Generators Forums

peejay · Campsite DB Admin

Hi smiffee,

Yep, i'm near Sleaford, although the Red arrows are now back at Scampton, just up the A15. I was based there when they were first there in the early 80's and all the wives used to dread them doing a practice display as the coloured smoke that comes out the back is in fact dyed diesel and made a right mess of the washing on the line when the wind was blowing in the wrong direction.

Still hate generators.....

pete.

Paulway

Yep, I am with the anti generator brigade, just can't see the need I believe in freedom, but that cuts both ways and there is never a good time to use them. I have NEVER run out of battery power evan after 10 days on a CL.

roifromnwales

I have had a genny for a year and never used it so far and I have never hooked up either. I use a small 7 inch 12 volt telly / radio run from the van batteries and haven't run them down yet but don't use much power really, just a light on for a short while and the tv. we use candles a bit though, much warmer atmosphere in the van.
The genny is for emergencies and other than starting it up before each trip to make sure it is working it stays quiet.

dobermannman

ty for all replies as i am a newbie i appriciate them all

NorwegianBlue

Evening all.

We spent 2 nites in the car park at the NEC and someone just behind us had a genny (hooked to a large, new A-Class). It was so incredibly quiet, that you could barely hear it while walking past, and certainly couldn't hear it once inside our 'van. In fact many of the TV's inside the other 'vans were emitting more noise, and were more offensive!

I must say, with generators as quiet as that, I can't see what the fuss is about? There must be a better way of policing their use if there are some are that quiet?

Sure, if it is an old thumper, reverberating in your head...... argue

dobermannman

i have decided to invest in a inverter what will i need to power a tv dvd combi and maybe a microwave?

GeorgeTelford

TV Combi these sometimes have thyristor controlled power supply, if the one you select as got this then a pure sine wave invertor is the only kind that will power it. Pure sine wave is Expensive and less efficient than Quasi or modified sine wave invertor. Best option would be a seperate TV and DVD player, this would only require a Quasi/Modified sine wave invertor (150w)

Now if you want to run a microwave too, from the same invertor you will be buying a very expensive invertor, say you have a 800Watt Microwave this is the output warrage, input could be anything up to 12-1400 Watts.

The link below explains the microwave and invertor req in a bit more depth.

[url]http://s7.invisionfree.com/UKSB/index.php?showtopic=29[/url]

For lower wattages 100w to say 300w most peoples vans could run NP, for bigger invertors a lot more thought is required with regard to Wiring, Batteries and charging.

George

DavidBee

First words here from a newbie, and thanks everyone on the many comments / opinions re generators. I've been taking to the road for many years and having experienced the problems flat batteries bring would never travel without a small suitcase type generator for emergencies.
I have an invertor for my freezer, 2 leisure batteries and 2 large 12v batteries for the 24volt vehicle system.
I've been toying with the idea of the new portable "Starter Packs" though they seem a bit small for the diesel in my Leyland. Anyone tried them?
As for TV, I hear more noise from those on site than from gennies, and no, I don't have a tv installed.
Smile

eddied

Hi everybody.
Being a bit of a gadget freak, I too have considered a generator, and love looking at all the various models at trade shows, hardware shops etc. But then I have to bring into play 'do I really need it' or 'that might just come in handy'.
All in all have come to the conclusion that since my Fiat Ducato JTD 2.8 engine is also a generator, why do I need another one? My personal solution to power problems if they arise, (and so far they haven't) is an extra 12v. 110 amp. leisure battery, plus a 'Powerpack' type portable starter thingy with a 12v. outlet plug, and tyre pump and lights and things incooperated. This I charge on mains at home, and carry with me. If I see that the leisure batteries are going low, then a 15 min. tickover of the Fiat engine brings them back to life. On the powerpack 12v. outlet I can run a multi-standard Panasonic TV, plus a portable 12v/240 v. DVD player. for several hours(or a 12v. kettle, or a 12v. hairdryer etc etc); and at the same time have emergency starting power. In a nutshell, much as I would love to potter with a generator, don't really see the need for one.
saluti
eddied