Home

   Log in or Register



Insurance Quotes
forums Campsite Search Comp Directory tips virtual brochure Profile
Tent and Awning Reviews Competitions Caravans and Motorhomes For Sale Shopping Diary Advent Calendar

Advertisement

Message Forums

Welcome Guest Register Login Search The Forum Posts Since Last Visit
 Reception - All Forums
  Camping and Caravanning Equipment
Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: Which camping generator?
Page:  1  2 Post Reply Post New Topic
30/1/2011 at 10:03am
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View Francais's Profile View Profile   Reply to Francais Reply   Quote Francais Quote  
Joined: 29/6/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   12115
Tent Reviews:   1

Site Reviews Total: 4
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 1  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 14
Site Nights 2018: 0

The generator question often comes up, at the end of the day all models make a noise and cause fumes.

But hope is on it's way, the construction industry in the U.S.A. have been using small briefcase size Hydrogen generators for specialist jobs.

These generators run of small canistors of Hydrogen, known as "Cells" and are very low noise, with no fumes, apart from water vapour.

Of course they are a scary price, but one day they may be available to us campers, who knows?.

Trulite KH4 is the make model, there is even a picture of someone using one in a tent on the Trulite website.

Edit = product name etc.

http://www.campist.com/archives/millennium-cell-and-horizon-fuel-cell-hydropak-pow.html

can't seem to get these links to work, but that was for the HydroPak camping generator at around £300



Post last edited on 30/01/2011 10:21:52

Post last edited on 30/01/2011 10:22:22

Post last edited on 30/01/2011 10:46:31


30/1/2011 at 12:13pm
 Location: Basingstoke Hamphire
 Outfit: Vango Icarus 500 + Sun Canopy
View scoobybloo's Profile View Profile   Reply to scoobybloo Reply   Quote scoobybloo Quote  
Joined: 04/8/2010

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   16

Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Morning, well almost..

  Well after reading your posts I'll def give the generator a miss and to be honest after reading your comments about most toilet/shower blocks having sockets I don't reckon I'll need one..  My hair isn't that bad to be honest and it would just be me that noticed it but you know what its like ladies, if your hairs a mess its all down hill from there especially in the bad mood department...  I'm just being too fussy and I hadn't given it a thought about 12v girlie appliances or even gas, I'll check that out..

I need to get into camping this year properly and see what I do need and probably find its not a lot as like you say thats the idea of camping.

Someone mentioned a leisure battery, how long in general do these last once charged up ? It would be as said only as a back up and wouldn't be running anything huge, maybe a small fan at night when and if it gets really hot ( i can only hope), and possibly a hairdryer if plan a was A no go (i.e..  no socket in the loo's)  Oh, and my husband has one of those cooler boxes in his truck we were thinking about maybe taking that to keep food fresher for longer, thats 12v too..

I can't wait until camping kicks off for us again shortly, I so loved it last year just getting away from total normality and having quality time out in the open air with a glass of red in one hand in the evening, music quietly playing in the background and a few laughs, camping heaven :-)

  Thanks for all your help



30/1/2011 at 12:33pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View dezzie's Profile View Profile   Reply to dezzie Reply   Quote dezzie Quote  
Joined: 23/7/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2681
Tent Reviews:   3

Site Reviews Total: 16
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

My wife got a pair of Straighteners online last year that plug into the lighter socket. She uses them when we go camping non EHU. Its all about compromise and there's always a way.

Here's a link to some on ebay.

-------------
Always forgive,Never forget;Learn from mistakes,But Never regret;People change,Things go wrong;Just remember life goes on

Cool campers use Delta Pegs.

The happiest people aren't the ones who have everything they are the ones who make the most of everything they have


30/1/2011 at 2:07pm
 Location: Basingstoke Hamphire
 Outfit: Vango Icarus 500 + Sun Canopy
View scoobybloo's Profile View Profile   Reply to scoobybloo Reply   Quote scoobybloo Quote  
Joined: 04/8/2010

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   16

Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Oh my word, they look really good, I'm already well impressed, thank you for the link   I'll be investing in some of those too...



30/1/2011 at 4:20pm
 Location: devon
 Outfit: fc plus 2 many tents
View wongers's Profile View Profile   Reply to wongers Reply   Quote wongers Quote  
Joined: 05/3/2010

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2404

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

 a stand alone battery won't last very long with the likes of a coolbox or hair dryer pluged in i'm afraid.

Post last edited on 30/01/2011 16:34:46

Post last edited on 30/01/2011 16:35:15

-------------
tony
that was a lovely summer


Advertisement



30/1/2011 at 4:30pm
 Location: Dorset
 Outfit: Lots.mainly Cabanons!
View PigletandTigger's Profile View Profile   Reply to PigletandTigger Reply   Quote PigletandTigger Quote  
Joined: 20/5/2004

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   7019

Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Quote: Originally posted by wongers on 30/1/2011
 a stand alone battery will last very long with the likes of a coolbox or hair dryer pluged in i'm afraid.


I think you mean "won't last very long"....(not being the grammar police, you've made a good point and I wouldn't like it to be misunderstood because of a typo

-------------
Piglet


30/1/2011 at 4:34pm
 Location: devon
 Outfit: fc plus 2 many tents
View wongers's Profile View Profile   Reply to wongers Reply   Quote wongers Quote  
Joined: 05/3/2010

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2404

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

your right really should read what i write

-------------
tony
that was a lovely summer


30/1/2011 at 8:30pm
 Location: Sitingbourne
 Outfit: baily champaign
View old chap's Profile View Profile   Reply to old chap Reply   Quote old chap Quote  
Joined: 19/2/2006

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1098

Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

a fully charged 110amp battery would only last a few hours running a coolbox or curlers via an inverter
bin there,done it



30/1/2011 at 8:55pm
 Location: Argyll Scotland
 Outfit: 1997 Bailey Ranger 470 4
View LobeyDosser's Profile View Profile   Reply to LobeyDosser Reply   Quote LobeyDosser Quote  
Joined: 28/12/2002

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   8833

Site Reviews Total: 5
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Please remember, that if you are using a car or other type of motor vehicle, then you are driving about in a "generator".

IE, if you had two leisure batteries, then you could be recharging one battery during the day and then changing them over to recharge the other the following day.

So if you particularly wanted to use only 12v electricity, it is possible with very little expense and a little bit of ingenuity.



-------------
Lobey.


30/1/2011 at 10:32pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered
View saxo1's Profile View Profile   Reply to saxo1 Reply   Quote saxo1 Quote  
Joined: 29/10/2005

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4485

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

I was pitched alongside "mobile generator" last year who kept his 2.2ltr Xtrail running for hrs at a time to charge his battery.
If you are going to encourage people to use their vehicles then please make sure to tell them to do it while they are driving!
The fumes were worse than half a dozen generators.
Saxo1


Advertisement



30/1/2011 at 10:44pm
 Location: West Midlands
 Outfit: Various tents
View Hacksaw Bob's Profile View Profile   Reply to Hacksaw Bob Reply   Quote Hacksaw Bob Quote  
Joined: 26/7/2009

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   6502
Tent Reviews:   1

Site Reviews Total: 10
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Good idea, Lobey, but if you do try this, Julie, remember that a) It will only work if you're actually touring, or putting a fair mileage in between battery changes. If you're staying on one site for a week with maybe a couple of local shopping runs you could wind up with two flat batteries!
      b) If your vehicle has a radio code make sure you know it before you disconnect the battery.
      c) Make sure the battery is readily removable and you have appropriate sockets etc., for the terminals (negative off first, on last), the battery retaining clamp and anything you may need to remove to lift the battery out (like the bracing strut found on some Skodas, for example).


Have you tried googling "pedal generators"? Some interesting ideas there which should, I imagine, address any noise issues!


30/1/2011 at 10:59pm
 Location: nottingham
 Outfit: Grand Canyon 8 Pennine Fiesta
View corpogreen's Profile View Profile   Reply to corpogreen Reply   Quote corpogreen Quote  
Joined: 18/3/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   1666

Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Loads of sites that have EHU pitches, don't allow gennies anyway.I have gone"The Lobby way" plus a solar panel, never looked back.

Post last edited on 30/01/2011 23:08:38

-------------
      Corpogreen esq
          dead horse
               and
       donkey buyer
    
      
      


30/1/2011 at 11:59pm
 Location: Argyll Scotland
 Outfit: 1997 Bailey Ranger 470 4
View LobeyDosser's Profile View Profile   Reply to LobeyDosser Reply   Quote LobeyDosser Quote  
Joined: 28/12/2002

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   8833

Site Reviews Total: 5
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

To Saxo 1. I did say in the first sentence, " then you are driving about in a "generator". "

To Hacksaw Bob. There is no need to "know your Radio Code" because we are talking about "Leisure Batteries" here and not vehicle batteries.

There has been a lot of discussion on here in the past regarding the ins and outs of using and recharging leisure batteries both on site with generators and in vehicle using your alternator and like most subjects of this sort, there are a lot of very different opinions.

I have, up until recently, been using a Uni-Charger by Furnvo Design Ltd to recharge my Leisure Battery from my car but as this is no longer made, I cannot give you a contact email address.However, if you are lucky enough to own one of these, you will know that it will complete charge a flat 85Ah leisure battery over two nights just from a car battery that has been used during each day of normal running. It will further leave enough power still in the car battery to start the car the following morning.
We originally used this bit of kit in a Morris Minor when we camped with a TT.

This was a brilliant bit of kit and I am surprised that it is no longer in production because it had a potentially large market amongst the camping fraternity.  



-------------
Lobey.


31/1/2011 at 12:25am
 Location: West Midlands
 Outfit: Various tents
View Hacksaw Bob's Profile View Profile   Reply to Hacksaw Bob Reply   Quote Hacksaw Bob Quote  
Joined: 26/7/2009

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   6502
Tent Reviews:   1

Site Reviews Total: 10
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Yes, sorry, didn't realise you meant using the engine's alternator to charge a leisure battery leaving the vehicle battery permanently installed, in which case,of course, none of my warnings would apply!


22/7/2015 at 5:32am
 Location: South West England
 Outfit: Nissan Elgrand Campervan
View Ogre's Profile View Profile   Reply to Ogre Reply   Quote Ogre Quote  
Joined: 19/7/2014

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   2

Site Reviews Total: 5
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

I have to say that if I was to have a problem with generators running, I would be speaking to the site owners, and I wouldn't be visiting that site again.
We've had one short break completely ruined by this, and now ask, when booking, if generators are allowed.
Caravanning and camping should be a peaceful experience. Unfortunately the sort of people who use generators also don't seem to consider others.


-------------
Leave only footprints. Leave it like you would expect to find it.



In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

  Prev       Next

Jump To Page:  1  2

Quick Links - All Forums - Camping and Caravanning Equipment - Top of Page

Printer Friendly Version Printable version      Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...














6135 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker  -  Recommend to Friend  -  Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums]  [Caravan Sites & Camping]  [Company Listings]  [Features / Advice]  [Virtual Brochure]  [Shop!]
[Reception]  [Competitions]  [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale]  [Event Diary]  [Contact Us]  [Tent Reviews



Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024


Advertisement


Advertisement


UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar


Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder