How to Pick the Perfect Powerhouse for the Great Outdoors
Introduction: Power Without the Panic
You’re halfway through cooking dinner at your campsite, and the portable fridge starts to whine. Then the lights flicker. And then… silence. Your generator has tapped out.
Sound familiar?
If you’ve ever tried to run too many things off a tiny camping generator, you know the struggle. On the flip side, some campers lug around a beast of a generator that could power a small town — and burns through fuel like a V8.
So, what size generator do you really need for camping?
Let’s break it down so you get exactly what you need — no more, no less.
What Does “Size” Even Mean?
When we say generator size, we’re not talking about its physical dimensions — although that does matter. We’re talking about electrical output, measured in watts (W).
Every appliance you run uses watts. The generator must provide enough power — ideally with some breathing room — or you’ll trip it, stall it, or just wear it out faster.
Know Your Watts: Running vs. Starting Power
Generators have two watt ratings:
- Running Watts (Rated watts): What it can provide continuously.
- Starting Watts (Surge watts): Short bursts for appliances that need extra juice to start.
For example, a caravan air conditioner might need 2,200W to start, but only 1,000W to run.
If you don’t account for starting watts, your generator will either trip out or fail to start the appliance. Not ideal when it’s 38 degrees and you’re begging for air con.
Step 1: List Your Appliances and Power Needs
Before you even think about which generator to buy, list what you want to power.
Here’s a sample list:
| Appliance | Running Watts | Starting Watts |
| Portable Fridge (50L) | 60W | 120W |
| LED Lighting (4 bulbs) | 40W | 40W |
| Phone Charger (x2) | 20W | 20W |
| Coffee Maker | 800W | 1200W |
| Microwave (1000W) | 1000W | 1500W |
| Caravan Air Conditioner | 1000W | 2200W |
| TV (small LCD) | 60W | 100W |
| Electric Kettle | 2000W | 2000W |
Don’t go overboard unless you’re really running heavy gear. More power means more fuel, more weight, more noise — and a bigger dent in your wallet.
Camping Style Matters
Your generator needs will vary wildly depending on your setup.
Tent Camping:
You’re packing light. A 1000W to 2000W inverter generator will handle lights, phone chargers, and maybe a small fridge.
Camper Trailers:
Add a few comforts — fridge, lights, maybe a fan or small microwave. Go for 2000W–2500W.
Caravan / RV:
You’ve got a fridge, TV, kettle, A/C, and more. You’re looking at 3000W minimum, maybe more if running multiple heavy items at once.
What About Starting Caravan Air Conditioners?
This is the gotcha for many first-time buyers. Caravan air cons can require a big surge to start — up to 3000W even if they run on 1000W.
That means you can’t rely on a 2000W generator unless:
- Your A/C is soft-start enabled
- You install a hard start capacitor
- You run almost nothing else at the same time
If your main goal is to run air conditioning, go for at least a 3000W inverter generator, like the Yamaha EF3000iSE, Honda EU30i, or similar.
Quiet vs. Powerful: Noise Does Matter
Bigger generators usually mean louder generators. If you’re camping in national parks or tight campgrounds, noise limits may apply (often under 60 decibels).
Look for inverter generators with noise levels in the 50–60 dB range. Anything over that, and your neighbours might “accidentally” unplug you.
Runtime and Fuel Efficiency
A smaller generator running at 70% load will be more fuel efficient than a large generator idling at 20%.
- Check runtime at 25% and 50% load
- Look for eco-modes that throttle output automatically
- Consider dual fuel options if you want backup flexibility (petrol + LPG)
Weight and Portability: Don’t Break Your Back
The bigger the generator, the heavier it gets. A 1000W unit might weigh 12 kg. A 3000W beast? Try 40+ kg.
Make sure your setup can handle:
- Lifting the generator into your vehicle
- Rolling it on wheels (if supplied)
- Storing it safely and securely
If you’re solo camping or space is tight, go smaller or parallel two smaller units.
Parallel Powering: A Clever Hack
Many inverter generators support parallel kits, allowing you to pair two units together.
Why it’s clever:
- Run light with one unit
- Fire up both when you need the extra juice
- Easier to lift and store than one big unit
Example: Two 2000W generators can deliver up to 3600W combined.
Solar + Generator = Smart Combo
You don’t have to rely on a generator 24/7.
Pair a generator with:
- Solar panels
- Battery storage (lithium preferred)
- Inverter chargers
Use solar during the day to charge your batteries. Use the generator as backup or for heavy loads like the microwave or air con. This way, you can downsize your generator and still meet your needs.
Common Questions
Can I run an air conditioner on a 2000W generator?
Possibly, if it’s soft-start capable and you run nothing else. But 3000W is safer.
What size generator do I need to run a microwave and a fridge?
At least 2500W if using them at the same time.
Can I charge my caravan battery with a generator?
Yes — many generators have DC outputs, but it’s best to run through a proper battery charger for lithium or AGM systems.
What if I get a generator that’s too big?
You’ll burn more fuel, carry more weight, and possibly annoy neighbours with extra noise. Also, large generators can suffer from carbon build-up if underloaded for long periods (called “wet stacking”).
Final Thoughts: Know Before You Power
Choosing the right size camping generator isn’t about picking the biggest or most expensive one — it’s about matching your real needs with the right balance of power, portability, and quiet operation.
Know what you want to run.
Add up the watts.
Give yourself a buffer.
Then get out there, fire it up, and enjoy the convenience of portable power — without the stress of overloads or dead silence mid-campfire story.
