Hi all,
 I have just bought a camper van and am after a bit of advice. I need a
generator to provide power when I am not staying on a site with hook up. So
do any of you use them? If so do you have any recommendations and what sort
of size should I be looking at?
 I am only going to be using it for charging the batteries if needed, a
laptop, TV and PS2. However it will be either the TV and the PS2 or the
laptop, not all at the same time.

TIA,
 Barno

In message <4aab2c77$0$21067$126cae5@unlimited.newshosting.com>, barno 
 writes
>Hi all,
>I have just bought a camper van and am after a bit of advice. I need a
>generator to provide power when I am not staying on a site with hook up. So
>do any of you use them? If so do you have any recommendations and what sort
>of size should I be looking at?
>I am only going to be using it for charging the batteries if needed, a
>laptop, TV and PS2. However it will be either the TV and the PS2 or the
>laptop, not all at the same time.
>
>TIA,
>Barno
You would only need a very small one - about100w or less, oh yes, and 
SILENT. Have you considered carrying an extra leisure battery and or 
solar charger?
-- 
hugh
It may be more complicated but is it better?

"barno"  wrote in message 
news:4aab2c77$0$21067$126cae5@unlimited.newshosting.com...
> Hi all,
> I have just bought a camper van and am after a bit of advice. I need a
> generator...........................

My advice is to dump the TV and buy some board games instead.  A generator 
will cause you much aggro from anyone else on the field.

"barno"  wrote in message 
news:4aab2c77$0$21067$126cae5@unlimited.newshosting.com...
> Hi all,
> I have just bought a camper van and am after a bit of advice. I need a
> generator to provide power when I am not staying on a site with hook up. 
> So
> do any of you use them? If so do you have any recommendations and what 
> sort
> of size should I be looking at?
> I am only going to be using it for charging the batteries if needed, a
> laptop, TV and PS2. However it will be either the TV and the PS2 or the
> laptop, not all at the same time.
>


Hi as the other posters have said they are not popular on campsites and some 
have quite strict rules on times of operation. A lot of the caravaners are 
in bed by 9pm. People generally use them when out in the wilds or the sole 
camper on their side of a field. I'm not sure that I could watch tv etc with 
it running - they are very noisy.

The Honda ones are said to be top of the range and "supposed" to be quieter 
though very expensive. We got a cheap brand from B&Q a couple of years back 
for emergencies (we were living in the MH at the time, between house sale 
and purchase), it was about £40.

You will get the smell of the fuel if the winds in the wrong direction. Also 
storage within the van (ie not in an external, externally vented locker) is 
problematic. Even if you empty completely after use, store upright and even 
sealed in polythene you can still smell it. Similar problem with fuel can.

I think going for a larger 2nd battery and/or  solar and then use it to top 
up is probably about the best compromise. If you have an older van without 
mains sockets you will need an inverter for domestic (non 12v) equipment.

:o)