Larry, You are doing a great job of evaluating the options and identifying the products for a totally redundant system: I count five different power sources: the solar panels, the two Optima batteries/alternator, the Power Pack, the 110v Battery Tender, and the Honda generator. There is one more thing you should add to your list: a Dennis Hayes Custom Syncro Trailer Hitch (tm)- because I am afraid you will need a trailer to carry all this stuff! :-) Seriously, if you have two batteries, you certainly don't need the jumper power pack- wire the batteries like they do boats, use one exclusively for starting and the other exclusively for the "hotel" load, and your starter battery is never at risk. If for some reason the starter battery goes dead, you can jump/switch the starter onto the hotel battery. I like the idea of using the solar panels, but when they don't do the job, then just run the engine - go for a little drive. If both batteries are dead, push it down a hill to start. The generator is jsut something else you'll have to carry around and store, plus you have to keep it outside because of the danger of gas fumes, and they -though quiet- still p.o. other people camping nearby. Best way to insure success is to keep the systems as simple as possible. Good luck, Tom F. |
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