Inverters versus Generator!!

[Peter_374581896]

I am relatively new to caravaning and need some help.

Along with my partner we are considering taking our Avondale Landranger to Spain and Portugal for the winter months. We have been advised that as many European caravan sites have only 6 or 10w electric connection we should get either an inverter or a generator to give us more power to avoid constantly tripping the power by using to many things together.

Can somebody please explain the pros and cons of having an Inverter or a generator so we can make an informed decision as to which to purchase.

Thank you to all who offer advice and help!!

Peter

 

[Damian]

Peter, first of all the sites in europe, and in this country, have limits on available power to the van, but it is in amps, not watts.

So, your 6 or 10w hook up is actually 6 or 10amps, a big difference.

On a 6 amp hook up you can have just about 1400w of energy use at any one time, on a 10amp supply, 2300w.

Inverters are not very efficent at converting 12v to 230v, onl managing about an 80% efficiency rate.

By draining the battery it will increase the rate the charger has to work which can have detrimental effects not only on the battery but also the charger, and it eats into the wattage allowance.

Generators are expensive to run, noisy and unless it has Inverter Technology built in, can cause very expnsive damge to your van electrics.

The key to sensible power use is careful management of the appliances you have on at any one time.

The wattage rating can be found on all electrical items. Add them up and see what total you have.

Remember that a Microwave will use at least twice the rated power for a short period of time on start up.

 

[JTQ]

Neither a generator or an inverter is a solution if a 10 amp [2.2kW]supply is not felt adequate.

A generator significantly over 2.2kW will be totally unacceptable if sharing a campsite with others and be physically quite a lump. Other than the horrendously noisy "contractor" type it will cost you well over a

 

[Jennifer_374461363]

It is entirely possible to run your van on a 6amp EHU, you just need to be organised.

For a long stay, you would be best to buy Spanish gas bottles and regulator. This will allow you to use gas for heating and water heating if required. And you will be using gas for cooking anyway.

With your 6 amps you will be able to run the fridge and the battery charger, use the TV, and boil a low wattage kettle (or equivalent appliance.

With 10amps you would be able to use the water heater on electricity, or run a higher rated appliance.

As others have said, forget the generator and the invertor, spend the money on gas instead.

 

[ChristineandAlan]

Hi Peter,

we have just come back from france,we have been there for a month.the sites were all 6amps.there is no need for inverters/generators be sensible what you use.we have microwave fitted,electric hotplate low wattage kettle.be careful with water heater,toaster dont put them on together we used everything at some time or other and didnt trip and 19inch tv plus receiver for satellite dish.DONT WORRY All the Best Alan P/T