RV Wind Generator While Driving-Good or Bad Idea

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Last Updated on August 23, 2024 by Paul Clayton

RV Wind Generator While Driving-Good or Bad Idea

The concept of an RV Wind Generator While Driving has been a topic of much debate among the recreational vehicle community. This innovative solution aims to utilize the natural wind, potentially increasing the efficiency of the RV’s power system.

• Wind generator on RV: innovative solution with pros and cons.
• Supplementary power sources fill gaps in electricity generation.
• Easy installation and environmentally friendly, reducing carbon footprint.
• Effectiveness while driving is questionable; energy may come from fuel.
• Added weight and wind resistance decrease fuel economy.
• Risk of damage from high winds or low clearance.
• Noise production can be annoying while driving or resting.

We are all looking for ways to decrease our power consumption these days. For most, it’s a hard nut to crack without giving up our everyday comforts. With the powerful companies raising prices, we all need to find alternatives.

But is a wind turbine for your RV worth the cost? With the savings you’ll experience buying a wind turbine for your RV, it might be a waste of time and money. The RV lifestyle is all about affordable living.

It’s a minimalistic approach to life, so people always prefer cost-effective methods. Be it your road travel or campsite dwelling, it’s a good idea to look for cheap ways of getting things done.

While living in an RV, proper measures for energy management are crucial. Whether it is a full-time dwelling or a weekend trip, if you don’t manage your energy resources well enough, you are likely to get into trouble at some point.

Many RV enthusiasts arrange for natural electrical energy to power their vehicles to save costs. Often, you will see RVs with wind turbines and generators.

Wind energy is an efficient means of free and clean energy that can significantly affect your living cost. However, there has been a debate about using a wind generator while on the road.

This article will analyze how fruitful or otherwise this practice could be and what precautions one should take if they have an RV wind generator.

The Need to Run the Generator

It was firstly, knowing why you would turn on the generator while driving is essential. Primarily, it depends on the application since the generator powers all the electrical appliances such as the microwave, TV, heater, etc. If you use any of these while driving, there will be an obvious need for power.

Secondly, one of the more critical consumptions goes to rooftop AC. Especially for Class A RVs, there is usually a dash AC and the rooftop AC, which run simultaneously.

Now, there is an option where you can turn off the AC, but remember, the rooftop AC does the following:

• Keeps it cool during extreme heat when the dash AC doesn’t work
• You can use the rooftop AC while turning off the dash AC to generate more power on hilly roads.
• If passengers are at the back of your RV, the rooftop AC is a must. 

These were some of the primary uses of a wind generator while you’re driving. You must often fall under one of the mentioned conditions, so the chances are that you will be running the generator anyway.

How Safe Is It?

It’s time to address the issue. There is no harm in using the wind generator while driving. If you take care of a couple of precautionary measures, you can go tension-free with a running generator.

Make sure that the wind turbine installation is sturdy. The last thing you want is for the turbine to fall off while you’re driving.

Always ensure that the storage batteries are compatible with the generator. If you are not using batteries, it’s more straightforward, but you won’t have any power backup.

When using wind generators, you can avoid many problems, such as state regulations and fuel consumption charges. 

• Firstly, there is no restriction on carrying a wind generator on board. 
• Secondly, wind energy is clean and free energy, so you won’t have to worry about fuel tanks.

Why Choose A Wind Generator?

Wind generators hold several advantages over fuel-powered generators. Here is a look at some of the best benefits of having a wind generator:

• One-time Installation

Wind generators require a one-time installation. Once they are mounted, the wind takes care of the rest. Once installed, wind energy will cost you nothing.

• Lightweight Option

RV wind generators have a unique design, so they aren’t bulky. Therefore, they don’t affect vehicle efficiency. Also, they reduce the cost of the main hook-up on campsites.

RV turbines, especially short-blade turbines, are designed for quiet operation, so they make your driving experience more enjoyable.

• Compatibility and Freedom

Generators often come with battery chargers. This means compatibility won’t be a concern.

If you are using batteries for storage, you can camp anywhere without worrying about power shortages. There will be free energy top-ups everywhere.

• Cost-effective

It can power your entire RV, so it dramatically cuts down the travel cost. Moreover, wind generators work well with batteries, which is why they reduce battery maintenance and replacement costs.

• Fewer Carbon Footprints

RV wind generators work on low wind, too, so the slightest breeze guarantees clean and unrestrained power. Because it’s clean energy, you contribute to the environment by not adding to more pollution.

The Downside of Using Wind Generators

Although wind generators offer great value for money, any product has a few downsides. If you opt for a wind generator, you might also want to consider the following points:

• Larger turbine blades will produce noise. While traveling, it can be irritating, especially to other travelers.
• There is a constant need for wind to make energy. You might need power backup if you end up at a humid campsite.
• Depending on the weather, the turbines may operate as low as 30% of their total capacity.
• In extreme weather, such as lightning storms, turbines are likely to get damaged.

Some Important Precautions

Although it is safe to drive with the generator turned on, it is a great idea to take some additional precautionary measures. This way, you can reduce the risk of any mishaps while driving. Here are some considerations:

Wind Turbine Blades

It mainly depends on the size of the fan. However, it’s a good idea to use carbon fiber blades. These blades are lightweight and sturdy and add to the generator’s efficiency. Because of its lightweight, they quickly move at the slightest breeze, just what you want.

Another plus point is that it is much easier to dismount the blades when needed. While reinstalling the blades, ensure that they are correctly installed. Otherwise, it could lead to severe damage and injuries.

Tackling High Winds

High winds can be a problem while driving. Especially if you have longer blades, there is a risk of flipping over. When you talk about flipping, it depends on a few factors, such as the trailer’s weight, the wind’s direction and duration, the size of your RV, etc.

Most of these factors are uncontrollable. Your only choice is to reduce the blade size, but that doesn’t seem too cost-effective.

Therefore, if it’s too windy, it is better to dismount the blade fans, which means you can’t run the generator while driving. However, it can save you from more significant disasters.

A Useful Tip

Wind turbines are the future of electrical power. However, the environmental conditions may limit their efficiency from time to time.

Therefore, it’s a great idea to incorporate a solar power system as a backup. This way, you will never lose power on your camping adventures.

Some Related Questions

Are there specific types of wind generators better suited for RV use?

Compact, lightweight models with low noise output and adjustable features for optimal alignment with the wind are preferred for RVs.

How does vehicle speed impact a wind generator’s output?

Generally, higher speeds can increase output due to more robust wind flow, but efficiency varies based on the generator’s design and wind conditions.

What’s the best spot for a wind generator on an RV?

Placement should minimize drag and maximize wind exposure, often requiring custom solutions based on the RV’s design and typical driving conditions.

Can wind generators on RVs offset their aerodynamic drag?

It’s possible, but it depends on the generator’s efficiency, placement, and driving conditions. The key is balancing the energy produced against the extra fuel consumed due to drag.

Wrapping Up

The idea of an RV Wind Generator While Driving presents an innovative solution with distinct advantages and notable drawbacks.

As a supplementary power source, it offers the potential to fill any gaps in electricity generation, thus ensuring continuous and reliable power supply.

One of the main advantages is the ease of installation and the environmentally friendly nature of wind power, which significantly reduces carbon footprint.

However, the effectiveness of an RV Wind Generator While Driving can be questionable. This is because energy generated by the wind while driving may come from the fuel used to propel the vehicle, thus creating a possible cycle of energy consumption rather than a net gain.

Additionally, the generator’s added weight and wind resistance could potentially decrease fuel economy by increasing drag. This factor also brings about a risk of damage from high winds or situations where there may be low clearance.

Another considerable downside is noise production, which can be annoying and disruptive while driving or attempting to rest within the vehicle.

Thus, while this technology presents a promising avenue for energy generation, it also carries inherent challenges that must be addressed for optimal and efficient use.

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