In recent years, the popularity of off-grid camping, or boondocking, has grown significantly. Travelers seek remote and isolated spots away from crowded campgrounds, yet they still want access to some basic amenities (electricity being the important one). Generators have become a practical necessity for anyone traveling with a trailer. They provide a reliable source of power and allow travelers to operate appliances, charge devices, and maintain a comfortable environment, even in remote locations. But the question many have is “What Size Generator for Travel Trailer?”
A properly sized generator enables travelers to power their refrigerators, microwaves, televisions, and other devices without worrying about draining batteries.
This article aims to assist beginners in choosing the right generator for their travel trailer. For selecting the right generator size, you need to understand specific power needs (wattage requirements), fuel efficiency, portability, and noise levels. By the end of this guide, you will gain a clear understanding of how to calculate power requirements and choose the correct size generator for small, medium, and large travel trailers.
Understand Power Needs for Travel Trailers
Travel trailers often include a variety of appliances and electronic devices designed to make camping more comfortable. Commonly used items include air conditioners, refrigerators, microwaves, televisions, and lighting systems.
These devices provide temperature control, food storage, entertainment, and illumination, which are important for an enjoyable trip.
Additionally, many people charge small electronics, such as mobile phones, laptops, and tablets, while on the road. Each of these appliances and devices draws power, so understanding their energy demands is the first step in selecting the right generator.
Wattage Requirements
Different appliances have specific wattage requirements that depend on their size, function, and efficiency. For instance, air conditioners typically consume 1,500 to 3,000 watts, depending on their BTU rating. A 13,500 BTU air conditioner often requires 2,000–2,500 watts to operate, while larger units may need closer to 3,000 watts.
Microwaves, another popular appliance, generally fall within the 800 to 1,500-watt range. Refrigerators, which are used consistently throughout a trip, consume between 400 and 800 watts during operation. Meanwhile, lighting systems require anywhere from 50 to 300 watts, depending on the type and number of bulbs installed in the trailer.
We also need to account for surge wattage when calculating power needs. Surge wattage refers to the temporary increase in power demand when an appliance starts. For example, a refrigerator may require only 400 watts while running but it needs up to 1,200 watts to start.
Similarly, an air conditioner might need as much as 3,500 watts during startup, even if its running wattage is lower. This sudden spike happens because motors and compressors in appliances need extra power to overcome initial resistance.
When choosing a generator, you must calculate both running and surge wattage requirements. Failing to consider surge wattage can lead to overloading the generator, causing it to shut down or fail.
If you plan to run an air conditioner and refrigerator simultaneously, you need a generator capable of handling their combined running and surge wattage.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Generator Size
Assess Your Total Power Needs
Understanding your total power requirements is one of the first steps when selecting a generator for your travel trailer. You need to calculate the wattage for all appliances you plan to use simultaneously.
For instance, running a 13,500 BTU air conditioner requires around 2,500 watts, while a microwave may add 1,000 watts. Additionally, if you want to power a refrigerator and lighting, you must add their wattage to the total.
This calculation helps you determine whether the generator you choose can handle all devices without overloading.
When electricity is limited, you should prioritize essential appliances. For instance, an air conditioner may take precedence over a television in hot weather. By deciding which appliances matter most during power shortages, you can use a smaller generator to meet your basic needs.
Making a list of devices and their wattage can guide you in balancing comfort and practicality.
Generator Types: Inverter vs. Conventional
Two main types of generators dominate the market: inverter and conventional models. Inverter generators are a popular choice because they are lightweight, quiet, and fuel-efficient. These features make them ideal for travel trailers, where portability and noise levels play a significant role. They also produce clean power suitable for sensitive electronics like laptops and mobile phones.
Conventional generators, on the other hand, typically offer higher power output at a lower cost. These models work well for heavy-duty needs but tend to be larger and louder. While they may suit larger travel trailers requiring substantial wattage, their bulk and noise might pose challenges in certain settings.
Portability and Weight
Larger generators with higher wattage capacities often weigh more, making them harder to transport. For example, a 2,000-watt inverter generator typically weighs between 40 to 60 pounds, while a 5,000-watt conventional generator can weigh over 150 pounds.
The trade-off between power capacity and ease of transport becomes important if you frequently move the generator. If you prefer off-grid camping and often set up in remote locations, a lightweight model might suit your needs better. However, if your power demands are higher, you may need to compromise on portability for greater wattage.
Fuel Type and Efficiency
Generators primarily run on gasoline, propane, or a combination of both in dual-fuel models. Gasoline generators are widely available and usually more affordable upfront. However, gasoline has a shorter shelf life and requires proper storage to avoid degradation.
Propane generators, on the other hand, burn cleaner and offer a longer shelf life. They also eliminate the hassle of dealing with stale fuel.
Dual-fuel generators provide flexibility, allowing you to switch between gasoline and propane based on availability or cost.
Runtime on a full tank varies depending on the generator’s size and efficiency. For instance, a 2,000-watt inverter generator might run for 8 to 10 hours on one gallon of gas, while a larger model may consume fuel more quickly.
Noise Level Considerations
Noise plays an important role in choosing a generator, especially if you plan to camp in peaceful settings. Many campgrounds have noise restrictions, often limiting generator decibel levels to 60 dB or less. This threshold roughly matches the volume of a normal conversation and helps maintain a quiet environment for all campers.
Inverter generators typically operate at lower noise levels compared to conventional models. For example, a 2,000-watt inverter generator may produce 50 to 58 dB, while a larger conventional generator can exceed 70 dB. To reduce noise further, you can place the generator on a sound-dampening mat or choose models with enclosed designs.
What Size Generator for Travel Trailer?
Small Travel Trailers (Compact Campers)
Small travel trailers typically require less power since they house fewer appliances and smaller electronics. Generators in the 2,000–3,000-watt range are usually sufficient to meet the power needs of these compact campers.
For example, a 2,200-watt inverter generator can easily run appliances like a mini-refrigerator (400–800 watts), LED lights (50–300 watts), and a small microwave (800–1,000 watts). This size also allows you to charge mobile devices or power a laptop simultaneously without exceeding the generator’s capacity.
These generators are lightweight and portable, which is ideal for smaller trailers with limited storage space. Many models in this range weigh under 50 pounds, making them easy to move around.
They also run quietly, usually producing 50–60 dB, which allows them to comply with noise restrictions in most campgrounds.
A 2,000-watt generator is perfect for solo travelers or couples who prioritize mobility and simplicity over running multiple appliances at once.
Medium Travel Trailers
Medium-sized travel trailers often accommodate small families or groups, resulting in higher power needs. Generators in the 3,000–5,000-watt range offer sufficient capacity to operate several appliances simultaneously.
For instance, a 3,500-watt generator can power a 13,500 BTU air conditioner (1,500–3,000 watts) while running a mid-sized refrigerator (400–800 watts) and a television (100–200 watts). This setup allows families to maintain comfort and convenience during their trips.
Unlike smaller generators, models in this range provide more flexibility for power management. They can handle additional appliances like a coffee maker (800–1,200 watts) or a toaster (1,200 watts) without overloading.
Despite their increased capacity, many models remain compact enough for travel, with weights ranging from 70 to 120 pounds. For travellers seeking a balance between power and portability, this size generator is a reliable option for a variety of travel needs.
Large Travel Trailers (Family-Sized Models)
Large travel trailers typically require generators in the 5,000–7,000-watt range to accommodate their high power demands. These trailers often feature multiple appliances, including high-BTU air conditioners, large refrigerators, and multiple entertainment systems.
For example, a 5,500-watt generator can power a 15,000 BTU air conditioner (2,500–3,500 watts), a full-sized refrigerator (600–1,200 watts), and additional items like a microwave (1,200 watts) and several lights simultaneously.
This size generator also supports heavier power surges, which occur when appliances like air conditioners and refrigerators start up. Models in this range often weigh over 150 pounds and may include wheels or handles to improve mobility.
While these generators produce more noise, manufacturers have started incorporating features like sound-dampening technology to reduce their impact. Large generators cater to families or groups who prioritize comfort and require the ability to run multiple appliances throughout the day.
What are the Different Types of Travel Trailer Generators?
Travel trailer generators are amazing. These generators are present in the following three modes:
- Built-in generators
- Portable generators
- Inverter generators
The generators that are already present in your travel trailers are called built-in generators. They are fantastic options in terms of power availability as they range easily from 2500-1200 watts, and you don’t have to install them.
You can easily set them for use by pushing a button and vice-versa. You don’t have to manage them as they’re already built-in. The downside for the built-in generators is that they cost you many bucks in service as they are built-in in your RV. They can only be used for your RV and you can’t take them or transport them where you need them.
The portable generators are a good option if you don’t have any built-in generators as they are more cost-effective than the latter. They can be found in the range of 2000-4000, but 12000 watts are also available in the market. You can use them for other purposes as well as they are not built-in and can be transported.
Inverter generators are the best option if you want a noise-free generator. They have the lowest decibel nose with reduced consumption of fuel But Keep in mind; they are not much budget-friendly. You will have to spend a lot on them.
Conclusion
Having a generator for your travel trailer is essential, and you cannot deny its importance and contribution to your journey. You just have to figure out the size of the generator you’ll need for it. In this article, we’ve described all the factors and qualities of the best RV generator for your travel trailer. But if you still have got some queries, you can ask us in the comments below.
