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Old 10-08-2016, 01:24 PM   #1
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Using generator while boondocking

So next weekend I'm going on a trip where there will be no plug in.

But I am taking my generator. We will be using the camper in the mornings, lunch and then at night for dinner and to go to sleep...

What do I do? Run generator 24/7 or off and on when using the camper a/c and stuff... if some one can chime in I would be thankful

I don't want to burn up hot water element and who knows what else
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Old 10-08-2016, 01:50 PM   #2
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When you say boondocking, which do you mean?

Staying in a campground with no hookups? (Dry camping)

OR

Staying in undeveloped areas, like deserts, national forests, motor races, hunting camps, where there are no developed campsites.(Boondocking)

If you are in a campground, every public and private campground I've ever seen, has certain generator hours and bans running them overnight.
So there's no 24/7.

If you're boondocking, then you should be fine.
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Old 10-08-2016, 02:02 PM   #3
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Originally Posted by bikendan View Post
When you say boondocking, which do you mean?

Staying in a campground with no hookups? (Dry camping)

OR

Staying in undeveloped areas, like deserts, national forests, motor races, hunting camps, where there are no developed campsites.(Boondocking)

If you are in a campground, every public and private campground I've ever seen, has certain generator hours and bans running them overnight.
So there's no 24/7.

If you're boondocking, then you should be fine.
•••sorry your correct dry camping.im new to this. There hours of gen is 8:00AM till 9PM...

So your air conditioning what are my options? Etc
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Old 10-08-2016, 02:07 PM   #4
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The only option for using the a/c overnight, is a campground with hookups.
What generator do you have? Is it an inverter generator or open-frame contractor style generator?
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Old 10-08-2016, 02:16 PM   #5
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Originally Posted by bikendan View Post
The only option for using the a/c overnight, is a campground with hookups.
What generator do you have? Is it an inverter generator or open-frame contractor style generator?
Honda 6500 inverter series I bought a year ago

Honda eu6500is
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Old 10-10-2016, 10:40 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ozziedodge67 View Post
What do I do? Run generator 24/7 or off and on when using the camper a/c and stuff... if some one can chime in I would be thankful. I don't want to burn up hot water element and who knows what else
Ideally, you will be plugged in at your home to pre-chill the fridge and charge up the battery.
At the campground, fill your water tank. Campgrounds with no hookups provide a place to do this, usually at the dump station.
At your campsite, open the valves on your propane tanks, light the stove briefly to bleed the lines. Set your fridge on "AUTO."
Cut on your water pump. If you want hot water, cut on your water heater's propane function. Make sure the WH's electrical supply switch is "OFF" and water flows from the hot faucets.
You are now good-to-go.
When I dry camp, I open the electrical panel and throw all but the main breaker to "OFF." I do this because when I hook my power cord to the generator, I don't want the fridge to switch to electric, the TV or microwave to power up. I want the converter to have nuttin' to do but charge my batteries.
I run my genny for two hours each morning to charge me up for the day. Occasionally, we have run the genny in the early evening to watch the news during dinner.
I hope this helps.
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Old 01-17-2017, 12:30 AM   #7
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Usually wife needing blow dryer and curling iron in morning and a couple hrs of tv at night will keep batterys full.I use Honda 2000
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