Although it may seem odd at first, a generator for camping is a great thing to have. In fact, getting a generator can totally revolutionize your camping experience. But, why do you need one, and how do you decide which one to buy?

Let’s take a closer look at everything you need to know about buying the best generator for camping. We’ll cover why to get one, what kind to get, and what to consider before making your purchase. 

Why Should You Buy A Generator For Camping?

You might wonder, why should you buy a generator for camping? After all, isn’t the whole point of camping to connect with nature?

That’s a valid opinion, and for some campers, getting down to the bare basics is part of the fun. But for many campers, a generator will help them take their next camping trip to the next level.

A generator for camping opens up tons of possibilities, including:

• Powering induction stoves and other cookware for easy meal prep.
• Powering lights to keep the campsite well lit. 
• Powering portable projectors, so you can enjoy a movie night. 
• Charging devices, like phones and handheld GPS systems

If this sounds attractive to you, then you’ll definitely benefit from getting a generator for camping. Plus, you won’t be restricted to just using the generator when you go camping. You’ll also be able to use it as a portable home generator, for tailgates, and anywhere else you need a convenient source of power. 

What Kind of Generator For Camping Should You Get?

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A variety of different generators for camping are available, all with their own unique advantages and disadvantages.

Gas Generators

Gas generators use gasoline as their fuel source. These are some of the most common generators for camping and for general use available. 

Gas generators have the advantage that gas is easy to find, and provides a good amount of power per unit of fuel. But, fuel can’t be left in the generator, or it will gum and negatively impact proper function. Gasoline also needs stabilizers if you want to store it long-term. 

Diesel Generators

Diesel generators use diesel fuel for power. Diesel provides the most power per unit of fuel compared to other types of generators for camping. 

Diesel fuel can be stored for a bit longer than gasoline, and provides more power for your money. But, diesel generators are generally more expensive than gas, as is diesel fuel. 

Propane Generators

Propane generators use propane as their fuel source. They have a number of features that make them more economical than other generator types.

Perhaps the biggest advantage of propane generators is that propane can be stored for long periods without needing stabilizers. Propane is a less efficient fuel source than gas or diesel, but it’s also cheaper pound for pound.

Propane generators for camping also run quieter, and produce fewer emissions, compared to gas and diesel.

Dual Fuel Generators

Dual fuel generators can use two different fuel types, most commonly propane and gasoline. There are also tri fuel generators available, which can use three different fuel types.

Dual fuel generators provide you maximum flexibility and ensure you can almost always find fuel. But, they’re also more expensive than other generator types.

Solar Generators

Solar “generators” are a bit different from other generator types. Unlike other generators, they can’t produce their own power. Instead, they consist of a battery which must be charged using a solar panel or wall outlet. 

Solar generators are the greenest type of generator, as well as the quietest. This helps make them a great generator for camping. But, they also have lower power output, and if the weather doesn’t cooperate, you might not be able to get a charge. 

What To Consider Before Buying a Generator for Camping

Let’s look at all the factors to consider when buying a generator for camping. 

Determine Your Power Needs

The first step in buying a generator for camping is assessing how much power you’ll need.

What electronics do you plan to power and charge while camping? Make a list of everything you expect to use.

Once you have a list, you’ll need to find the power needs for each item. These values can typically be found on the device itself, on the device’s power supply, or in the device’s user manual. In cases where you can’t find this info, you can estimate with an online generator wattage calculator.

Keep in mind that many devices, particularly those with motors such as microwaves, have a startup wattage as well as a running wattage. This is a much higher wattage that the device briefly needs to start. Be sure to account for startup wattage in your generator calculations. 

Once you have this info, it’s time to do some calculations to find your power needs. You’ll need to calculate two figures: one for the running wattage, and the other for the starting wattage. Add the total running watts and starting watts separately to find how much power you’ll need. 

Decide The Fuel Type For Your Generator

As mentioned before, there are several different fuel types you can use for your generator. When shopping for a generator for camping, consider the advantages and disadvantages of each:

Consider The Runtime

Your generator’s runtime refers to how long it can provide power on a single tank of fuel. It depends on several factors:

• The size of the generator
• The load placed on it
• The type of fuel used by the generator

Larger generators generally provide longer runtimes. However, larger generators are also more expensive, and more difficult to transport. As such, you’ll want to strike a balance between portability and power. 

Look For Safety And Other Features

Safety and other features can put one generator for camping ahead of the pack. Common safety features for generators include:

These features help keep you safe, and protect from accidents. Most good generators will have these features, and you’ll want to avoid generators that have few to no safety features. Otherwise, you put yourself at risk for fire hazards, CO exposure, and more.

Other extra features you can find on generators for camping include:

 Features like these will make your generator for camping easier to bring along, easier to use, and more effective. 

Consider the Noise Level 

If you’re getting a generator for camping, you’ll ideally want it to be a quiet one. Loud generators can annoy other campers, disturb wildlife, and just generally break the peacefulness of nature. 

The absolute quietest generators will be solar generators. But as we’ve discussed before, these aren’t proper generators, and you’ll need a way to charge them first. 

After solar, propane generators, followed by gas, will be the quietest options. Smaller generators are typically quieter than larger generators as well. So, you’ll want to strike a balance between noise and power. 

The noise level of a generator is expressed in decibels. Ideally, you’ll find a generator that’s rated at 60 decibels or less. 

Look at Brand Reputation and Customer Reviews

Once you’ve considered all your options and hopefully put together a list of them, the deciding factor will likely come down to the quality of the brand and what reviews say. 

Websites like Amazon and Consumer Reports are the best source for this kind of information. Take some time to read through reviews, and consider using services like Fakespot to help weed out possibly fake reviews. 

A Generator For Camping Will Revolutionize Your Camping Experience

With a generator for camping, you can get so much more out of your next camping trip. Movie nights, delicious meals, and more are all possible with the right generator.

When shopping for your generator for camping, you’ll need to consider various things, like:

• Fuel type
• Power output
• Runtime
• Safety and other features
• Noise levels

Once you’ve narrowed your options down, all that’s left is to buy your generator and enjoy an amazing camping trip!

Sources:

1. https://kratopower.com/blogs/news/how-to-pick-the-best-home-generator-the-simple-guide
2. https://kratopower.com/collections/generators/products/duromax-xp13000hxt-13-000-watt-10-500-watt-500cc-tri-fuel-portable-generator-with-co-alert-in-blue
3. https://www.elephantenergy.org/wattage-calculator/
4. https://www.fakespot.com/

Image sources:

1. https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-in-white-dress-shirt-sitting-on-chair-using-macbook-9143838/
2. https://www.pexels.com/photo/friends-sitting-on-cushions-and-watching-a-movie-7900688/
3. https://unsplash.com/photos/YWwdljlQfUM
4. https://www.pxfuel.com/es/free-photo-eovtq/download