Alternative to solar power?

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   We can't use solar power to recharge our batteries because we always camp in the woods and in the shade. Don't like the heat. I've noticed though that just about every time we go camping it rains. Usual biblical amounts of rain. So has any genius out there come up with a way to convert all that hydro energy into electricity? I'd buy something like that. Of course it would just stop raining then. 

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shroomer Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 24 Aug 2013 Location: New Haven, CT Online Status: Offline Posts: 236	Topic: Alternative to solar power? Posted: 10 Jul 2015 at 7:48am
	We can't use solar power to recharge our batteries because we always camp in the woods and in the shade. Don't like the heat. I've noticed though that just about every time we go camping it rains. Usual biblical amounts of rain. So has any genius out there come up with a way to convert all that hydro energy into electricity? I'd buy something like that. Of course it would just stop raining then.
	Larry and Debbie w/Rosie the mutt. Old: '13 177, '06 Silverado V6 New: '15 Whitehawk 20MRB '14 Silverado V8

furpod Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Group - pHp Joined: 25 Jul 2011 Location: Central KY Online Status: Offline Posts: 6128	Posted: 10 Jul 2015 at 7:54am
	Since all you need to do is recharge batteries, buy the smallest quietest genny Honda makes, the 1000i, sips fuel and you can run it under your picnic table while you eat and not hear it.

shroomer Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 24 Aug 2013 Location: New Haven, CT Online Status: Offline Posts: 236	Posted: 10 Jul 2015 at 8:16am
	I just want to convert rain to electricity!
	Larry and Debbie w/Rosie the mutt. Old: '13 177, '06 Silverado V6 New: '15 Whitehawk 20MRB '14 Silverado V8

Tars Tarkas Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 14 Jan 2013 Location: Near Nashville Online Status: Offline Posts: 1446	Posted: 10 Jul 2015 at 8:27am
	It's done all the time. Unfortunately, it requires very large reservoirs of rainwater (snow melt works too) and turbines that are generally too big to haul around in a travel trailer. A lot of campgrounds utilize these devices though very few have their own. TT
	2010 176 FJ Cruiser

shroomer Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 24 Aug 2013 Location: New Haven, CT Online Status: Offline Posts: 236	Posted: 10 Jul 2015 at 9:02am
	If we can catch sunbeams and turn them into electrons, why not rain drops? C'mon you engineers - no more excuses! We don't need kilowatts.
	Larry and Debbie w/Rosie the mutt. Old: '13 177, '06 Silverado V6 New: '15 Whitehawk 20MRB '14 Silverado V8

JohnBG Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 14 Apr 2015 Location: Deltona, FL Online Status: Offline Posts: 190	Posted: 10 Jul 2015 at 9:39am
	If you camp near a creek with flowing water there are some small home build generator kits that you could use, google them. As far as rain drops, you can't pull more energy out of them than the kinetic energy they have. It would take millions of raindrops to produce a useable amount of energy.
	2010 R-Pod RP-171 2010 Honda Ridgeline TV

GLBCamper Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 30 Jun 2015 Location: Oregon Online Status: Offline Posts: 274	Posted: 10 Jul 2015 at 11:29am
	OK. My first post and it always feels like a stupid question, but what runs on DC besides lights and furnace fan? Also, can't you just use the TV like a generator? (Plug into bargeman and idle?) If so, how long would it take to charge?
	Old: 2014 177 HRE 2015 Tacoma V6 4x4 Double Cab New: 2016 EVO ATS 200rd 2016 F150 4x4 Sport

JohnBG Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 14 Apr 2015 Location: Deltona, FL Online Status: Offline Posts: 190	Posted: 10 Jul 2015 at 12:25pm
	Lights , bathroom fan, Water pump, propane sensor, fridge electronics, fridge (but not for long if you set it that way), and inverter electronics all run on 12VDC. I have seen folks fire up their tow vehicle and rev the engine to put some charge on the battery. Not sure how well it works, for now I have only camped at places with electric and water hookups.
	2010 R-Pod RP-171 2010 Honda Ridgeline TV

podrunner Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 30 May 2013 Location: Draper, UT Online Status: Offline Posts: 106	Posted: 10 Jul 2015 at 12:48pm
	If you are going to plug in the bargman and idle, better choice is jumper cables. 1/2 hour of idle time will put a substantial charge back in the RV battery.
	2010 R Pod 151 2017 4runner 2006 Honda Metropolitan

GLBCamper Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 30 Jun 2015 Location: Oregon Online Status: Offline Posts: 274	Posted: 10 Jul 2015 at 5:19pm
	So...bypass the Bargman and just jump directly from TV battery to TT battery? Is there any downside to that? Why would I want a generator if I can just charge that way. Isn't my TV just one big generator?
	Old: 2014 177 HRE 2015 Tacoma V6 4x4 Double Cab New: 2016 EVO ATS 200rd 2016 F150 4x4 Sport