2005 Rockwood 26' 5'er, Michelin LTX MS tires, 270 watts of solar on the roof, 4 T-105 golf cart batteries, Xentrex converter, Outback FX2012T inverter/charger.
If you can't take it with ya, why bother with an RV!
2000 Tundra (bought 9/9/99)
JBA Headers
Gone but not forgotten~
We tend to remote camp but just the same I like a quiet generator so I can hear the pop tab on my beer can go tssssssssh!
It only needs to run long enough to charge my pack of batteries should the solar suffer a cloudy day.
We have a Honda 3800, which is quite heavy to haul around but it does have wheels. It'll run for 17 hours with the tanks completely full, which is about 6 gallons. It's fairly noisy if you set it close to the trailer. What we did was buy a couple of 30Amp extension cords, one 50' and the other 30'. With them both together we get those generators waaaaay out there. Works out pretty well for us, but we boondock it a lot as well. Much better that way IMO.
What size solar panel do you have, and how hard was it to install? Also, how does it work for you? Can you stay a week or more in it without charging the batteries?
I've thought about getting one, but i don't know how well they work.
This noise vs. price arguement is never ending and re-hashed a lot on rv.net. I think it's simple: if you camp in a place where the noise will bother other folks (including your wife), spend the dough or find another quiet power source. If you don't, then get whatever you want. I am not rich, but I had to get a Hondo 3000is because I camp where others would not appreciate a more affordable model. And my wife told me that I can't get a noisy generator.
We have a Honda 3800, which is quite heavy to haul around but it does have wheels. It'll run for 17 hours with the tanks completely full, which is about 6 gallons. It's fairly noisy if you set it close to the trailer. What we did was buy a couple of 30Amp extension cords, one 50' and the other 30'. With them both together we get those generators waaaaay out there. Works out pretty well for us, but we boondock it a lot as well. Much better that way IMO.
What size solar panel do you have, and how hard was it to install? Also, how does it work for you? Can you stay a week or more in it without charging the batteries?
I've thought about getting one, but i don't know how well they work.
Here in AZ the solar works pretty good, I have two 135 watt panels that most of the time keep the batteries (4 golf cart batteries) topped off. Rainy days are the bugger, then the batteries suffer after about 3-4 days. Hooking the sytem up was not hard to do, I used an Outback inverter (provides AC power) and a Xantrax converter (converts power from panels to 12v to charge batteries). The big question is how much power do you use daily, we were running about 700 - 900 watts, but things have changed and I need more power at times. Most times the solar works fine.
2005 Rockwood 26' 5'er, Michelin LTX MS tires, 270 watts of solar on the roof, 4 T-105 golf cart batteries, Xentrex converter, Outback FX2012T inverter/charger.
If you can't take it with ya, why bother with an RV!
2000 Tundra (bought 9/9/99)
JBA Headers
Gone but not forgotten~
Here in AZ the solar works pretty good, I have two 135 watt panels that most of the time keep the batteries (4 golf cart batteries) topped off. Rainy days are the bugger, then the batteries suffer after about 3-4 days. Hooking the sytem up was not hard to do, I used an Outback inverter (provides AC power) and a Xantrax converter (converts power from panels to 12v to charge batteries). The big question is how much power do you use daily, we were running about 700 - 900 watts, but things have changed and I need more power at times. Most times the solar works fine.
How big are those panels size wise, and do i necessarily need an inverter or will the panels alone charge the batteries enough? I'd imagine i need a converter to do this?
I've been reading a lot about 4 golf cart batteries, and it's intriging that's for sure. Are the ones you have deep cycle?
I'm running 2- 6 volt trojan batteries on our 5er, but i neglected them and they ran dry on me at 3 yrs old. I've put some acid in them, and the first weekend out they sucked but they seemed better the 2nd time out. Maybe they'll need more time to charge back up completely, i don't know. Hopefully they'll get me thru this year anyway.
I wouldn't know the first thing about solar and what i'd need to do exactly to charge the batteries enough so i dont' necessarily need to run the generator as much. When we go hunting for a couple weeks, it seems like i need to charge the batteries every 2 days or so and we use power sparingly.
The only thing i'd be concerned about is; deep cycle batteries are designed to drain completely before re charging so i would like to be able to switch the panels off.
I don't know though, enlighten me some more would you?
How big are those panels size wise, and do i necessarily need an inverter or will the panels alone charge the batteries enough? I'd imagine i need a converter to do this?
The solar panels are about 24" X 48", and yes you need an inverter to charge the batteries properly as the voltage off the panels needs to be reduced to the 12-14 volt range. Nice thing is the inverter is cheap, under $100.
I've been reading a lot about 4 golf cart batteries, and it's intriging that's for sure. Are the ones you have deep cycle?
I'm running 2- 6 volt trojan batteries on our 5er, but i neglected them and they ran dry on me at 3 yrs old. I've put some acid in them, and the first weekend out they sucked but they seemed better the 2nd time out. Maybe they'll need more time to charge back up completely, i don't know. Hopefully they'll get me thru this year anyway.
The thing with golf cart batteries (6 volt) is they are for real deep cycle batteries as opposed to the so called deep cycle 12v marine batteries, which is why they are used in golf carts as then can be run totally dead (silly golfers) and will recharge just fine and keep on going. I use 4 batteries for the added capacity. Part of the problem with your batteries is you added acid instead of distilled water, then giving them a hard charge, if they come back I will be further impressed with these batteries. Searching the web I found them for $65 a pop when I bought. If the golf cart type AGM come up in capacity I may go with four of them next time to eliminate checking them or having them go dry.
I wouldn't know the first thing about solar and what i'd need to do exactly to charge the batteries enough so i dont' necessarily need to run the generator as much. When we go hunting for a couple weeks, it seems like i need to charge the batteries every 2 days or so and we use power sparingly.
Solar is seasonal/location sensitive, further north you are the less hard sun you get, the later in the year it is the less hard sun you get, which means very charging power will not be optimal. If I didn't live in AZ I may have went with the battery pack and good converter and a quiet generator. In fact we are planning some northern trips this fall so I added a generator to our gear. In your situation you might consider making a four pack of 6 volt golf cart batteries and still have your generator recharge them. Not knowing you power consumption I would guess using the four batteries would allow you to go twice as long between re-charging.
The only thing i'd be concerned about is; deep cycle batteries are designed to drain completely before re charging so i would like to be able to switch the panels off.
Those so called deep cycle batteries are not designed to be totally drained, in fact if you did that to them a couple times they would be dying an early death. The T-105 golf cart 6 volt battery is designed to take a full discharge and come back swinging, they do NOT need to be completely drained before charging, you can recharge them any time without issue. In fact my batteries are being charged right how, as the sun is shining, the inverter monitors the battery voltage and adjusting its charging voltage to best keep the batteries at optimal. I will bet if I walk out to the 5'er and look at the panel it will show the batteries at 13.x volts which is close to 100%. 12.8 is only about 90% but most charges won't do any better.
I don't know though, enlighten me some more would you?
I may have to dig out some picturs of my setup and put them on here.
2005 Rockwood 26' 5'er, Michelin LTX MS tires, 270 watts of solar on the roof, 4 T-105 golf cart batteries, Xentrex converter, Outback FX2012T inverter/charger.
If you can't take it with ya, why bother with an RV!
2000 Tundra (bought 9/9/99)
JBA Headers
Gone but not forgotten~
Yes, that helps out a great deal; i appreciate it.
So you really think having 2 extra 6-volts would make that much of a difference?
On our old 99 Terry house trailer we had 2- 12 volts which didn't work out too well, and the 6 volts seem to be much better.
The only reason i spent the money for the acid was because i'd been told it's better to use it than distilled water. Hopefully i didn't mess them up, but you'd think i didn't where the second trip they held their charge longer?
I think these trojan batteries are quite expensive; somewhere around $100+ or so, don't remember. If you're confident in the 4 vs. 2 saga, i may just pony up for 4 cheaper golf cart batteries then. Think that would be the best way to go?
I think Costco or Sam's club sells them for a reasonable price.
I have been using these four T-105s for three years now, I power a 5.1 surround sound system with LCD TV, on occassion I will use the microwave for a 3 minute burst, the rest is lights and water pump unless it gets cool at night where I need the heat then the blower motor on the furnace is a draw. But most times the TV-sound system is the biggest draw as I may watch a couple movies in the evening. All that on four batteries so yes I believe four batteries will make a big difference.
One thing that helps the batteries is to keep them charged and topped off with distilled water. After the batteries are fully charged get one of those Battery Tenders to keep the batteries topped off without boiling them. Then check the electrolyte level once a month.
2005 Rockwood 26' 5'er, Michelin LTX MS tires, 270 watts of solar on the roof, 4 T-105 golf cart batteries, Xentrex converter, Outback FX2012T inverter/charger.
If you can't take it with ya, why bother with an RV!
2000 Tundra (bought 9/9/99)
JBA Headers
Gone but not forgotten~
I have been using these four T-105s for three years now, I power a 5.1 surround sound system with LCD TV, on occassion I will use the microwave for a 3 minute burst, the rest is lights and water pump unless it gets cool at night where I need the heat then the blower motor on the furnace is a draw. But most times the TV-sound system is the biggest draw as I may watch a couple movies in the evening. All that on four batteries so yes I believe four batteries will make a big difference.
One thing that helps the batteries is to keep them charged and topped off with distilled water. After the batteries are fully charged get one of those Battery Tenders to keep the batteries topped off without boiling them. Then check the electrolyte level once a month.
On your outback inverter; do you just plug your whole trailer right into it or what? I would like to be able to do that myself, and i wonder if it would run the trickle charger in the trailer?
I've got a nice surround sound system w/ sub & LCD tv myself, but i've got to have the generator running to use them. It would be nice to be able to do what you do, and just have the generator for back up if needed.
You could save the draw from the furnace by installing a Wave 8 catalytic heater; they are so nice and mine heats the whole trailer. Most of the time i run it on low all night when it's cold, and the furnace never comes on. You've GOT to open a window or two just to be sure you have enough oxygen in there. It's sure saved us money on propane usage, as well as battery draw.
This is not good tankerhank; you've got me thinking about this and i just might have to go spend some money now. And it's all your fault. haha
It's never ending though i'll tell ya, there's always something you've got to have.
"On your outback inverter; do you just plug your whole trailer right into it or what? I would like to be able to do that myself, and i wonder if it would run the trickle charger in the trailer?
The Outback is an inverter/converter so yes you can hook that up, then plug your RV in to power and it will keep the batteries up to snuff with ease (even has a nice monitor you mount inside the rig). Being that I am already in trouble for leading you down the $lippery $lope I will tell you the Outback is not cheap, I choose it because of its durablity, reliablity (military even use them out in the desert even) and the pure sine wave it produces. The pure sine wave is what will save your laptop, LCD TV, microwave and other sensitive electronics from dying an early death. Use a cheap inverter and try your microwave you will hear a buzzing while it is running, that is the chopped sine wave showing its ugly head and what kills electronics. If you get real serious I can help you with the details.
I've got a nice surround sound system w/ sub & LCD tv myself, but i've got to have the generator running to use them. It would be nice to be able to do what you do, and just have the generator for back up if needed.
A good pack of batteries and a quality inverter/converter (or hook the generator direct if it does 12volt, but the Outlback will do a better job) and you are good to go being you already have a generator. You can watch movies and such in the evenings, then run the generator for a short time to charge it up when needed.
You could save the draw from the furnace by installing a Wave 8 catalytic heater; they are so nice and mine heats the whole trailer. Most of the time i run it on low all night when it's cold, and the furnace never comes on. You've GOT to open a window or two just to be sure you have enough oxygen in there. It's sure saved us money on propane usage, as well as battery draw.
I have heard of those before, but we rarely use the heat so I have not gotten serious and looked at them. See how things go in our future travels here may have to add that to the load. Thanks.
This is not good tankerhank; you've got me thinking about this and i just might have to go spend some money now. And it's all your fault. haha
It's never ending though i'll tell ya, there's always something you've got to have."
It isn't the first time I've infected someone with "the bug"!!
2005 Rockwood 26' 5'er, Michelin LTX MS tires, 270 watts of solar on the roof, 4 T-105 golf cart batteries, Xentrex converter, Outback FX2012T inverter/charger.
If you can't take it with ya, why bother with an RV!
2000 Tundra (bought 9/9/99)
JBA Headers
Gone but not forgotten~
Last edited by Tankerhank; 07-19-2009 at 01:02 PM.
Re: Portable Generators
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