Generator?

[PHOENIXFLIER]

What is the etiquette as far as generators go?
We are planning to go on a lot of rallies, most of which do not have EHU.
I have got a small Honda Genny which would be ideal to hook up to the van.
Probably not one of my best ideas (noise / smell etc), but just thought I would ask!.

 

[robf1234]

hi ,,i dont do rallies ,,but when i was offered a grass pitch at a site in the lakes with no electric i asked if i could charge my battery up for a little time,, during the the day only ,,the answer was ,,no,,

 

[Parksy]

Most of the regular rally goers now prefer solar power, but if you really need a generator the correct thing to do is to tell the rally marshall when you book in on arrival.
You will then most probably be shown to a pitch away from the main area where the noise and fumes will have a lesser impact on your fellow ralliers and on your popularity
Sometimes rally marshalls may place restrictions on times and duration of generator use, especially in more compact locations.

 

[PHOENIXFLIER]

Thought that might be the case, solar panels will keep us going easily anyway. Thx for the comments.

 

[Hutch]

Also trying to find a flying area for the Pheonix can be hard, the site The mini Woosie fest is on this weekend is great, three big meadows 50 yards from the site, for you to fly, DD just had a 10 minute hovering with a drone, Think he is hooked, another 3 hours and he is ready for his Heli.

 

[ProfJohnL]

hi ,,i dont do rallies ,,but when i was offered a grass pitch at a site in the lakes with no electric i asked if i could charge my battery up for a little time,, during the the day only ,,the answer was ,,no,,

Whilst in general IC generators are frowned on, it can be very site/circumstances specific.

In general there are many ways to avoid the need to use a generators when caravanning for pleasure, so do carefully consider the alternatives, Solar power being a strong contender these days, and of course the use of gas for things like fridges and hot water.

 

[Parksy]

I have a roof mounted solar panel, but a quick and relatively inexpensive way that I've used to recharge the leisure battery on colder darker days was to pop the leisure battery into the back of the truck, find a nearby secluded spot, connect the jump leads to the truck battery and a ten minute charge from the alternator lasted for 24 hours.

 

[saint-spoon]

I have 80w fold out briefcase style solar panels that connect to a plug attached to my battery terminals when I am off grid. I have changed the halogen spotlights to LED lamps and we don’t take a telly with us. That does us fine for a weekend with the fridge, water heater and occasional heating running off gas. Between March and late September I will have EHU perhaps twice for a weekend and the main summer holiday and I have yet to have to remove the battery to charge it.

I have a long cable with which to lock the panels to my caravan when out and about.