Generators

[sally47]

Looking to buy a generator just to keep batteries topped up while on store
Which would be the best and power size please

 

[DP+JAY]

Personally I would have thought a solar panel would be better. A generator will be less efficient, more costly & risky, plus you'll need to visit frequently to use it.

 

[sally47]

Thanks DP have a solar but this time of year with not much sun didn't want batteries to get too low

 

[Richard n Ann]

Love a genny thread

Honda are the best but expensive.
Are you full timing?
Whereabouts are you?
If you can prop your solar panels up towards the sun they will give loads more power out

Edit; if it's in storage the solar should be enough.

 

[Jaws]

Our van has not moved or seen a hook up since November 4th.. Batteries are fully charged .. solar panel(s) should be fine unless the van is stored indoors ?

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[Nirvanauk]

Our van has not moved or seen a hook up since November 4th.. Batteries are fully charged .. solar panel(s) should be fine unless the van is stored indoors ?

Same here. Not moved and batteries fully charged.

 

[Minxy]

I'm interested in a generator too ... yes I know, noisy, smelly things ... but I have a husband so used to that already!

I'll start another thread rather than hi-jack this one.

 

[Nasher]

I have a Clarke IG950 800 watt pure sine wave inverter generator

On special offer, it was £180 delivered a couple years ago

It's reasonably quiet, small & light and great for topping up the leisure batteries

For me, it's normally used at motorcycle race meetings/events, after 2 days without EHU (I don't have solar panels) I put it on for a couple of hours, during that time it charges the leisure battery and any phone, laptops, tablets, tv, etc that need charging

Clarke have a good reputation for spares back up, which is why I chose it. That said there is a Screwfix version and a Wolf version which appear the same gennie with different coloured side panels

There are some on here who just post negative comments about generators, seemingly without knowledge or consideration about how they can be used sensibly, but for me it offers a far more reliable solution to solar panels, especially in the UK and particularly in Wales

 

[funflair]

I would/could suggest EFOY as it will sit there and look after batteries on a fully automatic setting and for occasional use not too expensive, as long as you have Methanol in the tank you will have Amps in your batteries.

Still expensive to buy though so more solar panels would be the cheapest option and the one I would maximise first, our van is in indoor storage so we have EFOY.

Martin

 

[Reallyretired]

My mh sits for months in storage. All batteries fully charged by solar even in the darkest months, even though I accidentally left the radio on for two weeks

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[two]

Your best option would be to take the van out more often.
I think you may be living in fear of the unknown. Do you have any evidence to suggest that your batteries are being discharged?

 

[PeteH]

I have a Clarke IG950 800 watt pure sine wave inverter generator

On special offer, it was £180 delivered a couple years ago

It's reasonably quiet, small & light and great for topping up the leisure batteries

For me, it's normally used at motorcycle race meetings/events, after 2 days without EHU (I don't have solar panels) I put it on for a couple of hours, during that time it charges the leisure battery and any phone, laptops, tablets, tv, etc that need charging

Clarke have a good reputation for spares back up, which is why I chose it. That said there is a Screwfix version and a Wolf version which appear the same gennie with different coloured side panels

There are some on here who just post negative comments about generators, seemingly without knowledge or consideration about how they can be used sensibly, but for me it offers a far more reliable solution to solar panels, especially in the UK and particularly in Wales

Hi. Only Bumping this as I need to upsize my Genny. The old but brilliant Honda EX700 of 1996 vintage will not cope with SWMBO`s new assistance kit. and I need at least 1.2KW and smooth output.

How did you get on with the Clarke ones`? Any issues starting, for instance. They are knocking them out at around 450 quid (IG2200) at the moment and I have a "Vat" free Voucher, which may save me some extra.

 

[Nasher]

Not had any problems with my Clarke generator

Like most, it sits around in the back of the garage until needed. A few pulls on the starter & it's away. I probably used mine for 4 events last year, normally running it for 2 hours on 2 seperate days for each event

There are a number of generators that are the same: Clarke, Screwfix, Wolf, etc. Just different plastic covers

I choose the Clarke one as they have a good reputation for spares backup

I too bought mine on special offer with a Vat voucher

I have noticed a softening if attitudes to generators on this forum as people realise that solar can not always be relied on (particularly in sunny Wales), electrical demands have increased (12v only fridges are a good example), modern generators are quieter and generators users can be responsible human beings!

Cue nightmare generator stories from the anti everything brigade that moans about anything that doesn't fit into there narrow minded world!!

 

[Feltwell]

For those with solar, what size panels do you have to keep the batteries fully topped up in winter?

My panel is I think only 100w (I didn't fit it) and it isn't enough to keep the batteries topped up without an occasional boost from the EHU. Mind you, the van's position on my driveway doesn't help, it's in shade for a fair proportion of the day. No other option though.

 

[funflair]

Not had any problems with my Clarke generator

Like most, it sits around in the back of the garage until needed. A few pulls on the starter & it's away. I probably used mine for 4 events last year, normally running it for 2 hours on 2 seperate days for each event

There are a number of generators that are the same: Clarke, Screwfix, Wolf, etc. Just different plastic covers

I choose the Clarke one as they have a good reputation for spares backup

I too bought mine on special offer with a Vat voucher

I have noticed a softening if attitudes to generators on this forum as people realise that solar can not always be relied on (particularly in sunny Wales), electrical demands have increased (12v only fridges are a good example), modern generators are quieter and generators users can be responsible human beings!

Cue nightmare generator stories from the anti everything brigade that moans about anything that doesn't fit into there narrow minded world!!

You seem to be suggesting that anybody who doesn’t agree with your view falls into the category “the anti everything brigade that moans about anything that doesn't fit into there narrow minded world!!” Isn’t that a touch of Pot, Kettle,Black.

Martin

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[Jim]

I have noticed a softening if attitudes to generators on this forum

Have you? I've not. At motorsport events gennies are of course convenient and popular, similarly at solo wild camping locations a genny can be a godsend but I don't think it will be long, maybe a year or two, before they are banned from Fun Rallies. Apart from things like running the power to the marquee or medical necessities they have had their day. Technology has and continues to move on at pace and for the most part you can have enough power without the noise pollution and the inconvenience of carrying a genny and the fuel for it. While rally fields are not quiet places by any means, they are infinitely better without the drone of a genny.

 

[Geo]

For those with solar, what size panels do you have to keep the batteries fully topped up in winter?

My panel is I think only 100w (I didn't fit it) and it isn't enough to keep the batteries topped up without an occasional boost from the EHU. Mind you, the van's position on my driveway doesn't help, it's in shade for a fair proportion of the day. No other option though.

Not a great pic as the rear yard was undergoing a re vamp but it shows
There is always another option somewhere somehow
The trailer had big leisure batteries fitted for the motor mover the panel on the wall maintained them well

See I wasn't telling fibs

 

[andy63]

I've not

I have as well..
If minxy has bought one they must be getting more popular..

Andy

 

[bigtwin]

Have you? I've not. At motorsport events gennies are of course convenient and popular, similarly at solo wild camping locations a genny can be a godsend but I don't think it will be long, maybe a year or two, before they are banned from Fun Rallies. Apart from things like running the power to the marquee or medical necessities they have had their day. Technology has and continues to move on at pace and for the most part you can have enough power without the noise pollution and the inconvenience of carrying a genny and the fuel for it. While rally fields are not quiet places by any means, they are infinitely better without the drone of a genny.

Gennies, in themselves, are not the problem.

Gennies and noisy partying are no different in that they both require responsible deployment.

I was pleased to be able to offer the use of my gennie on a fun rally to a scooter owner whose owning charging capability had failed. Despite the best efforts of people there will always be instances when people are caught short.

People’s individual circumstances may also be a factor in their choice of solutions.

I really don’t get the extent of hatred that seems to be displayed against generators. Yes, irresponsible usage (like inconsiderate noisy partying), should not be tolerated and should be dealt with on a case by case basis. Of course the disadvantage with genny usage is that it can’t be defended by saying ‘it’s just a bit of fun, this is Motorhome FUN after all!’.

Banning genny usage as a result of their irresponsible use would, in my opinion, be an over-reaction and would penalise responsible usage. We are all quick enough to cry foul when irresponsible behaviour of motorhome owners results in the installation of height barriers in car parks, parking orders banning motor homes etc.

Some tolerance of others choices (be that noisy partying or running a genny for a few hours) goes a long way.

Ian

 

[Jim]

Despite the best efforts of people there will always be instances when people are caught short.

Of course there will be. But as a normal way to get your leccy on a rally field when you are parked so close to others their days are numbered. As for banning it probably won't be necessary. On a rally field 12 years ago literally every 3rd van had a genny running into the night. These days you can have 150 ralliers in a field and not a single one running. Better batteries, solar backup, leccy efficient vans with LED lights low voltage telly etc means you have no need to annoy your neighbours with a smelly noisy genny.

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[Minxy]

Just for info, details of the one I bought here:

https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/foru...ower-mechanically.189780/page-10#post-3193657

 

[Jim]

Always rated Briggs and Stratton Engines. I've seen them going strong in lawn mowers that were decades old . I dread to think how many hours our 2kva Honda has done. I bought it 27 years ago in Spain when we were wild camping at dropzones. We used it a lot. The last 12 years It must have done well over 2000 hours just at Fun rallies,, running the tea tent by day and the marquee by night; let alone the weeks on end when we had power-cuts at home when we lived in Wales. There is no way I would be without a gennie, its been awesome and paid for itself many times over.

 

[SuperMike]

Managements kit can drop a 220Ah battery to half in about 24hrs. Only in the likes of Portugal can the 400w of solar keep up. So our little whisper quiet Honda EU10i goes everywhere we do.

Of course, if I want to clear a rally field then I just start up the onboard 5.5kW Onan.

 

[Drexxer]

Of course, if I want to clear a rally field then I just start up the onboard 5.5kW Onan.

Make the most of it

 

[PeteH]

Managements kit can drop a 220Ah battery to half in about 24hrs. Only in the likes of Portugal can the 400w of solar keep up. So our little whisper quiet Honda EU10i goes everywhere we do.

Of course, if I want to clear a rally field then I just start up the onboard 5.5kW Onan.

We Used the one on the Winnebago (4KW) a lot on our US tour, as we did far more "wild camps" than here, including Walmart car parks and some "Native American" Casino`s. We have now got some serious medical needs which need the use of a Guaranteed smooth Power source, when needed. We also do enjoy "off Grid" camping, so for those occasions, like my Grandsons wedding in June, when we will be on a site without EHU, it is a godsend. Makes being able to choose how we travel more reliable and less stressful.

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[Pausim]

I have trouble keeping my engine battery topped up in storage during the winter. Alarm, tracker and basic systems all adding up. On my last storage site solar was sufficient but the winter sun hardly touches the panel at my new location. I visit every 2 weeks and did think about using my generator but didn’t fancy hanging around for a couple of hours each time. Instead I use a couple of fairly decent leisure batteries (retired when I went lithium). I charge them up at home then leave one jumped to the starter battery. After a couple of weeks I swap them over and take the used one home for charging. Seems to be working for me, maintaining 12.3v+ and no hanging around.

 

[Jim]

I have trouble keeping my engine battery topped up in storage during the winter. Alarm, tracker and basic systems all adding up. On my last storage site solar was sufficient but the winter sun hardly touches the panel at my new location. I visit every 2 weeks and did think about using my generator but didn’t fancy hanging around for a couple of hours each time. Instead I use a couple of fairly decent leisure batteries (retired when I went lithium). I charge them up at home then leave one jumped to the starter battery. After a couple of weeks I swap them over and take the used one home for charging. Seems to be working for me, maintaining 12.3v+ and no hanging around.

Nice one ....Whenever people have power problems there are lots of sexy expensive solutions available, panels, lithium, B2B, Gennies etc. Often the simple and most effective solution is adding another battery. Doubling your capacity for a measly £100

 

[Minxy]

Nice one ....Whenever people have power problems there are lots of sexy expensive solutions available, panels, lithium, B2B, Gennies etc. Often the simple and most effective solution is adding another battery. Doubling your capacity for a measly £100

Agreed if people only have 1 battery already and there's room for a 2nd and its a lead-acid, not one of the more expensive type. Ours are gel so certainly more than £100 ... if we find the generator isn't needed much I might look to put in a 3rd battery but it won't be an easy fix and may still not be enough in winter.

 

[pappajohn]

Haven't read the posts so sorry if already mentioned....

If you store the van away from home you are going to be sat around for quite a few hours while the batteries charge using a generator.
If stored at home just plug into the house or garage mains and get on with more important things.

 

[PeteH]

Keeping Batteries charged in storage is a long time conundrum. We are fortunate in that I have the `van at home and on permanent EHU. I keep a heater on low in the `van as we use it regularly and as an overflow for visitors. The suggestion of using a second battery as a backup and swapping it over periodically is IMV one of the better suggestions. Using a Generator for that purpose would involve hours of sitting around as they don`t charge up batteries that quickly. Our Generator gets used mainly for medical devices and mobility scoot charging (and the occasional hairdryer!). I try when possible to be as "Neighbourly" as I can when using it.

Mind on one notable occasion, we where in a field, and needing the genny we parked away in a corner (big field). Next thing we have a caravan, family and 2 kids and baby. parked right up to our Awning?. Makes the mind boggle, some people?.

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