It is exciting to shop for a new RV. The contrast of features, the visualization of the journeys you will undertake and brainstorming with your friends and family members.
Today, RVs are equipped with numerous amenities such as stoves, and refrigerators for motor coaches or simple campers. However, the early days of coach battery-powered lights were far from this luxury all over again. For all of these modern conveniences, you require a solar generator. They either include a built-in RV generator or can be portable ones used for camping.
This RV generator buyer’s guide is going to focus on the topic of why an RV solar generator has become necessary, what types are available and tips for choosing one suitable vehicle.
What Is an RV?
In camping culture, people even use the abbreviation “RV” for Recreational Vehicles. Said another way, an RV is a handy portable unit; whether traveling the streets or tagging along with a tow vehicle—designed for mobile living. If you visualize a comfortable room on the move, then that should do. Currently, this RV umbrella implies a group of peculiar rigs that are specially designed for the excitement of camping. Therefore, for camping enthusiasts it might be like a gourmet buffet that caters to various preferences and styles.
Types of RV
Motorized RVs
A motorized RV is indeed a vehicle itself, with an engine and driver’s compartment. You may have heard them called motorhomes, as well. There are also 3 main types of motorized RVs: Class A, B and C. Class B motorhomes are also called campervans.
Class A motorhomes are also known as Mack Daddies of RVs. They are the largest and generally considered to be most spacious although these can also prove costly (but not necessarily). Finally, there are Class B motorhomes that are the smallest but not the cheapest. It is these van-style RVs that are the easiest to maneuver. The last are Class C RVs, which mark a happy medium between classes A and B in terms of price.
Towable RVs
A towable RV pulls behind a vehicle and is referred to as a travel trailer. There are 3 main types of towable RVs: A pop-up camper (known also as a folding travel trailer), an RV, and 5th wheel trailers.
Pop-up campers tend to be the smallest and least expensive. RV travel trailers are the closest to motorized RVs, while prices vary considerably. The largest and most costly ones are fifth-wheel trailers, especially if you don’t have a heavy duty truck to drive them.
RV Buying Considerations
1. Why Do You Want To Own An RV?
You may get too excited and purchase an RV without asking yourself two important questions. If you can answer these simple questions, then you’re well on your way to finding the right RV for what is needed.
Question yourself. Will you travel with big groups of friends, as well? Where would you like to travel in your RV? Are those weekend trips or long holidays? Are you planning to spend some time in the RV?
If your RV trip is an occasional indulgence, you might be able to get away with a smaller one.
If you’re buying an RV for a week ending in national parks or other trips of this kind, having a big RV filled with flairs is not that necessary. They should rather buy an RV that is easy to tow, can be disconnected from the grid and it will keep you comfortable for short terms.
2. Budget
Afterwards, you should consider the size of your budget. This is where purchasing RVs can become a difficult process since prices for small/used rigs are about $10,000 while larger, newer and more elaborate units go up even higher.
It would be advisable to buy an RV that can meet most, if not all of your needs. However, if you do not have an unlimited budget, there is a high probability that you will need to sacrifice some things.
After all, you don’t want to spend so much money purchasing your RV that after spending all the money, you can’t afford to take the RV road trips you’ve dreamed of.
What Is A Solar Generator?
The solar generator is a group of photovoltaic PV panels, battery charger, and inverter allowing you to capture energy from the sun.
In a solar generator, Solar panels change sunlight to DC electricity and transfer it through the charge controller. The charge controller controls the voltage of electricity before storage, ensuring that suitable power is sent to the battery. All the solar energy is stored in the battery for further use. The inverter transforms the stored energy from a battery to AC power, which is commonly used by most appliances and devices.
Solar generators are used for camping, boating trips, recreational vehicle excursions and emergency backup power.
Do You Need A Solar Generator for Your RV?
Absolutely! For your RV electrical needs, a solar generator can be revolutionary. Picture this: using the sun’s power to maintain a steady energy supply for your RV. Depending on your configuration, a solar generator can handle the power demands rather effortlessly since it offers light and appliances as well as charges an array of gadgets.
Let's talk numbers briefly. A regular solar generator can have a capacity of 500 to 2,000 watts. This means enough energy to support all your lights, refrigerator and even some electronic devices. Moreover, it is a silent power source that enhances silence in the open nature.
When you’re living off grid, a solar generator will be your one stop power solution. But it’s not only about making life easier but also accepting the lifestyle of an environmentally-friendly and independent RV. Thus, should you want a seamless and energy-saving ride; solar generators are definitely worth looking at for RV travels.
Related articles: 4 Best Solar Generators for RV in 2024 Reviewed
What Is the Difference Between an RV Generator and a Portable Generator?
How To Choose The Best Solar Generator For Your RV?
Let’s look into the factors to consider before spending bucks on an RV generator:
Solar Panel Efficiency
The solar panels integrating into the generator should be efficient enough. Seek for efficient panels that convert more sunlight into electricity.
Battery Capacity
This battery capacity covers the amount of time the generator can be used to power your RV. Based on your power consumption needs, pick a generator that has enough battery capacity.
Inverter Quality
The inverter takes the DC power generated from your solar panels and makes it into AC electricity which you can use on RV’s electrical appliances. Ensure the inverter is top notch to ensure that voltage fluctuations are minimal.
Portability
Being an RV fan you want to have a portable generator that can be moved easily. Look for generators that are lightweight and come with handles that make it easy to carry them.
Based on the requirements and suitability, the following BLUETTI solar generators would aptly power your RV.
BLUETTI AC180+2*PV120
The BLUETTI AC180 is the ultimate generator that works wonderfully indoors and outdoors. It provides effective energy delivery due to the strong 1,800W constant power and with Power Lifting Mode, accelerating up to an impressive 2700 Watts. It has AC, USB-A and C ports as well as a wireless charging pad that is the essence of simplicity for those living a mobile lifestyle.
1,440W Fast Charging while traveling replenishes the amount of charge. Designed for use in van living, the AC180 and PV120 make a great couple. Since these panels are fitted with monocrystalline cells, they can convert up to 23.4% of sunlight and this is ideal for your power needs on the move or in off-grid areas.
The one thing that makes the AC180 stand out is its adaptability to RV life. Due to its compact form and wide port range, it is an inevitable power source on the road. No matter if it is appliances, devices charging or using a wireless pad for the hassle free operation of your RV adventures, AC180 promises with efficiency. It’s not just a generator – it is the engine of an independent mobile, energy-friendly life.
BLUETTI AC200MAX + 3*PV200
The BLUETTI AC200MAX, is the very paragon of power to rule your camping travels. Picture this: with a 2048Wh battery paired with a millennium-large inverter, effectively converting it into your very own mobile power source. First of all, the magic doesn’t end there – you can replenish in the wilderness, making any remote place your own personal recharging station. With your BLUETTI PV200 solar panel and BLUETTI AC200MAX, say goodbye to worries about running out of power.
Made of monocrystalline solar cells, this badass machine can turn up to 23.4 % sunlight into pure energy-it doesn't care about the weather playing games with you either. Need to avoid scratches and water splashes? Fear not. With ETFE coating and an IP65 junction box, it's just rugged enough for camping, fishing or hiking.
Now, let's talk about RV life. The AC200MAX is the ultimate RV enthusiast’s fantasy. With a distinct and superior plug-in of NEMA TT-30 outlets with high output power, the unit satisfies all your requirements for electric supply when you hit the road. This power station can charge your cell phone, blend in a blender or fuel gadgets used to run an RV. This power center is the perfect solution with an astounding sixteen sockets, allowing you to charge every vital item simultaneously and enjoy stress-free RV living without worrying about cutting corners by substitutions. The AC200MAX: where unbounded might meet incredible ease.
Final Thoughts
The crucial aspect here is ensuring that you choose the right RV generator, and this means getting a power source that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle such that it becomes an asset rather than an obstacle in your exploration of nature. This makes the point to focus on simplicity when discovering life outside; allow every day to become memorable with no technicalities consuming attention.
