Most of the time will be in CP as David still working,
but I want the freedom of choice
Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Loki said
07:02 PM Mar 3, 2013
G'day Kaid,
I went thru the same process, decided for portable solar and am very happy with that. I have a HiAce poptop with two 105AH AGM's, they also charge as I am driving and was able to free camp indefinitely provided there was plenty of sun. Traveled all thru the Northern Territory last winter, then from Brisbane to Tassie thru the Great Dividing Range with no problems. I have a 12V fridge which draws around 3.5 A when running and use LED lights with rechargeable AA or AAA batteries when free camping.
I decided against a generator mainly because I was limited for space, they are considered a nuisance by some campers (in some campsites they are not allowed) and I would rather not carry a petrol can inside my van. But it was seriously considered by me and in the end it is a personal decision to go solar. You can always change your mind, you know, both solar panels and generators are saleable items.
Happy decision making!
Joe said
10:44 PM Mar 3, 2013
Loki wrote:
I decided against a generator mainly because I was limited for space, they are considered a nuisance by some campers (in some campsites they are not allowed)
Absolutely agree Loki. Generators are too intrusive, especially when used in supposedly pristine places.
Go the solar option.
Hylda&Jon said
10:53 PM Mar 3, 2013
Generators don't really give you enough freedom as many places don't let you run them, eg: many National Parks and council spots. They are noisy, even the Honda's. If you like the purity of peace and quite and hearing the birds etc then they can be intrusive. Also you have to be aware how close your neighbours.
With solar power, if you have a decent setup that matches your power needs it is a non worry set and forget system.
If you get a few days of continuous cloudy weather then take it easy at a caravan park...easy
Cheers
Jon
jetj said
12:19 AM Mar 4, 2013
I hate generators near me, the fumes can cause breathing problems quite apart from the noise assault.
beachball57 said
12:57 AM Mar 4, 2013
i got both,, only use the gen if i'm out bush by myself so as not to disturd anyone,,
SaltyDog said
12:59 AM Mar 4, 2013
Some very affordable Solar options out there now, at 1/6th the price of a Honda Genset.
If you are travelling in a Caravan, could you roof mount it?? If in a small Hi-Ace style van, the size of the fold away panels might be an issue.....
But is surely the best option for quite camping and free energy ;)
Dougwe said
03:42 AM Mar 4, 2013
I started out with a Gene and have just progressed and added portable Solar and very happy however, for a couple of days earlier this week there was no sun so had to bring Gene out to add her power to the equation, no probs then. I have decided to watch a movie tonight so gene will get turned on as well just to add her bit to help things a long.
I have set up the TV facing the open door and sitting outside watching, just like at the drive in.
EllenajoeL said
04:50 AM Mar 4, 2013
@Kaid
Generators need fairly regular maintenance; and a fuel supply carried; they are audibly and olfactorily offensive to other creatures (NOT just other humans) and have accumulative costs to run.... esp away from the capitals/coast.
A solar system simply needs sunlight 'most days', minimal maintenance (batteries only), it is silent and costs (basically) no more than setup....BUT you will need to consider efficient power usage, whilst travelling, more closely.
So, if there is likely to available sunlight where you are headed, there's my 2 cents worth.......
Sheba said
06:14 AM Mar 4, 2013
Hi Kathy. You saw my Hi-ace last year. I have a large Solar Panel on the roof. When travelling, the fridge runs on 12V, and at night I usually watch at least 1 DVD at night before going to sleep. That, and lights are 12V too.
As others have said, I don't like the idea of having to carry extra fuel for a Genny either, quite apart from the fact that I don't like the noise factor anyway, and I don't have enough gear to warrant one .
Cheers,
Sheba.
Kaid said
05:37 PM Mar 5, 2013
Hi Gayle,
Idealy I would love to have both but can't afford it.
Don't want to put panels on the top beacuse it would be too hard to lift.
Think we might go the portable solar route.
How are you going. We might be up that way again shortly.
Don't know which way to go.
I want to be able to do some free camping.
Have no aircon . Will open windows for that.
Will run fridge on gas. Maybe watch dvd at night.
Most of the time will be in CP as David still working,
but I want the freedom of choice
Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
G'day Kaid,
I went thru the same process, decided for portable solar and am very happy with that. I have a HiAce poptop with two 105AH AGM's, they also charge as I am driving and was able to free camp indefinitely provided there was plenty of sun. Traveled all thru the Northern Territory last winter, then from Brisbane to Tassie thru the Great Dividing Range with no problems. I have a 12V fridge which draws around 3.5 A when running and use LED lights with rechargeable AA or AAA batteries when free camping.
I decided against a generator mainly because I was limited for space, they are considered a nuisance by some campers (in some campsites they are not allowed) and I would rather not carry a petrol can inside my van. But it was seriously considered by me and in the end it is a personal decision to go solar. You can always change your mind, you know, both solar panels and generators are saleable items.
Happy decision making!
Absolutely agree Loki. Generators are too intrusive, especially when used in supposedly pristine places.
Go the solar option.
Generators don't really give you enough freedom as many places don't let you run them, eg: many National Parks and council spots. They are noisy, even the Honda's. If you like the purity of peace and quite and hearing the birds etc then they can be intrusive. Also you have to be aware how close your neighbours.
With solar power, if you have a decent setup that matches your power needs it is a non worry set and forget system.
If you get a few days of continuous cloudy weather then take it easy at a caravan park...easy
Cheers
Jon
I hate generators near me, the fumes can cause breathing problems quite apart from the noise assault.
If you are travelling in a Caravan, could you roof mount it??
If in a small Hi-Ace style van, the size of the fold away panels might be an issue.....
But is surely the best option for quite camping and free energy ;)
I have set up the TV facing the open door and sitting outside watching, just like at the drive in.
@Kaid
Generators need fairly regular maintenance; and a fuel supply carried; they are audibly and olfactorily offensive to other creatures (NOT just other humans) and have accumulative costs to run.... esp away from the capitals/coast.
A solar system simply needs sunlight 'most days', minimal maintenance (batteries only), it is silent and costs (basically) no more than setup....BUT you will need to consider efficient power usage, whilst travelling, more closely.
So, if there is likely to available sunlight where you are headed, there's my 2 cents worth.......
Hi Kathy. You saw my Hi-ace last year. I have a large Solar Panel on the roof. When travelling, the fridge runs on 12V, and at night I usually watch at least 1 DVD at night before going to sleep. That, and lights are 12V too.
As others have said, I don't like the idea of having to carry extra fuel for a Genny either, quite apart from the fact that I don't like the noise factor anyway, and I don't have enough gear to warrant one .
Cheers,
Sheba.
Hi Gayle,
Idealy I would love to have both but can't afford it.
Don't want to put panels on the top beacuse it would be too hard to lift.
Think we might go the portable solar route.
How are you going. We might be up that way again shortly.
Will have to have another catch up.
Cheers
Kathy
Let me know when you're up this way again.
Cheers,
Gayle.