Find Out How to Choose the Right Generator for Camping (A Quick Read)

When it comes to camping, having a reliable source of power is essential. Whether you need to charge your phone or run a small appliance, a generator can be a lifesaver. But with so many different sizes of generators on the market, how do you know which one is right for you? Find out here.

When it comes to camping, one of the most important things to consider is what size generator you will need. There are a lot of factors that go into this decision, such as how many people will be camping with you, what kind of camping you will be doing, and what kind of equipment you will need to bring.

In this blog post, we will break down all of the different factors you need to consider so that you can make an informed decision about the size of generator you need for your next camping trip.

Some Factors to Consider

Generators are measured in watts, and they come in a wide range of sizes from small portable models to large stationary models. When deciding on the size of the generator you need, it's important to consider what you'll be using it for. Some other factors that your should consider are:

How Many People Will Be Camping With You?

One of the first things you need to consider when deciding on a generator is how many people will be camping with you. If you are going solo, then you won't need as much power as if you are going with a group. Simply because more people means more equipment, which means more power is required.

What Kind of Camping Will You Be Doing?

Are you going to be roughing it in the woods or are you going to be staying in an RV? If you are staying in an RV, then you are going to need a larger generator than if you are just camping in a tent. This is because RVs require more power to run all of the appliances and electronics that they have.

A common power requirement idea for different RV sizes :

Power requirement idea for different RV sizes
Power requirements for different RVs (From Cummins)

What Kind of Equipment do You Need to Bring?

Another factor to consider is what kind of equipment you need to bring. If you are bringing along a lot of electronic devices or if you plan on using power tools, then you are going to need a larger generator than if you are just bringing a few basics. This is because electronic devices and power tools require more power to run properly.

What kind of fuel budget do you have?

The most common fuel types for generators are gasoline and propane. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages that you'll need to consider.

Gasoline generators are typically less expensive than propane generators and they're easier to find since gasoline is more widely available. However, gasoline can go bad over time so it's important to use fresh gasoline and change it regularly.

Propane generators are more expensive up front but they're more efficient and they don't require as much maintenance as gasoline generators. Plus, propane is less likely to go bad over time so you can store it for longer periods of time without worry.

Whatever you pick, depending on the size of the generator, the cost of fuel will rise.

How much run time do you need?

This is the amount of time that the generator can run before needing to be refueled or shut off. If you only need the generator for a few hours at night, then a shorter run time isn't as important.

But if you need it for an extended period of time, then you'll want to choose a model with a longer run time. Most portable generators have run times between 4 and 8 hours while larger stationary models can have run times of 12 hours or more.

Take a look at the picture, about the power requirements of common camping gear.

Wattage requirements of camping appliances

That said a 1500W to 2000W generator should be sufficient for most short camping trips. But if you are roughing it out in the woods as a survivor or going out for a dry camping trip for days, it is not a bad idea to bring along a bigger generator.

The best part about camping generators is that depending on your usage, you can connect two generators in series connections to meet your energy requirements.

Check out this video on how to power up your RV with a generator:

Final Words

There are a lot of factors that go into deciding on the right size generator for your needs. In this blog post, we have gone over some of the most important ones. By taking all of these factors into consideration, you should be able to make an informed decision about which size generator is right for your next camping trip.

And if you are in the market looking for camping generators, we have got just what you need. We have scoured the market and compiled a list of the best camping generators for you to choose from.

All you have to do is tap the button below and check out our article on the best portable generators for camping and pick the one you like! Thanks for reading and have a memorable trip!

check out the best camping generators

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