we have our new motorhome

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paula2072

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Our first time next week.
Hi everyone, we picked up our new motorhome yesterday and we are really pleased with it, cant wait to use it now our first trip is next monday for a few days not to far away just to get used to it. we were thinking of maybe getting a generater now instead of the solor panels, has anyone got one out there and can you tell me if they are worth getting and which makes are the best please.
Many thanks.
Paula.
 
Hope you enjoy it :thumb:- we should be in the same boat in a weeks time or so
 
Hi, welcome to the site and the world of motorhoming. Before deciding on a generator do think about solar power, apart from the odd show we wild camp and do carry but have never used a generator. We currently have B/W TV and 55watt solar but going digital will increase our power usage so am looking to upgrade the solar. once fitted forget it, no fuel to put in, no noise, job done. If you use sites then recharge on hookup or move every day and let the engine do the charging. Increase your battery storage, 2 x 110 amp/hr batteries and 130W solar power would get you sorted. Good luck

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paula2072 said:
we were thinking of maybe getting a generater now instead of the solor panels,
Paula.
Click to expand...

Patience Paula. First find out if you need either. We manage about 3 days without either.

Generators certainly create a lot of ill feeling because of the noise.

Solar panels make tree huggers come and kiss your van - your choice.

Of course those with solar panels mid winter wish they had a generator.
 
I agree with Roger & Brian. Have a think about how you are going to use the van before spending a few hundred pounds on either generator or solar panel. The length of time you can manage without EHU depends on the capacity of your battery and how much juice you take from it as well as what you can put into it.

We have an 85Ah battery that was in the van when we got it. When it needs to be replaced we will get a 110Ah battery. We have also, this year, changed the main lamps to LED from tungsten filament/halogen, which reduces consumption considerably. We watch a little TV (mainly the news/weather forecast) when not on EHU but not a lot. The TV/satellite equipment is low power consumption.

Our non-EHU camping is on temporary camp sites rather than roadside - rallies and other events - which we go to from late March to late September. We have a 50w free standing solar panel, which we can turn from time to time during the day to follow the sun, and that keeps the battery topped up.

We have no problems lasting 5 days without EHU and could probably do so for much longer.

Graham
 
Hi and welcome.
we are also in hte 'looking' stage and working out what layout you want is no easy task. With your caravan experience it may be a lot easier but this is no time to make a mistake :Rofl1:
 
Generator or Solar Panels

Hi Paula, welcome to the Fun.:thumb: Re generator or solar panels, both are expensive but even If money is no object, get an extra battery (or two) first, then see how you go. If you still need more power get a roof full of panels and a Honda genny for when the sun doesn't shine.

If you are watching the pennies- Definitely get an extra battery first and see how you go. If you still need more power get a small genny, to top up your batteries. If you win the lottery get a roof full of panels. Link Removed

We have a 4 x 110ah batteries with two 85w panels and we are pretty much self sufficient all year. In the winter the blown heating can kill all our batteries in a short time, couple this with short/cloudy days for the panels and if wild camping we have to get our genny out oftenLink Removed

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We are BIG fans of solar, proved with cheapies (not actually worth it IMO, but proved the principle) on the last van, and our current, Winne, came with a big one on the roof factory installed. Amazing peice of kit. We have two 120 amph batteries and once since getting her (4ish months) have we seen the battery voltage drop to 12.6. We have been hooked up a couple of times but that was not to charge the batteries. Haven't tried to find out how long we can last, that said we're not heavy users, though as Jim said the blown air heating is the killer.
Being an RV we have a geni built in and so far all we've used it for is on the drive for the hoover, which is a good excuse to run it now and again without anoying anyone to keep it working etc.

We recently spent some time next to a running geni and, err, I know there is a fair time and place, but anoying noise non the less at any time.

I'm not anti geni I just feel extra batteries and solar are a better way forward and go for a geni as a last resort if/as and when your sort of camping requires.

Have fun:thumb:
 
Hi Paula & welcome :thumb: You are in grave danger of jumping in or on the what if ? bandwagon :Rofl1: SLOW DOWN and see what you need !!!!! rather than what you may need :Rofl1:
terry
 
:Smile:Thank you so much for all your replies, they are all very helpful.
Paula.
 

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