Powering Your RV Campsite: A Generator Deep Dive

Powering Your RV Campsite: A Generator Deep Dive

The open road calls, offering freedom, adventure, and the chance to disconnect. But while you might be eager to escape the hustle and bustle, completely disconnecting from power isn’t always practical or desirable. Enter the humble, yet essential, RV generator – the workhorse that brings creature comforts, safety features, and true off-grid capability to your campsite.

For many RVers, particularly those who love the solitude of boondocking or dry camping far from electrical hookups, a generator isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. It keeps the lights on, the fridge cold, the batteries charged, and perhaps most importantly on a hot day, the air conditioner humming. But not all generators are created equal, and choosing, using, and maintaining one involves more than just picking the first model you see. This article takes a deep dive into the world of RV generators, helping you understand their role and make informed decisions.

Why Do You Need a Generator? Beyond the Hookup

While campgrounds with full hookups (water, sewer, electric) are convenient, they aren’t everywhere, and the most breathtaking campsites often lack amenities. This is where a generator shines:

1. Boondocking/Dry Camping: This is the primary use case. When you’re miles from the nearest power pedestal, a generator is your lifeline to run everything from your coffee maker to your microwave to critical medical devices.
2. Supplementing Weak Shore Power: Sometimes campground hookups are old or overloaded, providing insufficient amperage to run all your appliances. A generator can take the load off or power specific high-draw items.
3. Charging Batteries: While solar panels are increasingly popular, they depend on sunlight and charge slowly. A generator can quickly top off your RV’s house batteries, especially on cloudy days or when you have high power demands.
4. Running High-Draw Appliances: Air conditioners, microwaves, hair dryers, and even residential refrigerators draw significant power. Often, campground 15A or 20A outlets aren’t sufficient, and even 30A might struggle if you want to run multiple things. A generator designed for RV use can handle these loads.
5. Emergency Power: In unexpected situations, like a power outage at a campground with hookups or needing power during travel disruptions, a generator provides backup.

Types of RV Generators: Onboard vs. Portable

RV generators generally fall into two main categories:

1. Built-in (Onboard) Generators: These are permanently installed within the RV, often found on larger Class A motorhomes, some Class C motorhomes, and even some fifth wheels.

   • Pros: Integrated fuel tank (usually taps into the vehicle’s fuel), push-button start from inside the RV, often quieter due to built-in sound dampening and exhaust routing, always with the RV.
   • Cons: More expensive upfront and to repair, adds significant weight, fuel type is tied to the RV (gas or diesel), cannot be moved away from the RV (meaning noise and exhaust are close by), maintenance can be less accessible.

2. Portable Generators: These are standalone units that you carry with you and place outside the RV when needed.

   • Pros: More affordable, flexible placement (can move it away from the RV for noise/fumes), can be used for other purposes (home backup, job site), easier access for maintenance.
   • Cons: Require carrying separate fuel, need to be set up and connected each time, can be heavy to move, potential for theft if left unattended.

Within the portable category, there are two distinct technologies crucial for RVers:

• Conventional Generators: These use an alternator connected directly to the engine, producing power at a fixed speed (usually 3600 RPM). They are typically louder and produce "dirty" power with voltage fluctuations and harmonic distortion. While cheaper upfront, they are generally not recommended for powering sensitive electronics like laptops, TVs, or modern RV appliances unless you use a surge protector with built-in voltage regulation (and even then, it’s a risk).
• Inverter Generators: This is the modern standard for RVing. They use an engine connected to an alternator that produces high-frequency AC power. This power is then converted to DC, and finally back to clean, stable AC power using an inverter.

  • Pros: Produce "clean" sine wave power safe for sensitive electronics, significantly quieter (often with economy modes that reduce engine speed when power demand is low), more fuel-efficient, lighter for their power output compared to conventional models.
  • Cons: More expensive than conventional generators of similar wattage.

For most RVers today, an inverter generator is the clear choice due to the prevalence of electronics in modern RVs and the desire for quieter operation.

Choosing the Right Generator: What to Consider

Selecting the best generator involves balancing your power needs, budget, and usage patterns:

1. Power Output (Wattage): This is the most critical factor. Generators are rated by both "running watts" (continuous power output) and "starting watts" (a temporary surge needed to start motors like AC units, refrigerators, etc.).

   • Calculation: List all the appliances you might want to run simultaneously. Find their running wattage (usually on a sticker or in the manual). Add these up. This gives you your minimum running wattage requirement.
   • Then, identify the appliance with the highest starting wattage (usually the AC). Ensure your generator’s starting wattage capacity is higher than this single highest surge.
   • Example: Running AC (1500W running, 3000W starting) + Microwave (1000W) + Lights (200W) + Fan (50W). Total running watts = 2750W. Highest starting watts = 3000W (AC). You’d ideally need a generator with at least 3000 running watts and a starting capability above 3000W. Many 3000-3500 watt generators can handle a single RV AC and a few other items. If you have two ACs or a large 50A rig, you’ll need a significantly larger unit (5000+ watts) or the ability to parallel two smaller inverter generators together.

2. Fuel Type:

   • Gasoline: Most common, fuel is readily available. Requires fuel stabilizer for storage to prevent carburetor issues.
   • Propane: Cleaner burning, easier to store (doesn’t degrade like gasoline), can often connect to the RV’s existing propane tanks (if set up). Less power output per BTU than gasoline, can struggle in very cold weather.
   • Dual-Fuel: Offer the flexibility to switch between gasoline and propane. A popular choice.
   • Diesel: Most onboard generators in diesel pusher motorhomes are diesel. Fuel is shared with the engine, efficient under load, but louder and more expensive generators.

3. Noise Level (Decibels): Measured in decibels (dB). Remember that the decibel scale is logarithmic – a 10 dB difference means the sound is perceived as roughly twice or half as loud. Most campgrounds have noise restrictions (often generators allowed only certain hours, like 8 am to 10 pm). Inverter generators are typically 50-60 dB at a typical distance (like 20 feet), while conventional ones can be 70-80 dB or higher. Quieter is always better for campsite peace.
4. Weight and Portability (for Portable Units): Can you lift and move it easily? Consider handle design and the availability of wheels. Parallel capability allows two smaller, lighter units to be combined for higher output instead of needing one massive, heavy generator.
5. Features: Electric start (vs. pull start), fuel gauge, low oil shutdown (essential engine protection), hour meter (for maintenance tracking), parallel ports, remote start.
6. Budget: Determine how much you’re willing to spend. Inverter generators are a larger upfront investment but offer significant benefits.

Operating Your Generator Safely

Safety is paramount when using a generator. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, and deadly gas produced by generators.

• Ventilation: ALWAYS operate generators outdoors in an open area, far away from windows, doors, and vents of your RV and neighboring RVs. Direct the exhaust away from living spaces.
• CO Detector: Ensure your RV has working carbon monoxide detectors. Test them regularly.
• Placement: Follow campground rules regarding placement. Keep it a safe distance from flammable materials.
• Fuel Handling: Refuel only when the generator is off and cool. Store fuel in approved containers away from living areas and heat sources.
• Connection: Use the appropriate RV power cord (30A or 50A) and plug it directly into your RV’s shore power inlet or a generator-specific outlet. Never plug a generator into a wall outlet in your RV. If your RV doesn’t have a built-in transfer switch, ensure you use an external one to avoid backfeeding power onto utility lines if you were somehow connected to shore power simultaneously (though unlikely when boondocking, it’s good practice).
• Grounding: While most modern inverter generators have a "bonded neutral" and don’t strictly require external grounding for basic operation, some sensitive electronics or surge protectors might require it. Check your generator’s manual and the requirements of any connected devices.

Maintaining Your Generator

Regular maintenance ensures your generator runs reliably when you need it.

• Read the Manual: Every generator is different. Follow the manufacturer’s specific maintenance schedule.
• Oil Changes: This is the most frequent task. Many require a break-in oil change after the first 20-50 hours, then every 100-200 hours or annually thereafter. Use the recommended type and weight of oil.
• Air Filter: Clean or replace the air filter regularly, especially if operating in dusty conditions.
• Spark Plug: Inspect and replace the spark plug as recommended.
• Fuel: Use fresh fuel. If storing the generator for more than a month, drain the fuel or use a quality fuel stabilizer to prevent gumming up the carburetor.
• Run It Regularly: Even if you don’t use it often, start the generator periodically (e.g., every month or two) and let it run under a small load for 20-30 minutes. This keeps fuel flowing and parts lubricated.

FAQs

• How many watts do I need? Calculate the running watts of all appliances you might use simultaneously and ensure the starting watts can handle your highest surge appliance (usually the AC). Don’t undersize!
• Can I run my RV air conditioner with a portable generator? Yes, but you need a generator with sufficient starting wattage (often 3000+ watts for a single AC, potentially more for larger units or soft starts).
• Are quiet hours mandatory? Yes, most campgrounds (public and private) have strict quiet hours, during which generator use is prohibited. Respect these rules.
• Why are inverter generators better for RVs? They produce clean power safe for sensitive electronics, are significantly quieter, and are more fuel-efficient than conventional generators.
• Can I use a generator in the rain? Generators should be protected from the elements. Use a generator cover or enclosure specifically designed for use while running, ensuring adequate ventilation. Never operate a generator under standing water.
• How far away should I place my generator? Far enough that exhaust fumes (CO) cannot enter your or a neighbor’s RV (at least 15-20 feet downwind is a common guideline), but close enough for your power cord to reach safely without excessive length or trip hazards. Follow any campground-specific rules.
• Gasoline vs. Propane fuel? Gasoline offers more power output and is widely available. Propane is cleaner burning, stores better, and might tie into your RV’s tanks, but provides less power per gallon. Dual-fuel offers flexibility.

Conclusion

An RV generator is more than just a power source; it’s a key to unlocking the full potential of your RV lifestyle. It provides the freedom to camp wherever your heart desires, enjoy the comforts of home while surrounded by nature, and offers a reliable backup for unexpected situations.

By understanding the different types of generators, carefully assessing your power needs, prioritizing safety above all else, and committing to regular maintenance, you can ensure your generator is a dependable partner on your adventures. So, choose wisely, operate safely, and enjoy the hum of electricity that powers your independence on the open road.