Wind generators?

Photomom

Someone posted this to one of the Facebook forums and it looks interesting. I know a few of you have experience with solar battery management and I'm interested in hearing what you think.

http://www.truckcampermagazine.com/news/tcm-checks-out-the-windwalker-wind-generator

This doesn't appear to regulate the voltage generated by the turbine at all. One of the pics shows a multimeter reading nearly 19 volts. I don't know much about solar, but I do know you need a controller to properly charge your battery - wouldn't you need a controller for this? And, could you use a solar controller?

ColoradoJon

Some solar controllers are rated for wind and hydro as well.  You would need to research the product and verify with the manufacturer if you are not sure.

I'm not sure how old this article is but it is worth a read.  This guy was experimenting with a 400W generator which seems a bit big for T@B use
http://roadtreking.com/experiment-portable-wind-turbine/

Photomom

ColoradoJon said:

Some solar controllers are rated for wind and hydro as well.  You would need to research the product and verify with the manufacturer if you are not sure.

I'm not sure how old this article is but it is worth a read.  This guy was experimenting with a 400W generator which seems a bit big for T@B use
http://roadtreking.com/experiment-portable-wind-turbine/

Very interesting article. Seems like a lot of stuff to carry and set up based on his experiences. 

Verna

ColoradoJon said:

Some solar controllers are rated for wind and hydro as well.  You would need to research the product and verify with the manufacturer if you are not sure.

I'm not sure how old this article is but it is worth a read.  This guy was experimenting with a 400W generator which seems a bit big for T@B use
http://roadtreking.com/experiment-portable-wind-turbine/

Thanks, Jon. I've was trying to find that article I had just read about a wind turbine. From the author's description of everything needed, I think I'll stick with my 200 watts of solar. 

My sister saw a wind turbine setup in Menard's and we discussed how solar and her generator would be better for her, and solar is better for me. 

Photomom

The Roadtreking blog does have some helpful articles, even though I feel like I'm cheating on my T@B when I read it.

@Verna, does your sister have a wind setup?

Verna

@Photomom, no she does not for her View. While she likes the idea of my solar panels, she prefers to park, connect power and go back inside.......It must be super simple for her and the Roadtrek article talked her out of it. 

Don't feel guilty about reading the Roadtrek articles because they do talk about some great hints that can be used for any size of Camper's.  I do like the Roadtrek's, can't afford one, but I'm totally satisfied with my T@B. 

So now to put this down and go replace my screen door.

Hint for the day:  do not leave your screen door closed during travel. It can get damaged during travel, if something falls against it.  (First time I came close to locking up my brakes on my truck when some idiot pulled in front of me with inches to spare!  And the surge brakes on the T@B do work well.)

Photomom

We did look at Roadtreks but that's another vehicle to maintain and insure, and we already have three including the one my son drives. And if you're camping and want to go somewhere you have to take your whole campsite with you. Works best if you are on the road most days but we prefer to camp at least 3 nights in the same place so we can explore an area before moving on. The T@B wins!

Perhaps one day wind power will be plug and play like Zamp and other solar is today. 

RollingLagrima

@Verna storm door? 

Verna

RollingLagrima said:

@Verna storm door? 

New "screen" door installed......sorry. Since I had to cancel my camping reservations in South Carolina, I guess I'm still concerned about THE storm . Thanks, Sally

RollingLagrima

@Verna. Ha, you had me wondering...

Tabaz

Just by chance I saw a converted RV van with a telescoping wind turbine attached today at the lake. The owner said she rarely uses it because she prefers her solar system. Said it was a pain to install the blades, and unless there is a pronounced wind (30 mph), it doesn't charge at a 400w rate. At 35mph, it does charge at 400w. When asked why anyone would want to camp in a 35 mph wind, she looked at me like I was some kind of a wuss. In a vain attempt to salvage my manhood, I mentioned I shave with a straight razor. Unfortunately, it turned out so does she.

Nomad

Been in 30-50 many times. Seems every time I've been in the Page area I've had really strong winds. Had two days of 35-40 in Kansas last week.
Will stick with solar though.

Photomom

OutbackAZ said:

Just by chance I saw a converted RV van with a telescoping wind turbine attached today at the lake. The owner said she rarely uses it because she prefers her solar system. Said it was a pain to install the blades, and unless there is a pronounced wind (30 mph), it doesn't charge at a 400w rate. At 35mph, it does charge at 400w. When asked why anyone would want to camp in a 35 mph wind, she looked at me like I was some kind of a wuss. In a vain attempt to salvage my manhood, I mentioned I shave with a straight razor. Unfortunately, it turned out so does she.

My DH is wondering why I just burst out laughing. 

Tabaz

The pole on her van extended 15 feet. Each blade had several screws, so very time-consuming installing and un-installing. The turbine was quiet. Could not hear it from inside the van. Too many questions from other campers about it wherever she camped. Final verdict: nice to have just in case, but she prefers using her 100 W solar when Boondocking.