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Generators for Cabins and RVs

 

Generators for Cabins and RVs

Generators for cabins and RVs vary hugely in noise level, peak and continuous output. Price and quality varies likewise. Here’s how and what to choose.

generators

Generators for Cabins and RVs – their main need

The main need for generators for cabins and RVs is to power compressor fridges, water pump and LED lights. They may also charge computers and mobile phones. Some also backup solar – ideally via associated batteries. Do not even think of buying a $99 chain-store generator. They are horrendously noisy and polluting. They may wreck expensive electronics. Some equipment has protective systems that detect this. They will not accept ‘dirty’ power. Buy only inverter/generators from globally known makers. These include Honda, Robin, Westinghouse and Yamaha etc.

Inverter operation

Traditional portable generators for cabins and RVs ran at a constant 3000 or 3600 rpm. Doing so ensured the output was at the desired frequency. Inverter generators run at lower speed on light loads. They produce ultra-clean ac electricity for the specific load. This saves fuel. It also limits exhaust emissions.

Noise

Traditional generators are noisy. They can be heard a kilometre away on otherwise quiet nights. Most inverter generators are much quieter. The best have sound levels much as people talking. They are not silent. They may disturb neighbouring campers. Noise issues at night, however, can be largely overcome. Use the generator to charge the RV or cabin’s battery bank during the day. Do this via a 230 volt battery charger. Run it from the generator’s 230 volt output. See: https://solbsau.centrails.com/battery-charging-quickly-and-deeply-by-a-generator/

Actual continuous output

Electrical devices need more power to start than run. Most inverter-generators are designed accordingly. This can mislead. They are typically marketed quoting that short-term peak. Maximum continuous output is typically 20% less. In practice, optimum fuel efficiency is 50% to 60% of the claimed output. For a total coverage of this and associated issues, please buy our books. Solar That Really Works! is for boats, cabins and RVs. Solar Success is for homes and properties. Caravan & Motorhome Electrics covers every aspect of solar and electrics.

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Electrical (general)
Batteries & Battery Charging
General
Travel
The Camper Trailer Book

Want to find out more? Our books cover all these topics and a lot more. 

Cover of How to Choose and Buy an RV by Collyn RiversWhether you’re buying your first RV or updating to a bigger, more comfortable rig, there are a great many things you need to know and consider. How to Choose and Buy an RV breaks things down so that you can decide what you want and whether or not what you’ve found is right for you.

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Cover of Solar That Really Works by Collyn RiversSolar That Really Works! explains every detail of designing and installing solar in boats, camper trailers, caravans and motorhomes.

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Cover of Caravan and Motorhome Electrics by Collyn RiversCaravan & Motorhome Electrics covers every aspect of designing, installing and fault finding of the electrics in fifth wheel and conventional caravans, camper trailers and motorhomes.

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Cover of The Caravan and Motorhome Book by Collyn RiversThe Caravan & Motorhome Book covers every conceivable aspect of camper trailer, caravan and fifth wheel caravan, campervan and motorhome usage.

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Cover of Why Caravans Roll Over by Collyn RiversCaravans and their tow vehicles rarely jack-knife and roll over – but when they do the results are catastrophic. The cause, and how to prevent it, is explained here. Why Caravans Roll Over offers solid advice for keeping yourself safe on the road.
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Cover of Solar Success by Collyn RiversSolar Success explains how to design and build home and property systems that ensures affordable solar success first and every time.

 

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Between 1959 and 1961 Collyn Rivers and Antony Fleming drove a Bedford QLR off-road truck twice the length and breadth of Africa studying road surface conditions.

A 43 minute film about their adventure, produced and narrated by Antony Fleming, has been viewed on YouTube more than 1.6 million  times!

Picture from Africa journey. Caravan and Motorhome Electrics by Collyn Rivers

To view the film, and also read Collyn’s telling of the tale, just click the button below.

Africa 

Cover of How to Choose and Buy an RV by Collyn RiversWhether you’re buying your first RV or updating to a bigger, more comfortable rig, there are a great many things you need to know and consider.  This book breaks things down so that you can decide what you want and whether or not what you’ve found is right for you. It’s technically sound and comprehensive so that you can proceed with complete confidence.  How to Choose and Buy an RV is the ultimate guide for those times when you want to, well, choose and buy an RV.

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Cover of Why Caravans Roll Over by Collyn RiversCaravans and their tow vehicles rarely jack-knife and roll over – but when they do the results are catastrophic. The cause, and how to prevent it, is explained here.  Why Caravans Roll Over offers solid advice for keeping yourself safe on the road.

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Cover of Caravan and Motorhome Books by Collyn RiversCaravan & Motorhome Electrics is the totally rewritten successor to the original globally selling Motorhome Electrics. The book’s content now also covers every aspect of designing, installing and fault finding of the electrics in fifth wheel and conventional caravans, camper trailers and motorhomes.

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Cover of Solar Success by Collyn RiversSolar Success explains how to design and build home and property systems that ensures affordable solar success first and every time.

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Home Page - rv books, Collyn Rivers, rv books for beginners, solar books, best rv books, rv repair books, solar success, caravan and motorhome electrics, solar that really works, The caravan and motorhome book, why caravans roll over, how to choose and buy an rvThe Caravan & Motorhome Book covers every conceivable aspect of camper trailer, caravan and fifth wheel caravan, campervan and motorhome usage. Like all of Collyn Rivers’ books it is technically sound yet written in plain English.

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Cover of Solar That Really Works by Collyn RiversSolar That Really Works! explains, in clear English, every detail of designing and installing solar in boats, camper trailers, caravans and motorhomes. It is up-to-date, valid globally and technically accurate. It is clear, concise and easy to follow without sacrificing important detail.

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How to Choose and Buy an RV

This is Collyn Rivers’ newest book.  Building on his years of experience and extensive knowledge of engineering and all things caravan and RV, this is the book you need with you when shopping for an RV.

Caravan & Motorhome Electrics

Collyn Rivers has done it again! – if you need to know anything about motorhome electrics, then this book is for you… Collyn must be, without doubt, the foremost authority in Australia on this subject.

The Wanderer (Campervan & Motorhome Club of Australia Ltd)

Why Caravans Roll Over….and How to Prevent It​

Should be compulsory reading for everyone involved with Caravans: Design / Engineering, Marketing, Journalism (print & electronic), Regulations, Inspections, Driver-Training, Caravan Clubs, Towing and Modifications.

Colin Young

Founder and CEO, Caravan Council of Australia

Solar that Really Works!

Collyn is an accomplished engineer who knows how to design and build successful systems. It is refreshing to see practical advice written in plain language when there is so little solar information around. . . this is an essential text . . . you won’t find a better guide.

Alan T. Gray

Earth Garden Magazine

The Caravan & Motorhome Book

Without doubt, this is the best book we have ever read . . . it will be treasured, and read on a regular basis.

The Wanderer (Campervan & Motorhome Club of Australia Ltd)