Wind Power for Boondocking--Weigh the Noise
If you're a boondocker, no doubt power is a major concern: Keeping enough juice in the batteries for all the things electricity is needed for can be a challenge. We hear you! We've got solar and wind to keep up with our boondocking, and we feel it's a great combination.Dollar for dollar, wind power puts out more power than solar panels--provided, of course, there's wind to push the blades. Head down to Quartzsite, Arizona any winter and you'll find out that's one place where wind power is a definite advantage. But if you're a believer in pristine silence, take a step back. Even as I write this blog I can hear the wind tugging at the RV's windows--and if I listen closely, 25 feet away at the far end of my rig I can hear the gentle thrum of my wind turbine. If you can' stand a dull, constant sound, wind power may not be for you.
Not sure? Pick a breezy day on the desert and find a wind turbine user. Drive up, knock on the door, and let the owner know you're interested in wind. Chances are the owner will be happy to tell you all about his wind plant, and he may even invite you in for a listen. If you don't mind the sound, it's a great way to charge your batteries.
For more information on wind power an boondocking, check out our book, RV Boondocking Basics.
Labels: alternative energy, wind power
posted by Russ and Tiña De Maris at
1:16 PM
3 Comments:
Well you have convinced me. I have just ordered your book on boon-docking basics and I look forward to discovering the information you have on boondocking. One of the LDMA sites I will be boon-docking in is out in the Mojave, north of Randsburg, Ca. and there is always plenty of wind available. Plenty of sun too.
By
desertratdan, at January 24, 2008 9:47 AM
A few of your articles talk about hoisting up your wind turbine. Could you explain your way of attaching to your bumper and do you actually raise your tubine? I think other people would be interested to know how to attach one to your RV, especially one that would collapse down, out of the way. Since I do plan on building one, I would like to hear more about it. I have ordered your book and if it's in there, I'll be happy but others might like to know.
By
desertratdan, at January 24, 2008 11:46 AM
Ah, hoisting the old turbine.
We have a beta test unit of a wind turbine mast built out of square tube stock with a crank system to raise it. Unfortunately, the company never was able to successfully get the thing into production.
Prior to that we used the manufacturer recommended thick wall electrical conduit at the turbine itself, and the next size up below that as a "telescopic" arrangement.
To "step" the mast to the bumper I used two heavy duty "L" brackets, mounted side by side on the bumper, so that the brackets formed two "tabs" if you will, that the conduit was placed between with a big bolt acting as a pin, going from one bracket tab, through the conduit mast, through the next tab, and "nutted" off.
If this isn't clear enough (and it probably isn't) we'll try and post a new blog entry on the subject to bring everyone into the picture.
R and T
By
Russ and Tiña De Maris, at January 24, 2008 3:11 PM
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