If you are new to camping and want to buy the correct generator for your camper then you might want to go on reading.
We all know generators come in all different sizes and shapes and it can a bit confusing to choose the right one for your camper because there is a wide variety of options when you go looking for generators. The camping generators are specially designed for the user’s convenience and needs.
You don’t want to worry about your generator going off or damaged while you have to also worry about the noise control.
Well, we already solved the noise problems in how to quiet the generator, and to answer the former question of finding the right match for generators, we have a solution for that too.
A wrong-sized or undersized generator will cause you several problems like if it is too small to handle the load, it will place strain on the unit and will result in a shutdown or even worst, it can damage the whole unit.
I hope this piece of information has inspired much to give a thought to what size you would require for your RV/camper.
What Is A Watts Law?
Yes, you got it right it is a scientific law of physics by which we will know how much power we need for our trip and then you can decide what type of generator you want. Who said, bookish knowledge has no applications in real life?
Here is a live example. Power is a measurement of the amount of work that can be done with the circuit, such as turning on an appliance.
It’s a way to determine the wattage and helps you understand exactly the amount of power you will require. The law goes by this:
- Amp or ampere is the amount of electricity used.
- Volts measure the pressure of electricity.
- The number of watts is equal to amps multiplied by volts.
By applying the law or in simple ways keeping in mind these small details you can find the right fit for your camper.
What Types Of Generators Are Preferred?

When you are thinking about the generators to buy, you also think of the appliances you will be using during the camp trip. The generator should provide enough power to be helpful to you.
1. 2000 watt RV Generator
- It will provide only 20 amps of power.
- Useful for small appliances like charging phones, power banks, or TV.
- Not for appliances like refrigerator, microwave, air conditioner, and many other heavy appliances that require more power.
- Prefer using appliances that run on gas for the smaller generator.
If your electricity requirement for camping is a bare minimum then search for these types.
2. 3600 Watt RV Generator
- This can be used for appliances like the refrigerator and air conditioners.
- It can run a lot of devices at the same time.
- If you want your air conditioner to work then you might go with a 3600-watt generator.
- You can use appliances that run on electricity with these kinds of generators.
3. 4500 – 6500 RV Watt Generators
- 4500-6500 watt generators are both reliable and last for a long time.
- These offer more power and hence you can use as many appliances you want unless and until it is too much load for the generator.
- This will be a little costlier than the other two types.
- Investing in these kinds of generators will save you from the worry of using all the appliances and running out of power.
4. Design matters
Smaller generators provide less power, and larger generators provide more power. It’s as simple as that.
That is why recreational generators strong and perfect for camping trips. It can fulfill your basic requirements such as cell phone charging and some lights.
A portable large generator is useful for powering RVs and longer trips, as it can power more appliances and last for a long time.
How Can We Check The Appliance’s Power?
It is very important to know the power needs of your appliances as it will help you in calculating what kind of generators you would like to buy.
Here is a list of power needs of various appliances for you.
Appliances-Power required
- RV Refrigerator: 400-1000 watts
- Air Conditioner: 1400-2400 watts
- TV: 200-600 watts
- Laptop: 250 watts
- Coffee Maker: 900 watts
- Toaster: 1150 watts
- Microwave: 1000 watts
- Hair Dryer: 1000 watts
This is just a small list of very common appliances. You can analyze a lot more appliances here.
The appliances power is indicated on the following:
- On a sticker present on the side or the back of the device.
- On a tag attached to the handle or a hole in parts of the device.
- In form of an engraving on the sides or the back of the device.
- The appliance does not require more power than mentioned, it can damage the device.
Glamping?
Since we are talking about various luxuries of appliances and generators while camping, I would like to introduce a new term to you.
Glamping is a fusion of glam and camping. It means camping with all the possible luxuries of home or even more.
In these situations, you will be staying in a high-end RV park where you will have access to all the 110 Volt standard AC electricity of the traditional power grid.
This is not favorable for a majority of people, since it does not the best way to experience nature and camping, but no one here to judge you.
If that is your style and idea of travelling then you definitely want to invest in a high power generator that will last long. We have a list of good options for generator while glamping.
List Of Good Generators For Camping

Since it’s a difficult job to put all the good ones on this list, but we have tried to narrow down the list to the best ones.
- Honda EU3000i
- Honda EU2200i
- Yamaha EF2000iSv2
- Generac GP3000i
- WEN 56203i
- Predator 3500
- Honda EU3000lH1A Handi
- Westinghouse Igen 1200
- Champion power 2000
- Briggs and Stratton 30651
- Champion 3800-watt dual fuel
- Duromax XP4850EH
- Goal Zero Yeti 400 Portable Power Station Kit
FAQs
Conclusion
This article must have given you a brief idea about what all things you should keep in mind while you are out looking for a perfect generator for your camper.
I would recommend keeping the watt law in mind and also choose an efficient and portable one. Check out our article on how to keep your generator quiet while camping on our website.
If you have any suggestions or corrections, let us know in the comment section. We would love to hear it.
Until then happy camping!