if you have wind there great for charging ....but if the wind picks up in gusts it will override itself and shut itsself down

I looked into them and weighed it against going solar.     didnt want to have to put the thing up and take it down all the time.....I guess if I was stationary alot it wouldnt be bad.

of course then again budget means everything......if you can get suficient green power for 300 bucks and your doing alot of boondocking thats short money

Hey, does anyone have a Free Spirit RV wind generator, and if so, how is it working? Looks like I can get one for around $300, just want to make sure it's worth it.

Personally, I've not a lot of confidence with wind generators.  I am originally from a part of Oklahoma that see a lot of wind.  But even there, the only windmills are where electricity is not available (or too expensive to wire for it) and are used for pumping water to livestock tanks for their needs for drinking.  For the wind generators to work on a small scale for an RV, it would require a number of batteries to keep enough of a supply for your use, and that would add weight.

Terry

I have solar panels, 135 watts, trickle charging 2 batteries, but sometimes here in N. Cal. it rains for months, and not much sun... of course, this is when the power grids go out, and sometimes, that could be for days. Just want to keep all my bases covered. I like the idea of surviving and thriving, no matter what. I might get one, just cuz I'm sorta tricking the trailer for "bugging out", just in case the economy collapses or the world ends or something. My personal science experiment.  

Water generator, like a mini-Hoover dam.  Kinda could use that around here, we got a little flooded. This is kinda off beat, and marginally on topic, but here is an unusual electrical generator some teenage girls in Nigeria invented. Maybe it could be adapted to a boondocking RV....

I have a question. Just how far do we "redundify" our stuff. I live in a farming community on the South Plains of Texas. The wind sometimes becomes irritating, but it is what it is. Just north of here, the electric company put in a huge Wind Turbine field. To get permits for it, they had to fulfill several requirements from the gov't. One of which was to install sufficient back-up power generating capacity for when the wind failed to blow. So, they installed 16 huge natural gas fired engines (3,000 hp each) which are required to be on Hot Standby at all times. That is translated to being in operation, but not generating power. So, now there are about 2,000 acres of farmland that has been taken out of production because of the infrastructure to have the windfarm, the expense to run a pipeline of a size large enough to provide all the nat gas, the cost of the generators, and the cost of gas to run the engines not producing power. Add to that the maintainence costs associated with the engines, the cost of personnel to maintain the engines, the greenhouse gasses generated by the engines, (don't forget, they must run all the time) and it goes on and on.

So, can someone tell me who gains here? The builder of the windfarm? No, he could not afford to build it without gov't support. The natural gas supplier? Yeah, he does. Us? No, not so much, our electricity costs are among the highest in TX. Is our tax rate reduced? No, we had another millage before the windfarm was built. (and another since) The environment? Not so much, since the engines must be ready to be on line within 5 minutes of wind failure. The environment, no, because we lost all the growing plants to generate oxygen from the greenhouse waste gasses. The American people, not so much, since the wind turbines, masts, wiring, and engines were all built abroad. oH wait, the construction people did OK, but most were transient workers, and contributed little to the local tax base.

Edit by moderator: Removed irrelevant comment.  Terry

I like the idea of a wind generator for the RV, especially as a secondary to a solar system. We plan on blowing out the rig with a solar system in the spring and might have to consider looking into a wind generator as the stand-by in case it decides to rain or be overcast for a spell.

I am on board as far as being prepared just in case of the dreaded "Zombie" apocalypse!

Les and Sue, impressive rig! Someone could live in your tow vehicle! BTW, got my Ford Excursion modestly set up for a bug out.  Yeah, that Zombie Apocalypse, I've worked in mental health, and have witnessed some serious psychosis, including "zombies".... look around any city, even small ones, with an experienced eye, and you can see a lot of mental illness and drug addiction, ready to blow.

53Merc, as far as major wind farms, everything seems to be a scam these days, that's why a lot of individuals are taking things into their own hands, being self sufficient. Maybe if enough people just said, I'm doing my own wind and solar, inventing my own generator, growing my own food, it would pull the rug out. Feels good to be independant!

I'm going to call Free Spirit later today, and ask a few questions, but I think I've already decided, I've been wanting a dual system all along, if "just because".

Jane

Thanks Jane, it goes in for a full camo paint shortly after the solar system is installed!  Kidding of course unless all heck breaks out!!!!

The problem with wind turbines for RVers is that you need a lot of wind to generate any appreciable output from them. On the order of 15mph+. Yes, you can get that in certain areas. But there are many issues with transporting and setting up the turbines. It can be done. But for most RVers it is not proving to be very practical.

Now, that said, if you frequent someplace like the NW where sunny days are counted on two hands, then a wind turbine may work well for you. Or if you spend all winter in Q, in one place. Or at Bird Island in South Padre, boondocking. But for MOST RVers you are far better investing your $$ elsewhere.

If you look at the start of the Solar/Electrical section of my website, under Presentations,  there is a wind turbine presentation there you can download. It is a little date, but most of it still applies.

Jack is the man! One of these days I will get the pleasure to run into him and have him autograph a copy of his photo as he will be in the RV H of F one day for all the help and honest opinions he has given out without the arrogance that some other "experts" out there offer!

I got to thinking about this idea again today.  While I am sure that there are more, I can literally count on the fingers of one hand how many home wind generators that I've seen here in Oklahoma.  One would think that if the systems were so beneficial, there would be more of them, especially in such a windy state as we have here.  I can also state that one or two of those are idle.  Thus, I almost have to presume that the wind generation isn't all that great.

Then, when one considers where one stores the "parts" of the systems, one might have issues with storage space.

As for the "rip-off" factor with wind generation, I have a relative comment on that as well.  Back a few years ago at the Oklahoma state fair, the electric company was allowing folks to sign up for their electricity to be generated by wind power.  I looked into it and if one signed up, one would actually be paying a higher rate for the "wind-generated" power.  The problem that I saw is that there are no special lines running from a wind generation "facility" to one's home if they were hooked up.  So, how would one KNOW that their power was coming from wind generation?

Terry

Terry,

That is the big issue...the gimmick! Although it is great to consider the environment and trying to get alternative energy sources, the simple fact is that there is no one solution for what we need but unfortunately people get suckered into these "solutions" by slick marketing that look to take advantage of someone that wants to do the right thing.

Bottomline, the energy companies (oil, gas, electric, wind, solar, etc.) are in the business to make money and does anyone really think that they are going to cut into their own profits to do the right thing?

My DW made a good point the other day when she stated that back when the first Japanese cars where hitting the market hard in the late 70's early 80's the were getting 25 to 30 MPG and people were going crazy to get them. Now the same cars, both foreign and domestic still only get no more than on average 25 to 30 MPG unless it is a hybrid. So are you to tell me that in 30 plus years there have been no major advancements to better fuel economy? Come on?

We all know the old adage..."There's a Sucker Born Everyday!"

Wow, wind generators create quite the controversy  The big "wind farms" may be a corporate scam, but I think when individuals use the technology (sun, wind, whatever) then it's taking that power away from corporate energy companies, and keeping American do it yourself small business ingenuity alive. I'm still deciding, I don't have a workshop to do it myself, so a few hundred $$$ will be necessary.

Here's an ingenius guy with a few ideas.

Hello There,

I also came accross the Free Spirit Energy Wind Generator, which led me to this forum. Did you end up getting the FS? If so would you recommend it? I am doing the wind and solar combo for my RV and after much research this seems to be the best unit, for a very resonable price. Your feedback, or anyone elso who has any suggestions for wind energy would be great. 

Thank you!

Hina wrote:

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Hi Deborha, I didn't get it yet, mostly due to $$$, and the feedback about wind is generally that unless you have a pretty constant flow, it won't produce much, so it didn't seem worth it right now. That goes for the little RV units and the giant wind farms alike. I did speak with the guy who runs Free Spirit, and he seems like a nice guy, and the thing that seems to make Free Spirit unique is the ladder brackets, which will make it simple to take up and down. Also, he told me the wiring is easy, just run the wire under the RV, strapping to the frame as you go, and then just hook it straight to the battery. No inverters/converters needed.

---

You know, I am no expert on wind generators, but that part that I highlighted above seems to bother me for some reason.  I would think that there had to be some kind of converter.  Hopefully, some of the more knowledgeable folks here with knowledge of electronics will chime in and explain.

Terry

Just like the competition it includes a battery charger as the FAQs kind of explain - http://www.freespiritenergy.com/faqs.html.  Solar also goes to the batteries through the charge controller.  So does your truck alternator when you have the pigtail attached.  Inverter/chargers and converters charge the batteries from shore or generator power, converting AC to DC.   I have seen lots of chargers attached to battery terminals and some RVers have had to put in extended posts.

The competition for RV and Marine applications is the AirX Breeze, http://www.primuswindpower.com/index.php/wind-power-products/air-breeze-turbine/ and it is much, much more expensive since prices I found were about $1,250.  

Mike: They address this in their FAQs. It is something like a trickle charger and they say it won't overcharge the batteries.

I guess the AirX models, which just changed owners, are cheaper than I thought. Here is an article on RV usage - http://www.cheaprvliving.com/Wind_Gererator.html.  Another at http://camping.about.com/od/rvmaintenance/a/How-to-Make-Your-RV-Greener.htm and more can be found with an internet search of "rv wind generators" which will also brings up Jack Mayer's website.  

Thanks, Guys.  I looked at the FAQ's on that one brand, but I guess I just missed that part about a trickle charge.  I guess I need to get out of the "moderator read" mode when looking at other places.  Since I need to read every post, I sometimes find myself "skimming" instead of reading.

Terry

I like Jim's thought on the travel days....imagine driving down the road and seeing this prop spinning away??? How many staties you think might pull you over and ask "What in tarnation do you got going there boy? Some sort of aeroplane engine pulling your rig? You got a pilots license to fly this thing?

I started out with just a 45 watt solar panel to trickle charge the battery, now I have 145 watts of solar panels on top of my trailer, you should be fine. When the shore power goes out, I barely notice. I still want the wind too, being totally off grid is an appealing idea.   Another idea, that was not expensive, and only took a few hours, was setting up rain water collection off my roof. It took a few tries, but I think I have it right now. I made some videos. http://www.youtube.com/2012escapee1

You know Deborha, if you get the Free Spirit with the mounting bracket, it might pay off. You could easily spend $100+ getting the "cheaper" one installed somehow.

OK, I think I'm gonna get the Free Spirit! I've been trying to get everything I'll need (or desire) before I cut the day job apron strings, and I'm up a little $$, sooo.... I think I will get it, just so I will stop wondering and worrying.

Just ordered a wifi access point, to find and amplify "unsecured" wifi signals for when I am off network with my own ISP. http://www.simplewifi.com/outdoorap.html I have an online business, so continual internet is highly desireable!  

Deborha, One BIG issue about being completely "off grid" is the black tank.... me, solo, can go 7-10 days without dumping, so, unless you want to pollute the environment with sewage, you will need to go into town once a week or so.

And the fresh tank; 60 gallons seems like a lot, but you can go through that in a few days, easy. To last last, you'll need to go without a shower, and use paper plates instead of washing dishes, and all sorts of clever water saving strategies.

Enjoy your adventure, and I'll make a video when I get the new wifi gadget and the wind power!

Jane

The water collects at about a gallon a minute in a moderate shower. When my tank was down by 1/3 (20 gallons) it was full within 1/2 a hour. Everyone here was like, what are you doing? What for? Why not watch TV? But where I'm parked, apparently has a very shallow water well they draw from, so when it rains heavily, toxic parking lot residue seeps in, and the water turns a smoky grey, and you can't drink it, and it won't filter. And it can rain for weeks here. But I can just turn off the hose, turn on my pump, and have clean, fresh rain water! I further filter it for drinking with a counter top filter. Ha ha! Now who's crazy!

You can also get something at sporting goods stores called a "Steri-pen" which is a small, UV light you can put into a glass of water and kill germs. They are expensive, like $60-$80, but no filters. Oh and they sell inline hose filters, basically like Brita's, for your "city water". The water here isn't good, and I have 2 on there. They run about $15 each, and last a few months.

The WiFi booster is basically just plug and play. The antennae is magnetic, and needs to be on metal, so if your RV is fiberglass like mine, all you need to do is get a coffee can lid to stick it to. Then put the wire out the window, and the antennae on the roof. The antennae will also work inside, if the signal isn't too bad. You may need to move it around a little to find the best spot. You need to put the cell phone or WiFi right on top of that plastic bar. It has definitely come in handy already! It was $400, but it was a good purchase, very, very useful. Goes from 0-1 bars to almost all. You can also use it in your truck. I have also ordered a WiFi antennae that searches out "unsecured" WiFi for a mile or two, such as camp ground WiFi or Starbucks. That's for when I am off network/roaming. That was $100. There are a lot of videos on You Tube about home made WiFi antennaes and stuff... who needs TV? I just watch real "reality TV" on You Tube, and learn all kinds of interesting stuff from real people!  

I have 2 batteries, but that seems standard for all serious RVer's. Oh, BTW, I've ordered the Free Spirit, so it's interesting you say they are back ordered. Hope I'm not stuck here waiting on it.  I'm gonna install that one myself! I don't have a generator, since they are so costly, like $1,000++. The solar and wind will recharge your batteries, so all you will have is DC... that means, your wall sockets will not work. RVs are 2 seperate systems; AC for the wall sockets and air conditioner, and DC for the lights, radio, pump, etc. You can get an inverter, though, like I had on my video, which plugs into the "cigarette lighter plug" in your RV, for your laptop, etc.

The stove looks cool, for outdoor cooking. But also consider your storage space; RV's are a lesson in traveling light! You will have fun "tricking your trailer", "going green" is a lot cheaper on wheels than a "sticks and bricks"!

Jane

Just got an e-mail from Free Spirit this morning that the 150 I ordered has shipped. I'll probably have it by next week. I guess there will be a video of me trying to figure that one out!  Lucky for me, instead of playing ball with us, my dad had us playing mad scientist!

Jane

Yeah, my dad was a computer genius, and instead of playing ball, we played mad scientist.  By all means, start making videos! Hopefully, it will be a "how-to" and not a drama or comedy of errors.  There is a whole community of intrepid and creative RVer's on You Tube. In fact, I was thinking it might be fun to form a You Tube RVer group.

I had the local RV handyman do my panels, so you are brave; are they going on the roof, or the ground? Mine are mounted flat on the roof, and the cables are fed through the kitchen refrigerator vent on the roof, to the inverter under the cabinets. Had to drill a few holes. If they are going on the roof, make sure you get the right kind of sealant to make were you screw it in waterproof; there are 2-3 different kinds of sealants, and you need to know what kind of roof you have to get the right one.

Good luck!

Jane

I just got the Free Spirit today, I think it's the old style, there looks like 12 blades. Time to clear off the table, and get out the tools and camera! New videos coming soon!

I have rigid solar panels in an aluminum frame, flexible ones should be light weight and good for not putting holes in the roof. There are a few other threads about installing solar panels on this board, and lots of nice guys willing to help out.

Here's a link for discounted portable solar generators, still pricey, but cheaper than usual: http://www.scratchanddentsolar.com/index_new.html 

Do you have a blog or YouTube channel, for documenting your trials, errors and success?

Jane

Nice video. I was laughing over the lock nuts. Don't feel bad, making multiple runs to the hardware store is normal for me as well. Only thing I would do different is not hook it up to the battery until I verified the output. I would also verify that when it's not providing voltage to the battery that's it's not sucking voltage from the battery. Be sure to let us know how it performs when you get some wind. How much wind is it rated to handle?

You might want to consider a different mount method, one that doesn't require you to climb the ladder to install. The Flag Pole Buddy would work for this project. You would probably need a 10' mast to replace your 3' mast, but you would be able to put up and take down from ground level.  I used the flag pole buddy for my ham antenna and I like it.  Click here for a picture that shows my setup.

You did it! Congrats- great video, thanks for sharing the information, it will definitley help a lot when its my turn! Still waiting for an email from FS to let me know when they are ready to ship.  I don't have a Utube channel or web page- working on that.  Can't wait to hear how the turbine works for you when the wind picks up, is it noisey etc. 

Thank you for the link on the solar generator- they are very expesive! I was planning on making a simple one- I have one of those tool boxes on a wheels with a handle- figured I could use that as a container for the batteries- attached an invertor and controller in another tool box mounted ontop of that one- with vents etc for air flow. I could either charge it with the FS turbie or a semi flex solar panel by laying it out on the ground/on a easel. Trying to have mobile power without spending a fortune! Still waiting for it to warm up here so I can work on getting the panels installed.....patience!