Hi everyone, I am a new member and this is my first post and I would appreciate some advice on the following. We are hitting the road in May to commence our big lap and I am struggling as to whether or not to take a generator with us. We need to be mindful of our weights. I have 2 genies a 2 kva and a 2.6. My conundrum is we have ample solar with 250 on the roof and another 120 portable. In the past we have really only used the genie to run the microwave or my wife's hairdryer etc absolutely nothing essential, our solar set up does pretty much everything we need. The only reason I can see to take a genie is if we are parked up in a shady spot for a while but then I have the portable solar to top things up. So is it worth carting all that extra weight plus fuel to run it if I may never need it. Be very interested to hear your thoughts especially those who have taken a genie and how often it was used. cheers folks safe travels mwez
Whenarewethere said
08:40 PM Mar 14, 2019
I haven't used a microwave for over a decade at home. Just got out of the habit & there are many work arounds in a saucepan. That means you can save weight & get rid of the microwave as well. Maybe pack the hair dryer for the odd occasion when you are in a caravan park.
elliemike said
09:18 PM Mar 14, 2019
We have never felt the need to have a generator. Don't have a microwave,Air Con, Water Heater. We stay off grid whenever we can and are on trips some times of 4-5 months some years. Off again to the Kimberly this year for a few months, Broome bird Obs. Charnley and Mornington Wildlife conservancies. We have enough Solar Power and Battery power for all our needs in an Avan Cruisliner.
ballast2 said
09:53 PM Mar 14, 2019
G'day mwez. Welcome to the forum. Advice from one who carries a generator. While not on the road full time I take ours. 2kva Honda. Not used often BUT when needed was needed. Solar panels are great and we have stayed of grid for 5 weeks only needing to use the genni about 3 or 4 times. Sometimes to help others. If you think you need it to power a microwave or hair dryer probably (with respect) you may need to change your way of cooking and introduce your wife to a towel to dry her hair. May I ask about your fridge, is it 12/240 or 3 way. Lots of people dont like gas fridges but I love ours. Is your car petrol or diesel? Petrol means you can use the same fuel. Bottom line is, this is a decision only you can make but I would suggest you take one. I know you will get a lot of differing opinions on this,
Cheers
Peter_n_Margaret said
11:20 PM Mar 14, 2019
And from someone who has spent about 6 months on the road each year for the past 15 years, almost only off grid.
We don't have a generator, nor can we plug in to 240V at all.
We have lots of solar and if the sun does not shine there is an alternator under the bonnet that can charge our batteries up very easily.
Spend the money you were going to spend on the generator (plus its smelly, dangerous fuel) on extra solar panels instead and you will be sweet.
Cheers,
Peter
Moose2 said
07:43 AM Mar 15, 2019
I suspect you've already answered your own question. And I suspect your answer is no.
Ron-D said
07:44 AM Mar 15, 2019
There weighty noisy thinks that stink of fuel,not needed today with modern 12volt systems ,if you want to cart one around to power a hair dryer that makes a lot of sense ..
lizard said
08:34 AM Mar 15, 2019
We take our generator , to charge batteries when poor solar ( like when under nice shady trees for a few days - like on a river bank) .... I well remember when camped up for a few weeks & overcast for 7 days , solar insufficient so ran generator - other solar only vans asked if they could connect
mwez said
10:23 AM Mar 15, 2019
Thanks for that vehicle is a 3ltr TD prado also van is fitted with a diesel heater so the only thing I would need to carry fuel for is the genie. I have advised he wife towel ONLY lolll
mwez said
10:24 AM Mar 15, 2019
Thanks everyone for your replies and suggestions been great to get some different points of view. cheers & safe travels.
the rocket said
10:52 AM Mar 15, 2019
Strop n i are on the road full time. Most of the time we do not need it. But when you need it, you need it. Eg. 1. raining for one week and shock, horror, no tv, internet or hot water. 2. Its that hot you are sweltering. 3. You get vomiting n diarhoea, r running a temp., feel like crap and its very hot n humid n are in the middle of nowhere but cannot drive any further. No fun vomiting by torch light and Cleaning up vomit by torch light because you have used all the solar power. Also cannot heat water for shower. Usually find when you do not take something, thats the item you will need most. If it were me, i would take the big genie, for just in case. Enjoy your travels. Rocket n strop.
-- Edited by the rocket on Friday 15th of March 2019 11:04:14 AM
Dougwe said
11:02 AM Mar 15, 2019
Oh no, someone mentioned a Generator!
Welcome to the gang mwez, enjoy here an out in the playground.
I am on the road full time, no home base anymore, so everything needed is with me.. I have heaps of Solar up on the roof and portable 120w fold up Solar sheet and two batteries on/in my aluminium teepee. I carry a Honda 20i Generator in the back of the Collie all the times. I have it for when off the grid and only for aircon if needed. I feel the heat quickly and badly. I have a Truma Gas Heater fitted for colder weather as I also feel the cold quickly and badly.
The Generator doesn't get much use but more than happy to have on board for if needed.
My comment up the top could be worse I spose as it could be someone carrying a Generator in a Whizzbang.........Who said that! Not me, no way
the rocket said
11:08 AM Mar 15, 2019
Dougwe wrote:
Oh no, someone mentioned a Generator!
Welcome to the gang mwez, enjoy here an out in the playground.
I am on the road full time, no home base anymore, so everything needed is with me.. I have heaps of Solar up on the roof and portable 120w fold up Solar sheet and two batteries on/in my aluminium teepee. I carry a Honda 20i Generator in the back of the Collie all the times. I have it for when off the grid and only for aircon if needed. I feel the heat quickly and badly. I have a Truma Gas Heater fitted for colder weather as I also feel the cold quickly and badly.
The Generator doesn't get much use but more than happy to have on board for if needed.
My comment up the top could be worse I spose as it could be someone carrying a Generator in a Whizzbang.........Who said that! Not me, no way
Totally agree. Hope you are recovering ok. heard the twins came down from byron to help you. You luckyman. Sorry, off topic. Back to original post.
Jaahn said
12:02 PM Mar 15, 2019
Hi Mark
Here is another point of view. Your Prado has a good alternator which can be used to charge your van battery. So when travelling it can fully charge it normally and the batteries are full when you arrive. Then you can use the solar for your power. If the solar is poor and your batteries get down, you can always run the motor to charge up the batteries. You are not stuck with flat house batteries as has been implied and cannot charge them.
Indeed if you still want to use a microwave or a hair drier for a short time you could run the motor to keep the batteries charged while you do that. Easier than lugging a generator and less weight for sure.
The thing is to setup your rig correctly to enable the charging from the Prado alternator to work well as you want it to. Depending on the model it will probably need a DC to DC charger and a good sized cable and connector. Buy a high amp charger that will recharge in a shorter time. A 20Amp unit will do charging driving but not much help other times.
Jaahn
-- Edited by Jaahn on Friday 15th of March 2019 12:04:12 PM
LLD said
12:14 PM Mar 15, 2019
We have the Yamaha version of the Honda 20i. Carried in on our 10 week, 10,000km trip around the west. Never used it. We never stayed any longer than a few days without power. However I am glad we took it as we have needed it where we have stayed more than about 3 nights without moving on. The worst that can happen (and we did it on one trip) is to run the ute to top-up the van battery. We tend to run out of battery power in the ute powering the 12v fridge to keep the beer cold on very hot days when we are camped.
Between a gas powered van fridge and the butane cookers you can travel anywhere. Our 2 pair of travelling companions had generators but also used their butane stoves rather than getting out the generator.
The most important thing is drinking water. We've filled our van tank with dubious water. Even filled with good water that tastes horrible. So taking your own drinking water is a must whether it be purchased bottled or you fill containers up in places where water is clean and tastes OK. We save and refill our water bottles when we can rather than purchase more.
KFT said
01:12 PM Mar 15, 2019
Just wondering if I should get some popcorn in for this discussion?
We have a honda genny and have used it many times over the last 8 years. I figure it was better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. It is only 20kg and 5 l of fuel is another 5 approx. We also carry a 100l bladder full of our rainwater for drinking and that is only the weight of another passenger in the vehicle.
We have used it to charge batteries, run the AC, run the microwave(couple of times only and usually for a heat pack), so it has been very handy indeed.
Do what you think is best for you and take no notice of the naysayers.
Frank.
Bobdown said
03:03 PM Mar 15, 2019
mwez wrote:
Hi everyone, I am a new member and this is my first post and I would appreciate some advice on the following. We are hitting the road in May to commence our big lap and I am struggling as to whether or not to take a generator with us. We need to be mindful of our weights. I have 2 genies a 2 kva and a 2.6. My conundrum is we have ample solar with 250 on the roof and another 120 portable. In the past we have really only used the genie to run the microwave or myhair dryer etc absolutely nothing essential, our solar set up does pretty much everything we need. The only reason I can see to take a genie is if we are parked up in a shady spot for a while but then I have the portable solar to top things up. So is it worth carting all that extra weight plus fuel to run it if I may never need it. Be very interested to hear your thoughts especially those who have taken a genie and how often it was used. cheers folks safe travels mwez
Hi mwez,
In your own words, if you can do without a hair dryer and microwave leave it home otherwise you'll be like the majority here who have taken it and not used it.
I'm thinking if start in May and head North and follow the temperate weather around Aust, you probably won't need it.
Cheers Bob
denmonkey said
03:57 PM Mar 15, 2019
I guess you need to figure, what happens if the panels don't keep up and you can't use your batteries .
For me I'd need to pile the van food into the Tug and not have as many cold drinks ready to go.
My lights wouldn't work but i have torches and head lamps.
Cooking is on gas.
So for me no biggie.
What will you need to go without?
Will that bother you too much to do without for a few days ?
If the second answer is no, then don't take one. If it's a yes, then take one
Simples
that's how it works in my head anyway
Plus making a decision on such things is much easier when it's someone else taking the risks.
cheers Brett
lizard said
08:24 AM Mar 16, 2019
Jaahn wrote:
Hi Mark
Here is another point of view. Your Prado has a good alternator which can be used to charge your van battery. So when travelling it can fully charge it normally and the batteries are full when you arrive. Then you can use the solar for your power. If the solar is poor and your batteries get down, you can always run the motor to charge up the batteries. You are not stuck with flat house batteries as has been implied and cannot charge them.
Indeed if you still want to use a microwave or a hair drier for a short time you could run the motor to keep the batteries charged while you do that. Easier than lugging a generator and less weight for sure.
The thing is to setup your rig correctly to enable the charging from the Prado alternator to work well as you want it to. Depending on the model it will probably need a DC to DC charger and a good sized cable and connector. Buy a high amp charger that will recharge in a shorter time. A 20Amp unit will do charging driving but not much help other times.
Jaahn
Seems a waste of fuel to run a large motor for several hours just to charge batteries , esp considering deep cycle batteries can be slow to accept charge ... plus there is the issue with catalytic coverters on new vehicles - not recommended to idle for long periods - for several reasons
-- Edited by Jaahn on Friday 15th of March 2019 12:04:12 PM
Ron-D said
09:25 AM Mar 16, 2019
Most people would not be carting generators around these days ,we and the people we travel with have never had a need for them,and we freecamp most of the time,I have no problem with people carting the things around, in there head there there for emergencies , if you dont hnow how to set your rig up to do without them there a security blanket I suppose ,if you want to sit out in the Bush in pouring rain I guess they might make sense
travelyounger said
08:14 AM Mar 17, 2019
Generators are great cause when for an example if you are free camping on 4 acres and there is no one else there some one decides to park at your front door just put it on and they soon move on they are also great for air con
JayDee said
08:17 AM Mar 17, 2019
My 2 bobs worth..
Yes we carry A HONDA I.20 in a box on the rear of the rig.
It is used mainly when we have a lack of solar power during rainy days on end.
Also we are bush campers and on goes the Genie on wash days and whne the Dee wants to use the dryer and micro wave. Also use it for the A/Con so yes we have a need for the Genie,
But!!!! I guess not everyone has the same needs and desires.
Hi everyone, I am a new member and this is my first post and I would appreciate some advice on the following. We are hitting the road in May to commence our big lap and I am struggling as to whether or not to take a generator with us. We need to be mindful of our weights. I have 2 genies a 2 kva and a 2.6. My conundrum is we have ample solar with 250 on the roof and another 120 portable. In the past we have really only used the genie to run the microwave or my wife's hairdryer etc absolutely nothing essential, our solar set up does pretty much everything we need. The only reason I can see to take a genie is if we are parked up in a shady spot for a while but then I have the portable solar to top things up. So is it worth carting all that extra weight plus fuel to run it if I may never need it. Be very interested to hear your thoughts especially those who have taken a genie and how often it was used. cheers folks safe travels mwez
I haven't used a microwave for over a decade at home. Just got out of the habit & there are many work arounds in a saucepan. That means you can save weight & get rid of the microwave as well. Maybe pack the hair dryer for the odd occasion when you are in a caravan park.
We have never felt the need to have a generator. Don't have a microwave,Air Con, Water Heater. We stay off grid whenever we can and are on trips some times of 4-5 months some years. Off again to the Kimberly this year for a few months, Broome bird Obs. Charnley and Mornington Wildlife conservancies. We have enough Solar Power and Battery power for all our needs in an Avan Cruisliner.
G'day mwez. Welcome to the forum. Advice from one who carries a generator. While not on the road full time I take ours. 2kva Honda. Not used often BUT when needed was needed. Solar panels are great and we have stayed of grid for 5 weeks only needing to use the genni about 3 or 4 times. Sometimes to help others. If you think you need it to power a microwave or hair dryer probably (with respect) you may need to change your way of cooking and introduce your wife to a towel to dry her hair. May I ask about your fridge, is it 12/240 or 3 way. Lots of people dont like gas fridges but I love ours. Is your car petrol or diesel? Petrol means you can use the same fuel. Bottom line is, this is a decision only you can make but I would suggest you take one. I know you will get a lot of differing opinions on this,
Cheers
We don't have a generator, nor can we plug in to 240V at all.
We have lots of solar and if the sun does not shine there is an alternator under the bonnet that can charge our batteries up very easily.
Spend the money you were going to spend on the generator (plus its smelly, dangerous fuel) on extra solar panels instead and you will be sweet.
Cheers,
Peter
I suspect you've already answered your own question. And I suspect your answer is no.
There weighty noisy thinks that stink of fuel,not needed today with modern 12volt systems ,if you want to cart one around to power a hair dryer that makes a lot of sense
..
Thanks for that vehicle is a 3ltr TD prado also van is fitted with a diesel heater so the only thing I would need to carry fuel for is the genie. I have advised he wife towel ONLY lolll
Strop n i are on the road full time. Most of the time we do not need it. But when you need it, you need it. Eg. 1. raining for one week and shock, horror, no tv, internet or hot water. 2. Its that hot you are sweltering. 3. You get vomiting n diarhoea, r running a temp., feel like crap and its very hot n humid n are in the middle of nowhere but cannot drive any further. No fun vomiting by torch light and Cleaning up vomit by torch light because you have used all the solar power. Also cannot heat water for shower. Usually find when you do not take something, thats the item you will need most. If it were me, i would take the big genie, for just in case. Enjoy your travels. Rocket n strop.
-- Edited by the rocket on Friday 15th of March 2019 11:04:14 AM
Oh no, someone mentioned a Generator!
Welcome to the gang mwez, enjoy here an out in the playground.
I am on the road full time, no home base anymore, so everything needed is with me.. I have heaps of Solar up on the roof and portable 120w fold up Solar sheet and two batteries on/in my aluminium teepee. I carry a Honda 20i Generator in the back of the Collie all the times. I have it for when off the grid and only for aircon if needed. I feel the heat quickly and badly. I have a Truma Gas Heater fitted for colder weather as I also feel the cold quickly and badly.
The Generator doesn't get much use but more than happy to have on board for if needed.
My comment up the top could be worse I spose as it could be someone carrying a Generator in a Whizzbang.........Who said that! Not me, no way
Totally agree. Hope you are recovering ok. heard the twins came down from byron to help you. You luckyman. Sorry, off topic. Back to original post.
Hi Mark
Here is another point of view. Your Prado has a good alternator which can be used to charge your van battery. So when travelling it can fully charge it normally and the batteries are full when you arrive. Then you can use the solar for your power. If the solar is poor and your batteries get down, you can always run the motor to charge up the batteries. You are not stuck with flat house batteries as has been implied and cannot charge them.
Indeed if you still want to use a microwave or a hair drier for a short time you could run the motor to keep the batteries charged while you do that. Easier than lugging a generator and less weight for sure.
The thing is to setup your rig correctly to enable the charging from the Prado alternator to work well as you want it to. Depending on the model it will probably need a DC to DC charger and a good sized cable and connector. Buy a high amp charger that will recharge in a shorter time. A 20Amp unit will do charging driving but not much help other times.
Jaahn
-- Edited by Jaahn on Friday 15th of March 2019 12:04:12 PM
Between a gas powered van fridge and the butane cookers you can travel anywhere. Our 2 pair of travelling companions had generators but also used their butane stoves rather than getting out the generator.
The most important thing is drinking water. We've filled our van tank with dubious water. Even filled with good water that tastes horrible. So taking your own drinking water is a must whether it be purchased bottled or you fill containers up in places where water is clean and tastes OK. We save and refill our water bottles when we can rather than purchase more.
We have a honda genny and have used it many times over the last 8 years. I figure it was better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. It is only 20kg and 5 l of fuel is another 5 approx. We also carry a 100l bladder full of our rainwater for drinking and that is only the weight of another passenger in the vehicle.
We have used it to charge batteries, run the AC, run the microwave(couple of times only and usually for a heat pack), so it has been very handy indeed.
Do what you think is best for you and take no notice of the naysayers.
Frank.
Hi mwez,
In your own words, if you can do without a hair dryer and microwave leave it home otherwise you'll be like the majority here who have taken it and not used it.
I'm thinking if start in May and head North and follow the temperate weather around Aust, you probably won't need it.
Cheers Bob
I guess you need to figure, what happens if the panels don't keep up and you can't use your batteries .
For me I'd need to pile the van food into the Tug and not have as many cold drinks ready to go.
My lights wouldn't work but i have torches and head lamps.
Cooking is on gas.
So for me no biggie.
What will you need to go without?
Will that bother you too much to do without for a few days ?
If the second answer is no, then don't take one.
If it's a yes, then take one
Simples
that's how it works in my head anyway
Plus making a decision on such things is much easier when it's someone else taking the risks.
cheers Brett
Most people would not be carting generators around these days ,we and the people we travel with have never had a need for them,and we freecamp most of the time,I have no problem with people carting the things around, in there head there there for emergencies , if you dont hnow how to set your rig up to do without them there a security blanket I suppose ,if you want to sit out in the Bush in pouring rain I guess they might make sense
Generators are great cause when for an example if you are free camping on 4 acres and there is no one else there some one decides to park at your front door just put it on and they soon move on they are also great for air con
My 2 bobs worth..
Yes we carry A HONDA I.20 in a box on the rear of the rig.
It is used mainly when we have a lack of solar power during rainy days on end.
Also we are bush campers and on goes the Genie on wash days and whne the Dee wants to use the dryer and micro wave. Also use it for the A/Con so yes we have a need for the Genie,
But!!!! I guess not everyone has the same needs and desires.
Happy Days
Jay&Dee