Buyers Guide to Generators for Camping: Everything You Need to Know

Camping Generators

Camping Generator Buyers Guide

A portable generator is a must-have gadget when going on a camping trip. Generators for camping do not require as much energy as a generator used to power an RV or a home during an outage. Most campers only need to power small devices such as their phones, flashlights, smartwatches, GPS, or digital cameras in their tents.

For more fun and convenience, some campers like to bring a generator to power their refrigerated coolers, outdoor grills, fans, heaters, and outdoor lights.

Whatever your needs may be, there’s something for everyone. But you need a quiet one because you don’t want to be blasting an 80 dB engine in the middle of nowhere, ruining your peaceful environment.

Here in this article, we’ll see some important things to know when selecting generators for camping.

Why Use a Generator for Camping

Electricity generators are a must have appliance when going camping.

On an isolated site, the camping generator is the simplest and most affordable way to obtain the desired amount of power on demand.

Most vacationers like to spend two to three days at their campground – some like to make the fun last up to a week. If this is you, you must think of how to power your smartphones, tablets, digital cameras, GPS, and more. And, of course, you don’t want to pitch a tent in total darkness. You need some lighting – either from a lamp in the tent or outdoor light.

Some people cannot do without their morning coffee and like to bring their espresso machine along. Then setting up an electric grill for some game meat BBQ hits different. These are some scenarios that require the use of a camping generator.

Types of Camping Generators

You will find three types of generators suitable for camping when looking for the perfect one.

The Conventional Portable Generator:

Portable Generators for Camping

Image: DuroMaxPower

For over 100 years, the conventional generator has continued to provide emergency power. This is the most popular type of generator.

The conventional generator generates power using a fossil fuel engine to spin an alternator similar to your car’s. The generator creates an electric current when it spins.

The alternator is what supplies electricity to our devices and appliances. Many devices can be plugged into the provided outlets and work perfectly.

The electricity from the mains oscillates at 60 cycles per second or 60 hertz. While your generator may not guarantee this all the time, the engine speed determines the frequency of the electricity from the generator. To generate electricity at 60 hertz with our generator, the motor must be tuned.

Engine speed can change over time, no matter how well maintained and tuned it is. The generator will produce slight variations in electricity due to these varying RPMs. Also, these generators are known for their electric and magnetic field (EMF) pollution. This is what is called dirty electricity.

It is not a problem for the electronics to work with a dirty power supply. This was never a problem before the advent of digital circuitry.

However, digital circuits cannot work with dirty electricity. Clean electricity is needed to charge phones, computers, laptops, and other smart devices. This can be dangerous depending on how many devices you must use while camping.

Inverter generators:

Inverter Generators For Camping

Image: Honda Power Equipment

Inverter generators are gaining popularity due to the growing demand for clean energy. They start as conventional generators. The same engine drives the alternator, producing the same dirty power.

An inverter generator adds a new component that converts alternating current to direct current. DC is what you get from a battery. An inverter generator converts this direct current into a clean alternating current of 60 hertz. However, inverter generators tend to be more expensive but they’re quieter and generate cleaner and safer energy for your sensitive devices.

Inverter generators are also more fuel efficient than conventional generators meaning you don’t need to bring as much fuel with you.

Solar generators and battery stations:

Portable Power Stations For Camping

Image: Jackery

The latest addition to the family of electric generators are the solar generators. They’re common with campers who don’t bring many appliances with them as they don’t have high power demands. So, if all you need is to charge small devices like your tent lamp, smartphones, smartwatches, GPS, cameras, fans, and maybe your laptop, then you only need a fully charged portable power station. The advantage of this is it doesn’t need gasoline or any other fossil fuel to work. Also, it’s a great option for those who need a quiet power source.

For those who will be spending longer days at the campground, then it’s better to get a solar generator. This is just a portable power station connected to a mobile solar panel grid so as long as it is a sunny day, you will be able to power your devices.

Fuel Options

There are different types of fuel for current generators. However, these exempt the solar generator and battery stations which use the power of the sun and stored battery power:

1.    Gasoline

This is the most common hydrocarbon fuel for generators with or without an inverter. Gasoline is the fuel found in all service stations, even self-service. But it’s more expensive than propane or natural gas per gallon. However, gasoline is more efficient than propane and natural gas and more readily available which is important when camping.

2.    Diesel

Power generators for camping that run on diesel are less common. They are mainly used in the commercial sector and can only be purchased in specialized stores. In addition, they are generally quite heavy and noisy, which is not ideal for a campsite.

3.    Propane – LPG

LPG is the most sustainable fuel with the most favorable environmental impact. It’s cleaner than petrol and diesel.

Propane is still easy to find and often comes in a separate tank. Although the tank is easy to collect, you will need to transport it to your campsite along with your generator. Additionally you will require a larger tank due to propane’s increased consumption to other hydrocarbons.

4.    Natural Gas

Natural gas isn’t as commonly available as other fuel options as more specialized dealers are required for purchase. Although natural gas is a more environmentally friendly fuel option, it comes at the cost of efficiency when compared to gas and diesel.

Generators that feature natural gas capabilities are typically quieter than generators powered by only gas or diesel meaning they are perfect for camping.

5.    Bi or Tri Fuel Generators

Bi-fuel generators run on a combination of gasoline and propane or natural gas where tri-fuel generators run on gasoline, propane and natural gas. Generators that use multiple types of fuels are very versatile as they can run on whatever fuel you have. Having a generator that can run on multiple fuels is important as it allows you to have options based on availability and price.

Camping Generator Noise Levels

Camping generators should have low sound levels to provide a quiet and comfortable experience. Noise is measured in decibels (dBA). The lower the dBA score of your generator, the less sound it generates.

The best quiet camping generators that use fuel have sound levels ranging from 50 dBA to 60 dBA. All of these are considered conversational noise levels.

However, some models can be noisier than 60 dBA, especially if they have large and have powerful motors or are open-frame traditional generators.

Finally, if you don’t want your camping environment to be as quiet as the frog yelps and insect buzzes around, then you need a portable mobile station that works on battery or with solar power.

Safety Considerations

A generator needs to have a few features that make its operation safe for the engine, the devices powered, and the user:

  • An electrical overload warning mechanism: An overload could damage the system and the equipment connected to it. Generator circuit breakers protect against equipment overload providing safety for your generator and devices connected to its circuit.
  • Low oil shutdown: If the volume of engine lubricant in an engine is too low, it can seriously damage the engine. Most generators are fitted with an oil level sensor that will detect and shutdown a generator with a low oil level.
  • Ground fault circuit interrupter: A generator with GFCI has a breaker that trips when it detects energy flowing in an unnatural direction. This prevents generator backfeeding which can cause electrocution or damage to connected devices or the generator. Hence, it’s a good feature for preventing electrocution and damage to your generator.
  • Carbon Monoxide sensor: Generators fitted with a carbon monoxide (CO) shutoff provide real safety benefits due to the. Due to the dangerous nature of carbon monoxide, a generator fitter with a CO sensor or CO shutoff provides real safety to the user. This feature detects dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in the air and alerts the user. Carbon monoxide can be lethal and is one of the major hazards that come with operating a generator. Separate CO sensors are available to combat Carbon monoxide poisoning.
Generator safety

Image: Packed With Power

Some strategies to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning are:

  • Never run a generator indoors
  • Bring a carbon monoxide sensor and keep it with you
  • Operate the generator 20 feet from your campsite
  • Point the generators exhaust away from yourself and other campers
  • Run the generator so wind pushes exhaust fumes away from yourself and other campers

Features to Consider

Below are features and technologies you should consider in a good generator for camping:

1.    Starting mechanism

Almost every conventional generator is recoil started. This involves using a starter rope, like a lawnmower. However, you can now find modern generators with push-button electric starters and remote starters.

While a recoil starter isn’t as practical as an electric starter, you need a charged battery for your system to run.

2.    Parallel operation

Large, bulky generators are less practical at campgrounds than lightweight inverter generators. Generator parallel operation allows identical generators with parallel capabilities to be linked together to increase the total power, effectively combining their output wattage.

Depending on your powering needs, a single generator can be used regularly until you need higher output wattage where two generators can be linked together to provide the required power. Overall fuel consumption and noise pollution will be less due to a less powerful generator being operated

3.    Outlets

Your camping generator should have the ability to create stable, clean power output through plenty of outlets.

Generators come with a variety of AC and DC power outlets existing in different shapes and sizes depending on their usage. Some generators can output both 120V and 240V at the flick of a switch.

It is important to understand the information on generator outlets as various reticles are more dedicated to powering a home or RV.

4.    Additional features

Like many other energy tools, any additional features that will make your work easier or the machine more suitable for use are welcome.

For camping generators, a few handy extra features you should look for include dual fuel capabilities. This allows the unit to use two or more types of fuel. A low oil shutdown system is also important. This feature automatically stops the engine when the oil level is low.

Wireless remote start, LCDs, and automated throttle are features found in generators to make them simpler, easier to use and perfect for camping.

How to Choose a Camping Generator That’s Right for You

Below are what to consider when choosing a camping-worthy generator:

1.    Power and watts

It is important to determine the power you will need when choosing a generator for your camping trip. Generators are measured in watts. A generator’s output in watts is the number of devices it can power simultaneously.

You will need to look at each device you plan to connect and determine the power required. Add them all together. After calculating how much energy you need, we recommend adding another 10-20% to your safety net.

2.    Starting and peak power

Sometimes a device needs more power to start than it needs to run. You’ll need to ensure the generator can provide that cranking power, or your device won’t turn on. You can tell if there are high startup loads by looking at the power consumption of your devices, as earlier mentioned.

As with any air conditioner, a refrigerator is an appliance with a high start-up load. These devices can also turn on frequently and suddenly due to their sensors.

A power surge is a sudden demand for electricity when a device with a high start-up load suddenly turns on. You’ll blow a fuse if your generator can’t handle the power spikes.

3.    Portability

When selecting generators for campers, portability is a high priority as you will primarily use the unit outdoors.

Portability is decided by the size, weight, and management features of the generator. Since generators are considerably heavy, those weighing less than 50lbs without wheels are considered light, mobile and perfect for camping.

Generators that weigh less than 125lbs but feature wheels and a handle are manageable for camping trips but aren’t as optimal for long or difficult walks.

Generators that weigh over 125lbs will be more difficult to transport to campsites but if the walk is short the extra weight is manageable.

As for heavier units that don’t come with an effective set of wheels, a trolley or buggy can be utilized to assist in the transport of these generators.

4.    Operating time and gas tank size

If you are going to be using your camping generator outdoors or in forests where there’s no access to a gas pump, it is reasonable to get a generator with a longer run time.

Run time is determined by engine size, fuel tank capacity, and power output and is measured in hours at 25 percent or 50 percent load. Generators with large fuel tank capacities will normally run longer than those with smaller tanks.

It should be noted that the larger the dimensions of the generator’s gas tank, the more it weighs when filled with gas.

Final Thoughts

Camping generators can be useful for people camping in a tent or even in a small camping vehicle. They are light, compact, and powerful enough to power and recharge your equipment and devices.

Then, in the choice of your generator, your needs will be different. So it will be necessary to take into account all the characteristics that we have mentioned previously.

However, it’s important that you stay safe while using your generator. Never use a fossil fuel-powered generator inside an enclosed space or too close to the tent or camper. It’s most important that there is a CO sensor around to keep everyone safe. Other safety features a fuel generator should have include a GFCI, low oil shutdown, overvoltage, and more.