How to Choose a Portable Generator for Your RV

Whether you own an RV, or intend to buy one soon, you will need a reliable source of power for your travels. Portable generators provide an economical and effective solution to your electric power needs, on the road or at the campsite. For many people though, purchasing a power generator can be an intimidating and confusing process. Here's how to choose the right one for your power needs.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Know your power needs First, you need to determine the size of the generator for your RV by knowing how much power you will use. This will narrow down the choices you have when selecting a portable generator.
2. Power-hungry microwave Start by surveying your RV for appliances that run on 120 volts. The TV, microwave and other kitchen appliances generally require the most power but smaller appliances can add up. Most RV lights are 12 volt but some may be 120 volt. Your RV air conditioner is the biggest power user.
3. Electrical device power consumption chart Next, add up the power requirements, in watts, for all the devices that you are likely to operate at the same time. Wattage ratings are printed on light bulbs; other devices like hair dryers and electric heaters are also described by their wattage requirements. If the device doesn't provide a wattage requirement, you can determine watts by multiplying volts times amps.
   
   Be aware that some electrical devices have starting wattage requirements that are larger than the running watts, like the air conditioner. If so, use the starting wattage requirement for the largest of the devices you want to run and the running watts for all other devices. This is the minimum wattage you will need from a generator.
4. Noisy contractor generator - bad! Now that you have determined your power needs, it's time to look at the type of generator that will fit the bill.
   
   There are two types of portable generators: contractor and RV. Contractor generators are generally inexpensive, very noisy, and not suitable for an otherwise quiet campground. RV generators are purpose-built, providing quiet, reliable power that your camping neighbors will thank you for. They are expensive but are well worth it in the long run.
5. Generator noise comparison chart There are a wide range of portable RV-type generators, with each manufacturer having a wide range of noise levels. Honda, Yamaha, and Kipor (see Resources section below) all make super-quiet portable generators. Match up your power requirements with the model that has the lowest decibel (a measure of how loud we hear noise) level.
6. Remote start option for super quiet generators Starting options for portable generators are either pull start, like your lawn mower, or electric start using a key. Generally speaking, electric start generators are available in the 3000 watt range and larger. If you have a bad back or just want the convenience, shop for the larger wattage generators.
   
   There is even a wireless remote option that can be retrofitted to most electric start generators. It's costly but can be very convenient if you don't want to get out of bed, go outside, and turn off the generator.
7. Extended run fuel tank for Honda EU2000i generator Consider how long you will run your generator. Some portable generators have small fuel tanks, less than 1 gallon, while others have much larger ones, up to 5 gallons. Generally speaking, the larger the power output from the generator, the larger the fuel tank capacity. There are options though to add additional fuel capacity.
8. Generator and fuel transport Think about how you will transport your generator. Larger generators weigh a lot, up to 175 lbs. with fuel. You can transport it in the back of your truck so be ensure to get the optional wheel kit for the generator and use ramps to make it easier to roll the generator in to the back of the truck.
   
   If you have an SUV tow vehicle, you can have a platform built on the back of your RV to carry the generator. Never transport your generator in the back of your SUV. Gas fumes are explosive and in the event of a fender bender, you don't want a 100 lb. chunk of metal flying in to the passenger area.
9. Where is there power around here? Now go and enjoy the comforts of home with your new found power!

Tips & Warnings

• While you may get by with a smaller generator, a larger generator will be quieter powering the same load since it's not working as hard to provide power.
• Generally speaking, if you only need a generator to charge your RV batteries or watch TV, a 1000 watt or smaller size model will work. If running a microwave or hair dryer, a 2000 watt model is required. Anything larger, like an air conditioner, a 3000 watt or larger is required.
• When connecting your generator to your RV, you will require an adapter. Depending on the generator chosen, you will either need a 15 amp or 30 amp adapter. You can find these electrical adapters at any generator, RV, or home improvement store.
• Never run your portable generator unattended. If something should go wrong with the generator, such as a fuel leak, you won't be around to remedy the situation.
• If you choose to transport your generator on the back of your RV, be sure to offset the weight of the generator by placing heavy items toward the front of the RV. Otherwise, you may not have enough tongue weight resulting in poor and unsafe towing performance.