5 Best Portable Generators For Camping

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Camping can be awesome – whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned camper – it is the perfect escape from modern life’s noise. Camping presents you with an opportunity to create memories, disconnect from modern-day worries, and bond with nature. With social distancing becoming the new norm, spending some time experiencing the outdoors and enjoying the serenity of the wild is a great idea – that is until you realize that you’re missing an essential camping gadget, a portable generator.

Whether you’re an RV camper or a traditional camper, you must pack the right portable generator for your trip. After all, having the right portable generator can make any camping trip that much better. While some traditional campers might say that using a generator defeats the purpose of camping and the getaway, to be realistic, you still need some basic comforts. Having a portable generator with you can make a world of difference in the success of your camping excursion. Here are some reasons why?” campers use portable generators on their trips:

  • Can keep your gadgets charged – if you’re an RV camper, a portable generator can help power up appliances like water heaters. The generator also helps keep your phone, and other gadgets juiced up in case of emergencies.

  • Can keep everyone entertained – Whether you prefer to camp with your friend(s) or family, a portable generator can help keep everyone entertained. For instance, if you brought a projector, you can use the generator to power it up and set up an outdoor theatre, so you and your family or friends can have a magical night under the stars.

  • Makes your campsite safer – Having a portable generator means having lights stay on all night in your camp. A well-lit campsite helps deter danger, including intruders, keeping you, your family, friends, and belongings safe while you slumber.

  • Cooking is easier – While everyone loves a good meal prepared over a campfire, there are certain situations where a portable electric stove makes sense. For instance, if you are camping as a large group, it is quicker and easier to prepare a cook with a stove than cooking using the campfire.

A portable generator ensures that your camping excursion is more fun, safer, and comfortable.

1. DuroStar DS4000S Portable Generator

DuroStar DS4000S, 3300 Running Watts/4000 Starting Watts, Gas Powered Portable Generator and Wheel Kit BundleDuroStar DS4000S, 3300 Running Watts/4000 Starting Watts, Gas Powered Portable Generator and Wheel Kit BundleBuy Now On Amazon

 

The DuroStar DS4000S is both powerful and economical. This gas-only portable generator is an excellent choice for a general-purpose generator – precisely what you need on your camping trip. It quite affordable but still manages to deliver in terms of quality and durability. With its 4,000 starting watts, the DuroStar DS4000S can power your entire campsite. It features a 4-gallon gas tank and multiple outlets – one for 120V 30A and two for 120V typical household appliances. It has a run time of approximately eight hours at half-load, and if you’re looking for a mid-grade gas-powered portable generator, this is an economical and reliable option.

Pros

  • Great performance
  • Affordable
  • Easy to start and run
  • 4,000-watt capacity, which makes it quite powerful for a mid-grade generator
  • Reliable brand

Cons

  • Heavy (Weighs 94lbs)
  • Requires regular maintenance (since it’s gas-powered, it requires regular oil changes)

2. Westinghouse WGen 7500 Portable Generator

Westinghouse WGen7500 Portable Generator with Remote Electric Start - 7500 Rated Watts & 9500 Peak Watts - Gas Powered - CARB Compliant - Transfer Switch ReadyWestinghouse WGen7500 Portable Generator with Remote Electric Start - 7500 Rated Watts & 9500 Peak Watts - Gas Powered - CARB Compliant - Transfer Switch ReadyBuy Now On Amazon

 

With a remote start feature and other impressive features such as an electric push-button start, the Westinghouse WGen 7500 has every right to compete for the top best portable generators. It is convenient, has a sturdy design, relatively quiet heavy-duty OHV engine, but its primary selling point is its runtime. If you’re looking for a robust portable generator for your next RV camping trip, this is the generator to check out. With a 9,500-watt capacity, it can power most of the appliances in an RV, including the air-con, freezer, and lights.

It is also fully EPA and CARB compliant, meaning it’s legal in all states. At 200 pounds, it comes with an oil funnel, 2V battery charger, a toolkit, and can run up to 16 hours, that is, with a full tank. Overall, it definitely one of the best portable generators in the market.

Pros

  • Low noise for its size
  • Convenient remote start
  • Large fuel tank with a 6.6-gallon fuel capacity
  • Powerful 9,500-watt capacity
  • Can run up to 16 hours

Cons

  • Quite heavy

3. Honda EU2200i Super-Quiet Portable Generator

Honda EU2200i 2200-Watt 120-Volt Super Quiet Portable Inverter GeneratorHonda EU2200i 2200-Watt 120-Volt Super Quiet Portable Inverter GeneratorBuy Now From Amazon

 

Designed for optimum performance, the Honda EU2200i will change how you have always thought of portable generators. Thanks to its design, it strikes a great balance between performance, noise, and weight. With 2,200-watt capacity, it can supply your campsite with power for four to nine hours on a single tank. It is tranquil and runs 53 to 57 dBA, which is less noise than a normal conversation.

This portable generator doesn’t feature an electric start, but its manual recoil start is pretty straightforward. At 46 pounds, the Honda EU2200i is the best portable generator for camping and RV.

Pros

  • Fuel-Efficient
  • Very quiet
  • Light (46 pounds) and portable
  • Stable, consistent power

Cons

  • No remote or push-button start

4. Champion 3,800-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator

Champion 3800-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Generator with Electric StartChampion 3800-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Generator with Electric StartBuy Now From Amazon

 

This dual fuel inverter portable generator is loaded with impressive features and plenty of power to make your camping excursion more fun. It can run on propane for up to ten hours thirty minutes or nine hours on a full tank of gas. Since it is a dual fuel inverter generator, you don’t have to refuel it with gas continually. The Champion 3800 fills the market gap between the bulkier powerful generators and compact inverters. It boasts impressive safety and durability features such as oil sensors, a cast iron sleeve, cold-start technology, a fondling handle, built-in surge protection, and multiple outlets.

Pros

  • Dual fuel
  • Cold-start technology
  • RV ready
  • Remote start

Cons

  • The wheels are a bit small

5. Wen 56200i Gas-Powered Portable Generator

WEN 56200i 2000-Watt Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator, CARB CompliantWEN 56200i 2000-Watt Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator, CARB CompliantBuy Now From Amazon

 

If you’re looking for an affordable, quiet portable generator for camping or RV, then the Wen 56200i is the generator for you. This generator is very quiet at only 51 decibels and makes about as much noise as a typical conversation. Weighing at just 48 pounds, the Wen 56200i also comes with an “Eco-Mode” that allows you to save gas when you don’t need as much juice. It has many outlets, including a 5V USB port. Despite its small tank, it can run for 6 hours at 50% load.

Pros

  • Light and portable
  • Affordable
  • Durable
  • Quiet operation
  • Energy-efficient mode
  • Extra safety features

Cons

  • Only runs up to 6 hours
  • Some customers complained it struggles a bit at higher loads

Types Of Portable Generators

Knowing what portable generator options are available in the market is vital to get one that suits your budget and overall camping needs. After all, your portable generator must generate sufficient power for your stuff, be easy to use, cost-effective regarding fuel, and, more importantly, as quiet as possible. Portable generators can be broadly categorized based on the type of fuel they use. Popular options include:

  1. Gasoline Portable Generators: Also called gas generators, these models are the most popular and are incredibly easy to use. They are also affordable and often come in manageable sizes and weight to be as portable as possible. But note that gas prices are comparatively higher than propane, diesel, and natural gas. These types of generators also don’t start well in colder temperatures.
  2. Propane Portable Generators: Propane-powered portable generators are generally economical, and have a long run time. They also start easily even in colder temperatures, and when it comes to noise, propane generators perform better than gasoline and diesel-powered generators.
  3. Diesel-Powered Portable Generators: These are just as popular as their gasoline counterparts. They are great for powering heavy appliances and are also incredibly durable for camping and RV. They also have low maintenance and might last you a lifetime. On the cons side, diesel generators don’t function as they should wet environments. Besides, they emit harmful emissions and have heavier and louder engines, therefore less portable and not the best for camping.
  4. Inverter Generators: These generators are some of the most portable and noiseless models in the market. Inverter generators have an engine that features an alternator, which produces AC power. The AC is then converted to DC – this mechanism is what makes these generators quiet even when they are working overtime. Inverter generators can also adjust the engine speed automatically to suit the amount of power that is needed. They are also more fuel-efficient than standard diesel and gasoline generators.

Other types of portable generators, include solar generators, natural gas generators, and hydrogen generators.

What To Look For When Buying Portable Generators For Camping

There’s no end to the models of portable generators out there. Indeed, the sheer number of portable generators in the market may surprise you. The best portable generator for your friend might not suit your trip. What should campers look for to get the best portable generator for their next camping excursion? These details will help you better choose a portable generator that is perfect for your camping needs.

Noise Level

Typically, the bigger and more powerful a generator is, the louder it is as well. Also, the type of fuel might affect the generator’s noise output. Inverter and propane-powered generators are less noisy than gas and diesel-powered generators. Since quiet is essential for campers, choose a generator that produces less than 65 decibels.

Power Requirements

What are your power requirements? Do you need power just for charging your gadgets and lighting the campsite, or do you need to power appliances for your RV? Your power needs should help you pick a portable generator that can crank out enough power. For instance, if you’ll be running an air-con, electric grill, or other heavy-duty appliances, opt for a generator with at least 3000 watts. On the other hand, a 2000-watt portable generator is an excellent choice if all you need is to charge your devices and power lights.

Ease Of Use

You shouldn’t have to struggle to operate your generator on your camping trip. The best portable generator for camping should be one that is easy to use – preferably one with a remote start.

Portability

While the generators discussed here are all portable, different models vary in size and weight. When camping, for convenience and safety, go for a lightweight, portable generator and one that does not sacrifice other features you need.

Fuel Efficiency

The last thing you want when you’re out bonding with nature and enjoying the pleasures of a camping getaway is to continually worry about re-fueling. Not only could this empty your wallet, but it could also turn the prospect of camping into a real bummer. Pick a portable generator that can run for hours without the need to re-fuel.

Price

Of course, consider the price of the generator. Bear in mind, thou, that while the price is an essential factor, it should not be a determining factor. So, aim for getting value for money and pick a portable generator that is within your budget and comes with all the features needed to satisfy your camping or RV needs.

The bottom line, the main factor to consider when buying the best portable generators, is the type of environment where the generator is pressed in service. To buy the best portable generator for camping, balance your budget with safety features, portability, the temperature of the camping area, and ease of use and re-fuel.

Camping provides one with a sense of solace and peace of mind that can help you disconnect and rejuvenate. However, detaching yourself from the concrete jungle doesn’t necessarily mean sacrificing convenience, safety, or entertainment. Being stuck in an isolated cabin or camping in the middle of the wilderness can indeed get boring, especially if you’re a long-term RV or traditional camper. This is precisely where portable generators come in handy.

Needless to say, if you take any of these five best portable generators the next time you venture into the outdoors, you’ll be thrilled you did!

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