do I need a solar controller or a charger

[Rolandc]

... great site but I still have one question left -I started with dozens of questions- so please help if you can.
I am ready to go solar by this summer -for a small RV- I already have a generator but I need to buy a battery charger or charge controller ... of course I would rather buy a charge controller now that will also charge deep cycle batteries if plugged into generator -if possible- now even though I do not have solar panels yet. What can I do? Do I/will I need 2 types of chargers?

[12vman]

I have a battery charger and a charge controller. I use my generator and battery charger for my back up if I need it. Of course, the charge controller with my panels..

Plan on them both if you already have a generator. A back up is a good thing.. ;)
~Don

[Rolandc]

... thank you very much ... I now know I am dealing with 2 different types of charging equipment ... not what a salesman had said when I called ... thanks again I am now ready to buy after I read a few more posts about what is the best charger between Iota and Xantrex ... if there is no clear choice from the 'masses' I shall return ... as McArthur quipped ....

[12vman]

I can vouch for Xantrex equipment. I have 2 of their controllers that I've been using for over 9 years now without any problems..
~Don

[Rolandc]

... xantrex it is!!! Will there be anything else with that ... no nothing else but many thanks ....

[DavidOH]

Trace and Heart

Xantrex bought out Trace.