Extra Generator in addition to on board generator

[PJStough]

Originally Posted by Dutch Star Don

If we boondocked a lot, I would probably have a small 1000 or 2000 Honda to charge the batteries, versus running the big generator.

Getting a small generator would be my first step. The second thing I would do is to upgrade the battery bank, and the third thing I would do would be to get an inverter that would run anything the upgraded battery bank could handle. My fourth step would be to get solar panels to match the rest of my system.

[CampDaven]

The real answer is solar. But I don’t need that either!

[jsmmonaco]

sort of related............i use a kawasaki mule to plow snow in our driveways...........while it as a "cab", i wanted some heat as well................bought a westinghouse 2200 watt portable gen to set in the bed of the mule, use that for power to a space heater in the cab..............works great..........have considered taking it on long haul rv trips...........pretty quiet, not that heavy, and about the size of a honda 2000, but with a much better price........................it would be nice in an emergency if you needed about 18 amps of 110 juice.......................

[iamblum]

I've had issues with my onboard gen set so I bought a pair of Yamaha powered Ai inverter generators from costco. 2000/1800 watts running. Both came with a parallel kit. They are quiet and work great

[153stars]

With a soft start in AC a 2000 watt invertor genny will start it then hold at 50% if can limit power over charging . 6 hrs. Per gallon.

[Crasher]

I only have 620 watts of solar power. When we boondock, it is always with our rock crawler Jeep and several friends. I added a 40 amp smart charger and feed with a 2kw Honda generator set away from everyone. I'll start it at 4-5pm and let it run till the .9 gallon tank is empty. That's usually about 6 hours. No one hears it and the 900 amp battery bank is 95% charged when the lights go out of our all electric coach. Next night another .9 gallon of gas. I don't know if this is the most efficient way to boondock, but it works for us. I'll run the 10 kw in the morning when the cooktop and coffee machine are used.

[Bahamaniac]

We have been adventuring with another couple to several national parks. They carry a small Honda suitcase style generator in their rig to run for charging when no ac is needed. Seems to work out great for them!