Camping generators are the unsung heroes of the great outdoors. They keep your fridge humming, your lights glowing, and your coffee brewing when you’re miles from civilization. But here’s the deal — if you neglect your generator, it’ll leave you high and dry when you need it most.
So before you fire it up on your next adventure (or pack it away after a big trip), let’s run through the Top 5 Maintenance Checks that every savvy camper should have in their toolkit.
1. Check the Oil – Your Generator’s Lifeblood
Like your car, your camping generator needs clean, sufficient oil to keep all the moving parts happy.
Why It Matters
Low or dirty oil can cause overheating, damage to internal components, and — worst case — complete engine failure. Not fun when you’re halfway through boiling water for noodles.
What to Do
- Before every trip, check the oil level with the dipstick.
- Top up with the correct oil type as per your user manual (usually SAE 10W-30 for most units).
- Change the oil every 20–50 hours of use or after a season of camping.
- Always have spare oil on hand when off-grid.
Pro Tip:
Warm up the generator for a few minutes before draining the oil — it flows out faster and removes more grime.
2. Clean or Replace the Air Filter – Breathe Easy
Your generator needs to breathe, and it does that through the air filter. A clogged filter chokes performance and increases fuel consumption.
Why It Matters
Dirty filters make your generator work harder, run hotter, and fail sooner.
What to Do
- Remove the air filter and check for dust, oil, or moisture.
- If it’s a foam filter, clean it with soapy water, dry it thoroughly, and re-oil lightly before reinstalling.
- If it’s a paper filter, tap out the dust or replace if it’s looking too grubby.
- Inspect every 25 hours of use or after a dusty trip.
Pro Tip:
Keep a spare air filter in a ziplock bag in your caravan or tool kit.
3. Inspect the Spark Plug – Small Part, Big Role
Spark plugs are tiny but mighty. A fouled or worn-out spark plug means poor ignition, rough running, or no start at all.
Why It Matters
Without a strong spark, your generator is just a heavy box of metal.
What to Do
- Remove the spark plug using a plug wrench.
- Check for carbon buildup or corrosion.
- If it’s black, oily, or cracked — replace it.
- Clean with a wire brush if still serviceable.
- Check the electrode gap using a feeler gauge (your manual will list the correct spec).
Pro Tip:
Replace the spark plug every season or 100 hours of use. They’re cheap — don’t skimp.
4. Fuel System Check – Don’t Let Bad Fuel Ruin Your Trip
Old or dirty fuel is the #1 enemy of camping generators. It gums up carburettors, clogs fuel lines, and invites corrosion.
Why It Matters
Stale fuel can turn a perfectly good generator into a useless lawn ornament.
What to Do
- Drain the tank and carburettor if the generator’s been sitting for more than a month.
- Use fresh unleaded fuel (premium if your generator requires it).
- Add a fuel stabiliser if you’re storing it long-term.
- Check fuel lines for cracks, leaks, or signs of brittleness.
- Inspect the fuel filter and replace if dirty.
Pro Tip:
Use a jerry can with a built-in filter funnel to keep debris out when refuelling in dusty environments.
5. Battery and Electrical System Check (for Electric Start Models)
If your generator has an electric start, that battery needs love too.
Why It Matters
A dead battery means you’re yanking the recoil cord like a lumberjack — not ideal on chilly mornings.
What to Do
- Check the battery charge level with a multimeter (should read 12.6V+ when fully charged).
- Top up with distilled water if it’s a serviceable battery.
- Clean any corroded terminals with baking soda and a wire brush.
- Ensure the charging circuit works by running the generator and checking battery voltage.
- If it won’t hold charge — replace it.
Pro Tip:
Use a trickle charger when the generator is in storage to keep the battery healthy.
Bonus: Do a Full System Test Before Every Trip
- Fire up the generator and run it under load.
- Plug in your caravan appliances — make sure it can handle the power draw.
- Listen for odd noises, check for vibrations, and sniff for fuel leaks or burning smells.
- Let it run for 15–20 minutes to get everything warm and working properly.
This simple run-through can catch issues before you’re out bush with no Plan B.
Wrap-Up: A Maintained Generator is a Happy Generator
Taking care of your camping generator doesn’t take long — but it pays off big time. With these five maintenance checks, you’ll extend its life, improve performance, and avoid those “why won’t it start?!” nightmares in the middle of nowhere.
Quick Recap Checklist:
- Oil – Check, top up, or change.
- Air Filter – Clean or replace.
- Spark Plug – Inspect, gap, or replace.
- Fuel System – Use fresh fuel, clean lines, and drain old gas.
- Battery – Check voltage, terminals, and charge status.
Treat your generator right, and it’ll keep powering your adventures — from coastal escapes to outback odysseys — for years to come.
Preparing Your Camping Generator For Storage
