An RV is a great way to explore the outdoors. When paired with a good generator, you’ll have all the tools you need to comfortably camp anywhere. But, with hundreds of different types of generators on the market, it can be confusing to try and narrow down which one is best for you. Here are some of the things you should be looking for.
Which Generator to Choose For an RV?
Let’s start by looking at the size of the generator that you will require. This will depend on the type of appliances that you plan on running. Usually, the smallest generator size will be 2000W. This might be OK if you only have small jobs, like charging up your phone, or only plan on running one appliance at a time. If you want to generate enough electricity to power a whole campsite, you might need to consider something between 5,000 to 10,000W.
This article talks you through the process of accurately determining how much power your generator needs.
Conventional or Inverter Generator?
Generators can generally be broken down into two types. You can either get conventional or inverter options. Conventional generators are the cheapest. But they come with a few significant downsides. One of the biggest issues is that they are prone to power surges, which can damage your devices. Another potential problem is that they are louder.
Because of these problems, it’s common for people to use an inverter. Though they cost a little more, many people opt to use them because of their reliability and quieter operation.
Generator Noise
When you are on your holiday, the last thing you want is to listen to the thrumming of your generator. How much noise it makes should be mentioned in the product description. There are also plenty of generators that have been specially designed to run quietly. If this is important to you, check out this list of quiet generators.
However, if you are still having some problems, there are some techniques you can use to deal with them. You can move the generator further away from your campsite. Another thing you can try is replacing the muffler. You can also put it into a baffle box, creating a soundproof environment. This article goes into more detail on how to silence your generator.
Generator Size
The next thing to consider is how large the generator will be. Ideally, you should be able to get something that will be able to fit comfortably in your RV. It’s also a good idea to look at how much it will weigh. You will need to carry it into position, often across uneven terrain. Thankfully, this shouldn’t be a major issue as most RV generators are designed to be compact and light.
Warranty Period
It’s a good idea to pick a generator that will be able to last for a long time. There are a few ways you can do this. It can help to look at online reviews. This tells you whether people were satisfied with the product and how it performed.
The best option is to pick a machine that has a long warranty period. You should be able to find something that will last for around two to five years. If something goes wrong, you will be able to send it back to the manufacturer and they will fix it up for you.
Generator Cost
Finally, it’s a good idea to look at how much you can expect to pay for the generators. The amount of power will be the most important that will impact the amount you need to pay. You shouldn’t have to break the bank to get something that will be suited to your RV. Often, you will need to be prepared to pay between $1,500 to $2,500 to get a good generator. While this can seem like a lot of money, it will get you a high-quality device that will be able to last for a long time.
Conclusion
Choosing a generator can be a difficult task. But as long as you know what you are looking for, you should be able to narrow it down to a few good options. Then, you just need to plan your next RV holiday and put it to use.