Power outputs, portability, fuel type, noise level, and usage are a few things you need to keep in mind while choosing a generator for camping.
After living a life in the same routine, some people are hit with boredom. They look for something new, a recreational trip in the woods or weekend getaways from city life.
On these trips, we bring along our appliances to assist us. These might be cell phones or cameras to take pictures, even a fridge and a theater setup for entertainment. Whatever they are, they need a power source.
Key Factors for Choosing A Generator for Camping
Power Output:
The power output of a generator greatly depends on the type of generator you’ll be using. There are two types of generators available on the market. One is the conventional generator, while the other is the inverter generator.
If you plan on using basic electric appliances like an electric stove, chargers. Then an inverter generator can supply up to 2000 watts. A 2000 watts generator will be perfect if you are planning a two-person camping trip.
Whereas if you plan on bringing along a group of friends and family. You might need to use a mini-fridge with some portable fans, then a generator with 5000 watts supply will do the job.
Weight and Size:
If you plan on going to a remote area, carrying a generator might cause some hassle. You will find yourself looking for lightweight and lowest space-taking generators. To give you a slight idea, a 1000 watts generator can weigh approximately 28 pounds. It has dimensions of 16x13x13.
Whereas if you need a more significant generator, a 5000 watts generator that weighs up to 160 pounds will do wonders. And it has approximate dimensions of 35x26x26. So, you go and make some space in your SUV or truck if you plan on bringing in the generator.
Fuel:
If you are planning to use a portable generator for camping. Then you should consider fuel for your generator too. Because once you are at your camping place, you don’t want to run back to get fuel for it. If you want to prepare yourself, then you should know how much fuel you would require.
You can calculate it by calculating how much time you would use your generator. Do you plan on using it all night to use your fans? Or you’d only be using it to charge your batteries and to cook food.
A 2000 watts generator requires 1.25 gallons of fuel for a 6 hours runtime. While a 5000 watts generator can consume up to 5 gallons of fuel for 6 hours. One more tip, if you plan on staying for a whole weekend at the campsite. Bring in extra gallons than required.
Dependability:
Camping that is for recreational purposes can change into camping of pain if you don’t plan properly. So, ensure that whatever items or equipment you are bringing in is reliable. That they will last you the whole camping session.
A generator will be your only source of electricity out in the woods when camping. You need to get a generator that won’t leave you stranded. It is better to prepare for all the unnatural circumstances beforehand. Once you are sure you can depend on your generator, you are good to go.
Noise Level:
From the time generators were invented, they are known for their loud noise. The demand for a portable and cheaper generator out shadowed the demand for a quiet generator. It was only recently that manufacturers saw that quiet generators could be revolutionary too.
With the invention of inverter generators came the era of quiet generators. An inverter generator runs at varying speeds and reduces the noise generated. If you plan on running the generator overnight, then you should get an inverter generator. This is because they generate as low as 52 decibels noise, which won’t interrupt your good night’s sleep.
Usage:
A portable generator is a mobile energy generating source to back up your electronic devices on the go. They come in small sizes, so carrying them won’t cause an issue.
There are several uses of a portable generator. Things can go downhill unexpectedly whenever you’re camping out in the woods. You might require urgent assistance from the rescue team, or the weather won’t allow you to use traditional campfire cooking.
In all these, a portable generator is quite helpful. You can keep your equipment charged, such as a GPS or your mobile device. Or you can bring an electric stove or a microwave to cook meals.
How Big of a Generator Do I Need for Camping?
The answer to this question varies on your needs. If you plan on using critical devices such as a phone, computer, or a fan at your camp. A small generator can do the trick.
But if you plan on powering more appliances on your camping trip. Such as a mini-fridge, with continuous usage of three or more fans. You may require a bigger generator.
How Do You Determine What Size Generator You Need?
Your usage determines the size and power of your required generator. Once you plan for a weekend camping, you will also be considering what electronic appliances will be used. You can start by forming a list of all the electric appliances.
The next step will be to find out their starting and running wattage. You can find these on the device itself or its owner’s manual. Then adding up all these wattages will give you a general idea of how much you require.
Whenever you are getting a generator, buy a generator that is at least 20% above the calculated requirement. Because you don’t want your generator to wear out by constantly using it at its 100%.
What Are the Best Generators for Camping?
While camping, the choice of the best generator depends upon your requirement. If you are camping for recreational purposes, where you want to rest. You might want to consider a lightweight and quiet generator.
But, if you are going on a trip with your family, you might use a theater at night with a sound system. Or a fridge to store your beverages in, then your choice will be a bigger but low consumption generator.
Which Is the Best Quiet Generator for Camping?
The Honda EU 2200i portable generator inverter is the best quiet generator for camping. It is a lightweight generator; weighs 47 lbs only. It gives a power output of 2200 watts. This is the ideal wattage required at a camping site.
Since it is an inverter generator, it is also power efficient. Just on a gallon of gasoline, it can run up to 8 hours. Even in the category of inverter generators, it is one of the quiet generators. It operates at just 48 to 57 decibels.
Conclusion
Using a portable generator will be the best option to enjoy the weekend out in the woods with friends and family. To choose a single generator from a list of thousands, you should first make a list of your electronic appliances. And then get a generator based on a load of these appliances. Keep in mind to give your generator a breath in the load.
A generator can vary in size, consumption, and power output. You might also consider one that is quiet and won’t disturb your slumber. We hope you will find a generator that fits all your requirements.
