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Guide for Purchasing an Inverter Generator for Camping
While a simple, old-fashioned camping trip is plenty of fun, sometimes, you want to take things to the next level. Project a movie, cook up a complex meal, and even whip up some frozen margaritas in the blender. But how can you do all these things while camping?
Enter the dual-fuel inverter generator and other inverter generators for camping. These handy devices not only give you power, but they also let you run sensitive electronics safely. Let’s take a closer look at what you can do with the best dual fuel inverter generators.
What is an Inversion Generator for Camping?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGE9tTF2MFQ
You’re likely already familiar with what a generator is, and what it does. A generator generates electricity, most commonly by burning a fuel like gasoline. But what about an inversion generator? What is it, and why is it different?
First, we need to understand the two types of current that are used: alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). With direct current, the voltage is consistent and the electricity flows in a single direction. With alternating current, the voltage changes back and forth from negative to positive, and the direction of the current changes each time.
A traditional generator uses an engine and an alternator to output AC power. Due to various factors, this power often experiences “harmonic distortion.”
The science of harmonic distortion is pretty technical. But, the important thing to know is that this distortion causes power to be “dirty.” That means that it can damage sensitive electronics such as computers.
An inverter generator fixes this issue. Like a traditional generator, it uses an engine and alternator to produce AC power. But then, this AC power is converted to DC power by a rectifier. Finally, the power is “inverted” back to AC power, reducing distortion and creating clean power.
If you want to use and charge modern electronics on your next trip outdoors, you’ll need an inversion generator for camping. With an inversion generator for camping, you’ll be able to:
- Charge phones and other devices
- Run lights
- Power computers
- Run a portable projector
And there are just a few possibilities.
For even more convenience, you can use a dual-fuel inverter generator. These generators can use two different fuel types, giving you maximum flexibility on how you get power. The best dual-fuel generators will have tons of great features too, to make your next camping trip a hit.
Besides providing clean power, inverter generators for camping have a number of other advantages. They’re typically smaller and lighter, more fuel efficient, and run more quietly than traditional generators. Plus, they typically produce fewer emissions than traditional generators.
However, inverter generators aren’t completely without their downsides. They are generally more expensive to buy and maintain, and don’t get quite as powerful as traditional generators. However, if you need more power, you can use an inverter parallel kit to run two generators together, increasing the power output.
Inverter Generators for Camping Buyers Guide
An inverter generator for camping is a great thing to have, but with so many options, how do you decide which one to buy? Let’s take a look at everything to consider when shopping so you can find the best dual fuel inverter generator.
What You Want to Power
The first thing you should do when shopping for a dual-fuel inverter generator for camping is to decide what electronics you’ll be using.
Consider what you might want to use on your next camping trip. Some examples include cell phones, portable fridges, lights, and projectors, just to name a few. Once you’ve decided what to bring, you’ll make a list of every item.
Then, you’ll find the wattage requirement for each item on the list. You can generally find this information:
- Somewhere on the device, most likely the back or bottom of it
- On the device’s power supply somewhere, such as on the “power brick” on a laptop power cord
- Somewhere in the device’s user manual or other documentation
- If you can’t find the wattage requirements anywhere, consider using an online estimator to help
Once you have this info, add up all the wattage requirements for each item to find out how much power you’ll need from your generator. Keep in mind that many electronics, such as those with motors, will also have a “surge” or “starting” wattage. You’ll need to find this information as well and add up all the starting wattages separately from the normal or “running” wattage.
Keep in mind that a dual-fuel inverter generator (or any other generator) will typically have two wattage ratings:
- Running wattage rating
- Surge wattage rating (also called the starting wattage).
Each of these wattage ratings should be higher than the total wattages you calculated.
What Fuel Type To Use
Inverter generators for camping can use a variety of fuel types. To summarize the most common options briefly:
- Gasoline, which provides a good ratio of cost to power. However, gasoline has the downside that it can’t be stored for long periods without using stabilizers, and will damage your generator if fuel is left inside it.
- Diesel fuel, which is the most expensive option, but also the most powerful pound for pound. It also has the benefit that it can be stored for as long as 12 months without the use of stabilizers.
- Propane, which provides the least power but is also the most affordable fuel type. Propane can also be stored indefinitely without issue, and produces fewer emissions than other fuel types.
With a dual fuel inverter generator, you’ll be able to utilize two different fuels for power. Most dual fuel inverter generators will use gas and propane, but other combinations can be found.
How Long it Will Run on a Tank of Gas
The amount of time your dual fuel inverter generator for camping will run on a single tank of gas is referred to as the “runtime” of the generator. The exact runtime of a generator depends on various factors, such as the load placed on it (meaning, how much power it has to supply).
Dual fuel inverter generators and other types of generators will typically show a runtime rating that is based on a 50% load, or half of its maximum capacity. Typically, runtimes range between 10 and 12 hours.
A longer runtime means you won’t have to deal with refilling the generator on a camping trip, and can even help you avoid bringing an extra tank of fuel. But, the tradeoff is that a longer runtime generally makes for a more expensive generator. So the best dual fuel generator for you will need to strike a balance between price and power.
How Loud It Is
While all generators produce noise, we have some good news: Dual-fuel inverter generators run more quietly than traditional generators. This is especially important for camping, as a loud generator can disturb the tranquility of nature and annoy nearby campers.
Sound levels are measured in decibels (dB). You should look for a generator that produces no more than 60 dB to avoid bothering other campers.
What Features it Has
The best dual-fuel inverter generators for camping will have a variety of features. These include safety features, as well as various extra features.
You should avoid generators with few safety features. Ideally, the best dual-fuel inverter generators will have features like:
- Overload protection
- Low oil shut off
- Carbon monoxide detection and automatic shutoff
- Spark arrestors
With these features, you’ll be safe from dangerous accidents and exposure to toxic substances.
In addition to safety features, dual-fuel inverter generators can also include a variety of extra features, including:
- Push button start
- Wheels and handles for portability
- A variety of outlets and outlet types so you can plug in multiple devices at once
- Electric throttle or economy mode, which adjusts the generator output in response to energy demand, helping you consume less fuel
- Digital displays that provide information such as remaining runtime and fuel level
If you’re stuck between two different generators, features like these can go a long way toward helping you decide.
What People Say About the Brand and the Product
If you’ve narrowed down your options but still can’t decide, look at some reviews and information about the brand. This will help you decide which option is the best dual-fuel inverter generator for your needs.
Amazon and Consumer Reports are excellent resources for finding this kind of information. And to be 100% sure you’re reading real reviews, you can use a site like Fakespot. These services tell you when reviews are real or fake, so you can be confident in your decision.
With the Best Dual Fuel Inverter Generator for Camping, Your Next Camping Trip Will Be A Blast
Dual-fuel inverter generators are the ideal choice for anybody who wants to take their camping trips to the next level. They provide clean power and plenty of flexibility, giving you nearly endless possibilities for what you can do.
Using our handy guide, you can choose the best dual-fuel generator for camping based on your needs. Once you’ve decided which one is right for you, all that’s left is to make a purchase and get ready to debut it on your next trip.
Sources:
- https://www.allaboutcircuits.com/technical-articles/understanding-thd-total-harmonic-distortion-in-power-systems/
- https://kratopower.com/collections/inverter-generators/products/4-500-watt-dual-fuel-portable-inverter-generator
- https://kratopower.com/collections/accessories/products/duromax-inverter-parallel-kit-for-xp4500ih-generator
- https://kratopower.com/blogs/news/how-to-pick-the-best-home-generator-the-simple-guide
- https://www.elephantenergy.org/wattage-calculator/
- https://www.electricgeneratorsdirect.com/stories/936-Generator-Decibel-Comparison.html
- https://www.consumerreports.org/
- https://www.fakespot.com/
Image sources:
- https://www.pexels.com/photo/lovely-couple-watching-movie-inside-of-fabric-shelter-3776825/
- https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0548/9577/1782/files/duromax-xp2300ih_800x800.jpg?v=1685497095
- https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photo-of-a-gasoline-pump-4744709/
- https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-black-v-neck-t-shirt-covering-ears-4584457/