Must-Have Generators for Your Travel Trailer Adventures

Must-Have Generators for Your Travel Trailer Adventures

We live in a world of great technological development. In this day and age, we have devised some sort of gadget or machine to go along with every aspect of our lives. These gadgets and machines are so much a part of our lives that we cannot leave them behind even on the go, especially when traveling long distances.

But why focus on getting the right generator? Because not all are created equal for the needs of travel trailer enthusiasts. The wrong generator can be noisy, less fuel-efficient, or insufficient for your power needs, disrupting the tranquility of nature or leaving you in the dark.

Conversely, the right one operates almost unnoticed, providing peace of mind alongside electricity. So, if you want the right generator for your Travel Trailer trips, this guide is designed to navigate you through that very question!

The Best Generators for Travel Trailer

Now, time to look at some of the best generators for travel trailers. Each generator has different characteristics and features. Let’s find out which one fits your criteria the best!

Champion 3500-Watt Inverter Generator

The Champion Power Equipment 3500-Watt Inverter Generator is tailored for the travel trailer enthusiast, the weekend camper, or the spirited tailgater. Boasting an operation volume as low as 58 dBA, it whispers power into your adventures, providing a hearty 3500 watts at startup and maintaining a steady 2300 watts for running.

For adventurers who find themselves occasionally needing a boost in power, Champion offers a seamless solution: the option to link up with another of its kind through a parallel kit, doubling your capacity without the bulk of a larger unit.

Champion’s commitment to user convenience shines through with the intuitive EZ Start Dial, making ignition effortless. And, its Economy Mode is a testament to efficiency, cleverly modulating the engine’s speed to match the load, thereby conserving fuel.

Of course, safety is paramount and the CO Shield technology stands guard, ready to power down the unit in the presence of dangerous carbon monoxide levels, providing peace of mind alongside power.

The user interface is engineered for clarity and control, offering straightforward monitoring of essential stats like voltage, frequency, and runtime. When it comes to connectivity, the generator boasts a 120V 20A outlet that delivers clean power for sensitive devices.

Bottom Line

The Champion 3500-Watt Inverter Generator is reliable, efficient, and has a subdued operation. Its suite of features positions it as a top contender for anyone looking to bring a slice of home comfort into the great outdoors.

Westinghouse iGen1200 Portable Generator

The Westinghouse iGen1200 generator offer a perfect blend of might, silence, and mobility. Designed for those moments when you need dependable power on the go, this generator offers 1000 steady watts with a surge capacity up to 1200 watts, making it an ideal companion for light travel.

A standout feature is its ultra-low Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of less than 3%, providing peace of mind when powering the most tender of tech gadgets. Weighing as little as 33 pounds, the iGen1200 defies its class, ensuring it’s not just easy to carry but a breeze to stow away in any size trailer.

Where the iGen1200 really whispers its worth is in its operation volume, clocking in at a mere 52 dBA. This makes it quieter than the hum of everyday chit chat, ensuring the sounds of nature remain undisturbed.

The integration of “Economy Mode” speaks volumes of its efficiency credentials. It not only dampens the sound further but also stretches a scant 0.8 gallons of fuel to up to 9 hours of runtime, making it one of the most efficient generators on the market.

Bottom Line

The Westinghouse iGen1200 is the perfect little, portable generator. It’s whisper-quiet, fuel-efficient, and gentle on sensitive electronics, and its ability to pair with another for increased output adds to its versatility. A fantastic option!

Generac 7117 GP2200i Portable Generator

The Generac 7117 GP2200i ensures a stream of clean, stable power, and safeguards your most sensitive electronics from the unpredictability of lesser generators – an essential feature for powering anything of value.

This model’s architecture is a nod to the nomadic spirit or the homeowner in need of emergency power. It’s compact, adorned with an ergonomic handle, which turns the act of transportation from a chore into a simple gesture, fitting seamlessly into any adventure.

The GP2200i’s Economy Mode feature does double duty by significantly extending fuel life when you’re far from a refill station, while also dialing down the acoustic footprint to a mere murmur. You won’t get any complaints from anyone camping nearby.

Equipped with LED indicators, the GP2200i keeps you informed at a glance – alerting you to low oil levels, potential overloads, or simply when the generator is good to go.

The USB port directly caters to the modern world, making it perfect for anyone who likes to work nomadically. And for those moments when you need to scale up your power, the parallel capability allows you to link with another GP2200i for twice the capacity.

Bottom Line

The Generac 7117 GP2200i is a modern, portable generator that offers everything it should: quiet, considerate to your electronic companions, and ready to move at a moment’s notice.

Briggs and Straton, 6500W Portable Generator

The Briggs & Stratton Q6500 is fueled by a 306cc engine, and delivers an impressive initial burst of 6500 watts, settling into a steady 5000 watts for continuous operation.

The generator harnesses the prowess of inverter technology, which translates into a smooth, stable power flow. This feature is crucial for today’s tech-savvy users as it allows you to confidently plug in your most delicate devices.

The Q6500 shines with its longevity, boasting a 5-gallon fuel capacity that supports up to 14 hours of operation at quarter load. This ensures peace of mind, whether you’re facing an extended blackout or enjoying a remote trip that’s way beyond any power hookups.

The clear LED display is a window into the heart of the machine, providing immediate insights into operational stats and maintenance cues, ensuring you’re never left guessing.

There’s an array of outlets including four standard household sockets, a dedicated RV outlet, and dual USB ports, making the Q6500 adaptable to virtually any power need.

Bottom Line

The Briggs & Stratton Q6500 boasts a whisper-quiet operation, and several user-centered features. It’s especially apt for those who demand robust power delivery but is sensitive to your most delicate electronics.

WEN 56200i 2000W, Gas Powered Inverter Generator

The WEN 56200i is designed for those who refuse to compromise on peace or performance. With its compact dimensions of 18″ x 11″ x 18″ and a manageable weight of 48 lbs, it typifies on-the-go electricity.

Its operation is remarkably subdued at 53 dB, preserving the tranquility of campgrounds. The heart of the WEN 56200i is a 79.7 cc OHV engine, EPA III and CARB compliant, which surges to 2000 watts and runs at a steady 1600 watts – all clean, thanks to its inverter technology.

This generator boasts an array of outlets: dual three-prong 120V receptacles for your standard appliances, a 12V DC receptacle for batteries, and a 5V USB port for direct device charging, making it an all-in-one power solution for poretty much any occassion.

Bottom Line

The WEN 56200i stands out for its super quiet operation, portability, and clean power delivery. It’s an ideal choice for anyone needing reliable power for sensitive electronics while out on the road.

Marbero 120W Portable Power Station

The Marbero Portable Power Station boasts a sleek, compact design. At just 6.5 x 4.6 x 3.1 inches and weighing a mere 3.2 lbs, this unit is the size of a DSLR camera but with the power to keep your essential devices charged and running.

Efficiency is at the core of its design. it can charge up to 80% in just 2 hours with the included adapter, while simultaneously serving as a charging strip for other devices. This dual functionality makes it an invaluable asset for both indoor and outdoor use.

Solar charging compatibility with MARBERO’s 30W or 60W panels further enhances its appeal for eco-conscious adventurers or emergency preppers. As well as this, it has eight versatile output ports, including USB, USB-C PD, AC outlets, and a DC car charger, supporting a wide array of electronics from smartphones to small home appliances.

The added utility as a flashlight with three brightness levels introduces an unexpected yet welcome feature, perfect for unexpected trouble on the road or on the campsite.

Bottom Line

For those in need of a lightweight, versatile, and cost-effective power solution, the Marbero Portable Power Station stands out. It boasts rapid charging, multiple outputs, and emergency lighting, and it will fit in the tightest of spaces.

Buyer’s Guide

Now for the Generator for Travel Trailers Buyer’s Guide where you’ll learn all the nuances there is to know before you spend your hard earned cash.

What Does a Generator Do?

The short answer: it depends. It will depend on the number of amps and wattage you need to power your camper or RV. You should also note the size of your camper or RV so you can make the determination of which size generator is best. Keep in mind, the bigger the RV, the larger-sized generator you will need. The rule of thumb is the more things you need to power, the more wattage you’ll need from a generator.

If you absolutely need to power larger appliances like air conditioners, a dryer, or televisions, then you will need a larger size generator since they offer more wattage and amps.

Appliances

With a generator onboard, you can easily plug-in appliances like a microwave or a small fridge/freezer. Other appliances like hairdryers can also be plugged in and used.

Charging

You can charge your laptops, phones, and other devices with the electricity produced by the generator. Of course, spending your day without such devices seems to be impossible these days.

Lights, Air Conditioning, etc.

Trailer generators can also provide energy to power the lights in your trailer. It can also provide you with air conditioning. 

What Size Generator Do I Need?

Now, this is a very important question. The size of your generator should depend on what you are going to power. If you are completely cut off from power and electricity, then you will probably need a bigger, more powerful generator. For example, if you want to run air conditioning, appliances, and other such things, you will need something powerful.

You will need to be careful of the wattage each appliance needs. The size of your generator will depend on how much wattage you need to run things inside your trailer. 

How to Choose a Generator for Your Travel Trailer

There are some key aspects you need to consider before deciding to invest in a generator for your trailer. Let’s find out what these aspects are. 

Wattage

This is by far the most essential characteristic, and it is also the very first thing you should look for. The wattage a generator can provide will decide what you can or cannot run inside your trailer. Another thing to keep in mind while talking about wattage is how many appliances will be running at the same time. The total wattage of the appliances being used will determine which generator you should choose.

Weight

This is yet another very important feature that you should consider while buying a generator. Generators are heavy; there is no denying that, but if you get a generator that is too heavy for your trailer, you will have a problem. So, make sure that the one you opt for is not too much for the weight capacity of your trailer. 

Sound

A noisy generator is somewhat self-defeating for those who travel for leisure. You get away to relax and wind down, but if your generator is noisy, then obviously, it will not let you relax. Each generator has different criteria when it comes to noise, but, on average, a quiet generator would produce a sound within 50-70 decibels. 

What Do I Need to Know Before Buying a New Generator?

Previously, we looked at a few features that you need to consider before choosing a generator for your travel trailer. Now let’s take at things you need to know before buying a new one. 

Type of Generator

Before you decide to invest in a generator, make sure you know which type you are going for. You will find regular portable and portable inverter generators. The primary difference is that the latter has a lower sound output and produces lesser emissions, so it’s better to go for these. 

Type of Fuel

The generators mentioned in this review use oil as fuel. However, there are those that use other types of fuel, as well. There is a choice between propane, gasoline, natural gas, and diesel oil. Since all the generators in this review function for extended periods of time, diesel oil would work best for them. In addition to that, it is also the least flammable type of fuel. 

Emissions

It is important to keep in mind the amount of emissions your generator is producing. You could end up accidentally breaking the law if you do not abide by the emission criteria set by a certain place. In fact, it is best if you check beforehand whether the one you choose meets the standard of the places you plan on visiting. It is better to be safe than sorry! 

Getting the Best Generator for Your Travel Trailer Adventures

Selecting the right generator for your travel trailer adventures significantly enhances your trip. With the right device, you’ll have the power you need, where and when you need it. Throughout this review of must-have generators, we’ve seen a range of options that cater to different needs, and each model offers unique benefits, whether it’s the clean energy for sensitive electronics, exceptional portability, or the ability to quietly power your campsite or emergency backup at home.

Remember, the best generator for your travel trailer should balance power output with fuel efficiency, noise level, and portability. By choosing one of the above top-rated generators, you ensure that your adventures are well-powered, allowing you to focus on making memories rather than managing power.