Which Generator??

I agree with Bill's post. one battery and an 80 Watt panel is hopelessly inadequate. I would suggest a minimum of three x 125 Watt panels and three one hundred amp batteries. Maybe OK for a sunny weekend away but that's it.

You will need a generator for those long periods of dull rainy weather during low depressions - even with the above gear. Buy good gear and buy it once - or just stay in caravan parks.

John and Jean

I have to agree with Bill as well.

Re-assess what you REALLY need to run electrically, and what you can run competently on another energy source, LPG.

Microwaves, electric jugs, electric toasters, air conditioners, run them when you are on a 240volt supply that you have already paid for with your park fees.

When free camping/travelling, use gas appliances and limit electrical wastage / stored battery energy use.

Why do people have the need to pour petrol into a machine to make heat and electricity to then power an air conditioner in the boonies, to attempt to cool a usually very thermally inefficient aluminium shed.

1 battery and 1 panel is just enough for lighting, if you want to run appliances, upsize the system.

Update your existing solar and battery storage capacity and make use of tow vehicle generated DC power while travelling during the day.

We have just returned from another few months travelling, generally free camping and its getting worse the number of people out there with bugger-all or insufficient solar/battery capability, tip out a cheap-ass gennie, get it rattling and roaring to run TV, non LED lighting and the electric jug, microwave etc...and just stuff up the camp areas and happy hour for many other people a bit more savy with accessing and using energy.

I have a generator, but its certainly not to run the air conditioner, its just a Honda 1kva, is light for 1 person to handle and pretty darn quiet. Its only use to me is to recharge my house batteries if I have had 3 or more days of crap weather and the caravan's 6 solar panels and 4 batteries are not quite coping.

When free camping, we don't use the electric jug, toaster or microwave, just LED lighting, compressor fridge, water pumps and TV.

Good luck, but please explore the solar/batteries option combined with efficient energy camping, and enjoy some peaceful happy hours with your camping friends.

Ditto to Sandy....properly assess your needs first....but if you do need a generator, I can say that my Yamaha EF1000is* has been a good unit. Easy to start - quiet - eco throttle - easy to maintain (fit a new spark plug - clean the air filter - change the oil**). The best time to buy might be when your local camping show is on - show specials are often the best you'll see - and dealers often have 'show' specials even when they are not exhibiting at the show.
*I chose the Yam. because it was cheaper than the Honda at the time... and had the same specs. No regrets.
**There is no oil filter, but the bath holds only a small amount of oil and frequent changes cost little.

Have a read here....

http://www.caravanersforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=19614

and here...

http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/1283863

Nice junk.

wholehog,

time will tell if its junk or not BUT it starts better than my stihl whippersnapper my husqvaran chain saw and my victor mower. would I change my mower chainsaw or whipper snipper for better ? brands no because I like them. unless you have one, a generator of that brand you are just following the other sheep. as I said time will tell but I'm sure i'll get my moneys worth and like my other toys I only use the when needed.

Harvey

DBN05

charging laptops, phones and cameras etc don't use a lot of power either so you can use gas for fridge and cooking (it lasts surprisingly well) and if you're careful you might get by with the other less power-demanding stuff. Tell the cook she looks gorgeous anyway and doesn't need the hairdryer.

Thanks everyone for your advice. Have decided to instal another 120 watt solar panel and another deep cycle battery. According to our auto electrician and solar panel outlet this should help enormously. It's basically for led lighting and a small 12volt TV. We have survived with the one battery/solar panel setup to a point. It just seems to be a little light on power. And Tony, will never lose the free camping feeling. Visit Africa often and have travelled through most of Africa with basically a torch and tent.johno

TonyF8. Any caravan owner is not really camping. Just spending a fortune,towing a mobile motel room.

Disco, I agree. I have seen many Gen in operation in free camps throughout oz and there has only been one that was seriously annoying. The latest models on the market seem incredibly quiet. Most people I have seen using them usually are very considerate. Just recently we camped near one and really it was not a problem. Johno