(5th Wheels) Generators, batteries, and inverters ... Qs from a newbie

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Mike68959

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I get the gist of what each is for, but would like some 'real-world' advice so we are both better prepared, and for our own education.
As I understand it, most (some?) 5th wheels come with batteries, some (a few?) with inverters and/or generators (we're looking at used models 3-10 years old, between 28 and 35-ft). Batteries provide the DC power, inverters the AC conversion and generators provide both power and charging of the batteries.
We plan to do some dry camping as we begin full-timing next year - to cut costs and to get off the beaten path once in awhile.  Are all three considered 'must-haves'? 

Are there downloadable worksheets somewhere to help us figure out our power consumption so we know what we'll need? 

Are there certain brands recommended?  Any to stay away from?
 
Whether 120vac power is a "must have" depends on your camping style. Many do fine without it, but if you "must have" your satellite tv, air conditioning, electric coffee pot, hair dryer and such, then yes you need some means of producing 120vac power. Depending on how much of that stuff is a "must", maybe you need a LOT of power generation. In that case, a generator is the only practical solution. For lesser needs, you may get by with 2-6 batteries and an inverter in the 400-2500 watt range. And maybe a solar panel or two to help the re-charging. But all this stuff is EXPENSIVE!  You won't save much money boondocking if you first have to invest in a lot of equipment to make it possible.

We can help you with the calculations, but you have to decide what your power needs are going to be.

Here are a couple sizing guides for generators. The same principle applies to inverters & batteries.

http://rvbasics.com/techtips/RV-generator-FAQ.html
http://www.mygenerac.com/PublicPDFs/0172610SBY.pdf

Part of the dance is guestimating "how long".  If you just need to camp overnight, you can recharge batteries the next day at a place with shore power. But if you need 2, 3 or 5 days, then you have you plan to recharge batteries during your stay. That means solar, generator, or both.
 
For the full-timers .... is it best/recommended that you have everything (generator, more-than-adequate batteries, inverter, (possibly) solar) to cover all bases as the years go by?  Or is this too broad to answer, and we should start with the basics (batteries & inverter) and go up as our 'requirements' dictate?
 
I wouldn't rush into a big investment in that stuff.  A basic inverter and a 250 amp-hour battery bank will suffice for a lot of things.  You can pick up a small generator if you will need charging capability. Other stuff can be added later IF you decide you need it.

At this point, you don't know what your needs are going to be. Get some Ring experience under your belts before you pour a lot of $$ into something you may or may not need.
 
When you get closer, let's discuss further what you will need to power while boondocking, so we can help you figure the size of inverter and battery bank, and maybe the generator needed to replenish them. 

But, while shopping for an RV, check the size of the area for the battery(s) and remember that boondocking is probably going to need additional and/or larger batteries. Make sure there is extra room, preferable for at least one more battery but also for physically larger ones. RV manufacturers tend to put in small (read 'least expensive') battery(s) and they have limited capacity. A Group 27 size battery has 25% more capacity than Group 24, but is a little longer and taller. A Group 31 size is larger again but adds another 15%.
 
Part of what you need to figure out is how your fridge is to be powered. My unit has a residential fridge, which requires 110 volt power to operate at all times. I'm understanding that is kind of an anomaly. If you have an absorption type RV fridge this won't be critical. An RV with a residential fridge will come equipped with some sort of battery bank and a power inverter already on board.

A generator of whatever size is an option and can be purchased when the RV is purchased or can be bought and installed later as has been said. If you're boondocking much with a residential fridge, you'll want big battery capacity and a generator on board.
 
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