We’ll talk about what size generator you’ll need for your travel trailer in this post.
People often purchase generators that are either too small or too big, resulting in excessive fuel usage and waste of money.
You don’t want to waste time hunting for a location to plug your camper in since it takes so long! Let’s look at what size generators are appropriate for travel trailers and how to choose the best one for your needs.
What Generator Size Is Best For A Travel Trailer?
A travel trailer generator should be at least 2400 watts, and preferably more than 2400 watts.
The size of the generator is determined by the required watts as well as the length of your travel trailer.
| Watts | Recommended Generator |
|---|---|
| 2500 | PowerSmart 2500 Watts Portable Inverter Generator |
| 3500 | Generac 3500 Watt Quiet Portable Inverter Generator |
| 4500 | Champion Power 4500-Watt Portable Inverter Generator |
What Should You Think About?
Larger generators are more costly, but they can easily provide the power needed for larger appliances and electronics.
Another factor to consider when purchasing a generator for your travel trailer is the amount of room it will take up in your camper.
You’ll need enough space within the RV or truck bed to properly load and unload the generator.
A decent rule of thumb is to provide at least three feet of room on all sides, six inches behind it, and 18 inches in front of it while transferring from one location to another.
Consider a smaller generator with a shorter power line if you have limited room inside your vacation trailer.
In A Travel Trailer, How Much Power Do You Really Need?
We suggest that you begin by determining which appliances are in use in your vacation trailer.
This will help you figure out how much electricity each device requires and what sort of generator you’ll need.
If you have an air conditioner operating inside the car while using one system to power other devices, add another 600 watts to the calculation, for a total of 1200 watts (plus any extra usage).
The outcome should indicate what size generator would be appropriate for your needs.
A 4000-5000 watt generator, for example, is required if you use 2000-3000 continuous wattage units at all times, especially while powering other devices outdoors.
To avoid power interruptions while using these appliances for longer periods of time, we suggest choosing one that is at least 50% larger than what your travel trailer requires.
Another option if you’re searching for the greatest size generator for travel trailer camping is an inverter generator, which produces AC power and plugs in with outlets on both sides, allowing it to operate off batteries as well as fuel, but at a lower cost.
It may not produce as much power (watts) as a gas-powered type, but it will suffice in an emergency since they are typically quieter, smaller, and simpler to store!
What Size Generator Do You Need For Your Camper?
This is an excellent question, and the answer is dependent on the size of your camper.
Generators come in a variety of sizes and power ratings, as well as peak output capabilities.
Manufacturers will usually include these specifications in their product descriptions on websites like Amazon, but keep in mind that most of this information can be easily exaggerated if it isn’t backed up with data from third-party sources like an independent lab test report from one of the certification agencies mentioned above.
A generator should be capable of producing enough energy to meet your trailer’s total power demands without interruption.
TIP: When comparing generators with the same power output rating, use amperage ratings.
A generator with a higher amp capacity can power more electrical loads at once, which may be necessary in some trailers with features like air conditioning or stovetop cooking appliances.
While determining how much watts your trailer requires, keep in mind not just what you’ll be operating inside, but also what you’ll be plugging in outdoors when camping near an electric source, such as campground hookups or RV parks with full 240V outlets.
If you have two 50 Amp shore power connections and five 120 Volt AC outlets (for example, four inside lights and one external outlet), apply the method below to figure out what size generator you’ll need:
Total trailer watts = shore power wattage + 120-volt receptacle load
1000 Watts = 50 amps × 20 amps (120V)
The RV requires 3600 Watts – 1000 Watts = 2700 Watts.
In this scenario, a 4000 or 5000 watt generator should enough.
The more costly versions will have less fluctuation while operating and often come with a lifetime guarantee, which is useful if your camping plans include many trips across the nation.
They are also quieter than cheaper ones, so depending on how frequently you camp and what sort of camper you have for lugging it around, they may be worth the price!
Is A Generator Required For My Little Travel Trailer Or Toy Hauler?
Calculate how many watts your travel trailer or toy hauler requires every hour as a decent rule of thumb.
If you have a tiny, lightweight camper that only needs 100 watts per hour, a generator isn’t necessary.
It may be connected to the power grid through shore power and used to charge devices such as laptops and telephones with ease.
Your larger, heavier travel trailer’s power usage will vary based on its size and features.
A generator should, in general, be able to handle up to 5000 watts of electricity without any problems.
However, the amount of room you have will determine how large or tiny your generator has to be.
It’s better not to get one with more power than you’ll need since it would be squandered if the battery bank doesn’t have enough energy for an emergency case like this.
What Size Generator Do You Recommend For A 25-Foot Travel Trailer?
Generators may be as little as 2000 watts and as large as 10,000 watts or more!
Consider how many appliances you’ll need and what additional power requirements you’ll have, such as air conditioners, electric heaters, and space heaters.
Get a generator with greater capacity than you need for entertainment devices if you intend to utilize appliances that demand a lot of electricity, such as laundry washers or stoves.
If you need to relocate your trailer regularly, you’ll also need a portable generator.
If the consumption is modest, 5000 watts should suffice, but when large loads such as air conditioners, microwaves, or coffee machines are present, the wattage must be increased greatly.
For A 30 Amp Travel Trailer, What Size Generator Do I Need?
If you’re wondering what size generator I’ll need for a 30 amp travel trailer, the answer is one that can power all of your appliances and accessories.
To avoid overloading any one appliance or outlet with more than it was meant for, think out how many appliances you’ll want to utilize on top of entertainment devices like TVs and radios.
Choose a portable generator if you’ll be using equipment like clothes washers, stoves, or coffee makers a lot.
They’re generally constructed with larger power capacities.
If the application isn’t too demanding, 5000 watts should enough, but if there are heavy loads, it’s best to look into generators with more power (like 7000 watts).
How Much Does A Travel Trailer Portable Generator Cost?
The price of a portable generator is determined by its size and power output, the kind of fuel used, whether it is an inverter or not, and other factors.
Because inverters transform AC power into DC current, which may then be stored by batteries (a greater battery capacity necessitates a larger inverter), they are more costly than non-inverters.
Non-inverters just provide conventional alternating current from a typical plug socket, however some versions have two plugs so that both may be used at the same time!
When Camping, How Do You Keep A Generator Safe?
Camping generators are often used for weekend getaways lasting a few days.
Because they are hefty and have lengthy power lines, they may be tough to move, so how can you keep your generator safe when camping?
You’ll need to choose a safe location near the campground, away from any shrubbery or trees, since here is where the unit will be operating.
Because most campers must carry water into their site before going on an excursion, the location should also have close water and power outlets.
Once you’ve found an appropriate installation place, make sure there’s adequate room around it for air circulation and protection from falling branches or leaves, if these are possible risks in your camping area.
Before starting your generator, double-check the local fire codes and make sure you’re not obstructing any access roadways.
If you’re installing in a dry area, try to locate a location where it may be lifted off the ground or at the very least out of the way of any dampness.
What Is The Best Way To Connect A Portable Generator To A Travel Trailer?
To connect a portable generator to your vacation camper, switch off all power sources save the one supplied by your RV’s battery system.
Then, before adding wires, verify with any campsite management office to see what is permitted.
If you’re unsure about any electrical connections, please see a certified electrician first!
Next, connect one end of a wire to the generator’s outlet and the other end to the battery in your travel trailer.
Find a location on one side or the other, either outside or inside by passing wires through a broken window for ventilation.
If you’re camping at someone else’s site that doesn’t allow generators to operate overnight, be sure it’s not too near to anything combustible like woodpiles or under any form of picnic table!
Some parks provide electricity right next to their hookup places, so all you have to do is plug in your camper trailer’s electric wire.
However, since some inner campgrounds are located far away from electrical connection points, portable generators may be required as the primary source of electricity.
Some individuals choose to utilize a solar panel or two for their electrical requirements, while others depend only on campsite connections and the power provided by a portable generator.
If you don’t have a battery storage system, keep an eye on your consumption to ensure you don’t put too much strain on the generator by running too many high-wattage appliances at once!
What Is The Best Way To Power A Travel Trailer With A Generator?
It’s great if your travel trailer has an external fuel tank if you’ll be running the generator for an extended amount of time.
Travel trailers have limited gasoline storage due to the fact that they are not intended for it.
Preassembled kits are available, although they may take up more space than what is presently available.
If you must store gas inside your travel trailer, please sure to follow the following guidelines:
Gasoline should be stored in well-ventilated spaces away from open flames and spark sources.
Use glass containers instead of plastic ones, and keep them well sealed and out of reach of youngsters at all times.
Filling tanks should always be done gently to avoid sparks or odors.
This will aid in the prevention of unintentional fires.
You should also have a suitable fire extinguisher, such as one that is UL approved for paints and solvents, on hand.
Consider putting in a natural gas tank or switching to propane.
These may be more efficient than gasoline while also being less harmful to the environment.
Will A 2000 Watt Generator Be Enough To Power A Camper?
Yes, however it depends on how many appliances you want to use simultaneously.
When we ran all the lights inside our campsites, the average load was around 200 watt hours per day; other devices, such as radios or TVs (about 100 watt hours), microwaves (1000 watt hours), or hair dryers, would vary depending on individual use habits (1500 watt hours).
Will A 5000-Watt Generator Be Enough To Power A Camper?
This is a frequently asked issue, and the answer is dependent on the size of your camper.
A 5000-watt generator can provide up to 30 amps for one 120-volt outlet or 15 amps for two 120-volt outlets, allowing it to power minor items such as lights and televisions in most campsites.
Larger appliances, such as refrigerators and air conditioners, may not perform as well.
If these are the items that will need to be powered during your camping vacations, you should look into alternative possibilities, such as employing a diesel-powered generator, which will produce more power than gas generators while running huge loads!
Will A 3500 Watt Generator Be Enough To Power A Camper?
Yes, to put it simply.
The lengthy answer is that it depends on what you’re running in the camper and how much stress it puts on your generator.
Let’s look at an example to better understand this concept.
If I plug my refrigerator into a 3500 watt generator, then turn on the lights (approximately 100 watts) while cooking dinner in my kitchenette area (using about 1000 watts), I will exceed my peak rating for continuous power use and, if done for more than 30 minutes, will most likely damage some part of our system.
Is A 3500 Watt Generator Capable Of Powering A 30 Amp Camper?
Yes, to put it simply.
For the lengthier answer, we’ll need to know what size generator you’re looking for as well as how much electricity your camper consumes.
This will decide whether or not 3500 watts can handle it.
A 60 amp camper, for example, might utilize the whole 3500 watt capacity.
In this instance, you’ll need a higher powerful generator that can meet your complete demand without overloading.
Alternatively, if we are simply using lights and basic appliances in our camper, 2500 may be plenty if no other equipment, like as air conditioners, are in operation at the same time.
For A 30 Amp Camper, What Size Generator Do I Need?
The amount of generator required for a 30 amp camper is determined by the sort of load carried by your RV or trailer.
Simply explained, this refers to the amount of electricity it consumes at any one moment.
The purpose is to determine the wattage (amount of power consumed) in watts that each appliance will use while operating at full capacity concurrently, and then add a safety margin of 20 percent to 40 percent.
FAQs
Is a Generator Required for My Travel Trailer?
While on the road, generators are an excellent method to power appliances, lights, and other gadgets.
If you have an RV or travel trailer, you may wish to keep one in your home away from home for emergency usage.
Is It Possible To Install A Generator In A Travel Trailer?
Yes, you certainly can.
When the generator is turned on, you must place it in a well-ventilated region that is not exposed to rain or snow, since both of these elements can rapidly destroy any engine.
It should be as far away as possible from your travel trailer (or tent) so that any sparks don’t reach your house and burn down what little shelter you have left.
The best approach for this would probably be to connect it directly to the exterior of the side paneling with hooks via metal loops, rather than using screws in the wood, which may catch fire more readily than planned.
Is It Possible To Plug A Camper Into A Generator?
The answer is yes, a camper may be connected to a generator.
If you want to maintain a constant voltage, make sure your trailer is likewise connected to onshore electricity.
Last Thoughts
As you can see, there are a lot of factors to think about when buying a generator for your travel trailer.
Here’s our advice if you’re still undecided about which size is right for you.
We suggest this portable inverter generator from Honda if you need anything under 1,000 watts and less than 10 amps at 120 volts to power small items like TVs or microwaves.
Look into our top-rated Yamaha model, which has 2200 watts – enough to keep all of your electronics charged as well as run those larger items! For larger trailers over 3,500 pounds with refrigerators and air conditioning units on board, be sure to look into our top-rated Yamaha model, which has 2200 watts – enough to keep all of your electronics charged as well as run those larger items!
