The 4 Best Wind Generators For RV
RVs include a built-in electrical system to power up the appliances and features in your trailer. And most RV users depend on gas-powered generators to serve as the cars' source of energy. While generators are the most common choice among numerous users because of its convenience, powering up your RV using this may become tedious and costly for you in the long run.
We acknowledge that gas-powered generators are convenient and reliable, but other options are notably more environment-friendly and sustainable source of energy for your RV. To give you more idea on the subject, here are some of the best wind generator for RV that you can use as an alternative.
Comparison Chart
Automaxx Windmill DB-400 Wind Turbine Generator
If you're looking for a well-rounded model that offers amazing features and performance without breaking too much of your budget, then the Automaxx Windmill DB-400 is the right choice for you. While it may not be as cheap as entry-level wind turbines, the DB-400 isn’t as pricey as your top-tier models, but it sure can perform at the same level.
Tumo-Int 1000W Wind Turbine Generator
The Tumo-Int 1000W Wind Turbine Generator can easily be ranked as the best wind generator for RV if not only for its ridiculously high asking price. It is built with top-grade materials to ensure durability and is packed with a wide range of features and systems for an efficient and hassle-free experience.
Happybuy Wind 400W DC 12V Generator Turbine
This mid-range wind turbine generator is known for its high-quality materials and superior performance. It is made with stainless steel fittings and premium quality aluminum, which makes it a really good-looking wind turbine. It has an effective and efficient design that allows for more electricity to be generated.
Pacific Sky Power Wind Turbine Generator
The Pacific Sky Power Wind Turbine Generator is a small model perfectly ideal for small scale power generation. Due to its size, the Pacific Sky Power wind turbine can only generate a maximum power of 15 watts that is enough to power small electronic devices such as cellphones and trailer lights. However, it is also because of its size that the device is lightweight, compact, and highly portable.
A Detailed Review on the Best Wind Generator for RV
Automaxx Windmill DB-400 Wind Turbine Generator
Product Highlight
If you're looking for a well-rounded model that offers amazing features and performance without breaking too much of your budget, then the Automaxx Windmill DB-400 is the right choice for you. While it may not be as cheap as entry-level wind turbines, the DB-400 isn’t as pricey as your top-tier models, but it sure can perform at the same level.
The Automaxx Windmill DB-400 is built with a 400watt 12V generator that is ideal for both marine and land use. It also has an integrated automatic braking system to protect the device from sudden and strong gusts of wind, which is backed by a manual braking system whenever the automatic program fails. It includes a 400W maximum power point tracking (MPPT) charge controller that provides overcharge, over-speed, and high battery voltage protection.
The Good
This model puts environmental-friendliness and green production at a priority. Not only does it produces zero water and air pollution when operated, but the Automaxx Windmill DB-400 is also built with the cleanest possible materials and packaged to the simplest possible way to get rid of unnecessary components that may harm or pollute the environment.
When it comes to using the wind turbine, users say that it is easy to install and operate. And due to its lightweight and compact built, it can start generating power even with the slightest breezes.
The Bad
The material used in this model is a bit fragile and easy to damage. Aside from design flaws and issues with the product’s durability, some users complained about the minimal power generated by the wind turbine, as well as its slow charging time.
PROs
CONs
Tumo-Int 1000W Wind Turbine Generator
Product Highlight
The Tumo-Int 1000W Wind Turbine Generator can easily be ranked as the best wind generator for RV if not only for its ridiculously high asking price. It is built with top-grade materials to ensure durability and is packed with a wide range of features and systems for an efficient and hassle-free experience.
This powerful machine features a maximum speed of 29 mph that can generate up to 1,000W, enough power to generate enough power for a variety of appliances of different sizes. It also features a highly efficient power converter that can translate lower gust speeds into power. It also comes with interchangeable 3 and 5-blade models that aim to provide even more efficient performance.
The Good
The Tumo-Int 1000W Wind Turbine Generator is a premium model that provides premium-quality performance. It includes patented blades that ensure safety, reliability, and efficiency. While the installation process may come as laborious, the instruction manual is fairly simple and easy to follow.
The Bad
Aside from being extremely pricey, the Tumo-Int 1000W Wind Turbine Generator is a relatively large machine compared to other wind turbines. While having a larger build may come in handy for garnering wind, it may come difficult when installing it, and it would be hard to handle by a single person. Plus, heavy blades can generate little to no power when it comes to weak and slight breezes.
PROs
CONs
Happybuy Wind 400W DC 12V Generator Turbine
Product Highlight
This mid-range wind turbine generator is known for its high-quality materials and superior performance. It is made with stainless steel fittings and premium quality aluminum, which makes it a really good-looking wind turbine. It has an effective and efficient design that allows for more electricity to be generated.
The Happybuy Wind 4000W DC 12V Generator Turbine is built with high-quality aluminum and stainless steel fittings, and blades that feature high-strength plastic with 30% carbon fiber and anti-UV anti-corrosion material that ensures the product’s durability. It consists of a generator that features a permanent magnet rotor alternator, a unique magnetic circuit design, as well as a maximum power tracking intelligent microprocessor control, and an integrated automatic braking system.
The Good
The Happybuy Wind Generator Turbine features a lightweight and compact design making it suitable for smaller sized RVs. It is also easy to install and includes all the necessary materials in the package. This model also includes a complete stand-alone power supply system that allows it to operate even under harsh weather conditions safely.
The Bad
Despite its lightweight and compact build, users complain about the slow startup from the wind turbine. Furthermore, the device does not feature any automatic shutoff function and can overcharge your batteries.
PROs
CONs
Pacific Sky Power Wind Turbine Generator
Product Highlight
The Pacific Sky Power Wind Turbine Generator is a small model perfectly ideal for small scale power generation. Due to its size, the Pacific Sky Power wind turbine can only generate a maximum power of 15 watts that is enough to power small electronic devices such as cellphones and trailer lights. However, it is also because of its size that the device is lightweight, compact, and highly portable.
As a starter wind turbine, the Pacific Sky Power Wind Turbine Generator is perfect for small-scale use and application like in RVs, small cabins, camps, homes, and boats. Despite its minimal generation capacity, it is highly efficient and works great for quick charges and continuous use for light devices such as LED lights, air pumps, and personal electronics.
The Good
The Pacific Sky Power Wind Turbine is the perfect entry-level device as it is easy to install, simple to operate, and safe to use. It has a wide range of applications and is also super quiet, with minimal vibrations.
The Bad
This model is limited to simple and lighter power duties, and it is not ideal for large-scale applications. Also, it is recommended that the device is used in conjunction with solar panels to keep your electricity power topped up for longer periods.
PROs
CONs
Things to Consider Before Buying a Wind Generator
Wind generators are not exactly the cheapest products. And just like any major purchase, you should look into the factors that make a wind turbine good and worth it at all. So before you decide to invest in a wind turbine, here are some things to consider before buying the best wind generator for RV.
- Ease of Use
- Portability
- Material Durability
- Blade type
- Blade direction
- Noise and vibration
- Installation process and maintenance
- Power Output
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using a Wind Generator for RV
Wind generators are an amazing and reliable alternative for gas-powered generators. Using turbines to generate energy for your RV does not only help in cutting utility expenses but is also environment-friendly and sustainable. Wind turbines have long been used as a source of energy, but it wasn’t until recently that the advent of wind turbines are applied in the industry of recreational vehicles. And even with the best wind generator for RV, there are still a number of advantages and disadvantages of wind turbines that you should know and consider before opting for this kind of energy source.
Advantages
Cost efficiency and Environmental Friendliness
One of the biggest things considered as a pro with regard to wind turbines is that it is cost-efficient and environment-friendly. Generally, the cost of using a wind generator on your RV amounts to as little as 5 cents per kWh, which is notably less than other energy sources such as solar panels. And since it harvests renewable resources and generates power using wind, wind generators cause little to no effect or damage to the environment.
Off-grid capability
Using wind generators as the source of power for electricity in your RV allows you to operate without relying on connections to power grids. This is especially helpful in cases when power grids are not an option, such as power outages and natural disasters. This also allows you to be less dependent on depletable energy sources and go on longer and farther adventures without worrying about power in your RV.
Disadvantages
Costly initial output
There are a lot of RV users that get discouraged from trying wind generators because of the massive initial cost often put into installing a wind turbine. Aside from the model itself that costs from $50 to over $1000 depending on the product, there is also an added installation fee for people who has no idea how to put up a wind turbine and require professional assistance.
Noise
Wind turbines utilize blades that spin around to generate power. And unlike solar panels that do not need any kind of motion to operate, the spinning blades for wind turbines often generate a considerable amount of noise. While this may bother some people or not, it is still one thing to consider, especially for wind turbine models that produce a noticeable sound when operated.
Solar panel compatibility
It is common practice that RV users install both wind turbines and solar panels in their trailers to maximize its power-harvesting capacity. Since both sources rely on specific atmospheric conditions, it is perfect to have both to generate power at any given time. However, there are wind turbine models that are not compatible with solar panels, so make sure to check this out first before buying a wind generator for your RV.
Conclusion
There are several models out there that can be considered as the best wind generator for RV, as it will all depend on your preference. Wind generators are a more efficient, cleaner, and cheaper source of energy for your RV. However, it is important to know the pros and cons of wind turbines before investing in one to see if a wind turbine generator is the best fit for your lifestyle and needs. Get more tips on RV generators.