Generators when camping?
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K6ON
Old & Soft
When I bought my camper about 8 years ago, I carried a small generator. After lugging it around for about a year and never using it, it's now sitting on a shelf in the garage. I initially thought I might need it because I have a 1.5KW inverter and microwave in the camper. I discovered I only run the microwave for a few minutes at a time and the batteries hold up just fine. I eventually added an Engel compressor fridge and a couple hundred watts of solar. Still don't need the generator.
Alley-Kat
Elder Statesman
Different strokes for different folks.
I used to have my ATC Bobcat shell interior set up with 110VAC cooking (induction cooktop, microwave, toaster oven) and a bathroom wall heater. All powered, only one ON at a time, with a Honda 2000 generator. Used 12VAC, (solar only, 100 amp battery) only for the two DC compressor fridges, LED lights, and roof fantastic fan. This was my chuckwagon set-up. Could serve a lot of food pretty quickly.
However, the need/purpose of that set-up has changed.
So, now, I've got propane for cooking (SMEV cooktop), & a furnace for heating (Atwood). Just me, the wife unit, and the dogs. No large groups anymore.
And, I'm sure you'll hear about other uses for a generator.
Different strokes for different folks.
I used to have my ATC Bobcat shell interior set up with 110VAC cooking (induction cooktop, microwave, toaster oven) and a bathroom wall heater. All powered, only one ON at a time, with a Honda 2000 generator. Used 12VAC, (solar only, 100 amp battery) only for the two DC compressor fridges, LED lights, and roof fantastic fan. This was my chuckwagon set-up. Could serve a lot of food pretty quickly.
However, the need/purpose of that set-up has changed.
So, now, I've got propane for cooking (SMEV cooktop), & a furnace for heating (Atwood). Just me, the wife unit, and the dogs. No large groups anymore.
And, I'm sure you'll hear about other uses for a generator.
Different strokes for different folks.
I haven't added solar yet so even with 200 amp hour of batts I can only make it 3 days or so between charging. Compressor fridge takes a lot of power when you live in Las Vegas. Solar is on the to do list, but still haven't gotten around to it yet. Plus I use a small toaster oven. So until I install an propane oven, that won't likely change. Plus I have it and it's always nice to have a back up plan. Over kill is underrated in my mind.
1990 Ford F-250
1997 fwc grandby
1990 Ford F-250
1997 fwc grandby
mennace said:
Why use a generator? Simple...to piss off anyone within earshot....lovely way to ruin the tranquility..
I agree "to each their own" but don't force others to endure the damn generator noise...
Just my opinion and of course my sensibility...
Phil
nikonron
Senior Member
x2Wallowa said:Why use a generator? Simple...to piss off anyone within earshot....lovely way to ruin the tranquility..
I agree "to each their own" but don't force others to endure the damn generator noise...
Just my opinion and of course my sensibility...
Phil
Bombsight
Senior Member
Maybe because your geographic location is east of the Rockies and south of the Texas pan handle between April and December?
.... besides that, if you're in a FWC, nobody else should be within hearing distance. Use consideration otherwise but its a big country out there.
.... besides that, if you're in a FWC, nobody else should be within hearing distance. Use consideration otherwise but its a big country out there.
Stalking Light
Feral Grandpa
I have a Honda 2000i and used it occasionally in the summer because my 100w solar couldn't keep up with the power sucking Dometic 65 in my Eagle. I have since added a 2nd 100w panel and am hopeful the generator can stay in the garage.
I only used mine in areas where generator usage was allowed between certain hours. I don't like generators personally and I did have one sensitive soul complain, but they could see my generator when they chose their spot so I didn't have a lot of sympathy for them.
I only used mine in areas where generator usage was allowed between certain hours. I don't like generators personally and I did have one sensitive soul complain, but they could see my generator when they chose their spot so I didn't have a lot of sympathy for them.
Wallowa said:Why use a generator? Simple...to piss off anyone within earshot....lovely way to ruin the tranquility..
I agree "to each their own" but don't force others to endure the damn generator noise...
Just my opinion and of course my sensibility...
I've camped in a semi remote surf spot in Baja only to have an RV show up,fire up it's generator in order to utilize it's TV and DVD player.
Reminds me of when I hike Torrey Pines reserve with lots of peeps staring at their phone. To hell with the natural surroundings.
The only two things I could think of is when camping for extended periods in the shade, where solar doesn't do much good, or if you wanted to run A/C. The charging could be done via truck, but in my situation, the generator is quieter than the truck (Honda 2000 vs. 7.3ltr Ford). The A/C would only be used at night for cooling down the interior, and hopefully turned off after an hour or so. My setup allows the generator to be pretty isolated, and almost sound-less since I can run it inside my trailer. So far, I haven't had the need to use it at all, and would definitely take the annoyance of any near by campers into consideration.
Don
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Don
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Bombsight
Senior Member
Is it wrong to take advantage of designated "Generator times" in campgrounds when solar isn't powerful enough?
I have a Honda EU2000i that I only pack on trips where I feel my solar won't keep up, which means usually when I go on winter trips or trips in dense forest. I have 200 watts of solar and 2x 79Ah batteries, so that keeps me going on most trips without the need of a generator. But, it is very nice to have when you need it.
craig333
Riley's Human
Its not wrong in designated campground if you follow the rules. It is another reason to avoid those kind of campgrounds. I will admit theres a big difference in generators. The great big Onan's in the motorhomes and those cheapie chinese things are a lot louder than a 2k Honda.
I carried one for a while. Wound up selling it as it was just taking up space.
I carried one for a while. Wound up selling it as it was just taking up space.
Bombsight said:
YES! Absolutely hideous! Totally terrible! Should be stoned!
Look to each their own...my "own" is to be unobtrusive and stealth-full...I don't use campgrounds if at all possible; which is about 99+%...wilderness needs to be void of man-made anything...especially noise..Plus I like to not travel with other folks; solo allows a heck of lot more freedom of choice.
Having said all this; if communal camping, rallies, pavement or campgrounds, or whatever, are what float your boat...go for it. Free world out there, sorta. I do not dictate to anyone.
Just remember that out in the desert, at night especially ['no solar time'], sound carries a long, long ways and except for owl, coyote or wolf "noise" the peace and quiet we seek by going there requires "quiet".
Take Care,
Phil
Stalking Light
Feral Grandpa
One thing I don't like is when someone fires up their generator and then leaves camp. If I have to listen to it so should they. I've harbored some unkind thoughts to those people.
nikonron
Senior Member
You and I are very much alike in what you have stated. Keep on keeping on! RonWallowa said:
Stalking Light
Feral Grandpa
In the SE it's hard to boondock, very little public land, so established campgrounds are mostly the rule. You either learn to deal with noise or just don't camp.
I've found that camping by noisy groups or self absorbed guitar players can be more more annoying than generators. I don't camp in groups much nor do I bring a generator or guitar but sometimes I either have tolerate it or go back home, and I've done both at times.
I much prefer isolated camping and I do expect quiet in those situations and expect to be quiet as well.
I've found that camping by noisy groups or self absorbed guitar players can be more more annoying than generators. I don't camp in groups much nor do I bring a generator or guitar but sometimes I either have tolerate it or go back home, and I've done both at times.
I much prefer isolated camping and I do expect quiet in those situations and expect to be quiet as well.
Ramblinman
Senior Member
True unless you are in a Public Campground - Why can't I use my generator in the face of screaming kids, Family fights, Loud Music, Slamming Car Doors, and people who refuse to talk in low tones?Wallowa said:Why use a generator? Simple...to piss off anyone within earshot....lovely way to ruin the tranquility..
I agree "to each their own" but don't force others to endure the damn generator noise...
Just my opinion and of course my sensibility...
Phil
When I am boondocking it is just me any way. or It should be - so I should be able to use my Honda
Do not go to a Public Campground if you are looking for Tranquility!
Also its laughable to me that some who hate the generator still have the compressor fridges, microwave ovens, TV's, toaster ovens, AC, computers, Big Diesel truck etc. Solar might work for you but mine gives me grief.
If you really want tranquillity - buy a tent and a pack and hike in. The reality is that we can't impose our idea of comfortable on other people.
In so far as you do not have an ATC shell with an electric powered truck and a cooler of ice - you are just as bound to snivel kit and technology as I am. I rarely use my generator - probably to a fault. I am on my third solar panel - cause that last 2 stopped working - and I do not want to pay 3000.00 in solar, fridge, and battery for a 12 V fridge (that cost more than the one I have at home).
My point is - we are really pointing fingers at each other for really the same thing. Public Campgrounds in my neck of the woods are not quiet. Period. In a bookdocking situation it would be rather rude to camp near someone else.
But hey - This what we call First World Problems!
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