Solar or Gen/ or Both?

[dharmardr]

We have ordered the Solar package for our new Oliver and are considering the Gen basket installation as well for the availability of a gen. We are new to this and do not have experience with the use of power from Battery storage. Our primary electric use, I think, will be from the Solar option. Usually we camp in National Forests, mostly no power available.

 

Considerations for the Gen option: Emergency charging of Batt when down to 50% and no Sun. Infrequent need for air conditioning. Not sure if there are other things that we would want it for.

 

Any help would be appreciated.

 

Thanks

[trumpetguy]

If you camp in hot areas you need a generator for AC. My Atwood Air will run on a Honda 2000i, but the Dometic needs a 3000 w.

[SeaDawg]

We have two solar panels, and follow the cool weather. We carry a Honda 1000 for charging the battery if we hit a stretch of rainy weather that we can't drive out of. In 7 years, and over 60,000 miles of camping trips, we've used the AC a handful of times. Even less on the microwave. Just to give you an idea of our camping style, we spend most of our time in state & national parks, COE campgrounds, and our private camping property in the NC mountains.

It all depends on your camping style. We'd rather camp at a higher elevation than run AC, and solar is silent. So, no basket for us.

I think you could easily add it later if you find it's necessary.

Just my two cents.

Sherry

[hellsbay]

One problem that I have recognized with my Oliver is that a good deal of the time I am camped under trees which will not allow the sun to reach a roof mounted solar. For those times a small and light Honda 1000 will recharge your batts. If I think I will use the AC then I have to bring my Yamaha 3000 gen. I have also found that when parked under or near trees that the reception on my Kingdome is nonexistent. I now use a portable Tailgater for TV.