Frequently Asked Questions

Portable generators provide electricity by running a gas-powered engine that turns an on-board alternator to generate electrical power. Power outlets on the unit allow you to plug extension cords, electric-powered tools and appliances into it.

Portable generators can run for up to 2,000 hours in total. Portable generators, as opposed to standby generators, are designed to run for shorter periods of time, often 6-18 hours. These devices are useful for RV camping excursions or powering specific household appliances in an emergency, but they are not suggested for usage during long-term power outages.

The most important thing about camping is having all your essentials, this is the key to a safe and fun trip. Of course, this includes having a camping generator that can power up your caravan and other electrical equipment. If you’re thinking of buying a generator for your next trip, here’s a guide on how to choose a generator for camping:

Usage

1. Appliance and Tools

Before buying, consider what appliances and tools you’re going to power up using the generator first. Then, check the number of watts per item. If you think you’re going to power up more than one device simultaneously, then combine the wattage requirements to determine which generator is suitable for you.

Freezers and some power tools may require more wattage to startup so it’s best to use an inverter generator and not the standard one. For sensitive equipment that needs sine wave power like computers, phones, and GPS, you should also use an inverter generator, because the standard generators have an uneven power output that can damage your items. Lights and other power tools are less sensitive and can use the standard generator.

2. Caravan

A caravan may require a 30-50 amp connection. Most portable generators have a caravan-ready outlet so you can just plug it in while some still need an adaptor to connect. With a 50-amp caravan, you can use a 30 amp output from a generator with an adaptor to power up an aircon. Or you can use a 50 amp output for two aircons.

3. Portable vs. Onboard Generators For Camping

A generator should be easy to move around. Not only should it have wheels, a carry/tow handle and extension cord, it should also need to be silent and lightweight. A portable generator is more flexible, allowing you to have power anytime and anywhere. And as mentioned, you can power up your caravan using a 30-50amps generator, as well as two electrical devices using two portable generators.

If you have a motorised caravan and only plan to use the generator inside, then it’s best to have an onboard generator, especially if it’s generator-ready. Automatic generators will automatically switch your caravan from shore to generator power. This way, you don’t have to plug your caravan’s power into the generator’s outlet to draw power.

Although inverter generators can’t produce as much power as conventional generators, they are more efficient due to how the energy how the AC current is produced. The more efficient a generator is the less fuel is used and the smaller the fuel tank can be.

Portable generators allow you to operate your RV in regions where there is no power or to bring devices on your tent camping vacation. A movie night in the woods is an appealing notion, and it’s perfectly feasible owing to generators.

Choosing the appropriate generator can be a difficult undertaking, especially when you consider their prices. Although price is crucial, there are various other variables to consider. Choosing a portable generator for camping is much less stressful once you’ve done your homework and examined models within your price range.

What to think about when purchasing a camping generator

What level of silence do you prefer?

Some generators can be rather loud, and the sound might travel fairly far depending on where you’re camping. The volume of a sound is generally measured in adjusted decibels (or dBA). An average conversation between two persons has a level of roughly 60 dBA. Many portable generators, believe it or not, have an adjusted decibel level of 60dBA or less from 20 feet away. Some generators are solar-powered or charged in various ways; in many situations, these versions can run quietly.

What kind of power do you require?

If you’re tent camping, you can get away with a small generator; however, if you’re camping in an RV, you may need a generator with a capacity of 2500 watts or higher to power your appliances.

If you intend to utilize your portable generator, you must first study the starting and running wattages of your most often used equipment.

The central air conditioner is often the most power-hungry device in an RV. A 7,000 BTU air conditioner can start at 1700-1800 watts and run at 600-650 watts. If you have a 15,000 BTU air conditioner in your RV, it may take up to 3500 watts to start.

At A Glance: Our Top 3 Camping Generators

A 2000-watt inverter generator is usually enough to power these basic camping items. However, because every appliance is unique, it pays to be certain. The best thing to do is calculate the amount of power required not only to run the appliances you want to use, but also to start them. The starting output demand for many appliances can be up to three times (or more) the continuous running power. The exact starting and running wattage of your appliances can be found in the product manual or on the appliance data plate.

Noisy generators are an annoyance if you use your power source in an apartment or on a campsite; a power inverter is your best bet. Power inverters win in these three major categories.

Natural Gas-Powered Standby Generators

Standby generators use one of two fuel sources: propane or natural gas. Natural gas units can keep running indefinitely, because their fuel will almost certainly outlast the outage. The limiting factor is oil.

Running this 10,000W generator at full load (100%) consumes about 74.30 cubic feet of natural gas per hour. At the cost of $10.83 per 1000 cubic feet, this results in a $0.80 running cost per hour.

No need to imagine it any longer – Champion’s natural gas ready generator is a reliable source of power with the ultimate in fuel flexibility. When you’re not running your generator on natural gas, you also have the option of operating it on gasoline or propane.