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Old 02-22-2012, 11:29 AM   #1
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which generator

What gen units would be the best to charge your 6v batteries if they needed a charge. Are the little 500w good for much? I'm thinking room and weight.

Thanks
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Old 02-22-2012, 12:01 PM   #2
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for just charging batteries then the 500 watt should be fine.... Most people are looking to run things like the A/C and that needs wayyyyyyy more power...
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Old 02-22-2012, 08:07 PM   #3
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I agree with Seann, anything from 500 to 1000 watts would do a good job. We have a 650 watt Honda and it will run the refrigerator, lights, a yard light, television, DVD player, and keep the batteries up. It will run close to 8 hours on a little over a quart of gas. It is also light and quiet.
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Old 02-24-2012, 04:28 PM   #4
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The best way to charge your batteries when dry camping on a generator is to purchase an automotive-type battery charger hooked directly to the batteries and power the charger off the generator. The converter in the camper only charges at a 2 - 3 amp rate (if you're lucky). Two 6 volt batteries in series equals 12 volts, so hook the charger on the positive post of one battery and the negative post on the other battery. The battery charging circuit in the generator may be 8 amps, but it is unregulated. I also found the little 6 foot leads that come with the generator meant that the generator had to be located at the hitch end by the battery and that wasn't the most convenient place for me.
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Old 02-24-2012, 05:44 PM   #5
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Nice idea Roy, thanks. But why a 3000 not a 2000 Honda?
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Old 02-24-2012, 07:52 PM   #6
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When I bought my Honda EU3000 seven years ago, I wanted enough power to run my trailer AC comfortably. Also I wanted something large enough to give me a little emergency power at the house here in Florida when the power is out. When camping or overnight in a truck stop, my EU3000 sits and runs under the topper on my truck and I just plug the trailer in. Because it's too heavy to take in and out, it never leaves my truck. Two EU2000's isn't a bad setup, It's just that I like the idea of leaving the generator under the topper and not having to deal with two generators.
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Old 02-24-2012, 10:04 PM   #7
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Thank you for that info, very helpful with my deciscion making.
Dave
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Old 03-02-2012, 07:17 AM   #8
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Have you given any thought to a solar panel. Very quiet. Your neighbors will love you.
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Old 03-03-2012, 01:07 AM   #9
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I like the idea of the solar panels. I need to find out some more info about them. Like how many watts would I need to keep 2 6 volts happy. I was looking at another members post about an 80wt solar kit. Would that be enough to keep them happy with a low power drain?

Thanks for all your tips folks.
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Old 03-03-2012, 07:14 AM   #10
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I'm no expert but about 100 watts of solar for every 100 amp hours of battery.

Look for a post by Rustic Eagle with many solar/battery links. Very useful.

Dave
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Old 03-03-2012, 08:23 AM   #11
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Crewmaniacs,

Here are a couple of other JOF member threads that may be helpful:

Generator:

http://www.jaycoowners.com/showthrea...nerator&page=2

http://www.jaycoowners.com/showthrea...nerator&page=2

Solar:

http://www.jaycoowners.com/showthrea...t=solar&page=2

Battery:

http://www.jaycoowners.com/showthrea...t=solar&page=3

Bob
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Old 03-03-2012, 07:44 PM   #12
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Due to a major storm knocking power off to over 200000 people, I have been powering most of my house for 18 hours with 2 2000 watt honda's, a parralell cord, and a bunch of extension cords, with 3 gallons of gas. Sitting outside my home chained to my suburban, all I have had to do was add fuel one time and keep the snow from covering them up. My kids and lady are cozy warm and we are watching tv, surfing the internet, with water, fridge, furnace exc. They are very quiet, reliable, and easy to use. My kids can pull start them. Hopefully my power comes back on soon, either way I have a six gallons of fuel left, lol.
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Old 03-04-2012, 11:58 AM   #13
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Now you know why I have solar... during the last power outage at home.. (supper time of course) I just took everything out to the RV finished making supper then turned on the TV ... 5 of em came over to watch TV with me..LOL
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Old 03-04-2012, 12:17 PM   #14
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I lost a lot of limbs from trees due to the weight of the snow and ice, if I had not moved everything to the front yard, at 130 am when i heard things snapping, trees would have taken out my tv, jeep, and camper. Tree limbs were taking out power lines, houses, and vehicles all night. nice light show when transformers pop and power lines are arcing all over. Solar panels on my camper would not power up my house. The gensets are portable. Power is back on here at home but many people outside the city will be without for a while yet.
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