Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > 4 wheels > Equipping the Overland Vehicle
Small Diesel Generator Small Diesel Generator
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Equipping the Overland Vehicle Vehicle accessories - Making your home away from home comfortable, safe and reliable.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Overlanders Handbook - everything you need to know, available NOW!

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 24 Sep 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 479
Small Diesel Generator
Interested in finding a small diesel generator. Whilst I have a triple battery system on my 110, if one is parked up for a while its still possible to run them down. When I was out in Aus in Dec / Jan I saw an advert in one of the offroad magazines for a Diesel generator, intended for 4x4s, that only weighed 7kgs, looked pretty compact but which the manufacturer reckoned could charge up a dead battery to sufficient level to be able to start a large 4x4 within 5 minutes. Previously been put off by generators as they look large and cumbersome but at 7kgs and compact it becomes quite a viable options. Does anybody know of any options in the UK, Must be reasonably small and lightweight to easily go in the back of a 110 with all the other kit. Also must be diesel.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 24 Sep 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: avon
Posts: 90
tbruk supply a flexible/no glass fold up solar pannel 1.42M x 0.42M at 2.2 Kg that which they say will extend the useage time for an engel fridge by 2-4 days. The pannel charges at 1.9 Amps, presumably in strong sun. In their brochure the pannel is shown folded out across a front windscreen.

I am not sure of price. Their tel number is 01255 556622

If you get a generator please do not park within a mile of me
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 24 Sep 2004
ctc ctc is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Lincolnshire, England
Posts: 249
I'd also go with the solar panel option. Admittedly you have to wait a day for it to produce enough to turn your engine over but what the heck. No noise, nice and light weight and only a couple of hundered quid.

Fisher Panda do marine diesel generators which I have used, they also come in a fibreglass & foam case which reduces noise. thinking about it they are water cooled so hardly ideal!! They might do other types though. Very Expensive though from memory!



[This message has been edited by ctc (edited 24 September 2004).]
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 25 Sep 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 479
Primarily want it simply as a fall back - ie don't have to worry about contingency in flattening the batteries rather than wishing to sit there consistantly running a generator for several hours a day.

Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 25 Sep 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Scotland
Posts: 775
As for solar panels, please bear in mind that most AGM / gel batterries need to be charged with 14.3V constant voltage. Emergency use of lower voltage unregulated charging will not damage the batteries, but you will never be able to recharge them properly with solar panels.

------------------
Roman (UK)
www.overlandcruiser.info
__________________
----------------
Roman (UK)
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 25 Sep 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Spain
Posts: 97
Hi all.

Id ' go for the cheaper petrol-powered generators . There appears to be a really cheap series of 220 petrol generators (small , blue , branded "Tiger" in Gambia , and Einhell in EU) which costs around 90 Euros in the continent (so in UK should be not less than 300 UKP !! -ha ha - , and produce around 800 Watts . Sure , you need another smallish fuel container , but on the other hand you have 220 volts aboard ! (enabling to use a serious and cheap air compressor , , standard TV , lighting , a propper Battery Charger ,and only god knows what else can it power during a expedition.
On top of that , I can power a Arc/Tig inverter welder (another 100 euro) with unlimied field-uses in a LandRover

Mine is so small that the generator AND the welder both fit in the box beneath the right seat in a Landy.

Hava nice day.

Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 25 Sep 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: avon
Posts: 90
Going back to solar pannels and can they/can't they be used to charge a vehicle's battery. I have no real idea in practice whether they can, and my physics is a bit rusty, but I assume a trickle of a few amps at low voltage over a period of a few hours adds up to useable energy to charge a battery. Maybe there is a limit on the voltage achieved from a solar pannel in which case wouldn't a transformer sort this out?

Presumably there are some people using solar pannels. Are they charging vehicle batteries or using them to power things like radios and gps direct?

Generators might be more practical, but in terms of noise, they can be pretty antisocial.


[This message has been edited by Tonyabc (edited 25 September 2004).]

[This message has been edited by Tonyabc (edited 25 September 2004).]
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 09:39.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top