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Old 01-01-2019, 09:07 PM   #1
JimMoultrup
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Wink The Optimal Solar and Generator for 2019 Keystone Bullet 269RLSWE

Hi,

I am currently trying to determine the optimal generator and solar panel set up for "RVing Off the Grid." We just purchased a 2019 Keystone Bullet 269RLSWE wtih a 15,000 BTU air conditioner, the 30K BTU Heater, and the Camping Packages. I am trying to determine a good solar and generator system for RV Off The Grid. It appears that the

RENOGY 300 WATT 12 VOLT SOLAR STARTER KIT https://www.renogy.com/renogy-300-wa...r-starter-kit/ appears interesting,
but I am not sure what it takes to make it work on our 2019 Keystone Bullet. Our Bullet has the "Solar Plug," on the side, if my memory serves me correctly.

For a generator, I am considering both the

3400 Watt CARB Gasoline Inverter Generator with Wireless Remote -
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...HFOGRITA&psc=1, or the

Champion 3800-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Generator with Electric Start - I like the power and price point of this unit, but I am not sure if it may be too loud for RV parks or campsites?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...KIKX0DER&psc=1

Any suggestions or ideas are greatly appreciated.

Thanks much,
Jim, Tracie, Hobie and Calla!
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Old 01-02-2019, 08:49 AM   #2
Canonman
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Hi Jim,
Here's what we've found. We do a fair amount of dry/boon docks camping. We enjoy watching a movie in the evening, coffee (we use a stove top percolator) in the morning and usual comforts of hard-side RV camping.
We use our 200w Zamp portable solar panels daily to keep our batteries topped off. If for any reason (usually weather related) we can't keep the batteries charged with the solar we run our 3,000w generator as needed to recharge the batteries. We also use the generator to run the A/C when needed during summer camping. Usually, we are on battery power. Electric coffee pots, the microwave, hair dryers, etc require starting the generator. As for noise, here is a note from the Park Service relative to National Park camping: "Generators must conform to National Park Service regulations pertaining to ... equipment or machinery cannot exceed a noise level of 60 decibels." In all cases be respectful of those around you when running the generator. Most of us are camping to get away from the noise and clamor of "civilization"
The solar plug equipped as standard on most RV's will allow connection of the solar panels but will only be wired to recharge the batteries. We ran separate fused wiring from the battery distribution to our entertainment center where we installed a 750w inverter to run the TV and charge our cell phones, camera batteries, tablet and laptop. Very simple and easy.
Others have significantly more complicated solar systems installed, but we find this simple inexpensive method to meet all our needs.
Hope this helps
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Old 01-02-2019, 10:04 AM   #3
JimMoultrup
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Wink Off Grid Keystone RV Bullet Set Up

Thanks so much for the good ideas. Does anyone have any thoughts on why you would purchase the one Champion generator, versus the other?

1) 3400 Watt CARB Gasoline Inverter Generator with Wireless Remote for $1,019

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...HFOGRITA&psc=1

2) Champion 3800-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Generator with Electric Start

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...KIKX0DER&psc=1

Similar question, why choose option 1 versus 2? Any thoughts?

1) 200w Zamp portable solar panels

https://www.amazon.com/Zamp-solar-20.../dp/B00K1LBTZS

2) Renogy 300 Watt 12 Volt Solar Starter Kit

https://www.renogy.com/renogy-300-wa...-starter-kit/?

Thanks so much for your help,

Jim Moultrup
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Old 01-02-2019, 10:37 AM   #4
JimMoultrup
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Just another idea, the Renogy 200 Watt 12 Volt Solar Kit is only $300

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KVM53AE...v_ov_lig_dp_it

versus the 300 Watt, for $499,99 on their website.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KVM53AE...v_ov_lig_dp_it

The main question, how many watts do you need.

Similarly, is the Champion 3400 Watt Generator, sufficient for our 15,000BTU air conditioner, or is the 3800 better?

The 3800 is half the cost.

Is the 3400 Watt Generator, really worth twice the price, given it is only around 20 lbs lighter, and the decibels are only 59 versus 68 for the 3800 Generator - See the table down the page link below.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KVM53AE...v_ov_lig_dp_it

Are you mainly paying twice the price for the drop in decibels from 68 on the 3800, down to 59 on the 3400 generator?

Is this decibel drop critical for campgrounds?

Thanks for your thoughts, Jim
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Old 01-02-2019, 12:42 PM   #5
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In answer to your question about "how much more noise does the cheaper generator produce"? You can "google" the question: "How much louder is 68 dB than 59 dB?" and get several easy to read and understand answers.

Essentially, here are three:
How much louder is 20 dB compared to 10 db?
Doubling of the volume (loudness) should be sensed as a level difference of +10 dB − acousticians say. Doubling of sound intensity (acoustic energy) belongs to a calculated level change of +3 dB. +10 dB is the level of twice the perceived volume or twice as loud (loudness) in psychoacoustics − mostly sensed.

How many times is 80 dB louder than 60?
(As it is the equivalent of multiplying by 10 three times.) An 80 dB sound has 1000 times the pressure of a 50 dB sound. The Bel scale is logarithmic: a sound 1 Bel louder carries 10 times as much pressure. 80 dB is 8 Bels, and 50 dB is 5 Bels.

How much louder is 10 dB?
Doubling of the volume (loudness) should be sensed as a level difference of +10 dB − acousticians say. Doubling of sound intensity (acoustic energy) belongs to a calculated level change of +3 dB. +10 dB is the level of twice the perceived volume or twice as loud (loudness) in psychoacoustics − mostly sensed.
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Old 01-02-2019, 01:56 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JimMoultrup View Post
Just another idea, the Renogy 200 Watt 12 Volt Solar Kit is only $300

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KVM53AE...v_ov_lig_dp_it

versus the 300 Watt, for $499,99 on their website.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KVM53AE...v_ov_lig_dp_it

The main question, how many watts do you need.

Similarly, is the Champion 3400 Watt Generator, sufficient for our 15,000BTU air conditioner, or is the 3800 better?

The 3800 is half the cost.

Is the 3400 Watt Generator, really worth twice the price, given it is only around 20 lbs lighter, and the decibels are only 59 versus 68 for the 3800 Generator - See the table down the page link below.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KVM53AE...v_ov_lig_dp_it

Are you mainly paying twice the price for the drop in decibels from 68 on the 3800, down to 59 on the 3400 generator?

Is this decibel drop critical for campgrounds?

Thanks for your thoughts, Jim
The 3400 watt generator is an inverter generator and is much more efficient and quiet. It will run in eco mode most of the time which is very quiet and efficient. The only time it will rev up is when you put a larger load like the AC on it.

The 3800 will run at constant speed regardless of the loads and is significantly louder. I wouldn't want to listen to it all day long in a campground. Do a little reading on the difference between inverter generators and regular generators and you'll get a better understanding of the differences.

The 3400 will run the AC fine and would be a no brainer in my opinion. The Renogy panels get good reviews and are much cheaper compared to the Zamp panels.
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Old 01-02-2019, 01:58 PM   #7
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Difference is, one is like your lawnmower running for several hours, the other is like your sewing machine running for several hours, that boils down to how annoyed do you want your neighbors to be & do plan to sit outdoors while it's running.
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Old 01-02-2019, 02:12 PM   #8
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Here's my .02 worth.
You want an "Inverter" type generator or combined generators sufficient to power your A/C if you plan to use the A/C while dry camping. Our single 3,000w inverter generator will run our A/C so we only need the one unit. A Honda, Yamaha, or Champion 2,000w generator will need a companion unit connected together with the main unit to provide enough power to start the A/C. Inverter generators are quieter than the open frame construction type generators. They also produce cleaner power that's better for powering electronics. IMHO the inverter type generators are the best way to go. As far as size, it depends if you plan to run the A/C. We spend most summers camping in the mountains so seldom run the A/C.
Those 3,000+ watt generators are HEAVY!! So if hauling something like that in and out of the truck is an issue, two smaller generators makes sense.
Your owners manual or on line info will tell you the specs for your A/C unit.
If you'll let us know the manufacturer and model we can help figure the necessary generator size you'd need to start and run yours.
As to Zamp or Renogy solar units, either are well made reputable manufacturers. I was originally going to go with Renogy but found the Zamp from a local guy 2nd hand at a big savings. The key is to have at least two batteries so you can have plenty of power to last through the night especially if you plan to camp where you'll need the furnace
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