying a generator"
Hey guys if you want some comfort , get yourself a quiet generator and stop worrying about the whingers .
Some people will whinge at the least little thing.When free camping ,just park yourself away from other campers as ( AK ) said
and if someone is going to park near you just tell them that you will be starting up a generator , and then if they do whinge
tell them they will have to shift.
Stop worrying about the wingers thing of number one love that attitude...
Kebbin said
10:36 AM Jan 17, 2018
Ron-D wrote:
Blues Man wrote:
Wylie foxes wrote:
Thanks to all those who posted helpful and informative advice!
On reflection we think we will probably not go down the road of buying a generator. We may opt for some cheaper free standing solar panels but as we really prefer being on camp sites anyway we might just stick to using sites and hooking up.
Thanks again to everyone who posted.
Safe travels all.
"On reflection we think we will probably not go down the road of buying a generator"
Hey guys if you want some comfort , get yourself a quiet generator and stop worrying about the whingers .
Some people will whinge at the least little thing.When free camping ,just park yourself away from other campers as ( AK ) said
and if someone is going to park near you just tell them that you will be starting up a generator , and then if they do whinge
tell them they will have to shift.
Stop worrying about the wingers thing of number one love that attitude...
That's somethink to ponder.
T1 Terry said
02:39 PM Jan 17, 2018
:lol: the solar/lithium/inverter verses the generator debate will never end in a clear cut answer, especially from those who have already invested in a generator
Another way to look at the problem, will a generator improve the resale value of the RV as much as a stand alone solar/lithium/inverter set up would?
T1 Terry
Kebbin said
09:36 AM Jan 18, 2018
Terry can I ask you a question? Why is it that you rarely post on any other subject other than about your business concerns? This post is a good example in that you only ever mention Lithium batteries because that is what you deal in, why not mention AGM,Gel etc? They are much cheaper and more affordable for most.Is it because it's not profitable maybe? Have you read forum rules point 5?
TheHeaths said
10:23 AM Jan 18, 2018
Ron-D wrote:
Blues Man wrote:
Wylie foxes wrote:
Thanks to all those who posted helpful and informative advice!
On reflection we think we will probably not go down the road of buying a generator. We may opt for some cheaper free standing solar panels but as we really prefer being on camp sites anyway we might just stick to using sites and hooking up.
Thanks again to everyone who posted.
Safe travels all.
"On reflection we think we will probably not go down the road of buying a generator"
Hey guys if you want some comfort , get yourself a quiet generator and stop worrying about the whingers .
Some people will whinge at the least little thing.When free camping ,just park yourself away from other campers as ( AK ) said
and if someone is going to park near you just tell them that you will be starting up a generator , and then if they do whinge
tell them they will have to shift.
Stop worrying about the wingers thing of number one love that attitude...
And you're not Ron-D?
-- Edited by TheHeaths on Thursday 18th of January 2018 10:24:30 AM
yobarr said
10:24 AM Jan 18, 2018
Kebbin wrote:
Terry can I ask you a question? Why is it that you rarely post on any other subject other than about your business concerns? This post is a good example in that you only ever mention Lithium batteries because that is what you deal in, why not mention AGM,Gel etc? They are much cheaper and more affordable for most.Is it because it's not profitable maybe? Have you read forum rules point 5?
A possible reason that Lithium batteries are often mentioned by Terry is that they are so far ahead of the
other options that they are lonely! They seem to take a charge more quickly,and have a much larger
usable capacity than the others.Just saying.....Happy travels.
Cheers
Ron-D said
04:24 PM Jan 18, 2018
yobarr wrote:
Kebbin wrote:
Terry can I ask you a question? Why is it that you rarely post on any other subject other than about your business concerns? This post is a good example in that you only ever mention Lithium batteries because that is what you deal in, why not mention AGM,Gel etc? They are much cheaper and more affordable for most.Is it because it's not profitable maybe? Have you read forum rules point 5?
A possible reason that Lithium batteries are often mentioned by Terry is that they are so far ahead of the
other options that they are lonely! They seem to take a charge more quickly,and have a much larger
usable capacity than the others.Just saying.....Happy travels.
Cheers
Your probably right but has this thought occurred to you most people have standard batteries fitted and are happy with them ,why change every thing at great expense,Lithium is probably top dog in the battery world but most here I think would be more interested in posts that are about what they have fitted to there rigs....
yobarr said
06:05 PM Jan 18, 2018
Ron-D wrote:
yobarr wrote:
Kebbin wrote:
Terry can I ask you a question? Why is it that you rarely post on any other subject other than about your business concerns? This post is a good example in that you only ever mention Lithium batteries because that is what you deal in, why not mention AGM,Gel etc? They are much cheaper and more affordable for most.Is it because it's not profitable maybe? Have you read forum rules point 5?
A possible reason that Lithium batteries are often mentioned by Terry is that they are so far ahead of the
other options that they are lonely! They seem to take a charge more quickly,and have a much larger
usable capacity than the others.Just saying.....Happy travels.
Cheers
Your probably right but has this thought occurred to you most people have standard batteries fitted and are happy with them ,why change every thing at great expense,Lithium is probably top dog in the battery world but most here I think would be more interested in posts that are about what they have fitted to there rigs....
Hi Ron....if it interests you,I have 1520 watts solar and 540 AH of Lithium batteries in
the van.This allows me to run my 2.5kw MHI Air Con any time I like in the bush.
Never will I stay in a van park,which will save me a small fortune.
The car has 190 watts Solar and one 90AH Lithium battery.I run my Engel 24/7 at
-18 degrees,so I have a nice freezer with enough room to throw in a few stubbies for
a quick chill when I get thirsty!
I carry 540 litres of water,have a diesel heater for both air and water,and the fridge
is a 175 litre Evakool 2 door.I have done a lot of research,and I spent much time and effort
setting it up correctly so I am legal on ALL axles at 6500 GCM.....DO35 hitch and no WDH.
Cheers
jules47 said
09:05 PM Jan 18, 2018
Hi Yobarr - Lithium is the way to go, from what I have seen with friends setups. However, we live a simple life in our motorhome - as long as we have enough power for 22hr music, every day, our four 12v Caframo fans, lights, and keep our computers etc., charged, we are happy with what we have now. We understand how it all works - and that is what counts.
TI Terry does a great job promoting Lithium - and good on him - he put in a lot of unpaid time learning about the product - he deserves to be supported plus he's a nice guy, never met him, but have followed him on forums, and through friends for quite a long time.
Delta18 said
09:33 PM Jan 18, 2018
Kebbin wrote:
Terry can I ask you a question? Why is it that you rarely post on any other subject other than about your business concerns? This post is a good example in that you only ever mention Lithium batteries because that is what you deal in, why not mention AGM,Gel etc? They are much cheaper and more affordable for most.Is it because it's not profitable maybe? Have you read forum rules point 5?
How good is it that somebody adds their opinion to a post that actually knows what they are talking about instead of just blurting the 1st thing that comes to mind just to get their name on a thread to get their count up.
Aus-Kiwi said
12:11 AM Jan 19, 2018
Right be A/C all night and whinges about generators !! Ahaha maybe just pushing expensive batteries and business . May one should donate to site for advertising if he has not already ??
G'day nomads
Were contemplating a longer journey next year in our little New Age road owl, it has no solar Panels or generator.
Any views, advise, opinions on whether its best to go for a genny or solar panels or do we need both? We're looking to do Sydney to Perth then maybe north, maybe for up,to,six months in the road...
Also as soft pohm, we would need the air con turned on a lot of the time!
Any views or thoughts very welcome.
cheers.
Keith and Carol
-- Edited by Wylie foxes on Monday 11th of December 2017 08:57:47 PM
quite clear cut if you need the air conditioner on. If you are going to free camp often, then you will need a generator, as the battery in the van will not run the A/c. If you are going to stay in parks, then solar will suffice for batteries for other things if you do the odd free camp. That said, if you are in the north during June - September, you will probably get by most times with a couple of 12 volt fans in the van.
As you will probably be selling the van when you leave, a portable panel, and a second hand generator may be the way to go to limit cost.
Enjoy your trip, and just be prepared for some comments not accepting the use of generators in any shape or form.
If you need to use the air conditioner you only really have three options
With speaking to others in the free camps, generators are not liked, but they are tolerated, as most of us realise that some people need 240 volt for their CPAP machines, to help them breath, while sleeping
If you must use the air conditioner, it pays to go to the far end of a camp, and then keep the generator exhaust facing away from others
Some travellers are privileged to have good hearing, and enjoy the silence of the bush
In Western Australia, generators are not allowed in some national parks, as they disturb the wildlife
I have found that experienced travellers, stay outside of their caravan/recreation vehicles, under their awnings, in the heat of the day, as it is too hot inside, to be comfortable
Generator users are bit like smokers, the users can't see a problem
T1 Terry
That's a petty selfish attitude
-- Edited by Ron-D on Tuesday 12th of December 2017 05:47:30 PM
Gday...
Probably about 60 to 65 nights I reckon
cheers - John
Whether to invest or not invest in alternative power sources comes down to how many nights you are going to be away from caravan parks or show grounds with 240 volt power and how long you intend to keep your van. In 2013 Irene & I took eleven months to travel around Australia. Prior to the trip we decided to set the van up for free camping. To cut a long story short, the alterations, roof top solar panels, generator etc. came to a total of $5000.00. We spent a total of ten nights free camping in eleven months. Free camping on that trip worked out at five hundred dollars per night.
With more experience and many trips later we find the solar panels and extra battery fantastic, along with the inverter to run a decent size 240 volt fan at night and morning use of the hair dryer to keep harmony. We very seldom use the generator.
Hope this is some help.
Bill
With generators there handy things to have for a lot of people ,but there heavy to carry around,noisy for the poor bloody neighbors,you have to cart fuel around as well ,if there used sensibly on the odd occasion to top batteries up ect thats makes sense,if there used especially with the noisy cheap things running for hours on end destroying the peace and quite for your neighbours your a pretty low self centred person...
solar makes the most sense but genies used in a sensible manner considering other people would be a good idea .
Good post AK ..
On reflection we think we will probably not go down the road of buying a generator. We may opt for some cheaper free standing solar panels but as we really prefer being on camp sites anyway we might just stick to using sites and hooking up.
Thanks again to everyone who posted.
Safe travels all.
I can only assume that you mean whingers,as I have never heard of a winger,except maybe an All Black?
"On reflection we think we will probably not go down the road of buying a generator"
Hey guys if you want some comfort , get yourself a quiet generator and stop worrying about the whingers .
Some people will whinge at the least little thing.When free camping ,just park yourself away from other campers as ( AK ) said
and if someone is going to park near you just tell them that you will be starting up a generator , and then if they do whinge
tell them they will have to shift.
Stop worrying about the wingers thing of number one
love that attitude...
That's somethink to ponder.
Another way to look at the problem, will a generator improve the resale value of the RV as much as a stand alone solar/lithium/inverter set up would?
T1 Terry
And you're not Ron-D?
-- Edited by TheHeaths on Thursday 18th of January 2018 10:24:30 AM
A possible reason that Lithium batteries are often mentioned by Terry is that they are so far ahead of the
other options that they are lonely! They seem to take a charge more quickly,and have a much larger
usable capacity than the others.Just saying.....Happy travels.
Cheers
Your probably right but has this thought occurred to you most people have standard batteries fitted and are happy with them ,why change every thing at great expense,Lithium is probably top dog in the battery world but most here I think would be more interested in posts that are about what they have fitted to there rigs....
TI Terry does a great job promoting Lithium - and good on him - he put in a lot of unpaid time learning about the product - he deserves to be supported plus he's a nice guy, never met him, but have followed him on forums, and through friends for quite a long time.
How good is it that somebody adds their opinion to a post that actually knows what they are talking about instead of just blurting the 1st thing that comes to mind just to get their name on a thread to get their count up.