One of the things a novice to the RV world has to adjust to almost instantly is how to generate power, where it comes from, and how to regulate it.
Using the advantages of an RV takes us out of the tent and lets us bring a few comforts of home on our excursions, but we need to learn how to manipulate those conveniences.
Generators often provide the power for RVs serving two primary purposes including supplying the ‘house’ energy and creating a resource for plugins for power outlets of 120vAC.
With these capabilities, you can either use the resources or you can keep them stored while the generator remains off to use with greater efficiency.
As you would in your own household, you want to conserve energy as much as possible. Charging the ‘house’ battery takes a substantial amount of time. You’ll want to create a nice balance between indulging and ‘roughing it.’
How Do You Know You Have The Right Generator?
Many modern RVs come fitted with built-in generators prepared to accommodate the needs meant for that specific model with the appliances already set.
If for some reason you need to invest in a generator for your RV trip, you’ll need to educate on the needs of your ‘home’ and which type of system will be compatible, the fuel it will require, and the size you’ll need.
The type and size are going to be the most critical components of your unit. Size references the level of energy provided. This is a calculation determined using the total of all the systems that utilize 120 volts of power combined with the highest surge produced by the air conditioner.
Too much energy will result in blown circuits and no power at all. Many times labels on the machines will provide information pertaining to the energy use or you can research the model. The type you choose will determine the fuel implemented.
Generator Types For RV Living
Three main versions of generators are available for use with RVs including gas, diesel, and liquid propane. The suggestion is to keep the fuel consistent if you are merely replacing your unit since the system has acclimated to running a specific way.
But if you’re putting in a model where there’s never been one or investing in substantial upgrades, any of the versions can be an option. Read for an exclusive guide to generators and RVing 101.
- Gas: The suggestion is that this is the most convenient of any choice since the vehicle’s tank will need filling up with gas. On the other side of the coin, the claim is that this fuel burns quickly and hot. Even though you can conveniently refuel, the issue is, you’ll be stopping much more frequently to do so.
The substance is exceptionally flammable making it a fire hazard if precautions aren’t followed given the fact that gas is being poured into an area generating electricity.
For those who have a concern with living a clean lifestyle, gas is the least eco-friendly option. Really, the only thing this type has going for it is the fact that you can get it anywhere when you need it.
- Diesel: There are some motor homes that operate off of diesel fuel making this type of generator the ideal selection. You can fill-up your unit when you fill up the home just as you would with the example for gas. The only issue is accessibility is not as great as it is with gas meaning there may be times when you need to hunt down a supply.
This type generates more power than the liquid propane version but offers less volatility than gas does. It’s considered the median choice between the least favorite and what most people choose.
The claim is that it offers incredible storage and efficiency from any of the other choices creating minimal need for refueling. But these units have a noisy operation compared to their counterparts. That can be significantly disruptive if you’re trying to sleep while it’s in use.
- Propane (Liquid): This is the favorite for everyone who engages in green living with incredible storage capabilities where the other varieties are not the best with their storage capabilities.
The problem with this resource is it is very difficult to refuel and provides the weakest emission of energy when burning.
While it may be ideal for the environment, it’s less effective as a fuel source requiring great amounts to ‘keep the fires burning’ and challenges in finding places where you can refuel.
It does seem to be the most commonly chosen type for generators despite the drawbacks that come with it. People prefer to use substances less harmful to the atmosphere creating the success for this particular choice.
Regardless of which type of fuel you choose for your motorhome, it’s important to make sure to maintain the generator throughout the year.
If you know during certain seasons it will have less use than others, you should still operate it biweekly or once a month to keep it functioning properly in conjunction with the appliances inside the ‘home.’ For directives on maintaining your unit follow https://rvlife.com/tech-tips-maintaining-your-rv-generator/.
Are RVs The New Campsite?
RVing is the best of both worlds so to speak. You get to camp by a lake along the woods in the middle of nowhere but with the added benefit of amenities to make it feel like home. The only problem is some parks don’t offer full utility hook-ups keeping some people stranded with no reliable resource for power.
In those cases, people have found it to be worth the investment to obtain a portable generator allowing flexibility to go wherever they choose with no fear of going without their preferred conveniences.
The type of generator that you opt for will have a basis on a number of different factors but the main considerations will be the type of fuel used in the motor home, the level of power that you expect from the unit, and whether you employ a clean living attitude into your daily lifestyle.
Each option has its advantages and disadvantages but none provide eco-friendliness except liquid propane.
Final Word
RV travel is the ultimate in excitement and unending fun. There’s no limit to the places you can go or the areas where you’re able to stay as long as you have your portable generator to light the way.
Camping is seeing a whole new life and a brand-new generation of followers who are grateful that the tents are gone, no more lying on the ground, bugs, or potential for death by bear. But then is it really camping? Or is this just a traveling hotel? No one will tell.
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