Choosing The Right Generator For Your Camper: A Guide

Choosing the right generator for your camper can be a tough decision. The generator you need depends on your RV or camper size and energy consumption.

For small trailers, campers, SUVs, pickup trucks, and minivans, a generator with a capacity of around 2000 watts should be sufficient. Larger RVs and motorhomes will require more power.

If you're looking to run multiple appliances simultaneously, you'll need a higher-capacity generator. On the other hand, if you only want to power a few essential devices, a smaller generator will do the job.

It's also important to consider the type of generator—built-in or portable—and the fuel source, which can be gasoline, diesel, propane, or solar power.

By assessing your camper's size, power requirements, and intended usage, you can select the right generator to meet your needs.

Generator size depends on camper size and appliances

The size of the generator you need for your camper depends on the size of your camper and the appliances you want to run.

For small trailers, campers, SUVs, pickup trucks, and minivans, a generator with around 2000 watts should be sufficient. This will cover the basics, such as lighting, water pumping, charging, and powering small appliances like a television, laptop, or cell phone.

For larger RVs and motorhomes, you will need more power. A 4000-watt generator is perfect for most light-duty RVs and small travel trailers with basic appliances. A 6000-watt generator is ideal for larger RVs with power-hungry appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators, and microwaves.

If you have a mid-size travel trailer (20-30 ft), you will need to consider the appliances you want to run simultaneously. For example, lighting, a space heater, water heater, and water pump will require around 2000 watts. If you want to include a microwave, instant pot, air fryer, or induction hotplate, you will need to add another 1500-2000 watts, bringing your total to 3500-4000 watts.

Similarly, for a Class C camper van (under 25 ft), basic charging, a water pump, and a refrigerator will require around 1500 watts. If you want to add a laptop and phone charging, you will need to increase the power to 2000 watts.

For a luxury motorcoach or RV (over 40 ft), you will need a generator with 8000 watts or more. These large vehicles often have multiple AC units and high-wattage appliances, which require a lot of power.

When choosing a generator, it is important to consider the starting wattage and running wattage of your appliances. Some appliances, such as air conditioners, refrigerators, and microwaves, require more power to start up than they do to run continuously. Additionally, you should allow for some extra capacity to avoid overloading the generator.

It is also worth considering alternative power sources, such as solar generators, which are becoming increasingly popular due to their compact size, low maintenance, and environmental benefits.

Built-in vs portable generators

When it comes to choosing a generator for your camper, there are two main types to consider: built-in and portable. Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide which option is best for your needs.

Built-in Generators:

• Advantages: Built-in generators are typically high-capacity generators that can support up to 3000 watts. They are hardwired into the camper's electrical system and can provide backup power or directly power your RV. Built-in generators are easy to operate, often starting with a push of a button, and can adjust their performance based on altitude.
• Disadvantages: One of the biggest drawbacks of built-in generators is the challenge and expense of maintenance and repairs. Additionally, if they malfunction, they can set off your CO alarm even when exhausted outside. Built-in generators are also less versatile and may not work well during extended rainy seasons.

Portable Generators:

• Advantages: Portable generators offer more versatility and are generally smaller and easier to maintain. They can be powered by various energy sources, such as solar energy, gas, or propane, and can also be inverter generators. Portable generators are ideal for campers who want to reduce their carbon footprint and depend less on fossil fuels. They are also more affordable and can be used for other outdoor activities like camping, tailgating, and outdoor projects.
• Disadvantages: Portable generators usually have limited capacity and may not be able to power larger appliances. They may struggle with heavy loads, and their performance can be affected by environmental conditions like high humidity, extreme temperatures, and high altitudes. Additionally, portable generators require careful consideration of charging options and recharge rates.

Factors to Consider:

When deciding between a built-in or portable generator for your camper, here are some essential factors to keep in mind:

• Appliance Requirements: Determine the appliances and devices you plan to run simultaneously and calculate their total wattage requirements. This will help you choose a generator with sufficient capacity.
• Camper Size: The size of your camper will impact the generator's size and type you need. Smaller campers, such as trailers, SUVs, and minivans, may only require a portable generator with a capacity of under 1000 watts. In contrast, larger RVs and motorhomes will need more power, typically ranging from 4000 to 12,000 watts.
• Usage Patterns: Consider your usage patterns, such as whether you'll be staying in an RV park with hookups or boondocking in remote areas. If you need a continuous power supply for specific appliances, like a camping fridge, a portable generator that can be easily recharged through solar panels or other sources may be preferable.
• Environmental Impact: If reducing your carbon footprint is important to you, solar-powered generators are a more environmentally friendly option than fossil fuel-powered generators. They produce no emissions and can be recharged through renewable energy sources.
• Space and Portability: Built-in generators are usually more spacious and may not be suitable for smaller campers. Portable generators offer more flexibility in terms of space and portability, making them ideal for outdoor adventures.

Calculating wattage requirements

First, you need to identify all the appliances and devices you plan to run simultaneously in your camper. This includes lights, water pumps, TVs, fridges, phones, laptops, air conditioners, microwaves, and any other electrical equipment. Make a comprehensive list of everything that will be powered by the generator.

Next, determine the wattage requirement for each item on your list. Look for the operating voltage and rated load, usually in watts or amps, on the nameplates of the devices. You can also refer to product manuals or manufacturer specifications to find this information. Some common wattage requirements for RV appliances are:

• Air conditioner: 1,400 to 2,400 watts
• Coffee maker: 900 watts
• Microwave: 750 to 1,500 watts
• Hair dryer: 1,000 to 1,875 watts
• Refrigerator: 400 to 1,000 watts

After gathering the wattage requirements for each appliance, calculate the total wattage needed by adding up the individual wattages. This will give you an estimate of the generator's required capacity to run all the appliances simultaneously.

However, it's important to consider that some devices, such as air conditioners, refrigerators, and microwaves, may have higher startup power spikes. These appliances require additional power, usually double or triple the running wattage, for a brief period when they are first turned on. Therefore, it's recommended to add a buffer to your total wattage requirement to account for these power spikes.

Additionally, you should also consider the type of appliances you will be using. Some appliances, such as hair dryers and stoves, have large compressors and motors, requiring higher wattage during startup.

Once you have calculated the total wattage requirement, including the buffer for power spikes, you can start looking for generators that match or exceed this wattage. It's important to choose a generator that can handle the load to avoid issues such as tripping breakers or damaging equipment.

For example, if you have a small trailer under 20 feet, you might need around 1500W for lights, water pump, and charging. Adding a TV, fridge, and phone charging could increase the requirement to around 2500W. In this case, a 2000-3000W portable generator or inverter generator would be suitable.

Remember that the generator's output should closely match the total power draw of the items you need to operate. You can also refer to sizing suggestions for common camper setups to get an idea of the generator size required for your specific camper configuration.

Recharge options and rates

Generators for RVs come in two basic types: portable and built-in/stationary. Portable generators are a great way to keep your RV’s electrical systems running when you’re not connected to shore power. They’re also an excellent backup power source in a power outage. Built-in generators, on the other hand, are permanent installations and can provide backup power or directly power your RV.

The recharge options and rates for your camper generator will depend on the type of generator you have. Here are some common recharge options for both portable and built-in generators:

• Solar Panels: Solar-powered generators use solar panels to generate electricity and store it in a portable power station. Solar panels are a great option for campers who want to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and their carbon footprint. The recharge rate will depend on the size and efficiency of the solar panels, as well as the amount of sunlight available.
• Fuel: Gas, diesel, and propane generators require regular refueling and maintenance. The recharge rate will depend on the generator's fuel consumption rate and the size of the fuel tank.
• Shore Power: Shore power refers to getting power from an external source, such as a house outlet or a campground hookup. To use shore power, you'll need a battery charger or inverter/charger that can convert the AC power from the shore to DC power for your battery bank. The recharge rate will depend on the capacity of the shore power source and the efficiency of your charger.
• Alternator: An alternator converts mechanical energy from the engine into electrical energy. To use an alternator as a recharge option, you'll need a device like a DC-DC charger or an isolator/ACR to regulate the voltage and current going to your battery bank. The recharge rate will depend on the capacity of the alternator and the efficiency of the DC-DC charger or isolator/ACR.

When choosing a recharge option, it's important to consider the capacity and compatibility with your generator, as well as the availability and convenience of the power source. Solar panels, for example, are a great option for campers who spend a lot of time outdoors and have access to sunlight, while shore power may be more suitable for those who spend more time at campgrounds or other locations with access to electrical outlets.

Weight and portability

Weight

The weight of a generator is an important factor to consider, as it will impact the portability and ease of use. Larger generators tend to be heavier, while smaller, portable generators are typically more lightweight and easier to transport. It's essential to consider the weight of the generator in relation to your camper's weight capacity and ensure that it doesn't exceed the limit. Additionally, the weight of the generator can affect its placement and storage options in your camper.

Portability

Portability is another crucial aspect to consider when choosing a generator for your camper. If you plan to move your generator frequently or take it on camping trips, a portable generator is a better option. These generators are designed to be compact, lightweight, and easy to transport. On the other hand, built-in or stationary generators are usually heavier and more permanent fixtures in your camper. They are often wired into the electrical system and may not be as easy to move around.

When considering the portability of a generator, also think about the fuel type. Solar-powered generators, for example, may require additional solar panels or equipment, adding to the overall weight and setup time. Gas or diesel generators need regular refuelling and can be bulkier due to the fuel tanks.

It's important to strike a balance between weight and power when choosing a generator. While a smaller, lightweight generator may be more portable, it might not provide sufficient power for all your needs. On the other hand, a larger, heavier generator can offer more power but may be more challenging to transport and store.

Ultimately, the weight and portability of the generator you choose will depend on your specific needs, camper size, and power requirements. By considering these factors, you can select a generator that suits your camper setup and provides the necessary power for your devices and appliances.

Frequently asked questions