Fulltiming electrical questions

[decodancer]

I have a 19 foot 1988 Terry Resort TT that will be pulled by a low mileage 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Though most would consider me looney, I intend to solo fulltime cross country in less than a year with this rig. Since I assume I'll be boondocking occasionally to save funds, I'm trying to set it up for that porpose. I do not have a generator, would like to buy a small one but no place inside to put it. Can it live in the back of the Jeep and be moved outside when needed? Can it be installed outside the TT without looking trashy? If so, how do I keep it from bring stolen. I don't know if I have an inverter. If not, is this something I can install. Will it keep my dorm sized residential fridge cool while traveling? I just bought a new deep cycle battery to replace the one on the tounge. I also got a battery box to protect it, the old one had no shelter. The lights inside work off battery and it is now tied into my tow vehicle to charge while driving. If I don't unhook for a quick overnight, will it run my Jeep battery down? I have 2 LP tanks so no issue with that. I know I have a lot of questions but know that this is the right place to ask them. Any other ideas would be helpful.

[wa8yxm]

The problem with storing any gasoline powered device like a portable generator inside is vapor build up.. It can get dangerous on several levels,, NOW that said HONDA Inverter generators use a sealed system that tends to limit that kind of thing.

You might consider a cargo tray.. Two ways it can be mounted.

1: Using a dual hitch adapter (Which by the way will reduce your motor home's towing capacity) you can mount it on the back of the house, (Same hitch the jeep is hitched to)

Or you can mount it on the JEEP's receiver.


Or... If you have the right kind of windows on the jeep.. leave them open.

[decodancer]

Actually, it's the Jeep pulling the trailer, guess motorhome pulling Jeep is more common here. Could I mount the generator near the LP tanks, I wouldn't think that it would be safe? If I put a rack on the back of the trailer, is there a place on a generator to lock it down so it doesn't get stolen? Still want to know if the fridge will stay cool using an inverter and how to know if I atually have one. Thanks in advance for your help.

[hometool]

i do not think you have an inverter most older units do not i have run an apartment size refer from a moderate sized inverter while towing no problem. some people think you need an expencive true sign wave inverter. i did just fine with a modified sine wave unit. i would look at mounting the gen set on the trailer back bumper iff you have one lee

[JimM68]

One thing, there are companies that sell those Honda generators new after converting them to propane. This would save you the trouble of needing a second fuel supply.

Yes, you will need an inverter if you want to run the fridge off the batteries without running the genny. A 1000 watt modified sine wave inverter would be fine, and fairly inexpensive.

I'm thinking mounting it to a frame attached behind the TT would be best. The bumper probably won't do it, but two steel channels attached to the TT's frame sticking out the back and a "box" built onto them would hold it.

[Dave78Chief]

I know from other postings you have been working on getting your trailer together. Things like replacing the Kia with a Jeep, weight distribution, and determining that your trailer actually does have brakes. Boondocking and managing your electrical system should be based on what your total energy need is. Before you go off and buy several things I recommend you get a book like "RV Electrical Systems" by Bill and Jan Moeller. This would save you much apprehension both now and in the future. For example, one deep cycle battery will most likely not be enough to run the fridge for very long. Additionally, it is not just the fridge involved, there are lights, water pump, computer, TV, etc. involved. All require power. Inverter size will depend on both running watts as well as starting watts. There are several types of generators. While a Honda inverter generator is more expensive than most generators, it is very light weight and super quiet. The trailer battery should be isolated from the Jeep system such that it does not drain the vehicle battery when the engine is off. You need to understand your total load requirements, battery management and charging requirements before spending a lot of $. A case of learn it now and be much happier later. They make cable locks like used to lock up bicycles that can be used to secure a generator to the trailer frame. A platform can be attached to the rear trailer bumper for the generator if needed.

Dave

[decodancer]

I knew I would get the answers I needed here. Thanks again and I will check out the reccomended book. I've been camping in some form for 30 years yet know so little about the systems. Time for a crash course.

[RVhauler]

Generators using propane will eat up your supply quite rapidly unless you have large capicty tanks. A 20# mtank will only hold about 4.5 gallon propane. My 6.5KW Onan will use about 1.5 gallon propane an hour under full load and half of that under regular useage. if you are going to run an A/C then a 3 KW is bare minmum. Would suggest a Honda 2KW gasoline if no A/C or paralelling two hondas if A/C (light weight/small/less fuel consumption when max power not needed/quiet)