Picking The Best Generator for Camping & RV

Camping is one of the most beautiful experiences, be it something that you do with your friends, your family, or even just by yourself. The experience of camping is something that will stay with you for life, which is why it is something that so many people engage in.

If you are thinking of going on a camping trip, either by yourself or with company, it is always important to stay well prepared and have everything that you might need. A generator is something that you should aim to get if you want to have a comfortable experience.

We are going to elaborate on the best camping generators as well as the facets that one must take into account when buying this kind of a product. These are some of the best generators that are currently on the market.

Our List of Top 6 Camping & RV Generators

#	Image	Generators	Price
#1		Honda EU3000iS (Best Camping & RV Generator)	$$$$
#2		Yamaha EF2000iSv2 (Best Quietest Generator)	$$$
#3		Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Generator	$$$
#4		GENERAC 7117 GP2200I	$$
#5		Briggs & Stratton 30545 P3000	$$$
#6		WEN 56200i	$

What Should You Look For When Buying A Camping Generator?

If you are considering going in for a good camping generator, going in for one of the options that we have mentioned is probably your best bet. However, not every product on the market is going to fit the diverse range of needs that you might have. Before you make your purchase, it is important to know the different facets that one must take into account when buying this kind of product. Here are some of the things that you should keep an eye out for when choosing the one generator to buy:

Conventional Vs. Inverter Generators

One of the first things that you must understand is the difference between a conventional generator and an inverter generator. Both these are valid choices when going in for this kind of product, but both might not fit your needs. Inverter generators for one are slightly smaller as compared to conventional generators. They also tend to produce a smaller amount of power and have a lower run time as a result of it. However, they tend to be significantly more portable as compared to regular generators.

Fuel Type

There are several different types of fuels that one can use in a generator, but these depend on the kind of generator that you choose to go in for. Diesel generators are one of the most common types of fuels used and are incredibly fuel efficient. Gasoline generators tend to be a good choice for those who never want to worry about acquiring the fuel that they need because of its wide availability.

Propane generators are considered to be the best for emergencies and can be stored indefinitely. You never have to worry about your stock going bad with this kind of fuel. Natural gas is also sometimes used in generators and is also one fuel that is easily available. While solar generators aren’t as common, they are the greenest ‘fuel’ choice.

Power Requirements

The amount of power that you need is something that you should always consider when going in for a generator. Different products tend to have different power outputs and it is necessary to check that before you buy a generator for your camping trip. Make sure to check all the devices that you need to power and see how much they each need.

Noise Level

The amount of noise that a generator makes is something you should consider, especially if you want to have a peaceful and quiet camping trip. Because campsites tend to be incredibly quiet, the noise that the generator makes can seem amplified. Ideally, your generator should not go beyond 58 dB if you are on the lookout for a quiet generator.

Portability

The ability to carry around your generator is incredibly important if you are planning to take it along with you wherever you go. A generator should not be heavy so as to restrict your travel, and should not be too big which could then restrict your space. Always check the weight of the generator that you are choosing and its dimensions to know if it will properly fit in the area that you need it to fit in.

Fuel Efficiency

Even if you don’t want an environmentally friendly generator, going in for one that is fuel efficient is always a positive. A good fuel efficient generator will use a significantly lower amount of fuel as compared to a regular kind of generator and will save you an incredible amount of money in the process. The time that the generator runs for will also be significantly more in a fuel efficient generator as compared to those that aren’t.

User-Friendly Features

Generators tend to come with a wide range of additional features that augment the manner in which these work. These features can significantly improve how these generators work and can make them overall more efficient. Always check the list of additional features that the generator is offering you and determine whether they are what you need. Additional features aren’t always the best since sometimes, these features can make the generator harder to use. Only go in for a generator whose features you know you will be able to use, or which you think might come in handy in the future.

How to Reduce The Noise Of The Portable Generator?

There is no doubt that even the quietest generator on the market is still going to produce a certain amount of sound, and this can get annoying after a period of time. Having to listen to the same constant sound during your camping trip can be especially hard, and is something that often people try to shut out. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways in which you can reduce the overall sound that a generator makes and these are incredibly easy to implement. Here are some of the ways in which you can reduce the noise of a portable generator.

Build A Sound Wall

One of the easiest things to do when trying to reduce the sound that a generator makes is to make a sound wall around your product. The material that you use to build your sound wall should be something thick, and which can absorb all the sounds that the generator is producing. Cinder blocks are considered to be one of the best kinds of materials to use in this instance. All you need to do is stack up a few cinder blocks around your generator. Make sure that it is covering the generator from all three sides well. You can also create a second layer to give you an additional layer of sound reduction.

Reduce Vibration

One of the biggest causes of the loud sounds that a generator produces is the vibration that occurs as a result of the engine running. It is always important to reduce the vibration amount if you want to curtail these sounds and have a better camping experience. One of the first things to do to ensure this is to check the placement of the engine in your generator.

Make sure that it is secure and all the screws are tight and in place. You can also add rubber washers to reduce this vibration even further, making your generator significantly more bearable. If you feel like your engine is not secure onto the frame of the generator, you will probably need to replace them with bigger screws just so that it is secure and it stays in place. In addition to a muffler, you can also add a layer of padding under and around the generator. This can reduce the sound created by the generator coming into contact with the surface that it is placed on.

Use A Muffler

A muffler is one of the best things that one can use when trying to reduce the noise output of a generator. Mufflers are commonly used in vehicles to reduce the amount of sound that they make, and this is something that can reduce the overall noise that a generator makes as well. Because of the size of the generator, you don’t need something too big and too powerful to drown out the sound. A simple motorcycle muffler is considered to be one of the best options for those who want something that works well, and which reduces the sound that is created.

How Much Power Do I Need For My RV Or Camping?

When you go on your camping trip, knowing the intricacies of every facet of your RV is important. We are generally aware of the amount of power our homes and common appliances use, but when it comes to something like an RV, the numbers tend to sip our minds. It is always good to know exactly how much power your RV needs and also how much you are going to have to spend on fuel to power your RV and all is appliances.

Average Rates

The average rates of an RV can give you an idea of what ranges to expect when trying to find a generator that fits your needs. On average, an RV uses around 20 kWh a day. However, the weather is something that can drastically impact this amount. If your RV needs a higher amount of heating or cooling, the average rates of power that it needs can go up significantly. During fair weather, the amount of power that an RV uses can do down by a small amount.

Fuel Type

Even though the average rates can apply to all RVs, it is important to understand your own individual specifications. There are several other factors that can have an impact on the amount of power an RV uses. One of the things that impact the amount of power that an RV needs is the kind of fuel that is being used. On average, generators that use some form of electrical heat need to supply a larger amount of power to an RV. A propane generator, on the other hand, works in a slightly different manner and thereby needs to supply a significantly smaller amount of power to be able to run the RV and all its utilities.

Air Conditioner Usage

The use of air conditioning inside an RV is also something that impacts the amount of energy that is being used. During your transit to your camping ground, the air conditioner is usually turned on, which causes the RV to use up a significantly higher amount of power. However, once you reach the campsite, the air conditioning of the RV is usually turned off, which reduces the amount of power that it needs. In these instances, your individual usage is important to take into consideration when trying to estimate the amount of power that your RV needs to run properly.

Taking Appliances Into Account

An RV has a number of additional utilities that need to be used, especially when out on a camping trip. Things like your fridge, cooking utilities, lighting and other essentials also need some kind of power source to keep them running, even if they are not needed at all times. It is always important to take into account all the things that will need power out on your trip and add that to the amount of power that your RV needs by itself. This can give you a better estimate of how much power you will need for your RV when you are on your camping trip.

How to Connect A Portable Generator To Your RV

If you are planning on going on a camping trip in your RV, it is of the utmost importance that you know exactly how a portable generator is set up. While each generator may have its own individual characteristics and controls, the basic idea of connecting a generator to an RV remains the same. Here are the steps that you need to follow in order to connect a portable generator to your RV.

Find A Good Location To Set Up Your Generator

One of the first things that you need to do is find a good place to set up your generator. If you are going to a camping ground, you need to find out if it is one that supplies its own electricity of if it is one that requires you to get your own power source. Depending on this decision, you need to find a place that fits your needs well. If you are going to a camping ground that offers power, find a place that is near an electrical outlet, or at a good reach from your RV. You then need to inspect your RV to figure out the best place to set up your generator. Make sure that there is ample space in this area and ensure that it is well secured and not somewhere where it could easily topple over.

Juice Up The Generator

Having fuel in the generator tank is incredibly important, and needs to be done before you proceed to the next steps. Make sure that you are using the right kind of fuel to power your generator to ensure that it works smoothly and as intended. Always have extra fuel on you when out on your camping trip in the case of any kind of emergencies.

Batteries Connection

Connecting the batteries of a generator is one of the easiest things to do, especially with the generator models that we had mentioned earlier. Most generators come with a simple cable in which one end needs to be connected to the generator and the other to the batteries.

Re-route The Exhaust System

Your generator is always going to have a certain amount of emissions as it is running. When you are out on your camping trip, you don’t want those emissions coming in your way or blowing towards you. Because of this, it is important to find a proper way to re-route the exhaust system so as to ensure that the emissions are far away from you and the people that you are traveling with.

You may need to secure the exhaust pipe in a way that doesn’t let it slide or fall over easily. One thing to remember is that the exhaust should never be directed inside the RV. This is because the fumes and emissions contain carbon monoxide which can be incredibly poisonous. Always ensure that the exhaust pipe is directed outside the RV to ensure that your generator can run safely.

How to Prepare And Maintain Your Generator For Your Travels

While you may have the best generator on the market, it is not going to work efficiently unless you take good care of it and maintain it well. It is important to know how to do so and be aware of the precautions to take to ensure the proper functioning of your product. Listed below are some of the things that you should try to do in order to maintain your generator properly.

Proper Storage

Storing your generator properly at all times is important if you want to maintain it well during your camping trip. Manufacturers generally have their own set of guidelines which users should follow when trying to use a generator. Before you store your generator, it is important to change the filter and do a full oil change. This ensures that there is no dirt within the tank and allows the generator to operate well. Inspect all parts of the generator and make sure that there are no faulty connections anywhere in the generator. If you are using a generator that runs on diesel or gas, it is important to use a stabilizer before you store it to ensure that it runs smoothly. Always make sure that you have at least ¾ fuel in your tank at all times. However, if you are using a propane generator, you don’t need to follow this step. Find a place that is incredibly secure and where the generator fits well. If you are using any kind of sound walls, make sure that there is space for that too.

Routine Generator Exercises

While it might seem odd at first, conducting a few routine generator exercises on your RV is one of the best things that you can do in order to take care of your generator and to maintain it for a longer period of time. It is important to always try and start up your generator and let it run for at least two hours a month. No doing this can result in more problems with the generator, which can be harder to deal with. Doing this can also help you see if there are any fuel related issues that your generator is facing. This can help you be better equipped for your camping trip and can help you understand if your product has any problems ahead of time.

Lubrication Services

No matter what kind of generator you use, it is important to get a few lubrication services done, especially if you are planning on going camping soon. Lubricating the generator allows it to function better and can ensure that you don’t meet any hiccups along the way. Ideally, an oil change should be conducted every fifty to sixty hours of use to work smoothly.

Clean The Batteries

The batteries tend to accumulate dirt over time that can cause malfunctioning within the generator. It is important to clean out the generator and make sure that there is no residue that can hinder how the generator works.

Frequently Asked Questions on Camping Generators

Is It Alright to Run A Generator for Just A Few Minutes?

A generator should be left on for at least thirty minutes so that it can warm up before use. After this thirty minute period, running the generator for even a small amount of time will not harm the unit.

Can An RV Generator Run Along With A Shore Power?

When camping, it is better to keep the two power sources separate to prevent any kind of mishaps from taking place. Never connect both power sources together into your RV as that could cause a short circuit and power overload in your vehicle.

Can An RV Air Conditioner Be Connected To An RV Generator While Out On The Road?

The answer to this depends on the kind of air conditioning unit you are using. If it doesn’t exceed the power supply offered by the generator, it can be used while on your way to the campsite.

What Is The Life Expectancy Of An RV Generator?

The life expectancy of an RV generator largely depends on how it is used, and the way it was maintained. On average, an RV generator can run efficiently for approximately one thousand hours before it needs thorough servicing. Diesel generators, in particular, are known to last for a significantly longer period of time.