The Smart Camper’s Guide to Long-Lasting Portable Power
Why Generator Storage Matters
Your camping generator isn’t just a tool. It’s your ticket to cold beers, working lights, and warm meals off-grid. But treat it poorly, and it’ll return the favor by refusing to start when you need it most.
Generators are like dogs. Loyal, dependable—but if you neglect them, they’ll bite you. Well, not literally, but you get the point.
If you want your generator to start first pull, every time, you’ve got to store it right. Here is your guide for – Preparing Your Camping Generator For Before And After Storage.
Before Storage: Don’t Just Turn It Off and Walk Away
The biggest mistake people make? Using the generator for the weekend, then rolling it back into the garage and forgetting about it. That’s how carburetors get gummed up, spark plugs corrode, and fuel systems turn into science experiments.
Here’s what to do instead.
1. Run It Dry or Drain the Fuel
Fuel doesn’t age like wine. Leave it in too long, and it goes sour—turning into a sticky mess that clogs your carburetor jets.
Option 1: Run It Dry
Start the generator. Let it run until the tank is empty and the engine cuts off on its own. This clears fuel from the system.
Option 2: Drain It
Turn off the fuel valve. Detach the line and drain the tank into a jerry can. Use it in your mower or car if it’s still fresh.
Never store a generator for months with untreated fuel in it. It’s a recipe for frustration.
2. Add Fuel Stabilizer (If You Must Store With Fuel)
Maybe you want to keep fuel in the tank—for emergencies or faster startup. Fair enough.
In that case, add a fuel stabilizer. It keeps the petrol from oxidizing and going bad. Mix it in, run the generator for 5–10 minutes so it circulates through the system, then shut it off.
3. Change the Oil
Dirty oil becomes acidic over time. That acid eats away at your engine’s internals while it sits in storage.
Run the generator for a few minutes to warm up the oil—it’ll drain out easier. Then dump the old stuff and replace it with fresh oil.
Your engine will thank you the next time you fire it up.
4. Clean the Generator
Don’t store it caked in mud, dust, or bug guts. Give it a quick wipe-down.
- Use a damp rag for the housing.
- A soft brush to clear vents and grilles.
- Compressed air to blow out dirt from tight spots.
You’re not detailing a Ferrari—just making sure your gear doesn’t become a mouse hotel.
5. Check the Air Filter
Remove it and inspect. If it’s clogged with dirt, leaves, or spider webs, either clean it (foam filters) or replace it (paper ones).
A dirty air filter chokes your engine and causes hard starts. Fix it now—future you will be grateful.
6. Remove or Disconnect the Battery
If your generator has an electric start, disconnect the battery. Or better yet, remove it entirely.
Batteries slowly discharge over time. Worse, they can corrode. Store it separately and give it a trickle charge every month or so.
7. Cover It – But Don’t Suffocate It
Use a breathable, weatherproof generator cover. Not a plastic tarp that traps condensation and causes rust.
If you’re storing it outdoors, elevate it slightly off the ground on a pallet or crate. Water and electronics aren’t friends.
8. Choose the Right Storage Spot
Store your generator somewhere dry, clean, and protected from the elements.
- Sheds, garages, or under a carport work great.
- Avoid damp basements or spots exposed to salt air.
- Don’t let rodents anywhere near it—wires are chew toys in their world.
During Storage: Check In Occasionally
Long-term storage isn’t a “set and forget” situation.
1. Start It Up Every Few Months
Every 2–3 months, take it outside, add a bit of fuel (if dry), and let it run for 10–15 minutes.
This keeps engine parts lubricated, prevents seals from drying out, and ensures nothing’s blocked or seized.
Let it run under a small load—like powering a fan or light.
2. Keep Pests Away
Rodents love warm, enclosed spaces—especially ones with wires to gnaw on.
Drop a few mothballs nearby. Or try peppermint oil on a rag—critters hate the smell. Avoid traps near your generator (dead things rot). Just keep it pest-proof.
After Storage: Wake It Up Properly
When you’re ready to hit the road again or expect a power outage, don’t just yank the starter cord and hope for the best.
Take a few minutes to prep it properly.
1. Inspect for Any Visible Damage
Give your generator a once-over.
- Look for cracks in fuel lines
- Check for oil or fuel leaks
- Make sure wires haven’t been chewed
Spot a problem? Fix it now, not when you’re deep in the bush and it won’t start.
2. Reconnect and Charge the Battery
If you removed the battery, reconnect it securely. Clean any corrosion from the terminals. Make sure it holds charge.
If it’s dead, replace it—no use having electric start if the battery’s flat.
3. Top Up Fluids
Check the oil level and top it up if needed. If it’s been stored more than six months, consider changing the oil again—especially if it sat in humid conditions.
4. Fresh Fuel Only
Add new, clean fuel. If there’s any fuel left from before, drain it and replace with fresh. Don’t try to save old petrol. It’s not worth risking your carburetor.
5. Clean or Replace the Spark Plug
Remove the spark plug and inspect it.
- Fouled? Clean or replace it.
- Gap too wide? Regap or swap it.
Spark plugs are cheap, engines are not.
6. Fire It Up and Test It Under Load
Start the generator in a well-ventilated space. Let it idle for a bit. Then plug in a device—lights, fans, or even a caravan fridge—to see if it handles the load smoothly.
If it sputters or stalls, troubleshoot now—not when you’re camped 100km from the nearest mechanic.
Bonus Tips for Generator Longevity
Label It With Maintenance Dates
Use a piece of masking tape or a tag with:
- Last oil change
- Last fuel stabilizer added
- Last run time
It’s simple, old-school, and works wonders when your memory doesn’t.
Create a Storage Checklist
A basic list taped inside your garage or caravan might be:
Fuel drained or stabilized
Oil changed
Battery disconnected
Air filter cleaned
Generator wiped clean
Covered and stored dry
Tick it off each time. Peace of mind in under 60 seconds.
Conclusion: Store It Like You Want It to Start
A camping generator isn’t high-maintenance—but it does need a little love.
Prep it properly before storage, give it the occasional check-in, and you’ll extend its life by years. Skip these steps, and you’re likely looking at blocked jets, fouled plugs, or worse—replacing a generator that should’ve lasted a decade.
So take a few minutes before and after storage. It’s the difference between starting your trip powered up—or powered down and swearing at a dead engine.
Power smart. Camp happy.
