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Topic: Generator/no generator. (Read 6 times) previous topic - next topic
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Generator/no generator.
Yahoo Message Number: 89545
I have been quite amazed to read several older posts about our '95 LD, which is for sale.  The issue was - generator or no generator.  An interest for me was the discussion of microwave/oven usage, which the the prospective buyer understood had never been used.  NOT TRUE!  My husband must have said something which she misunderstood.  It was rather upsetting for me...both are in fine working condition.  The question remains, however...we really have loved this LD, but health no longer permits using it.  Having read all the posts about how to never buy a LD without a generator, we now wonder what will happen. We agree with the advice that it depends on what kind of camping one will do, and for us, in the West and in Baja, a generator was never missed...We plugged in when in an RV park, and enjoyed the silence while on the beach.  Any thoughts or help about where to go with this? We would love to keep on RVing, but simply can't.
Re: Generator/no generator.
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 89546
Quote
....  Having read all the posts about how to never buy a LD without a generator, we now wonder what will happen. We agree with the advice that it depends on what kind of camping one will do, ... Any thoughts or help about where to go with this?...
I've owned my generator-free 1994 Twin/King for 3 years, traveled to 23 states spending about half my nights without any hookups, and I just can't figure out what I'd use a generator for.  OK, I can only use the microwave when I have hookups, big deal!  As a former tent camper, I guess I don't miss luxuries I've never had.  Still thrilled to have a real bed, bath, and kitchen.
 Of course if there is any question about the functionality of the microwave or oven in any RV that's for sale, these are relatively easy to test.  You can replace the microwave yourself for $100 if necessary. Or remove it and use the space for storage, as at least one of our fellow posters has done.

Joanne in Boston NE-44 1994 TK
Re: Generator/no generator.
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 89548
My advice is the same as is always given about reviews. Don't sweet it. If you look at the for sale ads here you will find many units listed that don't have a generator. If someone really wants a generator they can rather easily add one contrary to what some here will tell you. I hate to say it but don't take what the Cult here says to seriously. And I must say I have been reading this list for several years and can't remember there being an overwhelming fondness for generators. It all depends on individual usage. The problem is many don't have any idea about what they want or what is practical. All I can say about the lack of a generator is that it should be reflected somewhat in the actual selling process. Not necessarily the asking price....
 I am still watching for a unit in my area and my price range. I will want a generator but wouldn't let the lack of one stop me but it would reflect my price I would be willing to pay from somewhere around 1000-1500 dollars. I would figure on spending 2000 or so to add one.
 I haven't seen your ad but I am sure if it is priced fairly that it will sell. I have noticed there are more newer units in the for sale section than there has been for a few years. At some point this will start to have an effect on what the used units sell for.
 I have just finished installing a new set of heads on my current SOB unit and when I get the seats back in I will be in the market. Feel free to point me in  the direction of your rig. Send me an EMAIL

garryfoster  at verizon   dot net

I assume you know how to turn that back into a real email address.
 Best wishes and don't despair...these are popular units with or without a generator.

Garry
Re: Generator/no generator.
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 89557
Hi all, I looked at this unit and thereafter posted the question about the gen/ no gen question.  I spent alot of time looking over the RV and will vouch for it's immaculate condition.  At the time I looked at the RV, only the husband was home and he gave me all the information.  He dealt with all the "motor stuff."  He works on cars himself and is quite the carpenter.  The engine is immaculate, clean ahd super shiny and I would not hesitate to drive this RV across the country today.
It is very evident that he took great care
 
Re: Generator/no generator.
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 89564
Here's my 2 pesos on generators.  You need to really think about when you would absolutely need one because if everything else about the rig, including the price, is what you want then it could be that the generator or lack of one is a non-issue.
 On the down side, they need maintenance and they need to be run every month with a load whether it is convenient to do it or not.  There are things that go wrong although in our older Emerald not much ever goes bad, they are workhorses.  The newer ones, although quieter, are not as bullet proof. They all need regular maintenance though, and that is another thing to remember to do and an expense.
 Another down side is that there are many, many RVers who take great offense at having someone run a generator anywhere near them.  It's like being a smoker, you will alienate a certain set of people.  It's also just consideration for others that will keep you from using it when anyone is downwind or close enough to hear it.
 If you have the stock converter you'll find that the generator is the slowest way to charge your batteries.  The alternator will do it much faster whether you are driving or not.  Also, the engine is a lot quieter than the generator.  You can change that equation, we have, by upgrading your converter but that's another expense that you might not have to make without a gen.
 So, when would you need it?  My guess is that Mimi and I have spent more time than most off the grid and without hookups since we are south of the border most of the time.  When there is electric, it is often not consistent and it is rarely if ever more than a regular house plug and 20amp circuit.
Also, we do our best to stay where the weather is hot and if we mess up and end up in cold weather (anything below 60F is cold to us) then we've got the furnace on or some kind of heat going. While I like hot weather, I hate sleeping in humidity or without blankets so I do like to run the generator and run the AC at night while I'm sleeping if it is really hot and humid.
We've done that numerous times.  Extravagant?  Yes, but not as bad as you would think.  Mostly we do this when we are traveling and sleeping at a gas station or truck stop and don't have the advantage of ocean breezes or clean air coming in.
 I took our microwave out as I never used it and wanted the storage so that's not a reason for the generator for us.  If you can live without a microwave, I can't really imagine how you couldn't, then don't use that as a reason.  I think the biggest reason to have a generator would be if you were often in areas with no other options and you needed it for AC.  Also, if you are willing to spend the money on a better converter, then it is a useful tool for recharging the batteries if you are boondocking for a long time and solar isn't an option.   If I had to choose which would be a better use of the money, I'd spend it on more solar before I'd spend it on a generator.
 It's nice to have the option of running it all night and sleeping behind a gas station in some jungle while dry and cool but I'd figure something else out rather than spend $2k on one.
 BTW, our gen and the shore power stopped charging our batteries about 6 weeks ago.  We've been fine, we just used the engine if the solar didn't keep up and we only had to do that once.  It gave me a fresh look at how little we really need that generator.  Mimi finally found the problem with an electrician friend, it was a fuse that looked like it was OK but on really close examination it was a little off and about to blow. It tested bad on the electrician's meter.  Mimi had looked at it back when this started and since it wasn't broken thought it was all right.
 So, unless you plan to spend most of your time in the tropics, off the ocean, and with smelly trucks around you - then I think a generator is nice but not necessary.  You could always just run the engine all night with the cab AC on if you had to.  *Please, we only do this when there is enough of a breeze to carry the exhaust away and not let it settle under the rig.  You should always consider where the exhaust is going before going to sleep with any engine running.*

-- Jonna in Tortuga, 2001 Teal RB 'Tortuga' Find us MAPhttp://map.datastormusers.com/user2.cfm?user=1013> Follow the BLOG herehttp://www.baddog.com/blog/blog.html>

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