For some folks, a generator is an essential part of their caravan and camping trip. For others, a generator can provide peace of mind in knowing that back up is close at hand if their other power sources are unavailable. Generators come in a variety of types and sizes that are suitable for a number of applications. Doing your own research can sometimes feel overwhelming. This buyers guide will help you make the right choice for your needs and budget.
‘Watt’ Are The Power Ratings?
Generators are rated in Watts (W) or Kilowatts (kW). The higher the wattage rating, the more power the generator can output and the more appliances it can run. Two ratings are provided, ‘Continuous Output’ and ‘Peak Output’. The continuous is the main rating you should be concerned with; this is the power output the total draw of your appliances should remain below. The Peak Output is the power that the generator can produce for a very short burst of time. The Peak Output is useful for appliances with electrical motors and compressors (power tools and air conditioners).
TIP: Sometimes a generator will be rated in KVA. Always look to the specifications for the real power output that will be rated in kW or Watts.
Types Of Generators:
When it comes to caravans and camping, only look for “Inverter” generators. Inverter generators are compact, quiet, economical and produce clean power for running sensitive electronics. They really are the perfect solution for caravanning and camping. These Generators are all powered with 4 stroke motors with standard unleaded petrol.
Of course, every rule has an exception and specific applications do call for a diesel-powered generator. We have a range of vehicle - mounted generators for larger motorhomes and bus conversions. We explore these further in the vehicle mounted section below.
Size Of Generator:
This is the big question. “What size Generator do I need?” Well, it all comes down to what you need to power. Each appliance will draw a certain amount of power. We call this Load. So, Power Draw = Load.
-
Battery Charger = 350W (20A Battery Charger), 1050W (60A Battery Charger)
-
Washing Machine = 1200W – 1600W
-
Microwave = 900W - 2200W. Tip: try and choose a low wattage caravan model!
-
Laptop = 50W
-
Phone Charger = 5W
-
TV = 200W
We recommend a 2000 – 2400W generator for a typical caravan set up. There are not a lot of inverter generators smaller than 2000W, so we tend to focus on this range. You can run all these appliances individually, but may not be able to power them at the same time. Most of the time you are using it to recharge your batteries quickly so you can switch back to running everything direct from DC power.
Running An Air Conditioner:
If you are planning to run an air conditioner while staying off the grid away from powered sites, then you will need a generator. A good quality 2400W from our website will cover almost every air conditioner past and present. Most companies will tell you that you need to call your air conditioner manufacturer to find out the exact start up current of the air conditioner so you can match the generator. It is a lot easier to call us on 1800 787 278. Have the make and model of your air conditioner on hand. We will be able to match the right generator with your air conditioner in 95% of cases.
Noise Levels:
Be wary of noise levels advertised by manufacturers as they are often tested under differing conditions.
Some generators will only be noise tested at ¼ load, which will be their quietest noise output.
The lower the kW output the quieter the generator. Small suitcase style inverter generators are by far the quietest. The Yamaha 2000W Silent Inverter Generator, EF2000iS is one of the quietest generators on the market: Noise Level 51.5 dBA (1/4 load) / 61 dBA (full load).
Vehicle Mounted:
-
Diesel
The Kubota lowboy and Fischer Panda are diesel powered, vehicle mounted and water-cooled options for serious motorhome and bus conversions. The Kubota Lowboy is fitted with Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR) and whilst not an inverter still produces very clean power. The other diesel options are the German built Fischer Panda range. These are the only Diesel Pure Sine Wave Inverter generators on the market. They produce clean power and are very fuel efficient. The Fischer Panda range is extremely quiet and compact.
Both the Kubota Lowboys and Fischer Panda can be configured to auto start as part of a sophisticated power management system.
-
Petrol
The Dometic Tec 29 Petrol Vehicle Mounted Generator runs a fuel efficient Honda engine with a pure sine wave inverter output. This unit is purchased with its own vehicle mounted fuel tank for ease of fuel storage and refill. The Generator has an electric start wall mounted control panel for ease of generator start/stop from inside the van. This generator produces plenty of power (2600W continuous) for its small size.
Good, Better, Best:
We highly recommend three tried and tested inverter generators for caravanning and camping. The following models are the best option for each budget:
-
Good - Cromtech Outback Inverter Generator 2.4kW – A powerful, lightweight inverter generator for under $1,100. YES PLEASE!
-
Better - Briggs & Stratton P2400, 2400W Inverter Generator Pack – This Briggs and Stratton 2400W generator comes with a 3-year warranty and is under $1500. Buying the Briggs 2400 is like owning a Honda Inverter 2.2 without having to shell out big dollars. Their service agent network is also excellent.
-
Another option under $1500 is the Engel R2500IS Inverter Generator - This generator comes with a four year warranty and a 7 hour run time (50% capacity). It is an efficient and reliable power option with service agents nationwide.
-
Best - Yamaha 2200W Inverter Generator Pack, EF2200IS – The Yamaha is unique, modern, lightweight, and powerful. This generator has some cool features like tool-less entry and “boost” feature. The boost feature is ideal for starting caravan air conditioners and we are yet to find a caravan aircon that it will not run. The generator has a simple fuel drain design that allows you to store the generator dry while not in use. Storing a generator without fuel is very important to protect the components of the carburettor.
Still need help choosing a caravan and camping generator? Give one of our product experts a call on 1800 787 278!
-
DISCLAIMER* Please note, this advice is general in nature and we strongly recommend consulting the product manual and where relevant, a professional installer.
Comments (13)
Generator for Dometic Harrier Lite
Hi, Can you please advise the best option for a generator to run a Dometic Harrier Lite. Won't get a lot of use but there for those really hot days.By: Steve on 08 June 2023
www.caravanrvcamping.com.au Response
Hi Steve, I have reached out to you via email with some generator choices.
Best option generator to run a Dometic FJ2200 Air
Hello, wondering if you could please help recommend a generator that will run a Dometic FJ2200 (2200W) Air Condtioner? We have a Jayco Cosstrak 13ft that we want to take off grid to the Flinders Ranges later this year. We have 2 x 120W solar panels and a 200Amp Lithium Battery, we would mainly want to run the A/C at night.By: Craig Byron on 08 June 2023
www.caravanrvcamping.com.au Response
Hi Craig, we have reached out directly to you via email. Check out the Maxwatt 2800w Petrol Inverter Generator. This has electric start so it is easy for any one to start
Generator for Houghton Belaire 3400
Hi Folks Looking for a genie to start and run the Houghton 3400 air conditioner as the Honda EU22i will not. AC runs on mains 240v. Will a Cromtech Outback 4500 run the AC?By: Rob Baird on 08 June 2023
www.caravanrvcamping.com.au Response
Hi Rob I have reached out to you via email. Alternatively you can give us a call on 1800 787 278 or jump on our LIVE Chat in business hours
What size and type of Generator
Good morning I am looking for a generator that will run a Truma type Aventa air Conditioner The specs are Power consumption 4.2A cooling Cooling power at 2.4 KW Also looking at running other accessories such as microwave Hoping you can assist Regards RobBy: Robert Alan Gardener on 08 June 2023
www.caravanrvcamping.com.au Response
Hi Rob, I have reached out to you via email. So keep an eye out on that. In the mean time check out the Yamaha 2200w Inverter Generator, EF2200IS , MaxWatt 2500W Petrol Inverter Generator or the Cromtech Outback Inverter Generator 2.4kw for my top 3
Generator sizing - Houghton Belaire 3400 AC
Hi Wonder if you can assist. We have a 19.6ft caravan with a Houghton Belaire 3400 air conditioner, 3000w inverter, and a Honda EU22i generator. However, the Gen will not run the AC even with fridge on Gas and everything else (power wise) turned off. Apparently the problem appears to be part of the Gen power is being used to recharge/top-up the batteries (2 x 200Ah lithium with 510Ah solar panels). All runs OK when plugged into mains 240v. So question - will a larger Gen (eg. Cromtech Outback 4500w) be likely to overcome the inadequacy of the current Gen. Advice/comments would be appreciated.By: Rob Baird on 08 June 2023
www.caravanrvcamping.com.au Response
While the Honda EU22i generator is a very robust and powerful unit, you may need to increase your overall running watts to keep you going. The Cromtech 4500w is a great unit that is very popular for people using more than 2400 watts continuously. Maxwatt is also another brand to look out for as well. These both are backed with a 2 year warranty and offer a great affordable option for powering your caravan off grid. Feel free to reach out to us on 1800 787 278 and discuss your power needs
Honda
Had an older non invertor Honda dunlite 2.2 kw since 1997. As long as you run the fuel out of the carby and start it at least once a year it goes first pull. Never let me downBy: Bert smith on 08 June 2023
Correct size Generator
Hi, we have a 2023 family bunk 21.6 Ask Innovation. It has the Houghton Beliare 3400. We want to start off grid camping, what size would we need for AC, phone charges and possibly a tv?By: Shea Harms on 08 June 2023
www.caravanrvcamping.com.au Response
Hi Shea, I have reached out to you via email with some options. My first choices were the Cromtech 2400w Inverter Generator and the MaxWatt 2500W Petrol Inverter Generator these are both affordable options that boast a great warranty and reliability.
Generator for aircon
Hi. I have a Harrier Plus HP36H401R1 aircon. Looking for a generator to run this efficiently plus maybe the microwave at the same time. Thanks so much.By: Jill Daly on 08 June 2023
www.caravanrvcamping.com.au Response
Hi Jill, having a generator to run your Air Con while caravanning is a perfect idea. You would be best to aim for a generator over 2.4Kva if you wish to have other appliances running. Keeping in mind when the Air Conditioner drops below it's set temperature and the compressor kicks in or when first turning the Air Con on it is best not to have anything running at the same time.
which Genset will suit my needs
hi team, I am looking at getting a genset to run our caravan it will need to run a Belaire Houghton 3400 r/c aircon and the usual extras microwave/toaster, chargers what would be you recommendationsBy: Aaron Saxton on 08 June 2023
www.caravanrvcamping.com.au Response
Hi Aaron, we will reach out to you via email with some options the will best suit your need
What size genny?
About to take delivery of a 2023 van with Air Command IBIS 4 a/c. Add a TV, microwave, toaster and phone charger. I like the Honda and Yamaha brands but which one is quieter and what model would you suggest?By: Andrew on 08 June 2023
www.caravanrvcamping.com.au Response
Hey Andrew, thanks for reaching out and congrats on the new buy! Both brands are a premium product that will treat you well. We sell and recommend the Yamaha generators. They are reliable and won't let you down
Honda or Yamaha
Hi. I’ve a 7m caravan ( my home ) the aircon is a wren air command reverse cycle, ideally I want to buy the right generator the first time , A toaster , an electric kettle ( using gas now so could use gas all the time ) tv and the battery charger. Price is important but also durability and longevity for the money. Kind regards DavidBy: David on 08 June 2023
www.caravanrvcamping.com.au Response
Hi David, I would look at a generator around the 3KVA mark. The Wren Air Con is an older style Air Con that will have quite a larger power consumption over the newer inverter style air cons. I will email you some more options directly to you
what is the best generator to suit our needs
Hi, we have a 'aircommand' 'Ibis 3' model air conditioner in our caravan. (model number 810001). Im in the market for a generator to suit our desire to run the air conditioner. we have a batter system in the caravan, but not enough to operate the air conditioner. can you recommend the right generator to meet our needsBy: chris bayly on 08 June 2023
www.caravanrvcamping.com.au Response
Hi there, the air command Ibis 3 will require a quality 2400W inverter generator or higher to start and run it. There is one 2200W inverter generator that will power it, which is the Yamaha EF2200IS https://www.caravanrvcamping.com.au/yamaha-2200w-inverter-generator-ef2200is
Another popular option is the Cromtech Outback 2400W Inverter generator https://www.caravanrvcamping.com.au/cromtech-outback-inverter-generator-2.4kw
Beware of cheap inverter generators with embellished specifications and power claims. We only sell reputable brands. Feel free to call for more advice
