Hi I'm new to this forum. If you could advise me I'd appreciate it. I've bought a caravan and I need to get a generator. I was thinking diesel would be best then I don't have to carry petrol. (Except 2 stroke for my chainsaw) I want it to be quiet of course. Could anyone advise the best one to get please. I know this is probably asked a lot. The generator toolbox I have is 750wide x 500deep x 600high
next question..the caravan has 2 tvs but they're older models that don't have streaming. I have purchased a starlink dish. The research i've done suggest it's better to buy a media streaming device like firestik or roku rather than replace the tvs with smart ones. Again. any advice would be appreciated.
thanks people. and very nice to meet you!!
Corndoggy said
08:18 PM Aug 17, 2025
As for media streaming you will only steam to one TV per device. Best thing is you can also use it at home. Just need an internet connection. Also use it with storage media. My pick is an oldie but a goody. Is about 6 years old, still getting firmware updates, can be used as a game player, and mine doesn't miss a beat. Maybe costs a little more than the other two but still considered one of the best around. Nvidia Shield Pro. There is a smaller version but cannot comment on that one
Are We Lost said
09:09 PM Aug 17, 2025
Generators and freecamps do not go well together and many National Parks ban them. The subject was raised recently.
As for streaming, I prefer to use a dedicated streaming device than the smarts of a TV. So as long as the TVs are not too old they should be fine. There are numerous streaming devices available to choose from. I have used both the Amazon Fire TV and a Roku at home. The Amazon device has more support of local apps and services than the Roku. Corndoggy mentioned the Nvidea Shield TV Pro. I recently decided to splurge on one for home because the Amazon devices can not successfully play some of the high end home content that I have (not relevant for caravan usage). For caravan usage the Shield is overkill but if you are happy to pay for the best, then go for that. The non pro version is about $100 cheaper and has the same processor but omits some advanced features. Check online to see if that would affect you.
If wanting to save a few dollars I would avoid the bottom rung of devices as they may be a bit laggy (e.g. the standard Fire TV). Others may chime in with their choice of streaming device.
For use with two TVs as Corndoggy said, only one at a time. If just occasionally swapping, you could just swap the cable. Frequent swaps I suggest getting an HDMI switch. For future proofing, make sure it is 2 way and supports the current HDMI standards. My choic would be manual switching rather than automatic for simplicity. Or buy two streaming devices .. maybe different ones.
Corndoggy said
06:24 PM Aug 18, 2025
If your tv have a hdmi input you could connect a laptop to them and stream from that, with the right software.
Ketto said
08:03 PM Aug 18, 2025
I don't have a Smart TV Either. I just use my laptop in a cupboard which is connected through to a HDMI outlet. This plugs into the TV when it's on the arm. I use a small Bluetooth keyboard and mouse to operate it. As you have two TVs it obviously gets more complex. Big W sells really cheap Smart TVs. AIWA 32 Google TV with Mains / Car Adaptor & Built-in Google Cast | BIG W. My laptop has a 12v power pack as well.
KiloBravo said
01:32 PM Aug 23, 2025
I have a EcoFlow Delta 2 Max, costs more than a Generator, but has many features. I also got the Alternator charger as well, dont have to worry about adding more solar , chargers very quickly as you drive. I sold my Generator . There are a lot of videos on these, worth a look.
Hi I'm new to this forum. If you could advise me I'd appreciate it. I've bought a caravan and I need to get a generator. I was thinking diesel would be best then I don't have to carry petrol. (Except 2 stroke for my chainsaw) I want it to be quiet of course. Could anyone advise the best one to get please. I know this is probably asked a lot. The generator toolbox I have is 750wide x 500deep x 600high
next question..the caravan has 2 tvs but they're older models that don't have streaming. I have purchased a starlink dish. The research i've done suggest it's better to buy a media streaming device like firestik or roku rather than replace the tvs with smart ones. Again. any advice would be appreciated.
thanks people. and very nice to meet you!!
Generators and freecamps do not go well together and many National Parks ban them. The subject was raised recently.
Another battery or a quiet generator
As for streaming, I prefer to use a dedicated streaming device than the smarts of a TV. So as long as the TVs are not too old they should be fine. There are numerous streaming devices available to choose from. I have used both the Amazon Fire TV and a Roku at home. The Amazon device has more support of local apps and services than the Roku. Corndoggy mentioned the Nvidea Shield TV Pro. I recently decided to splurge on one for home because the Amazon devices can not successfully play some of the high end home content that I have (not relevant for caravan usage). For caravan usage the Shield is overkill but if you are happy to pay for the best, then go for that. The non pro version is about $100 cheaper and has the same processor but omits some advanced features. Check online to see if that would affect you.
If wanting to save a few dollars I would avoid the bottom rung of devices as they may be a bit laggy (e.g. the standard Fire TV). Others may chime in with their choice of streaming device.
For use with two TVs as Corndoggy said, only one at a time. If just occasionally swapping, you could just swap the cable. Frequent swaps I suggest getting an HDMI switch. For future proofing, make sure it is 2 way and supports the current HDMI standards. My choic would be manual switching rather than automatic for simplicity. Or buy two streaming devices .. maybe different ones.
I don't have a Smart TV Either. I just use my laptop in a cupboard which is connected through to a HDMI outlet. This plugs into the TV when it's on the arm. I use a small Bluetooth keyboard and mouse to operate it. As you have two TVs it obviously gets more complex. Big W sells really cheap Smart TVs. AIWA 32 Google TV with Mains / Car Adaptor & Built-in Google Cast | BIG W. My laptop has a 12v power pack as well.
I have a EcoFlow Delta 2 Max, costs more than a Generator, but has many features. I also got the Alternator charger as well, dont have to worry about adding more solar , chargers very quickly as you drive. I sold my Generator . There are a lot of videos on these, worth a look.