Does a Prevost Really Need Solar?

At first glance, the answer might seem like a hard “no.” After all, a 45-foot Prevost with a 25kW diesel generator already has more power than most RVers will ever need. But as Jason Shinpaugh, from the popular YouTube channel The Shinpaughs, recently shared during Todd’s Two-Minute Tech Tip Tuesday, there’s a lot more to this decision than just watts and amps. Despite owning one of the most capable Class A motorhomes on the market, Jason chose to install a full solar setup with Big Beard Battery—and his reasons might surprise you.

Jason and his family are not your average luxury RVers. While their coach is built for comfort, they’re passionate about boondocking. They’ve spent weeks off-grid in places like the Tetons, where solitude and nature are the main attractions. But even in remote locations, their generator had to run daily, making noise and breaking the peace they were seeking. It wasn’t that the generator didn’t work—it worked fine—but it was far from quiet. And when you’re cooking dinner beside a rushing stream, the last thing you want to hear is a diesel engine humming in the background.

Noise aside, Jason also pointed out the cost and effort of keeping the generator running. Between fuel, oil changes, and filters, he spent $800 during just one month of off-grid camping. That’s not even counting the inconvenience of lugging supplies and doing the maintenance himself, especially in dusty, remote places. With solar, that maintenance cost disappears. Once installed, it becomes a prepaid power source, silently recharging every time the sun comes up.

Then there’s the matter of flexibility. National parks and boondocking spots often have strict generator hours. In some of Jason’s favorite places—like the national seashore at Ocracoke—generators must be shut off by 10 p.m. With solar and a strong battery bank, they no longer have to worry about powering air conditioners, microwaves, or even their wine cooler overnight. And yes, they have a wine cooler. The solar system designed for Jason’s coach allows them to run two to three air conditioners during the day, with the ability to recharge naturally via solar or top off with the generator only as needed.

When Jason first started talking to the Big Beard Battery team, he wasn’t sure he’d use the system enough to justify the cost. But after seeing what it could do—and how it would improve their experience—he was fully on board. Now, instead of limiting their adventures, the solar system opens doors to stay longer, enjoy more remote locations, and operate the coach like they’re still plugged into shore power.

Solar isn’t just for van lifers and travel trailers. It’s a powerful tool for Class A owners, too—especially those who want more freedom, less noise, and better use of their time and resources. For Jason, it wasn’t about needing solar. It was about elevating the RV lifestyle and giving his family the quiet, comfort, and flexibility they value most.

If you’re ready to unlock new destinations and reduce your generator dependence, Big Beard Battery can help you design the perfect solar solution. Whether you're driving a teardrop trailer or a Prevost, solar gives you the power to go further.

Learn more and start building your dream system at BigBeardBattery.com.