This is my first posting as a new member. We have a New Age off road van with 150w solar panel, and we usually travel with an additional 100w solar blanket for dark days and shady trees. I recently upgraded my single house battery to a double so we now have 240amps in the van. We have a 3 way fridge and use the usual toys such as 12v TV, laptop and radios. The longest trip we have done is the most recent one, a three month trip from Brissie to the cape and back. (pre battery upgrade). We are planning to start our big lap in Feb, taking a year or more. We free camp most of the time, but usually head to a van park on day 4-6 to empty the can, fill the water, do a wash, shop and charge a battery or three. During our travels, we have come across differing opinions on the need for a generator doing a lap- many people have carried them and only needed them once or twice, not at all, or regularly. We also came across a couple of free campers that had no solar whatsoever- they just ran the Honda for 2 hours each day to charge the single battery, 365 days a year. I'm after opinions from you seasoned lappers as to what you think is needed. If we do get a generator, I'm thinking of a 2.4kva Cromtech so it can heat and cool the van and alternatively run battery management system (35 amp charger built in) in the van at the same time as the 240v battery charger (12a multi stage) for the triple battery system in the truck. The truck has a redarc dcdc 25amp with solar input, but we don't drive very far each a 1kva would only be good for charging batteries only, and electric toasters, frypans and kettles would only be used in van parks.
(as a side note, I also have a folding 160w panel but do not use it as it takes up too much room and is heavy)
so, opinions and experiences please. Is carrying the generator feasible, in addition to or instead of the portable solar panels. (as I mentioned, I have solar on the roof, a solar blanket and a pair of folding panels.)
dazz49 said
08:02 PM Sep 1, 2018
Yes take it
Warren-Pat_01 said
09:02 PM Sep 1, 2018
Welcome to the forum Mephisto.
Just be wary of two things - weight (the free loading, non-paying passenger) & the fact that you can't fully discharge a deep cycle battery (no lower than 50% to be safe).
If you put "generator" in the Search tab, you'll get some clues there.
Aus-Kiwi said
09:03 PM Sep 1, 2018
Very little solar ? Are batteries on float around mid day ?? Itâs about YOUR comfort !! A couple of cloudy days can be depressing !!
PeterInSa said
09:33 PM Sep 1, 2018
If we were going North, In Spring, Summer or early Winter, we would take our Honda 20I to drive the AC if necessary on hot days at Freedom Camps. Suggest you also install a Diesel Heater if you have not already done so.
Peter
fwdoz said
09:38 PM Sep 1, 2018
Early next year we are doing 8 1/2 weeks in WA & will be taking our generator. I have enough weight allowance & space for it & on longer trips have always found a use for it. We have a 2.4 Westinghouse & it runs our A/C easily. The only time I dont take it is when we might do a short trip & will be staying purely in a caravan park.
Peter_n_Margaret said
09:42 PM Sep 1, 2018
No.
Spend the money that the generator would have cost on more fixed solar.
Solar is silent and it is acceptable to use anywhere and costs nothing to run. Generators are anti-social and banned in some places. The fuel is dangerous stuff and a problem to store.
Cheers,
Peter
Aus-Kiwi said
09:54 PM Sep 1, 2018
Solar works great at night . Especially with AC . .. lol here we go again . Lol
Farmhat said
11:16 PM Sep 1, 2018
Mephisto wrote:
(as a side note, I also have a folding 160w panel but do not use it as it takes up too much room and is heavy)
so, opinions and experiences please. Is carrying the generator feasible, in addition to or instead of the portable solar panels. (as I mentioned, I have solar on the roof, a solar blanket and a pair of folding panels.)
Hi Mephisto. To answer your question, yes, it is feasible, as long as you do not breach your weight allowances. I would suggest, in addition to your portables, not instead of.
With your 240 ah of batteries it might be prudent to add additional solar panels to your rooftop to ensure adequate charging of them.
Joe
terrola said
11:35 PM Sep 1, 2018
dont leave home with out the genny
Meredith said
12:18 AM Sep 2, 2018
We don't have a generator and have never needed one. I would suggest adding another solar panel would be much cheaper and would add a lot less weight than carrying a generator and fuel for it.
cjt55 said
03:33 AM Sep 2, 2018
We have been on the road full time since Jan last year. Last year we went up to Cape York, Longreach, Birdsville, Darwin and down the centre and never used the generator so we left it at my brothers house in Adelaide before starting the Big Lap in Jan this year. We didn't miss it one bit. We have ample solar and 2 x batteries. We have 12v gas heating and multiple 12v fans along with some small inverters to charge numerous things. We free camp when we can but call into a CP when we need water or need to do the washing. In my personal opinion you would be better to spend the money on more solar, inverters, gas or diesel heating and 12v fans for when it gets a little hot. The only time we retreated to a CP unexpectedly was when there was a heat wave in the mid 40's early last year when we where around the Gundagai region. Good luck and safe travels.
-- Edited by cjt55 on Sunday 2nd of September 2018 03:36:44 AM
Blues Man said
07:02 AM Sep 2, 2018
Hi Mephisto ,welcome to the forum.Make sure you take your generator with you.
You never know when you'll need to use it.
Radar said
07:50 AM Sep 2, 2018
Mephisto wrote:
Hi Nomads.
This is my first posting as a new member. We have a New Age off road van with 150w solar panel, and we usually travel with an additional 100w solar blanket for dark days and shady trees. I recently upgraded my single house battery to a double so we now have 240amps in the van. We have a 3 way fridge and use the usual toys such as 12v TV, laptop and radios. The longest trip we have done is the most recent one, a three month trip from Brissie to the cape and back. (pre battery upgrade). We are planning to start our big lap in Feb, taking a year or more. We free camp most of the time, but usually head to a van park on day 4-6 to empty the can, fill the water, do a wash, shop and charge a battery or three. During our travels, we have come across differing opinions on the need for a generator doing a lap- many people have carried them and only needed them once or twice, not at all, or regularly. We also came across a couple of free campers that had no solar whatsoever- they just ran the Honda for 2 hours each day to charge the single battery, 365 days a year. I'm after opinions from you seasoned lappers as to what you think is needed. If we do get a generator, I'm thinking of a 2.4kva Cromtech so it can heat and cool the van and alternatively run battery management system (35 amp charger built in) in the van at the same time as the 240v battery charger (12a multi stage) for the triple battery system in the truck. The truck has a redarc dcdc 25amp with solar input, but we don't drive very far each a 1kva would only be good for charging batteries only, and electric toasters, frypans and kettles would only be used in van parks.
(as a side note, I also have a folding 160w panel but do not use it as it takes up too much room and is heavy)
so, opinions and experiences please. Is carrying the generator feasible, in addition to or instead of the portable solar panels. (as I mentioned, I have solar on the roof, a solar blanket and a pair of folding panels.)
Hi, after we retired we did a 3 month tour with the generator, never used it, never looked like using it, gave it to my sister who has a small property and uses it regulally for power blackouts.
Now 5 years on no regrets. We camp how and when, enjoying all types of camping flexing between free camps, showgrounds and caravan parks with our 2 batteries (200 amps), 320 watts of solar.
My biggest concern was added weight, storage of the generator and carting of petrol in our confined living space. Car and caravan is where you live.
Enjoy your travels.
outlaw40 said
07:50 AM Sep 2, 2018
Agree take it if you have the available space and load allowance .
rockylizard said
08:46 AM Sep 2, 2018
Gday...
I can only agree with the comments already offered.
I carry a generator ... have done so for the 10 years I have been full time on the road.
First three years I used it regularly to top up the battery every couple of afternoons - I had no solar.
I got solar six year ago - initially 80W x 2 to feed the one 100Ah battery. I don't use much power after the sun goes down though.
I now have 80W x 2, 200W x 1 and one 120Ah battery. I have only used the genny once since getting the solar - about three years ago after four days of rain camped on the Murrumbidgee. Ran it for about four hours on the fourth day of rain. It still sits in the tug unused.
I still carry the genny and will continue to carry the genny.
For the same reason I carry a spare wheel, jack, wheel brace and puncture repair kit. Never used them either but I will be very glad I have them if I get a puncture. OH, and I carry Disprin too ... don't get a headache very often, but I still carry them jest in case.
I don't carry portable panels and have found the panels on my van roof are more than adequate - whether in Victoria during winter or summer ... and anywhere else in Straya I have wandered in any season.
My advice would be to get more solar on the roof - as much as you can fit - 150w x 1 panel feeding 240Ah of battery is gonna always be marginal dependent on how much power you draw after sundown - and carry the genny if you have the space and weight availability.
The biggest impact on power storage is how much power you use each 24 hours ... particularly once the sun goes down. Controlling that will make your existing solar adequate.
Cheers - John
-- Edited by rockylizard on Sunday 2nd of September 2018 09:05:03 AM
lizard said
08:53 AM Sep 2, 2018
I well remember being camped on Pilbara coast , with about 20 other vans - 5 days of overcast had my generator in use - as well as everyone else ..... we have 400 watts of solar !
iana said
09:10 AM Sep 2, 2018
We are now on the road full time, we have a 12v only fridge so totally dependant on power. Apart from solar and batteries in the van, there is an auxillary battery in the ute, plus I can connect the ute to the van, run the motor to give power or charge batteries. So far the system is successful.
Mephisto said
09:13 AM Sep 2, 2018
thanks everyone for your opinions. I'd like to say there was a light bulb over my head and an 'aha' moment, but that's not the case.
The theme I'm getting is if you can spare the room and weight, its good insurance, but if you can't, don't sweat it. I'll take the solar blanket as its easy to store in one of those hard shell brief case thingy's, but the large folding hard panels will not weigh much less than a 20kg generator. The missus plans to use her sewing machine, heaps of computer, lots of TV etc. The single battery ran close to 50% discharge regularly, and we did not overuse the power at all. I'm hoping the extra battery will do the job, but it still needs the juice put into it- thus the solar blanket. As we park near shade often, being able to stretch the blanket out another 5m makes all the difference. I guess 80% of the time, we will have sunny days. Its the other 20% we have to plan for. Maybe a generator is not necessary, but being able to turn on the AC or fan heater would make life a lot easier. Happy trails all.
Possum3 said
09:29 AM Sep 2, 2018
The main reason for a generator is to run A/C during hot nights when free camping. Remember it is the first thing that will upset anyone camped near you - so can only be used in solitary locations.
the rocket said
09:39 AM Sep 2, 2018
We have been full time on the road a few years now. We have a genie. Recently been thinking, do we really need it? Been used only a few times when overcast n raining when free camping. Really, on those very rare occasions we could go to a showgrounds. A bit like insurance i guess. Its personal choice i guess. Good luck. Enjoy.
Mephisto said
09:43 AM Sep 2, 2018
Thanks Possum,
My first consideration was charging the batteries, and I umm'd and Ahh'd over using a 1kva Yammie that was more than capable, but then thought a larger one could charge the batteries, plus the laptop, plus the camera's, run the fridge and/or maybe the TV. Being able to use the microwave whilst the batteries are also charging may also be of interest to SHMBO.
The fact that you can run an AC or fan heater is really only a secondary consideration, but important if we get stuck in a heat wave or blizzard. Fuel is an added expense, but I don't intend to run the Gennie regularly, just as needed.
The weight difference between the 1kva Yam and the 2.4 Cromtech is only 7kg, and the Cromtech is a coupla hundred cheaper. The other point I considered is that good used generators still attract decent prices on evil bay for when I want to give it the flick.
Aussie1 said
10:01 AM Sep 2, 2018
terrola wrote:
dont leave home with out the genny
Agree, absolute no brainer. We have solar but our good friend (Mr Honda) is always a welcome guest on board. Been very much appreciated by others we have assisted from time to time also.
Peter_n_Margaret said
10:12 AM Sep 2, 2018
Mephisto wrote:
My first consideration was charging the batteries,
Your tug has an alternator which has far higher battery charging capability than a generator, even with a very big charger.
Organising it to be useful for that job is simple, cheap and light.
Cheers,
Peter
iana said
10:30 AM Sep 2, 2018
This question would also hinge on whether you intend to go camping only when the sun is high in the sky (summer months) or low in the sky (winter months), solar panels mounted on the roof are best for when the sun is high in the sky. Angles panels for winter.
-- Edited by iana on Sunday 2nd of September 2018 10:31:15 AM
Peter_n_Margaret said
10:38 AM Sep 2, 2018
We find that charge rates don't change as much between winter and summer as might be imagined.
Heat reduces the charge rate, so that is not an issue in winter.
Even if it is 100% cloud (as it has been for us for the last 6 days), solar panels will still provide some charge and this is the benefit of having plenty (you can't have too much solar), and the alternator is still there as a last resort.
Cheers,
Peter
rockylizard said
10:46 AM Sep 2, 2018
Peter_n_Margaret wrote:
We find that charge rates don't change as much between winter and summer as might be imagined. Heat reduces the charge rate, so that is not an issue in winter. Even if it is 100% cloud (as it has been for us for the last 6 days), solar panels will still provide some charge and this is the benefit of having plenty (you can't have too much solar), and the alternator is still there as a last resort. Cheers, Peter
Gday...
That is my experience as well Peter.
High sun in Victorian winter and high sun in QLD winter shows that there are more volts on the panels, and more amps coming to the battery in VIC winter - due to the hotter weather in QLD - and gets to float quicker on good sunny day in VIC winter.
Also, overcast days still show over 15V coming from the panels and 3 to 4 amp to battery - still gets to float by lunch time as well usually ... it seems only if it is actually raining (thicker cloud?) that the panels don't cope.
[edit: I think (don't know) it is coz the UV is still coming through even if overcast]
Cheers - John
-- Edited by rockylizard on Sunday 2nd of September 2018 10:47:45 AM
Yuglamron said
12:04 PM Sep 2, 2018
All I can Quote is Murphy's Law.
"You don't need a generator till the one time you do, and you don't have it with you."
Peter_n_Margaret said
12:31 PM Sep 2, 2018
"You don't need a generator till the one time you do, and you don't have it with you."
Yes you do have one.
You have an alternator.
A generator plus a (large and expensive) battery charger could give you 25 or 30A of battery charging.
The alternator alone could give you double that for the cost of a decent pair of jumper leads while stationary and 30A via a DC-DC charger while on the move (where your generator is useless).
Old habits are hard to beat. :)
Cheers,
Peter
Radar said
12:48 PM Sep 2, 2018
Peter_n_Margaret wrote:
Mephisto wrote:
My first consideration was charging the batteries,
Your tug has an alternator which has far higher battery charging capability than a generator, even with a very big charger.
Organising it to be useful for that job is simple, cheap and light.
Cheers,
Peter
Hi Peter, good morning.
I like your positive idea about cheap recharging from the tow vehicle, I was wondering could you supply a drawing of a way this could be achieved and is it possible a handy man could do it.
Hi Nomads.
This is my first posting as a new member. We have a New Age off road van with 150w solar panel, and we usually travel with an additional 100w solar blanket for dark days and shady trees. I recently upgraded my single house battery to a double so we now have 240amps in the van. We have a 3 way fridge and use the usual toys such as 12v TV, laptop and radios. The longest trip we have done is the most recent one, a three month trip from Brissie to the cape and back. (pre battery upgrade). We are planning to start our big lap in Feb, taking a year or more. We free camp most of the time, but usually head to a van park on day 4-6 to empty the can, fill the water, do a wash, shop and charge a battery or three. During our travels, we have come across differing opinions on the need for a generator doing a lap- many people have carried them and only needed them once or twice, not at all, or regularly. We also came across a couple of free campers that had no solar whatsoever- they just ran the Honda for 2 hours each day to charge the single battery, 365 days a year. I'm after opinions from you seasoned lappers as to what you think is needed. If we do get a generator, I'm thinking of a 2.4kva Cromtech so it can heat and cool the van and alternatively run battery management system (35 amp charger built in) in the van at the same time as the 240v battery charger (12a multi stage) for the triple battery system in the truck. The truck has a redarc dcdc 25amp with solar input, but we don't drive very far each a 1kva would only be good for charging batteries only, and electric toasters, frypans and kettles would only be used in van parks.
(as a side note, I also have a folding 160w panel but do not use it as it takes up too much room and is heavy)
so, opinions and experiences please. Is carrying the generator feasible, in addition to or instead of the portable solar panels. (as I mentioned, I have solar on the roof, a solar blanket and a pair of folding panels.)
Just be wary of two things - weight (the free loading, non-paying passenger) & the fact that you can't fully discharge a deep cycle battery (no lower than 50% to be safe).
If you put "generator" in the Search tab, you'll get some clues there.
Peter
Early next year we are doing 8 1/2 weeks in WA & will be taking our generator. I have enough weight allowance & space for it & on longer trips have always found a use for it. We have a 2.4 Westinghouse & it runs our A/C easily. The only time I dont take it is when we might do a short trip & will be staying purely in a caravan park.
Spend the money that the generator would have cost on more fixed solar.
Solar is silent and it is acceptable to use anywhere and costs nothing to run. Generators are anti-social and banned in some places. The fuel is dangerous stuff and a problem to store.
Cheers,
Peter
Hi Mephisto. To answer your question, yes, it is feasible, as long as you do not breach your weight allowances. I would suggest, in addition to your portables, not instead of.
With your 240 ah of batteries it might be prudent to add additional solar panels to your rooftop to ensure adequate charging of them.
Joe
We have been on the road full time since Jan last year. Last year we went up to Cape York, Longreach, Birdsville, Darwin and down the centre and never used the generator so we left it at my brothers house in Adelaide before starting the Big Lap in Jan this year. We didn't miss it one bit. We have ample solar and 2 x batteries. We have 12v gas heating and multiple 12v fans along with some small inverters to charge numerous things. We free camp when we can but call into a CP when we need water or need to do the washing. In my personal opinion you would be better to spend the money on more solar, inverters, gas or diesel heating and 12v fans for when it gets a little hot. The only time we retreated to a CP unexpectedly was when there was a heat wave in the mid 40's early last year when we where around the Gundagai region.
Good luck and safe travels.
-- Edited by cjt55 on Sunday 2nd of September 2018 03:36:44 AM
Hi Mephisto ,welcome to the forum.Make sure you take your generator with you.
You never know when you'll need to use it.
Hi, after we retired we did a 3 month tour with the generator, never used it, never looked like using it, gave it to my sister who has a small property and uses it regulally for power blackouts.
Now 5 years on no regrets. We camp how and when, enjoying all types of camping flexing between free camps, showgrounds and caravan parks with our 2 batteries (200 amps), 320 watts of solar.
My biggest concern was added weight, storage of the generator and carting of petrol in our confined living space. Car and caravan is where you live.
Enjoy your travels.
Gday...
I can only agree with the comments already offered.
I carry a generator ... have done so for the 10 years I have been full time on the road.
First three years I used it regularly to top up the battery every couple of afternoons - I had no solar.
I got solar six year ago - initially 80W x 2 to feed the one 100Ah battery. I don't use much power after the sun goes down though.
I now have 80W x 2, 200W x 1 and one 120Ah battery. I have only used the genny once since getting the solar - about three years ago after four days of rain camped on the Murrumbidgee. Ran it for about four hours on the fourth day of rain. It still sits in the tug unused.
I still carry the genny and will continue to carry the genny.
For the same reason I carry a spare wheel, jack, wheel brace and puncture repair kit. Never used them either but I will be very glad I have them if I get a puncture. OH, and I carry Disprin too ... don't get a headache very often, but I still carry them jest in case.
I don't carry portable panels and have found the panels on my van roof are more than adequate - whether in Victoria during winter or summer ... and anywhere else in Straya I have wandered in any season.
My advice would be to get more solar on the roof - as much as you can fit - 150w x 1 panel feeding 240Ah of battery is gonna always be marginal dependent on how much power you draw after sundown - and carry the genny if you have the space and weight availability.
The biggest impact on power storage is how much power you use each 24 hours ... particularly once the sun goes down. Controlling that will make your existing solar adequate.
Cheers - John
-- Edited by rockylizard on Sunday 2nd of September 2018 09:05:03 AM
The theme I'm getting is if you can spare the room and weight, its good insurance, but if you can't, don't sweat it. I'll take the solar blanket as its easy to store in one of those hard shell brief case thingy's, but the large folding hard panels will not weigh much less than a 20kg generator. The missus plans to use her sewing machine, heaps of computer, lots of TV etc. The single battery ran close to 50% discharge regularly, and we did not overuse the power at all. I'm hoping the extra battery will do the job, but it still needs the juice put into it- thus the solar blanket. As we park near shade often, being able to stretch the blanket out another 5m makes all the difference. I guess 80% of the time, we will have sunny days. Its the other 20% we have to plan for. Maybe a generator is not necessary, but being able to turn on the AC or fan heater would make life a lot easier. Happy trails all.
We have been full time on the road a few years now. We have a genie. Recently been thinking, do we really need it? Been used only a few times when overcast n raining when free camping. Really, on those very rare occasions we could go to a showgrounds. A bit like insurance i guess. Its personal choice i guess. Good luck. Enjoy.
Thanks Possum,
My first consideration was charging the batteries, and I umm'd and Ahh'd over using a 1kva Yammie that was more than capable, but then thought a larger one could charge the batteries, plus the laptop, plus the camera's, run the fridge and/or maybe the TV. Being able to use the microwave whilst the batteries are also charging may also be of interest to SHMBO.
The fact that you can run an AC or fan heater is really only a secondary consideration, but important if we get stuck in a heat wave or blizzard. Fuel is an added expense, but I don't intend to run the Gennie regularly, just as needed.
The weight difference between the 1kva Yam and the 2.4 Cromtech is only 7kg, and the Cromtech is a coupla hundred cheaper. The other point I considered is that good used generators still attract decent prices on evil bay for when I want to give it the flick.
Agree, absolute no brainer. We have solar but our good friend (Mr Honda) is always a welcome guest on board. Been very much appreciated by others we have assisted from time to time also.
Your tug has an alternator which has far higher battery charging capability than a generator, even with a very big charger.
Organising it to be useful for that job is simple, cheap and light.
Cheers,
Peter
This question would also hinge on whether you intend to go camping only when the sun is high in the sky (summer months) or low in the sky (winter months), solar panels mounted on the roof are best for when the sun is high in the sky. Angles panels for winter.
-- Edited by iana on Sunday 2nd of September 2018 10:31:15 AM
Heat reduces the charge rate, so that is not an issue in winter.
Even if it is 100% cloud (as it has been for us for the last 6 days), solar panels will still provide some charge and this is the benefit of having plenty (you can't have too much solar), and the alternator is still there as a last resort.
Cheers,
Peter
Gday...
That is my experience as well Peter.
High sun in Victorian winter and high sun in QLD winter shows that there are more volts on the panels, and more amps coming to the battery in VIC winter - due to the hotter weather in QLD - and gets to float quicker on good sunny day in VIC winter.
Also, overcast days still show over 15V coming from the panels and 3 to 4 amp to battery - still gets to float by lunch time as well usually ... it seems only if it is actually raining (thicker cloud?) that the panels don't cope.
[edit: I think (don't know) it is coz the UV is still coming through even if overcast]
Cheers - John
-- Edited by rockylizard on Sunday 2nd of September 2018 10:47:45 AM
All I can Quote is Murphy's Law.
"You don't need a generator till the one time you do, and you don't have it with you."
Yes you do have one.
You have an alternator.
A generator plus a (large and expensive) battery charger could give you 25 or 30A of battery charging.
The alternator alone could give you double that for the cost of a decent pair of jumper leads while stationary and 30A via a DC-DC charger while on the move (where your generator is useless).
Old habits are hard to beat. :)
Cheers,
Peter
Hi Peter, good morning.
I like your positive idea about cheap recharging from the tow vehicle, I was wondering could you supply a drawing of a way this could be achieved and is it possible a handy man could do it.
Thank you, Ralph.