BoonDocking Power Solutions

Here are the key ways you can plan to have power while out Boondocking in your RV or any situation where you are off grid. Here are the itmes we talked about in the video.
Renogy 400 Watt Kit. amzn.to/2BG3AJP
100 Watt panel. amzn.to/2SkwViu
Generators
Champion Pull Start. amzn.to/2FOieTc
Champion Remote Start. amzn.to/2Snh7vr
Champion Deul Fuel. amzn.to/2Slrek3
Wen 3000 watt. amzn.to/2BFeH5M
Firman 3000 amzn.to/2SiWbp0
Firman 3300 electric. amzn.to/2BHEn1x
Wen 2000 Generator. amzn.to/2Az15qZ
Our Inverter. amzn.to/2SmfXQP
Inverter chargers
Xantrex Inverter amzn.to/2zA016i
Victron Inverter. amzn.to/2E70VLq
Magnum inverter. amzn.to/2U11UBV
Go Power Inverter. amzn.to/2RmXjbr
Webetop Power Center amzn.to/2FMYz6i
Here is our Amazon page for our favorite gear. We will be adding more products as we find more products we use and love. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
www.amazon.com/shop/jaredgillis
[e-mail]
Passport America WE USE THIS ALL THE TIME. passportamerica.com?rfsn=2638351
Harvest Host Link harvesthosts.refr.cc/jaredgillis
Membership link
/ @allaboutrvs

[@aaronflanagan8983]

Your videos are the best. As a first time RV owner I am transitioning out of the hate it phase with your help.

[@journey2fifty]

We have been wanting to get into BoonDocking and this answered a lot of questions we had thank you!

[@overlandventures5924]

Love the into! Lol you are very Gucci. 😆 I watch all your vids. Your tech details have been key in my own RV upgrades. Thanks!

[@brucekoch3361]

Another great video with lots of valuable insight. Thanks Jared & Family. :)

[@JenniferSmilesNow]

Best opening I've heard!!!! Love it!!

[@tiffanyjones377]

As always, excellent information! Thanks Jared!

[@maddygutierrez7985]

Will be looking out for you different generators reviews. Love your Info's you don't waste time, you get to the I review thanks

[@SD-xq3hh]

Really appreciate the information. Well presented and kept clear and simple, easy to follow. Very much enjoy your videos.

[@AllAboutRVs]

There is so much to cover on this topic this feels like the tip of the iceberg. I will be sure to dive into more detail in other videos about batteries and other specific reviews. If you're looking for the links, they are in the description, you can expand it by hitting "Show More" on desktop or the small arrow next to the video name on mobile. Thanks for watching!

[@OffroadGirl]

It's good to see that you can do a solar setup without spending $6,000. This is great info, as always!

[@RC-nq7mg]

Solar can be cheap for boondocking depending on what you want out of it. If you are cooking and running the fridge on gas and only using solar for lighting and fans it can be very cheap. I picked up a 50W kit, 2 panels and 30A charge controller on blow out sale for $100, had a spare 53AHr SLA deep cycle from a UPS pack that had one battery go bad, and a $20 battery box. bit of wire, some fuses and a switch for main battery disconnect and we have no issues. Lights are all changed to LED and we run a fan in the vent hood and the refrigerator almost consistently, and charge phones off of it with the built in USB charge ports on the charge controller. If you want to run an inverter for 120v aplliances, microwave or AC, then you will need something more substantial, but we do none of that on solar. You can do a lot for a few hundred dollars, just don't expect constant and on demand power at will, sometimes you have to wait a few hours to float your batteries before drawing a load like charging a phone, but if your conservative with your power you can make a little go a long way. I haven't had to run the furnace yet on battery and might have to add a panel and battery to reduce charge time recovery and reserve capacity. Or just not charge 3 phones off it in one day.

[@thomasdipaolo2349]

Really enjoy your videos on both channels

[@denisefisher461]

Always so informative. Thanks, Jared!

[@48kornbinder19]

Love your videos. I was able to buy two 12 volt C-Pap power adapters from our medical supplier for our CPAP machines. The secret to lower the amp draw is to go into the menu on the CPAP machines and shut off the air heaters typically set for 72 degrees on shore power. Shutting off the humidifier also drops the amp draw. The wife and I use ours like this with no problems. Run all night and still have 60 % batteries in the morning with two big 6 volt golf cart batteries in series. Rated at 225 amp hours.

[@tracyjamestavares3255]

Great Info , Tips , Demo , etc.. Saved this Vid . Thanx

[@crystalherrin7858]

Great video! Thanks so much for sharing!

[@mikemiller9119]

It’s amazing how many things have changed since this video was made. Generators, solar systems, inverters have came so far from just 2 years ago. Also, you’re in a new trailer and a new truck now. Same here, have brand new truck and pretty new 5th wheel.

[@peppergrower1891]

Thank you for your help, great information .

[@opaandomascampingadventures]

Very well put. We arrived to Quartzsite to put our energy solutions to work. Quickly found out we didn't have enough solar because we were running the genny more than I intended. (6 hours a day) Since then we installed 200 more watts and I only have to run the genny 3 hours a day. Next move will be to add a battery. Since I don't have any more room on the tongue and don't want to mix batteries I'll wait and get some sealed one later. BTW- We have two Group 31 batteries for 210ah.

[@lizchilders4154]

Great information. Thanks!

[@gay-camodave2664]

Great video and very informational also.

[@patriciafortune8200]

This is the best simple break down I've seen. Thank you. If I buy panels and inverter do I need batteriesor special cables or anything else you can think of? I can't tell you how happy i am you explained what exactly is happening with solar. It's very confusing and most videos assume everyone knows.

[@herb7877]

Good video & info. I played around with Solar for 2years now. Used mostly to charge my batteries to run lights at night, charge phones & computers. No 110 inversion.. Works great when in the sun for longer periods. Good learning experience using solar. I was not aware just how sensitaive they are requiring direct sunlight (which changes about every 10 minutes) to get the max efficiency. I did end up with a small 2000w generator though as we tend to camp in the trees a lot. We seldom use A/C but may go to two in the long run as it is much easier for me to lug in and out of my pickup ~50#’s vs one of ~100#’s and its about the same money to purchase either way.

[@bobcarley827]

Hi. I really enjoy your videos, very informative. We have a 20' trailer perfect for my wife and I. Now and then I will take the trailer out with a couple friends and go boo docking in the Sierra's . When we purchased the trailer I had the dealer install a 12 volt cigarette type receptacle and 2 USB receptacles next to the queen size bed. I also have a small plug in inverter . Twice friends have brought CPAP machines and our 2 lead acid batteries have easily powered the machines. During the day I run my Ryobi 1800-2200 inverter generator for 60-120 minutes and am good to go for another night. Eventually will add some solar. One thing I do need to do is get a set of various orifices to adjust for altitude as my generator doesn't have the output it has for Southern Calif sea level than for 4 000' Sierra's

[@timebanditrvtravels3449]

I really love renogy solar customer service is great!

[@glide2up697]

Very useful. Thanks for the info.

[@FakeLegGreg]

We are using solar and like it. We may have to get a generator for those occasional weeks of bad weather that happen on road trips. Thanks for sharing the info.

[@f42un84u]

“Gucci”, Take it as good. Thanks for info and sharing.

[@johnbrogan7950]

Thx bud🖐️😁🤙luv the info the videos, and especially the subjects u cover. Well Done!! Being I'm 55 yrs old and 40 yrs ago attempted to play and self teach the very old reputable "game", ya right , game, games are fun, of Golf !! I finally learned lessons are the way to go, before you even pickup a club. I am such a newbie at this very exciting adventurous world of Motorhome/RV life style. I know I want, need the inside scoop. !! Lessons !! Learn from other's people's mistakes & thier successes! 🤗 Makes me a Happy Camper. Point is self taught is self abuse and can last along long time. The ciost of trial and error can be extremely expensive. To the point of selling ur RV and taking up Golf,. Don't do it. If u make decisions based on incomplete or inaccurate advise then ur heading done the Road of Misery. You nust take advantage of abundance of real time info. If not, well thats just ignorant, stubborn, and just plain foolish when availability of & access to info on any subject is only a click away. Like ur experience w RV's. Thx soooo much u have saved me not only dollars,time, but saved me from Mass stress, mass frustration and I'm thinking yrs of trial and error expense. Thx for sharing and all ur efforts to help us out. Peace . Please remember ! Keep America Beautiful ! Keep it up !! great job !! Sincerely grateful, Brogan Montana Az

[@lonmar44]

Thank you for your information you're the man

[@danbrophy3785]

The battery pack is a great option for backup power during power outages too.

[@rvfix2211]

I also have 100 watt panels. Also 4 deep cell battery’s. I love the 5 amp output..(approx) it makes it easy to keep track of charge , and it’s a nice level to charge the battery’s without hurting them.

[@toddbrunermer5971]

Always appreciate your videos!

[@timf6916]

Cool video, nice info.

[@rons3699]

Thanks for this informative video :::)))))

[@kevin-sawmill-lx25]

Good info.Thanks

[@timebanditrvtravels3449]

love your videos

[@AllAboutRVs]

Thank you!

[@MarioElzen]

Thanks for the info

[@loveu2222]

RV fan about last 30years,love it ,love it,love it.......one thing I just don't get it, why is so important for everyone running AC ,? RV is all about outdoors, seating in a cool room,watching TV in a forest,go home Sunday afternoon, hit a first MC Donalds,somehow just strange for,

[@charlotte97838]

That’s what I was having a hard time with was my CPAP at night. I need to run my generator which people around me didn’t like, and I totally understand. But when you need it or you need a breathing machine you have to have the power to do that. But that little device you showed at the end of your video was great, I didn’t know it existed. I will definitely be getting one. Thank you for all the information that you give us and I appreciate the steps that you take to make sure we are informed correctly.

[@JaredGillis]

I hope it works out for you. Just one thing to keep in mind some CPAP machines draw more than others. It would be good to see what yours draws for power Incase you need the next size up in for that small Webetop power station.

[@bruceh3786]

Another option, depending on the coach battery capacity and CPAP power draw, is to purchase a small portable inverter and plug or connect it to the RV 12 volt system to provide the 110 volt AC power to the machine. It may be cheaper and you do not have to charge an extra battery or store the stand alone battery unit somewhere.

[@charlotte97838]

Bruce H thank you for your reply. I’ll look into that option.

[@philo5096]

Great vid, dude. Don't forget, u can put a box with vents in it over the generator. Cuts down on the noise big time, I did 2 boxes and it works great, just a thought.

[@khankhattak.]

any links

[@mskills821]

Love your videos, they've been incredibly helpful for a newbie like me! Question - do you have your inverter tied to an auto transfer switch? Also, is your inverter hot whenever you're not on shore power..ie. do you travel with the inverter... inverting?

[@justindashiell222]

Great video! When we boondock I use a champion 3500w non inverter dual fuel from Sams Club that was only $300 runs everything on our 30amp service including the AC and we ONLY use propane so no need to haul smelly gas. If we run it at night in a hot hot summer evening with AC and everting running we typically get between 8-11 hours depending on the temperature. HIGHLY recommend. If I was as talented as Jared I would just make my own review video

[@jvc8947]

Justin DaShiell and your neighbors probably don’t like you much. That nose level is just not acceptable out of construction and emergency relief.

[@danemmerich6775]

300 bucks sounds like a steal for a dual fuel generator. Do they still have that at the store? What size propane tanks you use?

[@kenpratte]

Another choice are the Yamaha generators.. Similar reliability to the Honda, but at less cost. I got the EF2400ishc which runs ~$1300, but has the power to run a 13K AC, etc. And if you goal is to run an AC unit, buy a Hard Start Kit for your AC like the Supco SPP6E which costs ~$22. Folks have been able to start a 13K unit with a 2K generator with one installed.

[@stevestimson9716]

I have 2 of the Yamaha generators. A 2400 which was plenty to run the AC on our Lance truck camper and it also had no difficulty with the AC in our Titanium 5th wheel. We upgraded to a Yamaha 3500 to get electric start (my wife had trouble pulling the rope start on the 2400). The 2400 took a serious bath one night over 10 years ago (the Walmart parking lot we were sleeping in flooded). The generator shut off because the engine got flooded (about 6 inches of water in the parking lot). I lifted it up onto the tongue of the trailer thinking the generator was ruined. Pulled the rope slowly a few times to see if the engine was hydro locked. Thankfully it wasn't! A couple good pulls on the cord and the engine started up again, I let it idle for a couple minutes. Shut it off to plug the Lance power cord back into it (yes it was sopping wet). Restarted it, turned the AC on again. That generator STILL runs great.

[@RC-nq7mg]

I will say one thing about propane, it is pretty efficient, volume for weight. I went out with my family for the first time on propane with our popup. Ran the small dometic refrigerator and cooked off the fuel for 3 days. After we got home I used the cylinder on the grill to make dinner. weighed the tank the next day and we only used 2lbs of fuel, so 18lbs left in the tank. Haven't had to use the furnace yet, so not sure how much of an inpact that will make on fuel consumption, but I was pleasantly surprised. we also have 50W of solar power with a 53AHr deep cycle SLA for lights, the vent fan and refrigerator fan. Charge controller has USB ports and we charged 2 phones and a vape pen in one day while running the fans and light in the evening, still managing to maintain float voltage during peak daylight hours and not depleting the battery beyond 12.2V. Again haven't had to run the furnace yet beyond testing, so not sure how much its laod will impact the battery life, but so far our minimal setup is more than sufficient for complete off grid boondocking. I don't see it being an issue to run this setup for a week straight without refueling or recharging unless we have to run the furnace every night. At that point a spare LP cylinder and a couple more solar panels to upgrade should help. Charge controller is rated for 30A, approx 450W calculating sparingly depending on voltage level.

[@larryblaha]

Again, another great video. Thanks for the tips. You said your solar system runs about $600 what would you estimate the installation cost to be if you went to a dealership or an RV equipment installer??

[@stephentassin5637]

Love your videos..so good! We have a 2020 Reflection & looking to add 1-2 Battle Born 100 watt hours and get the Champion Dual Fuel Inverter generator you showed in another video. I was impressed that you were able to run 1 AC unit with it. I'm assuming we would be able to run the furnace fan with that generator during colder months correct? Anyhow, keep up the good work!

[@JeremyPrattigmp2u]

My Yamaha 3000iseb is 12 years old and will run one 15k AC just fine. I also plug it into my house for power failures.

[@poignantunicorn2659]

So Gucci! 🤣 Thanks for the tips for us newbies

[@AllAboutRVs]

Thanks for watching!

[@kevintopliffe]

Thanks

[@eddy2561]

Going solar, be sure to use the MPPT type controller.

[@Randy-hg5pi]

Thank you Jared, great info. Question, I seen on an episode of Totally Trailer ( don’t know where they have gone) that he rigged his inverter up so you take your 30/50amp plug and plug it into the inverter so all your unit has full power. Would this be a simpler way of hooking the inverter into the rigs electrical?

[@kylnj8331]

great clip! do you know anything about the battery isolator? charging a 2nd battery while driving? thanks

[@jazzyjolt]

Another great video. Have to say I'm enjoying your channel. I bought a travel trailer this past summer and many of your videos helped answer some of my questions. So thank you! One question, do you have any experience with wind turbines? Where I live solar isn't the best option and I've seen a few videos about wind turbines on YT recently and its got me curious. Keep up the good work! Awesome content. Cheers!

[@AllAboutRVs]

I'll see what I can come up with for wind, I'll add it to my list of videos to do.

[@todd2456]

Another great video - have you checked out the Inergy Solar Generator? I just ordered mine today.

[@irenethompson9058]

I have been waiting for your video, you promise about shading an array on mppt vs pwm

[@AllAboutRVs]

It is coming and I have been working on it, but the weather here where we are at hasn’t been cooperating lately. 😩

[@trukintimmerduramax946]

Great video! like you said i think you could do 47 videos on this subject.no experience here boondocking but have nothing really in my camper. When i first start out setting up for boondocking think i would go with 3000 generator and EEEEK couple lithium batteries. Then do solar.

[@trukintimmerduramax946]

oh and inverter

[@toddramsay977]

Everyone goes to Harbor Freight, you needed to mention Predator Gen's. They are a pretty good compared to similar of the others.

[@toddramsay977]

Also if you have a hybrid inverter like Magnum 3012 with an easy start you can run A/C for a short time.

[@kylenicholls1988]

My heater wont run all night because my battery dies then my generator wont start so I have to go start the coach engine, wait for the alternator to kick on the. I can fire the generator. Would a good place to start be adding more batteries? Also would like for my kids to be able to watch TV and use the outlets without the generator is there a way to tie in the inverter or do I have to run extension cords to the inverter? Thanks for the great videos.

[@katphyre]

That little Webetop charger looks nice. My husband has this whole weird setup using a boat battery which worries me because both posts are exposed and just sitting under our pop-up trailer where a kid could come mess with them. For $150 bucks I'd rather have that little enclosed charger. Maybe I'm worried for nothing. I have no knowledge of how electrical things work. I just want to be able to run my instant pot.

[@mattg1847]

Hey Jared! Im a newbie to the RV world, just bought a 2016 Coachmen clipper 17FQ. About to go full time for a bit. I have a few questions- is it feasible to do a solar setup on that trailer? Also, is it normal for the roof not to be flat? It looks like a dome. (Not the roof bubbling, the whole thing is higher in the center)

[@jet0577]

I watch alot of your videos and others as well on inverters, batteries, solar, and such and all the things they can run, but I live down here in south Texas and would like to boondock BUT how is this possible with 90 plus degree heat? Sure it's good for charging the solar panels but I'm guessing even with all this set up you will still need a generator to run the a/c which will be running at least 60% of the day. Is that correct? I guess my question is, is any of this worth it to buy and set up in the Hot Texas, AZ, FL, heat or should we just invest in a good generator and be done with it? Because we will probably have the a/c on most of the day. Ha! Love your videos. They have been very informative. Again no one talks about boondocking in the heat

[@victormashatt6358]

Good solar and good batteries. Don’t be cheap. Get good stuff. Worth it. Have a generator just in case.

[@michaelemilyopp105]

This video is so Gucci... Love it. Haha

[@AllAboutRVs]

😂

[@tankful7892]

You made that understandable.thanks

[@AllAboutRVs]

I’m glad this was helpful for you!

[@rodplath9777]

Is it ok to hook up to a NON-inverter generator as long as you use a good EMS with surge suppression ? Thanks!

[@jet0577]

Hi! Hoping you can answer this or rather anyone possibly. We just a used 31 ft 5th wheel a few weeks ago and are remodeling it to our liking.. can't wait. When we bought it, the previous owner took out the propane/gas fridge with them or whatever and replaced it with a smaller residential 9.8 cu ft fridge(or the dealership put it in). We probably won't do much boondocking at 1st but rather week or week getaways. My question is, when traveling to our destination, how do we run this fridge in order for it to be cool or cooler by the time we get to our destination. These don't have a 220v plug like the big fridges do(I think) but rather a 3 prong regular plug that fit into say your home socket. Will it run off the RV battery? I can't imagine it will use that much power. I keep hearing inverter but I'm not really sure why. Any info will help. Thanks

[@ahorvath34]

I'm brand new to RVing. I'm going full time in May and just purchased a keystone toyhauler that comes with My new an on board Onan 5,500 watt generator. Where does that fall in line on your list? I'm assuming it just means it gives of more power but, what does that mean in far of what I can run off of it or more spefically what should I not run off of it?

[@tatjanabaker8983]

Gucci is a compliment, for sure.

[@gotodd712]

Hi was wondering if I can use honda EU Battery charging cable at the same time plugged in to 30 AMP Trailer? Would that charge batteries faster? Thx

[@chuckbrockmann734]

I just got a Renogy 30 amp (POSITIVE ) ground charge controller. When I install it do I still put the 3o amp breaker near the battery on the positive side?

[@johnbutler2231]

Trying to plan our battery needs for solar with our trailer, thus far we are burning 30 kilowatts per day with electrical hookups. HOw do I convert this to amps/hour needed for a day?

[@kurtmcclelland1086]

Jared, I have a 2017 Ceder Creek 5th RV pre-wired for solar. If i install the same renogy system that you installed would 2 battle born Lithium batteries be enough ? Also, they installed a 1000 watt inverter, How much trouble would it be to replace it with 2500-3000 w?

[@andreaquinton2588]

We have 2 gaming computers (desktop) that we need to run in our 5th Wheel. What do you suggest we do if we don't have electrical hookups? And can we plug those into the outlets in the 5th wheel? Or do we need connectors? Converters.. which ever?

[@VHGarcia1952]

Are solar panels vulnerable to hail storms? If so, any way to protect them?

[@geemoe3064]

We just picked up 2 Yamaha inverter generators - 2000 watts for $549.00 from Costco. We were looking for something lighter than our Honda 6500. We just need the fifth wheel to go with them! Our old Fifth was crushed in the spring by a tree in our yard! Thanks for the ideas and cost of what is out there solar wise.

[@bruceh3786]

I am not sure which model you have but one I saw at Costco said powered by Yamaha which may not be the same as made by Yamaha.

[@geemoe3064]

@@bruceh3786 you are right! They had Yamaha plastered on the price tag and the box itself has Yamaha in huge letters. I looked at the a-1 power info and they may be good. We were thinkiing of the 3500 inverter at Harbor freight for about 620.00 on sale but saw the "Yamaha" and felt more confident. We will check them out and see if we want to keep them. I told my husband and he said he realized yesterday what the box said. Thanks for the info.

[@bruceh3786]

I hope they work out for you but if not, Costco has a great return policy.

[@geemoe3064]

@@bruceh3786 thank you

[@outdoorsman2b918]

Great video!! Is there a reasonably priced wind solution to help speed up solar battery charging? Can we buy and plug some kind of windmill to compliment the solar system? Can the wind solution use some of the same components of the solar system (e.g. the inverter)? What do you mean by the A/C slow start? I guess I grab the concept ( a device that prevents any motor to aggressively draw power at start-up), but I never seen one.

[@AllAboutRVs]

I'll do some home work on the wind turbine, it's crossed my mind but I've never experimented around. We installed an "Easy Start" on the install for Marc and Trish (KYD) on their rig. I'll add this to my list of videos to do. You are correct in your understanding of the concept.

[@phillipmeese1]

Quick ? Your running a 3,000 watt generator and you are running your a/c when it 1st starts its peaking so are you able to do that because of your 6000watt inverter?? Ty

[@klyonsden]

Are RV wind power mills any good?

[@brentjohnson6654]

I heard the Dc output of the small battery is more efficient.

[@raymullins2144]

After watching many different videos talking about solar I have never seen anyone mention this about solar: how does hail, road debris, etc affect it? Or is it protected somehow? Thanks for your videos!

[@yankeesusa1]

Most solar panels have a protective coating on top which can withstand hail most times. But there is always a risk. As far as road debris, most debris will not hit it because it's sitting on top. And as far as the sun, make sure you get one with a protective coating.

[@artscott2067]

I have a 30 amp travel tracer with 1 group 31 battery I need to keep the battery charge from soles what can I do

[@migmigjohnson6083]

One thing no one talks about when it comes to running generators in parallel is the extra fuel consumption. The most economic a 4K array can go will be higher than a standalone 4k. All for the convenience of having two easy to carry generators.

[@adele27812]

Name of battery monitor? Do you have a link? Thanks!

[@TheSweettooth95]

The predator 3500 is good generater

[@dizawnofwizar]

what about small scale wind generation? Ever heard of anyone in an RV using one of those? I just finished installing a 2000w inverter and two 6v lead acid batteries and a modern converter to charge them. Haven't fully tested everything out yet but it runs the microwave, not sure i'll be doing that very often though! I picked up two 6v golf cart GC2 batteries from a reseller that occasionally sells recertified ones for 50 bucks CAD so it's kind of a no brainer until I can pony up the 1200 bucks for a lithium replacement.. If I was doing lithium though I'd probably be installing them inside the trailer somewhere to keep the crackheads from stealing it.

[@zero2imperial]

" gucci " is very good, dad LOL

[@trolling4dollars816]

Question for you, is it possible to use a generator to run the AC while using solar/ batteries for everything else (microwave, coffee maker, hair dryer)?

[@VroomvroomNY]

Thumbs up for Steelers

[@gabrielpichardo1492]

I'm trying to get a nice wind generator to put on top of my rv to charge my batteries when there is no sun

[@ThisAdventureFamily]

👉❤️

[@khankhattak.]

what about wind turbines?

[@charlescunningham1530]

Very interesting. I do have a question. In my electrical system the emergency activation switch comes off the batteries, if I install a monitor, where would I come off, i.e. the battery or the shunt?

[@AllAboutRVs]

Usually, the battery disconnect is on the positive side and the shunt is installed on the Neg. side. So your shunt shouldn't affect the battery disconnect. The main thing to remember when installing the battery monitor is the shunt is the only thing connected to the Neg. side of the battery bank.

[@bruceh3786]

Are there any specific advantages to attaching the battery disconnect switch to the positive side? The proper order to disconnect a battery is to do the negative first so that makes me think it would be fine to have the disconnect switch on the negative side. Also, automotive battery disconnect switches that connect directly to the battery post are sized for the negative post, not the positive so that means those switches are on the negative side. I can see an ever so slight safety advantage to putting the switch on the negative side. If any part of the positive circuit between the battery and the positive switch should contact ground, then it will short out. That possibility is eliminated by disconnecting on the negative side. I have the disconnect switch on the negative side for practical reasons. The RV has a battery monitoring system with a negative shunt so that means all negative circuits go through the shunt and there is just one cable connecting the shunt to the negative terminal of the battery. That made it real easy to place the disconnect switch between the one cable from the battery to the shunt. On the other hand, there are three cables going to the positive side, the inverter, the coach cable and the solar cable. I am thinking this is more of a practical decision rather than a technical one.

[@bruceh3786]

I have a couple of the Honda 2000 units and they have been great. Honda replaced that model earlier this year with the 2200 watt model. Here is some additional information to keep in mind on the Honda. The 2000 watt rating is the initial boost output. The continuous output is 1600 watts. The wattage shown for most is the initial boost that then drops to a lower output. The Firman is sometimes the exception and they show the continuous output in their promotions. Over 80% of the operation of my Hondas have been at 9000 FT yet I have never had to change to high altitude jets. There has been no plug fowling or other issues. Honda offers high altitude jets but I never had the need. That is most likely not true from other brands. Finally, the 2000 watt generator will not run a 1200 watt microwave at high altitude. It is actually 1600 watts output after the start and then when the decreased performance at higher elevations is factored in, output drops below the draw of a 1200 microwave. It did work fine with the microwave at desert altitudes of 1000 ft. The new 2200 model may be enough but I do not have one to test. Since buying my Hondas years ago when they first came out, a lot of China models have hit the market. Some look good. The Westinghouse looks interesting because it is rated at 2500 watts in the smaller suitcase size. I am thinking of getting a 3000 watt plus model to run the AC and the top of my list is the Champion or the Firman with electric and remote start. I am leaning toward the Champion because it looks like it would be easier to change out the jets if needed. The job does not look to complex on either.

[@jonbedison]

What do you think about the WATT fuel cell instead of traditional gas generator?

[@AllAboutRVs]

I love the idea and would love to have some hands on experience. It could really change things up.

[@asablack1364]

Who makes the best RV batteries? I am less than impressed with the First Interstate units that came with the camper. Thanks

[@AllAboutRVs]

Here is a video we did on Batteries kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHunYmyIpMyFqsk I hope it helps we have Lithium and have really enjoyed them but they are crazy expensive. I'm looking forward to the day the price comes down.

[@mrubin0818]

Ok I have a question, more about driving then boon docking. How do you run your fridge while driving to a location? Does it run while you drive off your alternator power?

[@AllAboutRVs]

On a sunny day the solar panels produce enough to run the fridge on electric, I’m going to install a dc to dc Charger for the days that are cloudy so it can better use the alternator.

[@mrubin0818]

All About RV's so my question is really about how do you power the fridge while traveling. I know it’s not related to this specific video. I enjoy all your videos and find them very informative. I am hopefully going to join the RV community soon.

[@truckingmadeez8741]

Harbor freight has the 4000 gen for 350 and the 6000 watts for less than 700

[@johnturner7322]

Also might want to add that if your generator runs on propane you will not get the watts you can running on gasoline.

[@beffjarker]

Uh oh. You sound sick.

[@AllAboutRVs]

Yep, unfortunately I came down with it on thanksgiving evening.

[@PRC1020]

How do people secure the portable generators?

[@AllAboutRVs]

Many keep them in the back of the truck or in the front storage on their rig. Many of these Inverter Generators are meant to fit under a truck bed cover.

[@lukeskywalker3891]

I bought these boxes www.rvgeneratorbox.com/ for my two Honda 2200. Works great, they are locked and ready to go anytime I want them.

[@natefergusson2656]

Gucci = good