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Has anyone had any experience of these generators?
I'm unsure as to whether or not it is the way to go, but I'm totally confused by all the "power" options, multiple leisure batteries, inverters, hook-up etc!
Never heard of them. Just as when Kipor started out they appear to be a Honda rip off. Unless they become as or more popular than Kipor, parts are going to be very hard to get in a few years time. Honda are king but I could't afford one! A kipor has served me well.
Check out your options and more importantly your requirements. Generators are only one way of getting power and a search on here will show there are many options.
Decide on what you need/expect from your existing set up and look at the various options. Remember you will always use more than you think you will.
Much will depend on how deep your pockets are as you can spend anything from £50 for an extra battery (for many the first option) to £3500 for an Efoy unit.
One tip from me would be that whatever route you choose try to ensure that your first steps become part of the solution and not a stopgap that becomes redundant later on - and a waste of money
My preferred option is an extra battery. Both batteries are deep discharge ones (means they can be discharged lower without damaging them). I have the gennie because it is relatively quiet but was cheap. I would love to have 140w + of solar panels but can't afford it.
If you are using normal campsites your van will probably have elec hook up- just plug a cable into the nearest power "bollard" and forget (until you drive away!)
I use small camp sites often without electric. Be warned- gennies wind people up the wrong way. My view is that if they don't like it they can always move! (and don't be afraid to tell it to them either!)
I too favour solar panels, giving free electricity but a second battery would be my first choice of value for money.
As for noisy generators; sorry chaps but I find they disturb the peace and waft around oily fumes. Basically; how to lose friends in one easy lesson! At a recent Motorhome show, several motorhomers moved away from three vans that left their generators running begging the question about club meetings being a sociable occasion.
Not a sound came from my solar panel (but my television could be heard across the campsitehttp://www.motorhomefacts.com/modules/Forums/images/smiles/lol .gif).
Alan
Both solar, and the geni have four's, and againsts. We went the geni route so when we use the french aires system we can still use the microwave high wattage hair dryer and spin dryer. Solar route is fine if you do not wish to use high wattage appliances. Take your time to work out what you need and go from there.
Thanks to all of you who have taken time to reply.
The Efoy unit looks good!! But the price isn't so appealing!!
The problem is that I am a "newby" to all of this, exacerbated by the fact that I know next to nothing about electrics.
I have a 2007 Kontiki 665P with a single 110ah leisure battery. I am going to Italy in a couple of weeks time & staying for a few weeks on a site with EHU, but I cannot find out what power the EHU gives.
I want to have enough power for heating (it's a ski resort), a bit of cooking, hot water, TV & re-charging the laptop, phone, etc.
I'm also a bit concerned about the trip .... again, about the power availablility en route.
I think that I will plan my route to stay on sites with EHU, & hopefully the site in Italy will have sufficient power to meet my needs????
I think you'll find the EHU more than adequate. I use a genny but ony when off EHU and in need of high power (when the microwave is on) the rest of the time the batteries last fine.
Thanks to all of you who have taken time to reply.
The Efoy unit looks good!! But the price isn't so appealing!!
The problem is that I am a "newby" to all of this, exacerbated by the fact that I know next to nothing about electrics.
I have a 2007 Kontiki 665P with a single 110ah leisure battery. I am going to Italy in a couple of weeks time & staying for a few weeks on a site with EHU, but I cannot find out what power the EHU gives.
I want to have enough power for heating (it's a ski resort), a bit of cooking, hot water, TV & re-charging the laptop, phone, etc.
I'm also a bit concerned about the trip .... again, about the power availablility en route.
I think that I will plan my route to stay on sites with EHU, & hopefully the site in Italy will have sufficient power to meet my needs????
Most sites in the Alps (ski resorts ) will have 16amps - more than enough for your needs. As with all things you need to exercise common sense and not use the electric kettle at the same time as using 2kw heating etc.
If this is one of your first trips in the Kontiki then I would use it as a sort of learning curve. It seems that you intend using sites for the majority of your trip so you shouldn't run into problems. If you think you may be without EHU for a few days then maybe double up on the leisure battery by adding a second. Cheap and cost effective way that wouldn't be redundant later on.
Electrics need a lot of thought and planning and will take into consideration your own style of motorhoming. Many folks never use anything other than commercial sites with EHU so would not need solar panels, extra batteries, Efoys, inverters or generators. Others rarely use sites and either wild camp or use Aires/Stellplatz or Sostas so invest in a variety of solutions to become "independent" of the need for EHU
Do bear in mind that many Northern Europe sites are closed in winter and many of the Aires also switch off water so make sure you take enough water to last for the first few days
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France
Kiam KM2000i 2000w Petrol Suitcase Inverter Generator
