By Russ and Tiña De Maris
Thursday’s decision by the State of California Air Resources Board (CARB) has angered RV manufacturers and worried RVers. But the seeming generator ban may mean much more to industry than to RVers on the ground.
What’s behind the ruling?
CARB was ordered by law to develop new rules that would reduce air pollutant emissions from “small engines” to zero by 2035. When we say “small engines,” the agency targeted small engines on equipment like lawn mowers, leaf blowers, weed eaters. Even gas-powered pressure washers were roped in. And yes, a generator ban got mixed in, as well. Small emergency generators, as used by families and small businesses, were exempted, provided they are permanently mounted or “fixed” units.
The agency trotted out statistics that show that SORE (small off-road equipment) produces huge amounts of air pollutants. These include particulates and nitrogen oxide. Admittedly, these pollutants do take a serious toll on health. Since the automotive industry was given the mandate to clean up tailpipe emissions, a major chunk of California’s air pollution comes out of SORE. Interestingly, though, CARB admits only about a fifth of that SORE-produced air pollution comes from small generators. Depending on how their figures are calculated, that in itself might be more than the reality.
How does the rule work?
Those hit first by the new rule would seem to be folks in the lawn care business. By 2024, no more will gas-fired lawn equipment be allowed for sale or lease in California. Sort of. Through a system of “credits,” companies may be able to continue to build and sell them for a time. But in the main, if you want to buy lawn equipment, you’ll largely be forced into buying ZEE. That stands for Zero Emissions Equipment, which many California residents already have. Battery operated, rechargeable stuff. But professional lawn care operators say the number of battery packs they’ll need to lug with them to get through a full day’s work will have a major impact on them.
But what about the generator ban? CARB ruled that generator manufacturers will need a little more time to deal with a zero emissions standard. Testimony from generator manufacturers during a CARB hearing on Thursday spoke volumes. And to be sure, the RV industry had plenty of folks testify. But with a time-limit of two minutes per speaker, laying out a succinct case against a ban didn’t have much of a chance to change minds.
For “portable” generators, come their model year 2024, new generators will have to have significantly less air pollution out the tail pipe. By 2028, only ZEE generators can be sold.
So, what’s a ZEE generator?
Theoretically, these are zero-emissions equipment generators. For some uses, they might be practical. Imagine a power inverter connected to a large battery bank. Plug in for pollution-free, absolutely quiet shore power. For many RVers, this would be idyllic. But the devil is in the details. There’s a finite amount of power that a battery can store. Once it’s used up, the ZEE generator will need to be lugged to a source of shore power and recharged. That’s a major crimp for some RVers, or a deal-killer for others.
So what does the new rule mean for RVers?
For now, absolutely nothing changes. RV retailers in the Golden State can go on selling RVs with on-board generators to their heart’s content. But by 2028, the music stops. Industry representatives complained long and hard. They said this could easily spell the shutdown of a third of the state’s dealerships once the new rule goes into effect. Others testified that RV dealers would relocate across the border in neighboring states and sell RVs with smoggy generators.
The RV industry made a concerted effort to get CARB to rule that RV-mounted generators should be classified as “stationary.” This would have exempted them from the new rules. Industry threw towable RV owners under the bus with their stand, but no matter – CARB wouldn’t hear the argument anyway.
But for you and me, the new rules will take a while to have much of an effect. Even when 2028 rolls around, a “generator ban” there won’t really be. For folks visiting California, your generator, no matter how old, is still lawful. For California resident RVers, your existing generators can continue to be used – and repaired. That goes on until they finally die their own death. However, with the increase of ZEE equipment, it will be interesting to see if there’s an impact on repair shops in California. Will they still have service departments that can handle repairs? The testimony of some equipment retailers suggests some are downright worried that they’ll be able to keep service departments operating.
Keep in mind, all of these new rules apply only to GASOLINE-powered units. If you fancy an RV with a diesel-fired generator, this so-called generator ban has no effect.
Are there alternatives?
Let’s say there was an effective generator ban. What would RVers do? For boondockers, the effect would be devastating. CARB suggested solar might be a way out. But in practical terms, building enough solar power into your rig to take the place of an on-board generator would require more roof area for panels than an RV could provide. The additional weight and footprint of storage batteries just from a practical standpoint would rule it out. Add on the financial toll and the matter is moot.
But at this point, unless California decided to try an outright generator ban, this is needless worrying. If your existing RV generator is up and running, keep it maintained and happy motoring. But if you see a new generator need in your future, either chassis mounted or truly portable, you might be ahead to do it before 2024, when prices will likely go up.
If you choose to comment, be kind. Nasty comments will be deleted and readers who made them banned from commenting again.
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##RVT1030b
Well, for starters. California legislators are mostly bought and paid for.
Second, they are also wrong. Where does the electricity come from to produce and charge these so-called emission-free small motors? Solar is not the answer.
Third, non-motorized generators don’t last. Where are the carcasses going to pollute? Ship them to some poor third world country?
Agreed, Solar in not the answer, there is no way you can put enough solar panels and battery power to run an AC all night, much less the next day and then there is the expence.
Those gas powered buggies aren’t the answer. They only go so far and they run out of gas. And where are you going to find a gas station? Nope, I’ll stick with my horse and buggy. At least there’s plenty of grass fit the horse to eat even if I have to deal with stepping in all the poop.
My God, if you sail to far out to sea, you’ll fall off the earth!
That darn innovation and constant learning and improving upon… What’s the point?
No problem with new PROVEN tech. Just don’t force people to buy stuff that doesn’t work reliably (solar, wind) or has seriously negative externalities:
https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2021-02-28/wind-power-company-will-breed-endangered-california-condors
California, permanently off the touring list. More insane ideas coming.
California – never on my touring list before ban.
My greatest problem with generators is that the people who use them always close the windows to their RV so they do not have to listen to and smell them. From experience, they like to move their generator out of their campsite, preferably, closer to yours. They need them for their air conditioners and their big screen televisions. What do you need yours for ?
I live in South Texas where it gets into the 80s even in December, what do you think we need them for?
I know! 🙂
Based on last year’s Texas power grid collapse. Probably to guarantee electricity is available in the “energy” state.
What about Propane powered Gen Sets
EVs, generators, smart phones and many more appliances need to be charged, no big deal and better than noisy smoking guns 🙂
You make no sense whatsoever. By all means, if not already a ***ifornia citizen, please move there.
And where will you get the electricity to charge all those devices?
I have an invention for electricity that works flawlessly, for the different sizes needed to power it can get heavy fast, for my house,in New England my device weighs 763 lbs at 200 amps, 110-240, no gas,diesel, solar, just a little grease and oil for lubricant. It runs as quiet as your electric cars. I am improving this device that can be used for RVs which I have in my RV I custom built for 12vdc, 120vac, this machine can be portable or stationary. next to install in a mock automobile. I’m elderly and funds can be a problem sometimes in the mix of creatinng, The success of this device can be the next wonder of our future, J.R.
Nothing like killing multiple industries and livelihoods through knee jerk reactions. Well, it’s good to see the printing machine manufactures are prospering, making more printers for the signage industry to print more “House For Sale” signs. Oh, wait that will be short lived as well. Can anyone say bail out? The rest of us 295 million will have have our check books at the ready. And good job “RVTravelers” for supporting your industry as well. (sarcasm)
Elections Have Consequenses! CA, YOU voted them in!! Shame…
OR Shall I Say… The Beaurocrats Were Installed…
Visit California. C’mon out and relieve yourself on the sidewalks in front of our stores. But don’t you dare start a chainsaw or bring your own fruit.
Keep in mind, all of these new rules apply only to GASOLINE-powered units. If you fancy an RV with a diesel-fired generator, this so-called generator ban has no effect.
You know why? Its shear numbers produced. Younsee these slimy govt types take in increments. So, diesels are next. Just tell them all to get lost. Buy from another state and go around the obstacle.
wait until they force you to run that generator on french fry oil.
That’s not all. The Corn growers are pushing hard to eliminate ethanol free gasoline and boost minimum ethanol mix to 20+%. This would be nation wide. That will put a damper on lawn mowers, generators, just about anything that is carbureted,
Will also blow up EVERY outboard motor there is.
Inboards too BTW.
Perhaps RVers will have to put a lid on all the power-using things they want in their RVs. I’ve had RVs for 29 years and full-timed for 13 years, always boondocking. NEVER used a generator. My last RV had a 135W solar panel, which was plenty of power for my needs. I used only battery-operated appliances, and focused on items from camping-goods stores. My only extraneous electrical item was my computer, which was on most of the day. Didn’t have a TV because I’ve never enjoyed watching it, but for those who do, I suggest they get a computer with a large monitor and stream TV shows into it. I had all kinds of solar gadgets, including a solar battery charger, which along with my inverter, allowed me to charge up anything that needed charging.
I would not have been able to use air conditioning, but I also didn’t need to do so because if it got too hot, I left for a cooler area, which was often just up a nearby mountain. After all, my idea of RVing was to follow the [good] weather!
Yes, I think we should just all go back to using covered wagons, you know, the original RV.
And the other form of transportation. So give up your auto to
Good perspective.
You’d never get any sleep doing that in Louisiana during the summer season. Temps often hit 90 degrees with relative humidity exceeding 80%.
It’s the folks on the board, it’s the regulatory design that is at fault.
We will just go across the 3 bordering states and buy one. I do that now with -25 windshield wiper fluid that’s banned because of the alcohol in it. Know people that buy banned paints, solvents, glues, etc that they ban here as well. The ban will be as effective as not being able to buy drugs here. Stupid people making stupid laws.
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Would a propane-fired generator be exempt, like diesel?
No, it’s still a fossil fuel, although a much cleaner one.
Diesel is a fossil fuel
Diesel is a fossil fuel.
Well CA folks, you can go buy a generator or tool from another state and bring it home. Simple as that. And there are portable generators which run on propane and diesel. As for me, I have been to CA several times, a beautiful place to visit but so screwed up with the politics.
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Wow. My husband and I were just talking about this yesterday (we live in California) and what it means to RVers. I told him I was going to ask the question about it to the editors…then I get up this morning and you’ve beaten me to it. Great job! I love this newsletter!!!
Thanks, Lindy. Yep, we read our readers’ minds. Better watch out. 😆 Have a great day, and stay healthy. 🙂 –Diane
Isn’t there a way to make electricity by walking around in circles all day? This CARB board does more to create waste and pollutants than just about anything. And the lousy feds should never have and now need to revoke their illegal authority to regulate especially on a national level…and yes folks, it is a national level.
Like I said in the initial coverage story on this, y’all need to tell your representatives to not (bleeped) your state.
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Having working in the auto emissions business, and experience dealing with the CARB folks, I can guarantee that the “numbers” they are using to justify this stupid rule are essentially fantasy made up.
However, they are an emission dictatorship with no realistic push back possible. I have stories about how they operate and even respected scientist are totally ignored. Ultimately they will put California out of business.
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It’s odd that people who love nature so much, don’t really want to commit to saving nature. I don’t really have the health to do RV stuff, but I planned how I would do it, and I still think it is an interesting exercise. The point is, you need a well insulated, relatively small space, and then you solve a lot of problems. You use high efficiency heating and cooling. You use LFP batteries, the wholesale kind, not the retail. You use as many solar panels as you can, for sure. That goes without saying. Technology moves along. batteries get better. A charging station can work with a big battery bank. We are moving toward electric, Ford and Tesla. This site is not a valuable resource, for me, but it’s good for a laugh. Take everything to the limit. Don’t examine the issue very thoroughly. Aim for ‘click bait’ headlines and articles. If that is your standard then “Well done!”
Dream on buddy. B.F. Skinner once wrote about this imaginary Eden of which you’re thinking. It’s called “Walden II.” I suggest you read it. You’ll find it very comforting.
You are right about this site, its not for you. But have no fear, we love our fossil fuel burning RV’s that get such poor gas mileage, it turns the greenies RED.
I say buy the biggest RV you want, and enjoy yourself. Just think, they sold more gas guzzling RVs in 2021, during the worst economic year on record. Id play that classic 60ties song by Barry McGuire, while tooling down the road! Go RVing…
Well said. A good part of America, ironically starting with a second rate actor from California turned corporate spokesman and politician, now reflexively believes if the government does it, it must be bad.
Long forgotten are the leaders from the east and west coasts, Texas and midwest who gave us the enormously successful Clean Air and Clean Water Acts, the EPA and other regulations that are allowing us to live longer and healthier and set us apart from the likes of Beijing or New Delhi. Also forgotten is the technology funded by the government via the space program, military and other development programs that launched and enabled technological innovation that let to solving countless problems and kept our country prosperous.
I still believe with the right leadership, visionaries leading the charge and Americans working together we have the means to solve problems and make a better world for ourselves and children. But the fear and professional outrage industry sure does create a strong headwind.
Great comment!
This could also seriously affect California’s bottom line from vaca visitors who would simply stop visiting California RV’r local attractions. Federal funding to keep national parks open would also be adversely affected similar to when covid hit, only this would be caused by a major boycott of CA all together. I cannot imagine any snow birds coming to CA for any long stay without a generator to keep them from burning up in the hotter summers or freezing to death in the colder winters.
or watching TV
When we travel we are Embarrassed to say we are from California. There are ways to get around the CARB rules like going to other states and buying there. California is losing money with laws like this I guess they make up for in higher gas prices. It does make one wonder what pollution is being generated by making all these High End Batteries and where do the Batteries go when they die? Do they get buried in Nevada somewhere!
Not if we catch them!
Worn out wind turban blades are being buried in remote Wyoming as we speak!
Turbans are being bought up by the Saudis.
Yeah, but where are all of the old wind turbines going, Chris? 😆 Take care. 🙂 –Diane
LOL
Most gasoline generators are easily converted to LP gas!
Smartest comment I’ve read
Just keep in mind that switching to LP fuel will reduce the power output of the generator.
And what do you do when the supply of propane is reduced because of mass consumption?
Along with the ban on gasoline powered lawnmowers, this must be one of the stupidest, asinine edicts ever handed down. So when the California power grid finally craps the bed, people who can’t afford a $25K solar conversion on their houses will be in the dark permanently. Some folks can’t afford to move out of Cali. They’re learning a very hard lesson, you voted for this (bleeped), you failed to recall him, now you must live with it. Pretty soon there won’t be anyone left to clean the swimming pools for the rich. Like Kerry said, if you lose your job a coal miner, you can walk down the street and get a job assembling solar panels.
Hey I’m all for no lawn mowers in California, just get cows, goats , sheep, horses, bison
But oh, the methane!! lol
I’m just hoping all of you that hate Calif. so much quit coming here so it’ll be easier for me to get a camp site !
You might take a notice on the license plate on the campers that are parked in your so called camping parks all California. Wow now that is real camping parked in a parking lot with another camper 2 feet from you and a million people walking down an asphalt trail behind you. Yup that’s real camping
Been here 74 years so I have a pretty good idea of camping here. I’m not the one with the monster rv that needs elec. for my refer or clothes washer. There are lots of places with plenty of space.
Just finished a lovely trip through Redwoods!!
Don’t hate California, just no respect for most of the liberal politicians and so called artists.
Beautiful state, unfortunately overrun by Marxists and governed by people who know nothing about running a small business or making payroll.
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California has a hard enough time with their electrical grid during high demand periods. Many of their issues also deal with the hoops the utilities have to deal with for trimming of trees in the right of way, maintains existing power lines and building new ones. Solar, wind, hydro and some geothermal power is being heavily relied upon, however they are for the most part dependent on importing as much as approximately 30-40% of the needed power during a normal conditions from out of state and more during the warm months of the year. The vast majority of imported electricity is from fossil and nuclear power with some solar and wind production. California imports more out of state power than any other state.
Interesting seeing all the comments. New reader poll: when making a comment, you must state your age. It’s easy to justify the need for fossil fuels when that’s all you know. With age comes limited ability to keep learning, which is not accomplished through social media. Technology is expanding as we speak and new battery technology will be awesome. I have personally installed complete solar power systems that run everything including AC for reasonable cost. Those who make remarks like solar isn’t the answer, aren’t in touch with reality. If you don’t like Chinese food, don’t eat it. If you don’t like California, don’t go there. Simple.
Les, we do learn and adapt. If you do your research and seek professionals’ articles on subjects like generator usage and solar use with rv’s then you’ll see why some of these alternatives just don’t have any real practical application yet, or even in the next couple of years. I’m both optimistic and hopeful that there will be legitimate clean sources of power generation soon.
I’m not sure age has a lot to do with learning ability. It’s more about your willingness to learn at any age, and your general level of education. I’m old, educated, and I learn just fine.
What exasperates me is folks who choose conspiracy over science. That, in my view, is really dangerous to not only our health and survival, but to our democracy as well.
Age is a moot point. I’m talking physics. Two air conditioners running at the same time solar power has zero chance of running them even with a bank of 6 lithium ion batteries. 12 makes the RV impractical. Too heavy.
Les, this is the reality. I am retired from working in the power industry for over 40+ years. Solar does have its place however it does come with a cost of exchanging one pollution for another. The mining of the materials for the solar panels is filthy and the disposal of spent panels are considered a hazardous waste. Batteries fair worse in all categories and the world does not have an unlimited supply of lithium. A total solar powered electrical grid in the US is difficult due to the continental US being in total darkness for long periods. Also solar panels have an issue producing what is called VARS (volt amp reactance). Simply put VARS is the pressure it takes to keep electrons flowing. VARS is more easily controlled with a large rotating mass such as those found in traditional generating stations. An operator at a generating plant may at anytime be asked to produce VARS or have the generator suck them in to help maintain voltage. It’s not as simple as you suggest to put solar panels on everyone’s house and our problems go away. The flow of electrons is a very complex subject.
Solar panels also are very inefficient at converting solar energy into electricity. Most affordable panels are in the 11% to 18% range. Their efficiency is inversely related to ambient temperature. The hotter they get, the lower their efficiency.
http://solarbyempire.com/why-solar/solar-panel-efficiency
Les, I might inform you that the “older generations” were the generation of conservation. We reused nearly everything. Soft drinks came in returnable bottles, milk came in returnable bottles. We got our drinking water from the tap, not plastic bottles that end up in landfills or scattered across the landscape and oceans. There were no disposable diapers, only cloth, that was washed and reused. These are just a few of the items we reused in the “olden days”. It’s the younger generations that turned us into a disposable society. So I find it hypocritical that younger generations claim to be environmental warriors. If you are concerned about the use of fossil fuels, you must also consider the vast amounts of fuel needed to pump out all the disposable products we consume. In the last 50 years, the average annual miles driven has nearly doubled. In days gone by we chose to live near where we worked, we consolidated trips to save gas and reduce wear on our vehicles. I still carry many of these practices with me today. Us “old folks” aren’t entirely responsible for the wasteful society we’ve become. Considering my substantial contribution to being conservative during my lifetime, I think that if I choose to run my generator occasionally on my RV I will do so with a clear conscious.
Ha,ha, ha. You know the saying old too soon, wise too late? I’m 72 and still have the same curiosity as when I was 22. One of the things I’ve learned with age is that young people can be insufferable fools thinking they are more intelligent than old. Probably still thinking old is anyone over 30 too.
But I will grant you one thing. People from my generation are used to the right to be moving around. Over a million of us in retirement living and traveling full time in our RVs. Currently that can only be done with vehicles using gasoline or diesel. And, yes, we need generators too. Plus, and it’s a big one, it won’t do any good unless the entire population of the entire world is doing it too. And they aren’t
So if you are asking me to trade in my RV for a slot in a nursing home waiting to die, it’s not going to happen.
Ok youngster. Have you ever disposed of a battery? Please tell me what you think happens to it? Lithium ion batteries are extremely toxic. The process to mine lithium is done by very large Diesel spewing equipment. Then transported via diesel burning trucks, trains, or ships to manufacture plants over seas or in the other 49 free states. Then sent back by the same diesel burning shipping methods to your (bleeped) state where you buy them and tell all you’re friends look it me I’m green. I suggest you do your research on factual manufacturing methods for tour batteries then speak to age.
I take it the misspelling of your handle is intentional.
Anybody thought about adapting a catalytic converter exhaust system for generators?
Not sure if that’s enough to lower emissions to acceptable levels.
not a bad idea, except for the thieves wanting them and the cost.
“…ZEE generator will need to be lugged to a source of shore power and recharged…”
I’d call that a storage unit . It doesn’t ” generate” anything.
Exactly.
Solar is a mute point?! I don’t think so 620 on my r.v roof it’s only 28ft. Long 400 ah
3000 inverter can run RVRRTHING not all at the same time but…it is true no sun no power, 6 months on the toad no generator needed. We do carry Honda 2.000 and extra foldable 250 worth of solar. It does cost money. Can’t fit enough solar on the roof not true. Takes some work and planning (and $$$) but a mute alternative, I think not.
How about motorcycles not much different than other small engines. People would not put up with that foolishness California come here its the give away state
Don’t give them the idea of banning motorcycles that will not end well for ether side
moot, not mute
Solar doesn’t run A/C. Period. I have a 28′ Airstream with two air conditioners..No solar will power it.
people do run a/c on battery banks and solar, but the banks are usually lithium(expensive) and mini split systems that are more efficient. but still, you need your whole roof covered in panels. most of those systems are over 10k. dealers will just sell diesel rv’s and i guess campers can buy a diesel generator. so not much will change for air quality due to rvs.
Not on a class b Roadtrek. Maybe you can get creative and figure out how to install 400 watts of panels, but kind of useless unless you can figure out how to also store 4 75lb AGM batteries.
Hydrogen or LNG could be used if the government would get off it’s soapbox about electricity. In California , the southern half we get electricity by using fossil fuels . Mainly natural gas. RVs already has propane tanks . Convert over to LNG or Hydrogen. Done!
Agreed. California is a “dirty” state because we import a lot of our electric needs via other power plants. CARB is being hypocritical.
Dual fuel genny. Make it easy to change the plumbing from the propane tank to the gas tank. Small adjustment on the genny and you are back to normal.
What about propane-fueled RV generators? They’re becoming popular and emissions are less than diesel-fueled units.
Propane is one of the CLEANEST, if NOT the cleanest (next to Natural Gas) fuel you can burn/use. Most of the propane’s emissions are water vapor.
The article states that this only affects gasoline generators, not diesel, which doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to me. But, our 1998 RV has a propane generator so we’re good!
Until they reduce the availability of propane!
I see the intent is great lets reduce emissions but unless everyone is on board. I believe they can make a much more efficient generator, or for that matter truck, bus , and RV. But a ban is silly California will drive out industries and tourism. This will effect there pocket book.
Look into Portable Electric e-generators. They last 4,000 cycles, or 10 years, and they fast-charge.
The entire point of Off Grid Boondocking is that you can do it without having shore power available. I have a very smallve-generator. 250wh. It only accepts 10wh and you can’t use it while it’s accepting a solar charge. That’s 25 hours of sunlight. It can deplete those 250watts as quickly as you want. I can plug in my TV. It uses 80wh. That’s about 2 plus hours of use then 25 hours of sun… so about 3.5 days of sun. So that’s a no go. I charge it at day/night off my rv house Batts and just use it for recharging my phone and other small devices. If an OG RVers invest in Lithium Batts and use Propane appliance like Fridge. Water-Heater, Stove and Oven, then THATS your workaround. Using a gas generator you buy in a bordering state or a diesel or Propane generator will also work nicely.
Different type of generators and lithium ion batteries are expensive. If you’re a weekend camper… THAT’S EXPENSIVE. If you are a full time RVer. It’s a wise investment no matter what (bleeped) California does.
In short. Use the workaround, Go Full Time or move out of state and have more freedom to do as you wish.
Portable electric generators lawnmowers weed Wackers – cars etc right now in California they already have rolling blackouts when it is hot now can someone tell me what happens when all this electric things go on line where is the power going to come from when they don’t have enough now – b4 they pass all these laws shouldn’t they fix the grid 1st maybe I’m wrong r just stupid r something and don’t see the big picture can someone maybe explain it to me
Some people “forget ” where the electricity comes from to power these zero emission devices…I will just plug my car, battery for the lawn mower, weed whip…Renewable power sources can not carry the demand currently to supply the electricity. Coal, natural gas, nuclear are the majority of the sources for generation of the magic electricity.
You are right on Kevin. They are charging into a solution to a problem and creating a bigger problem in the process. Typical California governmental thinking. I believe it was Nancy Pelosi who commented (while trying to pass Obama Care as an example) “let’s just pass it, we can fix it later”, in other words, lets just pass something and let others figure out how to fix it.
Fast charge on what? Solar panels vary by location with effective sun access, fuel generators don’t. a fuel based Genny always provides the same amount of power as long as you have fuel. The sun is not a highly dependable power source. It is useful, but also fails a lot. You only get a fast charge if you have access to shore power which you don’t have in the middle of national forest land or the desert. Sun charge = slow charge and undependable charge if you don’t have enough panels or aren’t in an ideal location for solar.
And just how do you charge it without hookups?
yet another reason why we will never again set foot in Kalifornia.
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Good. It’s getting way too crowded at the beautiful national and state parks here.
You can burn gas with near zero emissions it’s called vapor no emission it has a patent no one does any thing with , oil companies don’t like it . A generator will run for hours on 3 inches of gas in a one gallon can , I got sick of hearing it run 6 hours no added fuel . Car manufacturing company had it for years did nothing with it I played with it a while it works .
Hey Kevin how do I do that?
It’s really quite simple . One gal can 3, 3/4 in. pipes to bottom one at top out to carb steal screen in pipe to carb . You will have to tee in and a valve to bleed in little air . 3 inches of gas in the can , it will run for hours. I’m trying to make a float switch to keep 3 inches in the can . Think about this , there is 160,000 gallons of vapor in 1 gallon of gas. So in one gallon of gas is almost last the life of the motor. Disconnect any other gas supply .
Best plan is to move out of the worst state in the union. Move to a state that believes that freedom is more important than fake brownie points. Also, any state with lower taxes (there are 49 of those).
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👍👍👍👍👍 we left a few years ago after the has tax for road improvements. How do you get 259mil for road improvements on a toll road (91 expressway) that was just rebuild. …. That’s California…. (bleeped) are already in debt
Worst state in the union? That would be Texas or Mississippi.
California, OTOH, has the largest economy in the US and the fifth largest in the world. It has gorgeous national and state parks. But it is crowded so it’s good that the riffraff stay away.
I’m so sick of people touting the size of California’s economy, as if that’s an excuse to throw common sense out the window and destroy/punish the State’s middle class. CA’s economy is large IN SPITE of the liberal progressives that are in power, NOT because of them. Dems are actively destroying the state, but because of it’s size, it is taking time to do so.
Best solution: propane generators
If RVs would not use their generators to watch TV all weekend using their generator, I wonder how much pollution would drop. If that’s what you want to do go to a park with hookups.
A television isn’t the problem about running a gen set and if you know of people doing what you’ve exampled, so sorry for you.
Many of these coaches have residential, 120 volt refrigerator like a house has in them. My new one will.
The AC to bring the indoor temperature doesn’t work like your house one. Those things HAVE TO run all day to bring it to or keep it at a bearable temperature.
So, “watch TV all day”. Not quite what you’re assuming here…
Yup, I have a self built rig and the main reason I supplement with the generator is keeping the fridge running. I don’t even have a TV.
Great let’s make battery power crap. HERE IS NEWS DO YOU KNOW THE PROCESS TO MAKE A BATTERY THEN DISPOSE OF IT……it is WAY MORE TOXIC THAN A GENERATOR YOU (bleeped). Present all the facts lnstead of making stupid laws that fit your agenda. Not to mention how many people will simply leave your broke in debt state. Way to kill small buisness owners good job California bravo
California has a surplus and is actively distributing MONEY to its residents.
You mean distributing money to illegal immigrants!
I am so glad that I left that a**-backward, insane cess-pool of a state when I did. Let them actively continue to KILL that state. Pretty soon, there isn’t going to be a “California” left. It absolutely astonishes me that in that third-world state, where they turn off the power when the wind blows, they ironically are worried about little generators. Only in California.
I’m also very glad that I installed a propane adapter on my portable generator not that I will be returning to CA anytime soon.
You are lucky, these people deserve what they get. And for now I’m stuck here in ******fornia. Newsome needs tar and feather
Fifth largest economy in the world. Business is doing very well in California.
Ok. One more post. First, in all my boondocking I have never seen any official. So who would catch anyone running a generator?
Two, this would do the most good if California would ban all those 4 wheelers. All these motorheads who won’t walk anywhere are putting out way more into the air than generators. But I don’t see CA legislators having the guts to attempt that as I forsee about 10000 motorheads storming the capital.
–“So who would catch anyone running a generator?”
It won’t be illegal under the new law to RUN a generator; just to sell one. So after 2024 or 2028 (depending on how things play out), you won’t be able to buy a generator.
Keep in mind, all of these new rules apply only to GASOLINE-powered units. If you fancy an RV with a diesel-fired generator, this so-called generator ban has no effect.
Glad I have a “propane generator” onboard.
You still can use them for your home and if it’s the RV it’s your home Newsom can pound sand
California’s decision to curb emissions is a good thing. Although the decision to ban small engine polluters appears to be short sighted, as I read many of the comments, it will force/enable entrepreneurs to come up with new technology to solve today’s emission problems. I feel pretty confident that what seems like a big issue now won’t be by 2028. It’s called progress.
It sure is a Progressive Idea screw the little Guy as usual! The only other tech possibly usable would be Hydrogen Powered fuelCells.Then again I distrust the Government so badly I am buying a Diesel 2500 Rig!
All the new technology in the world can’t change the fact that batteries can only store so much energy — and it ain’t much. Batteries are not, can not, and never will be, a substitute for actual generators.
Just wait until Uncle Joe Biden and News*** gets you all in Electric Cars he will tell when and where you can drive and Charge as the Power Plants will be out of Propane or Natural Gas. . I am swapping my Hemi Dodge1500 in for a 2500 or 3500 Cummings straight Six if I can still buy one?
Good luck!
I’m looking to upgrade my ram 3500 Cummins drw for full time RV life in a new truck. Only problem is, the price being 6 figures and the 6 month waiting time!
Right now I’m waiting (5 months now) on my F350 Dually to replace my 2500 HD Silverado cummins. The amount they gave me on the Chevy offset nicely the sticker of the new one.
I ordered a RAM 2500 in early August and had it 6 weeks later. Is there a hold up on the diesels?
There are lots of small and medium size generators used on construction sites and other various outdoor activities. Did CARB hear from construction companies?
They will switch to diesel or propane.
I love clean air and the environment but these kind of regulatory progressives just want to go after easy targets that have nothing to do with really cleaning the air. It’s just feel good stuff with no positive result to jack up their environmental resumes. We (RVers) are an easy target for sure and there is no big $$ lobby group to defend us and they know it. If people are really serious about cleaning the air, why are not they advocating for killing the real reasons for air is pollution? Compared to cars, truck, trains, jet airplanes, etc….. how much can a lawn mower or RV generator emit? Stupid but Stupid is California.
Simply make your purchase in another State…put a battery powered one faked in…
Check out the book “Axemaker’s Gift”. It explains the social and psychological aspects of developing technology.
From that information I have concluded that my only choices are to convert to being Amish or Mennonite OR accept all the benefits and restrictions that come along with the continually evolving technology that both solves and creates new problems.
Still say the best thing to do with CA is to get thousands of backhoes and dig a deep trench down the border and kick it out into the ocean, if it floats it’ll be an island nation all to itself, if it sinks we’ll know it wasn’t any good. (bleeped)
Thank you! Nice article, clear and succinct! Have a great week!
Why do individuals in California keep putting up with stuff such as this?
Cancel culture. No worries, if this article talks about the limited time people had to comment at the carb hearing, read the bottom line here. If you post a comment that could hurt someone’s feelings or be deemed by the comment police as offensive, you could be banned! Ha! Ha! Haa! Too bad all these younger generations weren’t born ages ago before nuclear power, automobiles, trains, planes, lawnmowers and the internet were born. Such a smarter humankind. Maybe the protesters and geniuses can get bans and laws passed that don’t permit rockets, jets and missiles pollution….then we can really lead the world on our peace mission. Russia may ban the internet and satellite communications sooner than later from those who wish to cancel and ban free speech. Russia has a closed system internet unlike the rest of the world, but for all the banners and cancel culture personnel. They will have to find a new hobby. Can’t wait to see the world these new generations live in. And then a meteor
To heck with California and all the people that vote blue! I just bought a V-8, 3/4 truck and I will drive it to California to ride my two-stroke, dirtbike in its desert. Try to stop me! I will buy gas it up in Arizona! The “left” is killing this country, on purpose! Very sad indeed.
To heck with California and you can’t wait to go there. Why not just stay away?
The economy of the State of California is the largest in the United States, boasting a $3.0 trillion gross state product (GSP) as of 2020. If California were a sovereign nation (2020), it would rank as the world’s fifth largest economy, ahead of India and behind Germany. Yeah they must be a bunch of idiots who should listen to all of you. Great state and can’t wait to visit again with my generatorless RV.
Finally someone says something that makes sense. We sure seem to have a lot of angry Republicans on here.
California has had rolling blackouts since the 70’s when I lived there. They do not have the energy to sustain the need they have, let alone going to a gas-less state which would require a lot more electricity. The horizons are now covered with ugly windmills. They want to or have outlawed the use of coal, oil and atomic means of production of electricity, leaving only solar. The landscape blight and disposal of windmill parts and used storage batteries will and/is going to cause a lot more problem. We need to carefully consider the consequences of the actions, rather than blindly charge ahead into a solution with far more dire circumstances than the problem at hand. Check how windmill parts are produced (and it’s pollution contribution), research the disposal of used windmill blades and the time it takes for them to revert back to nature. You would be surprised at what is being created. Factories producing these products are causing far more pollution than the products they make are saving.
Yeah, the power planners haven’t thought of any of this. They’re wind turbines, not windmills. Mills grind grain.
Is there a way for the smart people of America to kick *****fornia out of the union? This has to be the most backwards state led by the biggest group of idiots ever.
Nobody ‘smart’ would even consider such a thing. Texas has shown itself to want to be kicked out. Florida seems to be run by an idiot too.
As someone who was born and raised in California, I’m disgusted at what it has become. It used to be the state that others looked up to, wanted to be like. Liberal politicians have destroyed it. The schools, the roads, the taxes, the housing costs, the energy costs, the rules/regulations… It is now the laughingstock of the nation. You can pretend otherwise, but that is the reality, and everyone with the means to do so, both individuals and businesses, are getting the hell out. In 7 years when I retire, I’m gone, because I cannot afford to stay.
The only true hope for battery powered generators is solid state batteries or the equivalent. Something that hold a minimum of ten times the capacity of lithium and recharges in minutes not hours.
Here goes California again – off the deep end! Why don’t they pay more attention to law and order instead of dumping on the law abiding person just trying to have some relaxation?
Has anyone been to Downtown Sacramento or downtown San Francisco lately? The filth garbage and unlawful Behavior should be the priority not a generator.
With California’s ridiculous gas prices, traffic congestion, fires and floods, the only way we go RVing to California is to quickly pass through. And and this is coming from a guy that was raised in SoCal.
The backwards thinking of so called leaders in California is amazing. They are worried about small generators but have no concern about people pooping in the streets, large groups of minorities rampaging businesses, tent cities everywhere, highest priced gas in the country and a man made drought. If you ever want to know what the people will try next, just think of the most absurd thing possible. Its probably on their agenda. I cannot wait for retirement so I can sell my ridiculously over priced house, take my state funded retirement and tell California to kiss my rosy red…
What is a man-made drought?
The fact that California intentionally diverts millions and millions of gallons of water out of reservoirs and allows it to flow into the ocean, rather than storing it in those reservoirs.
We don’t build new reservoirs!!!
They also banned gas powered chain saws. should be interesting for the logging industry.
And how many millions or tons of ore will be dug up/exploited in 3rd world countries to make all those green batteries?? A Tesla would have to be driven for 30+ years to make up for its initial carbon footprint, and the batteries don’t even last that long. Going green is big government $$$
Gasoline evil but diesel and I suppose propane isn’t? Must be more of that liberal logic I don’t get like increasing power demand on a grid that can’t keep up now while they are also eliminating 9 percent of power production by closing Diablo Canyon with no way to replace that loss.
Meanwhile, the REAL polluters have corrupt politicians in their back pockets!!!
NO WAY does these small engines contribute to the air quality reduction in California at all!
I would rather see campfires banned. What a smoky nuisance they are.
What about APU’s on big trucks? When the state banned idling, they said you could use an APU (AUXILLARY POWER UNIT) in lieu of running your diesel engine. Now what?
Double-talking hypocrites!
As I told Jess a moment ago, if you’re a Californian, contact your elected representatives and tell them to REPEAL this ridiculous ban.
If enough people complain, something may be done about it. Unfortunately, news of this ban is pretty much only being dispersed among the RV community, so we need to get the word out to the general population.
The article did mention that the ban is to apply only to gasoline-powered generators, exempting those that run on diesel.
That said, California takes enviro-lunacy like this to ever-increasing levels, and I certainly wouldn’t put it beyond them to try to ban diesel generators somewhere down the road. But at least as of the date of publication of this article, for the time being, it looks like truck drivers are unaffected by this.
And what are we supposed to do when our electricity is shut off for days at a time? How do elderly or disabled people keep their medical equipment running? Not everyone can afford to have solar installed, so what are they supposed to do now that they can’t use an emergency generator?
Contact your elected representatives and tell them to repeal this ridiculous law.
CARB is responsible for “stealing” more money from citizens than any other organization in the state. Even worse, they are literally accountable to no one. CARB should actually be disbanded, and it’s upper management should be imprisoned.
I’ll make sure I burn a tire or 3 every year to make up for this lunatic law
I have been a life long democrat. But after the last couple years of governing, I will vote Republican.
I’m a liberal* who votes Democratic, but I am incensed that this ban was passed AFTER Newsom’s recall election. And I’m sure that was no accident. If this new ban had been approved BEFORE the recall election, I certainly would’ve voted AGAINST Gov. N*******. >:-(
___________________
* The word “liberal” comes from the Latin word for freedom (“liberalis”) — the same source for the word “liberty”. THATS the kind of liberalism I stand for — not the current model that seeks to restrict or outlaw everything that is deemed politically incorrect. There’s nothing free or truly “liberal” about telling people they can’t buy useful products.
Really? The generator ban is what would have put you over the top as far as your vote? If you truly value freedom as you claim, I don’t see how you would ever support Gov. N or his party, which constantly seeks to relieve you of your freedoms
Nobody here is to be believed as to whom they vote for.
So I guess if you live in CA and have an RV and your onboard gen dies. You take a trip to a neighboring state, have it replaced, then go back home. Or better yet, move to another state. Time for millions of Californians to vote with their feet and get out of this whacko state.
What happened to being able to vote for things like this?
Oh ya I forgot Mary Nichols is not and was not voted in so CARB marches to the beat of the governors drum!
If anyone did any research on the disturbing history of CARB and their bogus findings, and phony doctored up reports from their “emissions collection sites”, they would be disgusted!
And when our land is full of spent lithium batteries which will not decompose then what?
Oh ya and those batteries are the end result of rare earth mineral mining, most of which is not found here in US, but found elsewhere in China, so we just will keep on feeding the monster it looks like
Lithium batteries are easily recyclable, and with the growing need for them it’s going to be big business! (So, please, stop parroting Fox ‘News’ and OAN about waste….). As for China, we get more Rare Earth Minerals from Africa (where China has spent a fortune on foreign policy – while Conservatives rail about even feeding starving refugees).
Excellent.
Please keep your politics out of the discussion.
I take it these are not your politics, because these comments are full of politics.
So what about job site generators ? I know there are diesel ones but they are usually for large job sites and pricey but smaller sites from my experience use the gas powered ones more often
Just another good reason to avoid travel to California. Keep your money where it’s appreciated.
This is a BIG opportunity to improve the state of power generation. Yes, solar and wind can be good alternatives for power generation when boondocking, but this really opens the door for fuel cell technology! WATTS systems are expensive now, but so were flat screen TVs twenty years ago, and electric cars ten years ago. Between a 1KW fuel cell system, and solar/wind/LiFEPo battery rig, you can have all the conveniences of home without the power cord.
Looking at the comments below, I really am disgusted that people would do deliberate harm to the environment over a rule to protect it. How did you all become so consumed with hatred??? You should all be ashamed of yourselves.
Umm, wait until shopping centers out in parking lots, and other remote areas can’t get fixed. There is not a non gas or diesel generator on planet earth than keep our power tools running. Let’s also note that almost ALL TEMP POWER and emergency lighting, will not happen unless MAJOR advancements happen before then with battery equipment. Just my 2 cents as a contractor of 23 years ..so far.
Did you mean “put in parking lots”?
God I am glad I live in North Carolina. You are welcome to move here from California but remember to not bring your liberal voting habits.
All the recharging of batteries should really help California with their annual summer brown outs — NOT! That’s what happens when a full “cost accounting” is not done but rather shaded in the desired direction regardless of facts.
I guess Newsom wants to kill the camping industry too.
STOP…Read…The “ban” only refers to the “sale of”…NOT the use of. It just means go to another state to purchase your generator. I will bet the retailers in Nevada and Oregon will have plenty of inventory available. I also believe that this ruling will eventually lead to more restrictions on the use of, but not yet!
One can only blame the voters in California. Just like the latest rule that will surely increase the cost of bacon 4 fold in the golden state.
I’m not going to stop using anything that they don’t have a suitable replacement for.
Given the numerous PGE planned power outages in California these days, it would be outrageous to ban generators. As for RV’s, we have an onboard generator we seldom use. The Lithium batteries coupled with solar panels are about all we need for a quality camp.