Mad Dog (Victoria) replied:

It's appears to be a lottery with these generators Jimbo. I certainly wouldn't want to be relying on one in the bush for power.

Truckster (Vic) replied:

I have problems with how a genny could be more cost efficent, around $200?

Then theres the fact of carryin the thing around compared to a solinoid system..

could be wrong.

AT4WD ADVENTURES replied:

Hi Jim,

The problem you have experienced with this gennie is not the gennies fault. The gennie is only designed to supply a small amount of amps (about 8 amps) on the 12 volt dc output. If you are trying to say charge a discharged battery with this output then it is possible that the battery may be requiring 40-50 amps intially at 12 volts dc at which these gennies can't supply nor were they designed to supply.

At best these units were meant to trickle charge a fully charged battery from this output or use this output to power small 12 volt appliances like lighting or power tools.

Regards

Stuart.

Magnus replied:

Jim,

When you can't fit a second battery in your vehicle unless it is in the cabin, there is a problem and there has to be an alternative solution.

That's the main reason I am a Solar and Gas fan. Travelled down the gen set road alrready and tired of the need to carry fuel, the gen set itself, the long leads to get the thing away from the camp etc.

So I became a Gas and Solar convert with good 12 volt set up in the camper and a gas fridge. Battery operated power tools and gas soldering and heating gear allows me to carry out minor repairs in camp. I also carry two hand operated drills with good tradesman quality drill bits for drilling holes. May be slow, but hey it is how it used to be done .!! As long as you have a good center punch to start the hole, you are in business.

Just my enforced alternative approach. Just no room at the Inn for a second battery in my vehicle (Mazda Tribute).

Cheers

Magnus