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
  Caravans and Caravanning 		Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: Generator Questions
Page:  1  2 Post Reply Post New Topic
Personscar
21/2/2013 at 4:26pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View scar's Profile View Profile   Reply to scar Reply   Quote scar Quote  
Joined: 10/10/2008

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   611
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
Having never used one before, is it simply a case of using your hook up lead and 3 pin home adaptor to connect the generator to the caravan ?

Would a 1kw generator give much of a charge to the leisure battery if used for 3 hours a day ?

Thanks in anticipation.

-------------
Albino, Can"t say fairer than that !


Persongeoff+emmy
21/2/2013 at 4:37pm
 Location: Huddersfield
 Outfit: swift conqueror 645+jeep commander View geoff+emmy's Profile View Profile   Reply to geoff+emmy Reply   Quote geoff+emmy Quote  
Joined: 10/10/2009

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1088
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

Ahh... generators  get ready for the fallout

1 don,t buy the 2 stroke cheap generator they cost twice as much to run and are much too noisy to be used on most campsites

we have the honda eu10 which says its 1 kw but really a bit less and it will keep up with the battery for the lights and stuff but if you have a 12volt tv it may not



Discounted Insurance Quotes for UKCampsite.co.uk visitors! Up to 12.5% off!
UKCampsite.co.uk users are rewarded with up to 12.5% off Caravan Guard touring caravan insurance, folding camper and trailer tent insurance, and 5% off motorhome and campervan insurance. Static caravan insurance is also available. Get an online quote now

PersonJTQU
21/2/2013 at 5:30pm
 Location: Hampshire
 Outfit: Hymer Nova S View JTQU's Profile View Profile   Reply to JTQU Reply   Quote JTQU Quote  
Joined: 01/11/2005

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2189
Site Reviews Total: 6
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: 1  
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: 1
Cheap or more precisely poorly regulated generators can very easily wreck the caravan's charger electronics so care is needed.
Two stroke engined generators are particularly difficult to speed regulate and this coupled with them likely to be budget units makes them prime candidates to do damage.

Run any generator for a few minutes to get warmed up and improve its chances of regulating its electrical output before you connect it to the caravan.
Under no circumstances let them run out of fuel whilst connected; this puts all including quality machines at high risk of causing damage.
Also avoid switching on and off big electrical loads whilst connected to a generator, the more so a poorly specified generator.
They connect via the EHU.
You don't "need" more than a quarter of a kW to satisfy the full demand of the van's battery charger.
Buy a quiet machine or you will alienate even the most forgiving neighbours.


Personscar
21/2/2013 at 5:41pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View scar's Profile View Profile   Reply to scar Reply   Quote scar Quote  
Joined: 10/10/2008

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   611
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
Thanks for the prompt replies.
The one I am looking at getting is a 4 stroke 1kw and would only be used as an emergency back up to my battery with solar panel used by day.
It is rated at 58db and I would only use it where and when it is allowed.

-------------
Albino, Can"t say fairer than that !


PersonJTQU
21/2/2013 at 5:51pm
 Location: Hampshire
 Outfit: Hymer Nova S View JTQU's Profile View Profile   Reply to JTQU Reply   Quote JTQU Quote  
Joined: 01/11/2005

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2189
Site Reviews Total: 6
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: 1  
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: 1
58dB, that is actually quite nosiy, but for emergency use I expect most people would be understanding.


Advertisement



Personscar
21/2/2013 at 5:57pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View scar's Profile View Profile   Reply to scar Reply   Quote scar Quote  
Joined: 10/10/2008

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   611
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
The Honda one is rated at 52db, is the extra 6db really that noticeable ?
I definitely do not want to offend anyone.

-------------
Albino, Can"t say fairer than that !


PersonJohnnie Boy
21/2/2013 at 6:15pm
 Location: Cleveland
 Outfit: Swift select 164 View Johnnie Boy's Profile View Profile   Reply to Johnnie Boy Reply   Quote Johnnie Boy Quote  
Joined: 07/4/2008

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   760
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
Why not use the generator under the bonnet of your tug !

Buy a second leisure battery and charge it up when you run around in the car, works a treat unless the tug is parked up most of the day.


Personscar
21/2/2013 at 6:17pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View scar's Profile View Profile   Reply to scar Reply   Quote scar Quote  
Joined: 10/10/2008

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   611
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
Good idea however, truck is parked all day whilst I surf.

-------------
Albino, Can"t say fairer than that !


PersonAndy Higham
21/2/2013 at 7:22pm
 Location: Bolton Lancs
 Outfit: Bailey Orion 430-4 & Mitsubishi PHEV View Andy Higham's Profile View Profile   Reply to Andy Higham Reply   Quote Andy Higham Quote  
Joined: 25/12/2012

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   876
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 scar on 21/2/2013
The Honda one is rated at 52db, is the extra 6db really that noticeable ?
I definitely do not want to offend anyone.


The db scale is not linear. Adding 4db doubles the noise level


PersonDaveCoaches
21/2/2013 at 8:26pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Coachman Pastiche View DaveCoaches's Profile View Profile   Reply to DaveCoaches Reply   Quote DaveCoaches Quote  
Joined: 30/7/2011

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1247
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
How big is your solar panel?

A decent quality generator will set you back close to £1000. You can get cheap ones for £150 but they will blow your charger up eventually, mine also blew my TV up. You can get solar panels for around £1 per watt, so if you were to invest £200 in solar panels rather than a generator, you can be putting that power in throughout the day, silently and for free, rather than burning petrol, annoying the neighbours and sniffing fumes for a few hours.

If you haven't already done so, change your halogen bulbs for LEDs. We have managed for a week in summer with a 50 watt panel and an 85 aH battery with the battery still showing over 13 volts on our departure.

With solar power as cheap as it now is and LED lighting, generators are old news with caravanning.

As regards the noise, doubling the decibels increases the noise 10 times.100 decibels is considered to be enough to cause permanent hearing damage.


Advertisement



Personscar
22/2/2013 at 1:42pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View scar's Profile View Profile   Reply to scar Reply   Quote scar Quote  
Joined: 10/10/2008

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   611
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
Thank you so much for your replies.
I will be going down the solar panel route and upgrading the one I currently have which is a miniscule 13w.

Leaning towards a suitcase type from maplins of around 120w.

We will change the bulbs to LED and use the TV frugally.

-------------
Albino, Can"t say fairer than that !


Personfreeatlast
22/2/2013 at 1:48pm
 Location: Teesside
 Outfit:  Mitsubishi ASX4 View freeatlast's Profile View Profile   Reply to freeatlast Reply   Quote freeatlast Quote  
Joined: 23/3/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2135
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
Quote: Originally posted by Johnnie Boy on 21/2/2013
Why not use the generator under the bonnet of your tug !

Buy a second leisure battery and charge it up when you run around in the car, works a treat unless the tug is parked up most of the day.



.... and then just pray you are never involved in an accident with that second battery in the boot. I personally would not fancy the idea of being hit on the back of my head with a lump weighing 25kg travelling at 60mph.



PersonDaveCoaches
22/2/2013 at 2:13pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Coachman Pastiche View DaveCoaches's Profile View Profile   Reply to DaveCoaches Reply   Quote DaveCoaches Quote  
Joined: 30/7/2011

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1247
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
If you are reasonably proficient at DIY a roof mounted solar panel is easy to fit and works even when the van is not in use. You can get a panel on eBay for roof mounting on the van and a regulator for a lot less than the Maplins kits. Brackets are overpriced but can be made with some aluminium angle off cuts.

It's not worth skimping on the cheapest regulators either as they can waste a lot of the power from the panel.

The 13 watt suitcase actually has a much bigger regulator than it needs


Personscar
22/2/2013 at 3:08pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View scar's Profile View Profile   Reply to scar Reply   Quote scar Quote  
Joined: 10/10/2008

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   611
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
Dave
I am looking at this
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121064048588?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
What do you think?
I will be using it for other applications as well as the caravan so I need a portable kit.
Thanks

-------------
Albino, Can"t say fairer than that !


Personbirder99
22/2/2013 at 6:16pm
 Location: Cambs
 Outfit: Tin tent diddy tent BIG tent View birder99's Profile View Profile   Reply to birder99 Reply   Quote birder99 Quote  
Joined: 24/9/2010

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   1847
Site Reviews Total: 3
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
The other advantage of a portable panel is weight. With a portable panel it does not have to travel in the caravan and will therefore save you 10kg to 15kg off the payload which if you already have movers fitted can be crucial. Last summer I was talking to a guy who had 120W panel on his roof but had not even thought about how it was going to reduce his payload and he suddenly had a mad panic realising he was well over weight with everything else he was lugging about.

-------------
'A sure cure for sea-sickness is to sit under a tree'


PersonJohnnie Boy
22/2/2013 at 7:03pm
 Location: Cleveland
 Outfit: Swift select 164 View Johnnie Boy's Profile View Profile   Reply to Johnnie Boy Reply   Quote Johnnie Boy Quote  
Joined: 07/4/2008

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   760
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 freeatlast on 22/2/2013
Quote: Originally posted by Johnnie Boy on 21/2/2013Why not use the generator under the bonnet of your tug !

Buy a second leisure battery and charge it up when you run around in the car, works a treat unless the tug is parked up most of the day.



.... and then just pray you are never involved in an accident with that second battery in the boot. I personally would not fancy the idea of being hit on the back of my head with a lump weighing 25kg travelling at 60mph.




and what's the weight of a generator ? My leisure battery is anchored with webbing straps



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 - Caravans and Caravanning - Top of Page

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


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...

4454 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