Generators

[dan_5122667]

Hi All,

Looking for some advice on what generator is best for use on CL sites, looked at Honda's but seem very pricey any hints would be a great help please.

Regards

Dan

 

[rob_jax]

Hi Dan,

Depends if you want to make friends or not, and if not, any model with a straight through or megaphone exhaust would do fine.

On the serious side, quieter is obviously better, and if your van has any expensive electronics it in (electronic power panel, hifi, TV, laptop, etc) then steer clear of two stroke generators and cheap four stroke generators that don't have electronic stabilisation of the engine speed (and output voltage).

Cheap generators control the voltage by controlling the engine speed - and don't respond to load changes - these can produce 50% over-voltage on the output and "phut" goes the expensive van electronics.

The Honda suitcase models are excellent, as are the suitcase generators made by Kipor - certainly lower price than the Honda - and both of these have full electronic stabilisation of the power output - and are quiet. I've seen the Kipor 1300 TC for under

 

[Damian]

Dan, the use of generators on sites raises the usual kinds of problems, mainly noise, and to this end some sites do not allow the use of them.

However, a lot of sites do allow them, but with limits on times running, which is fair.

We have a Kipor 2000Ti, and it is an excellent generator, with a digitally controlled output.

It is quite quiet, none are totally silent, and with an additional sound absorbing box around 3 sides of it, you cannot hear it unless you are standing directly behind it.

Works well, reasonable on fuel, 4 hours on full tank ,2.5 ltrs, at max load, but much longer on partial load.

We ONLY use it when on no electric sites for very limited times, as we have to have 240 volts at certain times of the day.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Dan,

Before you buy a generator carefully consider what you actually need it for. Most sites these days offer mains hook ups, which will usually provide up to 3kW of power. By comparison the typical caravan generator will only provide 750W (0.75kW) of power so it is not a complete alternative to the mains hook up.

Modern caravans offer many items of equipment that are duel fuelled. Fridges tend to have 3 way power (12V dc 230V ac & gas), Water heaters and space heaters, 2 way (230V ac & Gas). There are many 12V dc/230V ac televisions & VCRs' available.

So if mains power is not available there is usually a sensible alternative to resorting to a generator. Gas is usually used for cooking, and makes a very economic alternative for water heaters and space heating. Fridges are also much more efficient on gas than on generator power.

For other appliance where gas is not an alternative, there are other low cost solutions. For example a 120W inverter (converts 12V dc to 230 Vac) will provide power for computers, radios VCR etc. So a generator is not really essential.

From a social point of view, generators are noisy. Even the "silent" ones produce some noise. They are very inefficient at converting fuel to electrical power (about 6%) the fuel is very expensive.

Gas appliances on the other hand are very efficient. They must be at least 70% efficient before they are approved for sale, and virtually silent.

The gas will already be on board for cooking, so there is no additional weight to be accounted.

Consider using a second battery that can be charged in the back of your car whilst you are travelling, and swapping when necessary. Or use the accessory circuit in the 12S (grey) socket on the rear of your car.

Do you really need a generator?

 

[JohnI.Stephen]

Just to make the point that we bought a solar panel (44watts) earlier this year and we have been amazed at how very efficient it is. With only very low lighting levels the LED shows that it's charging and with higher sunlight levels the battery remained at 13.8 volts (fully charged I believe) throughout a weeks away when we used both 12v and a 300watt inverter to power small 240v appliances.

John

 

[JohnI.Stephen]

Just to make the point that we bought a solar panel (44watts) earlier this year and we have been amazed at how very efficient it is. With only very low lighting levels the LED shows that it's charging and with higher sunlight levels the battery remained at 13.8 volts (fully charged I believe) throughout a weeks away when we used both 12v and a 300watt inverter to power small 240v appliances.

John

Take a look at http://www.practicalcaravan.com/newforums/fm_messages.asp?FO=11&FM=286940

 

[Icemaker]

from what i have read over the years generators rank anongst the most hated of things on site, personally we have found that a 110 amp battery and gas for the fridge, water heater and van heating are more than adequate for a week away if a hook up is not available. you will find that most people who use cl's do so becouse they are by theire very nature quiet and relaxing, if you start up a generator i would imagine it would create quite a stire no matter how quiet the owner claimed it to be.

 

[Damian]

Whilst I understand what Icemaker is saying, generators are not the only "most hated" things on site , if you believe everything that you read.

I have read that the following are also hated:

Dogs, Children, Teenagers, Balls, BBQ's, Windbreaks, Washing Lines, TVs, Radios, Satellite Dishes, Directional aerials, noise, etc etc etc. and that is just the ones I can remember, in no particular order.

As long as consideration is used when needing to use alternative power, whatever it is, it should not cause any problem to anyone else.