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Post by wazkaren on Aug 17, 2020 12:20:23 GMT -5
I just got back from a week at a NY state campground with no electric (they have limited generator hours 9am to 11am and 4pm to 7pm). I have a small trailer (160RBT) and had more than enough power to last the week with just 2 batteries. But there were a large number number of people running generators everyday. These were typically much larger rigs than what I have so I'm just curious what is in these big rigs that requires generator. I didn't think it would be for AC since the generator hours are limited. Is it just that bigger rigs require more power and so need to recharge batteries?
I'm NOT trying to start any debate on the use of generators in a campground, I'm honestly just curious what people use them for. I have a small Honda generator but haven't yet found a need for it while camping.
Just curious,
Greg
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Post by laknox on Aug 17, 2020 15:11:04 GMT -5
Mostly, people use their gennies to charge up batteries and run 110v appliances (microwave, coffeemaker, hair dryer, curling iron, etc.). Others use them to run the A/C, though being in a park with limited run hours, that's usually not the main reason. Some people will run them for a hour or two just to be sure their batteries are topped up, and not necessarily for true need.
Lyle
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Post by Edd505 on Aug 17, 2020 18:10:56 GMT -5
Like laknox said: keep batteries topped, power A/C & micro wave when no power is available. I do not run if there's power, did use it once when the entire CG lost power.
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Post by wazkaren on Aug 17, 2020 18:32:14 GMT -5
Ok, thanks. So nothing unusual, just stuff I guess I don't use (so don't need a generator).
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Post by laknox on Aug 18, 2020 10:10:37 GMT -5
Ok, thanks. So nothing unusual, just stuff I guess I don't use (so don't need a generator). For battery charging, you might think about adding solar. 100-200w of panel(s) and a good MPPT controller, will keep you topped up every day. Lyle |
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Post by wazkaren on Aug 18, 2020 10:39:30 GMT -5
Yup, I have a solar panel. Definitively helps keeps my batteries charged. But I saw very few solar panels and lots of generators which led to my curiosity. The sites are wooded so perhaps that's why the generators are favored there.
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Post by laknox on Aug 18, 2020 11:01:19 GMT -5
Yup, I have a solar panel. Definitively helps keeps my batteries charged. But I saw very few solar panels and lots of generators which led to my curiosity. The sites are wooded so perhaps that's why the generators are favored there. Yep, if you're camping in heavily treed areas, then solar may not be the way to go. For $500 you can get a Harbor Freight Predator 2000w generator, which if $400 less than the Honda. Nice insurance to have. Lyle |
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