removing my generator

2800 MicroLite by Onan
Post Reply
User avatar
Mark
Seasoned Traveler
Posts: 177
Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2014 3:03 pm
B190 Year: 1997
WBCCI: 0
Location: I get my mail in Carson City, NV

removing my generator

Post by Mark »

I'm planning on installing a full solar system in my RV this winter.

Given that the system will power everything I need, does it make any sense to keep the generator? I could lighten my load and gain some storage space by getting rid of it.

Downsides?
If it ain't fun - it ain't done!
User avatar
skater
Site Admin
Posts: 2569
Joined: Thu Mar 08, 2007 1:00 am
B190 Year: 1991
WBCCI: 13270
Location: Annapolis, MD

Re: removing my generator

Post by skater »

It all comes down to what is more important for you - that backup source of power or the extra storage. It's a tough one for anyone else to answer. I'd be concerned about several overcast/rainy days in a row not giving me a chance to recharge, but you could also charge off the alternator in the engine if you really had to.
1991 Airstream B190 - bought, 2005; sold, 2011; bought 2017
1995 Airstream Excella 30' trailer

WBCCI #13270, Washington, DC Unit
User avatar
lido14co
Seasoned Traveler
Posts: 259
Joined: Wed Apr 25, 2012 1:12 pm
B190 Year: 1992
WBCCI: 0
Location: Los Osos, CA

Re: removing my generator

Post by lido14co »

It could hurt resale value, if you're thinking that far down the road. Also, it' since to have that one extra power option.


Cliff
jb1rd73
Seasoned Traveler
Posts: 152
Joined: Fri Mar 28, 2014 9:30 am
B190 Year: 1994
WBCCI: 0
Location: Vail Valley Colorado

Re: removing my generator

Post by jb1rd73 »

I would keep it, resale value and options are nice to have
Marko Polo
Weekend Camper
Posts: 36
Joined: Sun Mar 24, 2013 5:37 pm
B190 Year: 1994
WBCCI: 0

Re: removing my generator

Post by Marko Polo »

I would ditto what everyone else is saying if only because removing it is a pain in the rear (have you cut wires because there's no harness to remove it is what a Cummins tech told me) and you really don't gain that much storage space.

Nice picture by the way - I spent a few weeks out in Hood in the B190 last winter. Caught a few real nice, albeit wet, days skinning up the side of the lot right there. (NOTE: I realize the picture is Yosemite, the poster is from Hood).
User avatar
Mark
Seasoned Traveler
Posts: 177
Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2014 3:03 pm
B190 Year: 1997
WBCCI: 0
Location: I get my mail in Carson City, NV

Re: removing my generator

Post by Mark »

Thanks for your thoughts. I think I'll keep it.
If it ain't fun - it ain't done!
twistedskipper
Weekend Camper
Posts: 45
Joined: Fri Apr 04, 2014 10:10 am
B190 Year: 0
WBCCI: 0
Location: Longmont, Colorado

Re: removing my generator

Post by twistedskipper »

Actually, if I didn't need the generator, I'd consider replacing the sofa with a dinette, rather than adding storage, but that's not everyone's cup of tea.

Can you tell us more about what "full solar" means? What are you planning to be able to run off the system?
--
Tim
1999 B190
User avatar
Mark
Seasoned Traveler
Posts: 177
Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2014 3:03 pm
B190 Year: 1997
WBCCI: 0
Location: I get my mail in Carson City, NV

Re: removing my generator

Post by Mark »

I'm not fully done researching it but I hope to run everything, including the modest microwave use, on it. My needs are pretty light, I don't watch TV and it would be nice if I could run the microwave for a short time, maybe 3 or 4 minutes to reheat a meal. All I really want is to listen to music, charge my phone, iPad and computer and run the blender for a smoothie every morning.

Right now I'm looking at two panels on the roof and two batteries. I'm getting a bid for the whole kit from AM Solar. http://www.amsolar.com
If it ain't fun - it ain't done!
Post Reply