Generator users ??

[jed the spread]

I have a Honda one just because my dad gave it me. It starts up on first pull even when left alone for months, but i cant think why you would need to take one camping. We took ours away with us to Scotland just to charge the leisure batteries if we needed as the ebber was on all night (it was January and -5 most nights) But we didnt really use it as we have twin leisure batteries so we can wild camp for longer in the winter, and got on a campsite every 4 days or so just for one night. If its a fridge you want to power gas works best, or if its an ebber start the engine when you first start the ebber so it doesn't draw as much current from the battery, and lights can be changed for led's or we use a 12 volt rechargeable lantern that we charge while driving and leave on all night for the littleun.

I often wonder why people have them buzzing away at shows and what they are powering as most people are outside drinkin and BBQing and a show is usually for two nights anyway Though i am ashamed to admit i charged my mobile with the genny at dubfreeze last year in what must have been the most unenvirfomently friendly way of charging a phone in history

jed

[shanco73]

I dont know this van. I have had it a week. I have a 18 month baby, i simply would like to have a generator to use in the event of an emergency. If i had a generator i certanly wouldnt be leaving it running all day it would be for emergency battery charging only if required, which is why i was considering a cheap one.

Last year i camped in my homebrew camper with no problems as i know the van and its electrical systems. Leisure battery life etc..

I have just aquired a leasure drive commander. like i said i dont knoe the van it runs well, has a very clean and tidy interior and has all the leasuredrive bits n and bobs, the fridge is three way, so while we on a site with plug in it will run 240.

I have never used gas for anything other than cooking and not sure i want to really, So whilst driving i will switch to 12v,

Well we are going away on Tuesday and will be back on Friday, So I will let you know how we get on and might have a few pictures.

I will hold off on the genny for now, Im not in to blowing 600 quid on somthing that i might use, the idea of a 1kva genny for a couple of hundred quid did apeal but if they are as bad as everyone says they are i wont bother.

Thanks for lots of input on this thread.

[windysurfer]

If your worried about a flat starter battery then why not get a booster pack type thing

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=224871

[shanco73]

good idea windy i think i will get one of those.

[Mocki]

unless its not standard you wont charge your leisure from a genny on a crusauder set up, there is no charger built in!!

(early ones didnt even have a leisure battery!!)

jump pack is deffo cheaper and quieter.......
( i have a £60 aldi genny that has never let me down , its not pretty, its not quiet, but its not 600 quid either!!)

[timthetrader]

cheers for the info better start saving pennies for a honda. I would take the risk but i can just imagine trying to start the van in the morning, yes the milk is still cold but the engine wont turn over.

I will try it at home one night before we go.

Thanks guys.

I've found my Halfords jump starter ,inverter, power pack a must have thing so if my kids flaten my starter battery so what this pack will jump start a completely flat battery its so use full its second only to gaffer tape etc............

[shanco73]

I have got one of these packs now, and used it to start my neighbours car yesterday morning, his battery was not copmpletely flat but flat enough mot to turn the engine it worked a treat, We are going on our first camping trip in this van on Tuesday morning so just sortin out my toolbox now, this battery pack and gaffer tape will be top priority.

Thanks again

[timthetrader]

There are many posts on the forum with tips on what to take on camping tips! BUT THE BIGGEST TIP IS: Dont let the missus go in the van and borrow something because its guaranteed she with forget to put it back! and on the way home always pack the van with the next trip in mind ie: everything has its place! Enjoy your first trip and try to get to some club meets which is what this club is all about and you'll meet some great people.