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Old 07-02-2013, 02:02 PM   #1
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Dual Batteries vs Generator

I have a dilemma maybe you guys can help me with. We are getting ready to head out to yellowstone for a couple weeks we are going to be regular camping (no hook ups)

I was going to install a second battery to the trailer when a friend asked if I wanted to borrow his generator. What would you guys suggest?? Install the new second battery or drive 100 miles to pick up the generator?
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Old 07-02-2013, 02:44 PM   #2
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A couple weeks? I would get the generator. I have two batteries and can run a couple of days with no power but not a couple weeks. Unless I misunderstand your statement.
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Old 07-02-2013, 02:52 PM   #3
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Even 2 batteries won't get you through 2 weeks (well maybe if only using for some lights for a short while in the evening and frig is on propane), how long they last is dependent on what you use the power for. For dry or boon-docking camping I have dual 12 volt batteries system (actually 4 six volt) and I take my Gen with me to recharge the batteries when needed, but the flip of that is I run the AC during the hot part of the day in a 26 foot TT. I for one would get the Gen, from your comment picking up the gen is in the wrong direction vs to Yellowstone? 50 miles in each direction is not too bad but 100 miles each direction not so good another possibility is buy a gen Harbor Freight prices are pretty decent but not as quiet as say a Honda.
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Old 07-02-2013, 03:14 PM   #4
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Have you thought of going to some place like Northern Equipment and getting a solar panel to charge the batteries during the day?
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Old 07-02-2013, 04:09 PM   #5
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It depends on the generator. If it is a contractor grade, I would not want to be near you in most campgrounds, even if the gen is allowed. If it is a quite, inverter gen-set then go pick it up.

If you take two batteries take a charger. Drop one off at a gas station and ask them to charge it for you. Pick it up that afternoon or the next day and swap when the first is low. Repeat. Gas stations near big campgrounds are sure to be accustomed to this and do it for a relatively small fee.
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Old 07-02-2013, 04:46 PM   #6
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Many campgrounds in Yellowstone do not allow generators; so check that out. That being said, I'm in the 1 battery/1 generator camp.
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Old 07-02-2013, 05:11 PM   #7
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can't recommend either without knowing what generator your friend has.

if it's an inverter generator, then i would recommend borrowing it and going with the one battery.

if you plan to dry camp more often, then go ahead and add the 2nd battery anyway but they have to be matched.

if it's a contractor open-framed generator, forget it.
but even two batteries won't last for 2 weeks so you'll need to recharge them anyway.
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Old 07-02-2013, 05:13 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Pooneil View Post
Drop one off at a gas station and ask them to charge it for you. Pick it up that afternoon or the next day and swap when the first is low. Repeat. Gas stations near big campgrounds are sure to be accustomed to this and do it for a relatively small fee.
the OP is talking about Yellowstone!
as far as i know, there's only one gas station in the entire park, by Fishing Bridge. it would take hours from some of the campgrounds to get there.
it would be cheaper probably to just rent a Honda/Yamaha for the trip.
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Old 07-02-2013, 05:31 PM   #9
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Bojo,

Most of these posts are from big rig owners. Our Aframes do not need as much power because we have relatively more natural lighting from the windows and really only need one light fixture on inside at night. If you put LED bulbs in, you can use the lights when needed and not overly draw down the battery. If it is hot you may need to run your fan at night, but you should get three or four days off a well charged battery.
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Old 07-02-2013, 05:33 PM   #10
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the OP is talking about Yellowstone!
as far as i know, there's only one gas station in the entire park, by Fishing Bridge. it would take hours from some of the campgrounds to get there.
it would be cheaper probably to just rent a Honda/Yamaha for the trip.
That's a complication. What is one to do in a campground that doesn't allow generators?

Google reports one at Old Faithful and one at Grant Village. So a well planned day could get you by one of those. It seems better to do that than take a contractor grade generator and annoy the rest of the campground. But like I said earlier, if he can get a quiet inverter gen-set, take that.
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Old 07-02-2013, 05:51 PM   #11
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From the park web site, here are the gas stations.


Old Faithful Lower Station - open from mid-April to early November.
Old Faithful Upper Station - open from late May to late September.
Canyon Village - open from late April to early November.
Grant Village - open from mid-April to mid-October.
Mammoth Hot Springs - open from early May to mid-October.
Fishing Bridge - open from mid-May to late September.
Tower Junction - open from early June to early September.
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Old 07-02-2013, 06:06 PM   #12
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The second battery is a good idea regardless. of taking the generator
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Old 07-02-2013, 06:13 PM   #13
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The second battery is a good idea regardless. Taking the generator is only an option if it is quiet or you will get a visit from a Ranger. You can pick up a portable solar panel in the range of 45 watts pretty cheap. Just came back from Yellowstone and it was awesome!
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Old 07-02-2013, 06:24 PM   #14
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We were just there for 8 days, it's great !

I was surprised to see that at least. 4 of the gas stations had mechanics on duty, for auto service! Guaranteed its not cheep, but if needed that's pretty cool ! Anyway, they may charge batts for you. I know big trips seem to get pricy, but a small gen set should be high on the list of needed items.along with an extra battery! IMHO
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Old 07-02-2013, 06:47 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Pooneil View Post
From the park web site, here are the gas stations.


Old Faithful Lower Station - open from mid-April to early November.
Old Faithful Upper Station - open from late May to late September.
Canyon Village - open from late April to early November.
Grant Village - open from mid-April to mid-October.
Mammoth Hot Springs - open from early May to mid-October.
Fishing Bridge - open from mid-May to late September.
Tower Junction - open from early June to early September.
you're right! don't know what i was thinking, maybe of Glacier.
there was one at Grant and Canyon. didn't see the one at O.F., but it may have been off the main road.
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Old 07-02-2013, 06:49 PM   #16
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from what i remember(which i'm beginning to question), all the main campgrounds allow generators, but with only certain hours of usage.
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Old 07-02-2013, 07:24 PM   #17
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Yellowstone no generator hours are 8 PM to 8 AM.
Main campgrounds and Fishing bridge do allow them but fishing bridge
has electric so why would you need one there??

I agree, you'll probably need a generator sometime during the 2 weeks but
it can be done without one if you're careful and creative and have 2 good
batteries to start with.

If you're driving your car to explore every day you can leave it plugged
into your trailer when you're in camp and that will supplement your
battery power for the trailer.
I've done this several times myself.
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Old 07-03-2013, 07:14 AM   #18
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Could I charge the batteries with a small generator? 800 watts? And a converter?
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Old 07-03-2013, 07:24 AM   #19
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Yes you can.
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Old 07-03-2013, 07:30 AM   #20
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Quote:
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Could I charge the batteries with a small generator? 800 watts? And a converter?
I recommend a generator and a stand alone charger.
Others will disagree but it works for me.
Note: we all pretty much agree even a small generator is very loud unless
it's a honda or other Inverter type genny.

A plain old "contractor" generator generates 120v AC by spinning at
a specific speed. This means the engine runs full speed all the time.
Even with light or no load at all. They are noisy!!!
An inverter generator makes DC voltage which is Inverted to that all important
60 cycle AC. This means the engine can run at a lower speed.
The lower engine speed coupled with a better muffler make inverter
generators noticeably quieter.

You could simply plug your A frame cord into a genny and charge that
way but MY onboard charger typically starts out at a decent high rate
of charge then drops back. This is better for long battery life but I want
my batteries to get charged ASAP so I can shut off the genny.
For this reason I use a stand alone charger.
If you plug your trailer into a genny be sure your fridge is set on LP only
and be sure your water heater electric heater is shut off if it has the
electric heater option.

Good luck! Have fun! I think "dry camping" is fun. It's why we have
these "self contained" RVs in the first place!!
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