Battery Power

[mainah]

It works great for me I just run the little generator while no one cares (actually it's pretty quiet) it in turn runs the 45 amp charger/converter and gives me a good days charge. It's actually small enough to fit under the truck if it's raining.

[pwb01]

I just installed 4, 2.2w LED's in fixtures I use most often. I like the white light they emit and they use about 1/3 of the power. I'll try them and maybe replace a few more later.

[Poqprince]

We have done some of the above. I first used a Honda 2000 because of utility with the house etc. Great unit but even though it is quiet...it is loud in some of the parks we have been in. Still take it but haven't used it since Quartzite last year. ( we are on the road a lot 22,000 plus in last 18months)

We moved to solar in two steps. First I bought a system from Costco. It included two 80 watt panels, controller and small inverter. ($835) It resulted in a hybrid system. Yes it was stand alone in the summer in the Sun but was insufficient in the winter when we amped up. I added two Kyocera 135s currently selling $330 on line. Total 430 watts. In August we were restoring 7 amps at 830 AM. 25 from 11 to 2. Now on cloudy days or moderate shade we will show 7 to 11 amps. I have not used the gen for charging since the upgrade. I absolutely love the no noise and no additional costs after entry. Given the amount of time we camp I think it is cost effective for us but not everyone. BTW converting Honda to propane.
After the desert experience I purchased a solar array in Flagstaff. Now I went

[Steve Collins]

George, you don't say where you are from and where most of your camping is done. (You can fix that by adding it to your profile in the Control Panel or by editing your signature. It really helps when we have conversations like this.)

Paul and I camp mostly in NYS DEC parks which, for the most part, are heavily wooded with tall trees. Enough so that it is difficult to get good solar charging on a sunny day.

Since you already have several hundred dollars more than the cost of the Honda invested in the solar, I'm not sure the extra investment would be worth it over the cost of the Honda given the limited sunshine in our situation up here in the northeast.

I am really open to discussion on this as I'd love to get away from using the Honda every day for basic charging needs.

[Poqprince]

Yes I should put more info in and will do it shortly. We camped last month in Concord MA and at Sampson SP in NY. I am not sure it would pay off for you in your area. We camped at Cayuga SP a year ago in mixed shade and definitely used the but we have added panels. We had morning sun at Sampson but electric hu. I still measured output at Sampson. Because of the size of our array I would not have needed the gen. Our usage per day in the summer is about 40 - 80ah We run two fantastic fans and LED lights and no tv but sirius radio. Winter ranges 70- 110+. Includes satellite tv usage. That is pushing the capacity for the two 6 volts but daytime usage is a wash because of the charging being constant. If the batteries approach 50% I would break out the gen but as you know when you hit 90% or so the cost benefit with a gen is problematic and to get to a full charge is where solar can't be beat IMHO. In the past I used a BDecker charger direct to batts with gen to speed process up.

We boon docked at the Outer Banks in May full Sun. Shennandoah NP In partial shade and flying J during Irene evac and had no need for gen.

Cost wise I have no regrets as the Honda has been essential in so many non camping situations. Since the truck is diesel, I am converting the gen to propane. Quite frankly I have developed the budget for these items from the savings on utilities from being on the road.

Winter camping is done in either FL or AZ CA area.

[Steve Collins]

George, thanks for the added info. It really fills out the picture for us.

If we were to continue to mostly camp in NYS DEC parks, I would likely discount moving to solar. But, since we plan to do some cross country stuff beginning next year, solar becomes much more attractive.

I am adding a second battery next week. Had to order the vented battery box, hose, and outside vent as the battery in the new fiver is inside a compartment. The roof on the fiver is a walk-on roof so I am less concerned about fastening down some solar panels up there.

And the separate charger for faster charging is on my short list of stuff to add over the winter. That and finding some LED's for the interior lighting that won't break the bank.

Good info all around, and thanks!

[Poqprince]

Your welcome Steve

One other note that was helpful for me was installing a Trimetric meter in the unit. It was invaluable in determining our needs. Take a look at Solar electric power components and solar panels I used them for all of my purchases and had them installed at Buddy's also in Flagstaff. I found folks in AZ really knew the business so if you can wait it is well wort it.