Community Forums

johnbro27 · 03-04-2023, 09:12 PM

Thinking about Cape Disappointment State Park in WA for a late April long weekend (Wed-Sun). But the sites that can handle our 40 DP have no hookups. I'm only worried about electricity, and wondering what the acceptable use of our Onan genset is for recharging our batteries. Any thoughts about park culture? It's quiet but certainly not silent. I'm thinking I could run it for an hour or so during daytime to keep the batteries charged.

Rexlion · 03-04-2023, 09:29 PM

From the rules page:
"Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., unless otherwise noted at the park. Engine-driven electric generators may be operated only between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m."

AllegroD · 03-04-2023, 10:26 PM

April should not be a problem.

twogypsies · 03-04-2023, 11:42 PM

You'll need to read the rules for the park. They will give generator hours.

johnbro27 · 03-05-2023, 09:19 AM

Thanks for all the responses. I was really looking for any feedback about the etiquette of running it (daytime) WRT other campers. I guess from the responses it's considered ok to charge during acceptable hours. I just don't want to break an unwritten "rule".

Old-Biscuit · 03-05-2023, 09:30 AM

If it wasn't allowed they would have 'No Generator Rules'

Run it during the posted Gen hours as needed......8AM -- 9PM

Alpine36 · 03-05-2023, 09:42 AM

We’ve stayed at Cape Disappointment SP before and operating a generator is allowed. Seems to me quiet time was 10pm until 8am, or thereabouts.
We bring our little Honda 2000 and a 100’ extension cord just for this purpose. Of course, you’ll need to run the Onan for those heavier loads, but the Honda works great for topping off the battery bank a couple hours in the am, and a couple hours in the early evening.
Solar is pretty much useless there in spring…
Have fun.

UTTransplant · 03-09-2023, 06:05 AM

You will need to run your generator for more than an hour a day if you have lead acid batteries. The general approach is 2 hours morning and 2 hours evening. If you do it at “breakfast time” and “supper time”, you will not unreasonably disturb others.

Persistent · 03-09-2023, 06:24 AM

Good advice posted above.

One hour per day is a little short for charging time. It may work if you have a large battery bank and don't use a lot of electric power.

Running during breakfast hours will allow charging plus microwave and coffee pot. Running during supper hours works the same.

How much capacity does your battery bank have in amp hours?
How much capacity does your charger have in amps?
What electric appliances do you plan to use and for how long?

Four hours of charging can charge a lead acid battery to about 80%. Fourteen to eighteen hours are required for a full 100% charge.

Charging to 80% daily followed by a full 18 hours weekly will probably get long service life.

Triangle Drifter · 03-10-2023, 07:16 PM

We follow the habits we learned during our boating days. Run the genny when everyone else is running theirs. This usually means around meal times.

That is when power is needed for electric stoves, microwaves, toasters, etc. The battery bank is getting charged at the same time. When you are running yours you cant hear anyone else's. Shut down when everyone else shuts down. Don't be the only one running a genny for hours on end. It is not necessary.

BeatCJ · 03-13-2023, 12:03 PM

I have used my generator there more than once. As long as you're respectful of other campers, you won't have an issue.

I'm surprised you couldn't find a spot for your DP. I have a 33' bumper pull and could get into a spot and leave my extended cab long bed hooked up. Seems like I would be longer than you.

Marine359 · 03-19-2023, 01:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triangle Drifter

We follow the habits we learned during our boating days. Run the genny when everyone else is running theirs. This usually means around meal times.

That is when power is needed for electric stoves, microwaves, toasters, etc. The battery bank is getting charged at the same time. When you are running yours you cant hear anyone else's. Shut down when everyone else shuts down. Don't be the only one running a genny for hours on end. It is not necessary.

Spot on Triangle Drifter,
Which is why many NPs we’ve been to have generator hours from 8-10am and 6-8pm. State parks tend to vary, but the fact is nobody at a serene NP or SP or NRA wants to hear generators running all day while they’re trying to enjoy nature. Even if it’s ok by park rules to run all daytime hours, it’s not very courteous.

bizzerbiz · 03-19-2023, 08:43 PM

We stayed there for 3 nights without power. Your basically right off the beach. We ran generator in the morning and evening. Shouldn't be too concerned about your use. Also stayed another time with power for 4days. Good halibut fishing charters there.