4 Things You Didn’t Know About RV Generators
Nothing beats the life of RVers; camping in various campgrounds and parks, forming new friendships, sharing food and drink around a bonfire, and the freedom to travel anywhere with your RV home. All the comforts of home are available in an RV including electrical power. At some RV spots, you can plug in power outlets, but when you are boondocking, you must bring electricity with you, in the form of an RV generator. The most common RV generator brands are Honda, Yamaha, Kippor, and Briggs & Stratton.
There are different types and power outputs to choose from, and you have to do your research to find the best generator for your RV. we will discuss 4 things you might not know about RV generators that will help you in choosing the right one for you.
1. Types of Generators
You might know that there are different types of RV generators, but what are the differences between them? The most common types of generators are diesel, gasoline, and propane generators. As their names suggest, each generator has a different fuel source. In some models, the generator uses two types of fuel sources which can come in handy if you run out of one type. Propane generators burn cleaner than other types, and propane is less expensive than other fuel sources. They also tend to last longer as they burn efficiently. They produce less power than other generators so you should get them if you won’t use much power. Propane burns quickly which will force you to go on several trips to the refill station.
Gasoline generators generate more power than propane ones, and gasoline is available almost everywhere so it’s easy to refill your generator. However, they produce a dirtier smell than propane generators and have less lifetime. Diesel generators are the most powerful generators; they burn cleaner and are safer than gasoline generators.
2. Starting Watts and Running Watts
Most people calculate the watts they need based on the appliances they have and will run throughout their trips. While this is a viable strategy, they don’t know that some appliances need a number of watts to start, then the watts needed to keep the appliance running are lower. The biggest user of power is the A/C, as according to the generators professionals at generatorgrid.com, it needs 2000 watts to start if it has a BTU rating of 10,000, but the running watts needed are 700 watts. Knowing the required power to start and run the appliances will help you determine which generator is suitable for your needs.
3. Inverter Technology
A new generation of generators uses inverter technology which gives them a few big advantages. Inverter generators produce a controlled amount of power through a built-in microprocessor that regulates the voltage. Producing a steady current of power is crucial as it protects your appliances from power surges. Inverter generators run at lower speeds than conventional generators, which means they consume less fuel and they are much quieter. Keep in mind that national parks, for example, limit the noise to 60 decibels at fifty feet. Other places require that you turn off your generator at night so other people would be able to sleep. The inverter generators will keep supplying you with steady power while not annoying your neighbors.
4. RV Generator Safety
Safety comes first when you are camping or boondocking. Here are some safety measures you must follow to ensure that everyone is safe:
- Install CO alarm in your RV to detect if the CO levels got high
- Don’t let the generator be exposed to rain
- Never run a generator in an enclosed space (such as inside your RV!)
- Never hardwire the generator to the RV electrical system unless you are qualified
- Don’t fill generators when running
- Don’t turn on generators near open flame
- Always use grounded 3 prong electrical connections
- Keep fuel sources in a safe place as they are highly flammable and dangerous
- Don’t operate generators in tall grass, as they could catch fire from the friction
Keeping these 4 points into consideration will assist you in making a better decision when you are choosing an RV generator for your next trip, and in keeping you and others safe. It is essential to do your research before buying the first generator you find as you may end up not using it because it is too noisy or doesn’t produce enough power. You may find it more convenient to have a generator that uses the same fuel source as your RV.
