CAMPING GENERATORS

While many camping enthusiasts enjoy the leave-it-all-at-home escape that camping offers, others aren’t as fond of roughing it. If, despite all the conveniences offered by modern campgrounds, you still feel you need your computer or coffee maker, you’ll need to bring a generator along. Of course, if you’re traveling in an RV, you’ve got a lot of the comforts of home, but you’ll still need some power to run them.

Small Generators

When I was a kid, our generator was tremendously loud and scary, not to mention bulky and heavy. Small generators have come a long way since then. Most incorporate inverter technology, which means they run quietly and provide smooth voltage without fluctuations, a must for electronics such as computers and HD TVs. In addition, “smart” throttles regulate fuel consumption to match the generator’s load. Gasoline is still the most common fuel, although some generators can also switch to propane or natural gas; converter kits are available for those that don’t. For camping needs, you’ll need a generator with rated watts in the 900 to 2800 range. The term “rated watts” refers to the generator’s wattage when running at a steady rate and is the best measurement to use in comparing generators.

Robin Subaru R1700i Generator

This generator is the smallest of three models made by Subaru. It has rated wattage of 1650; the 1700 in its number refers to its maximum output. Inverter technology, indicated by the “i,” means quiet, smooth running suitable for electronics. Additional noise absorption comes from the foam-lined resin panels of the generator’s body. The Auto-Power System adjusts the engine speed according to its load, allowing you to get up to 8.5 hours of running time on 1.1 gallons of gasoline.

Kipor Sinemaster IG2000 Generator

This generator offers 1600 watts of continuous power with inverter technology and a smart throttle system. At 48.5 pounds it’s a little on the heavy side but it includes both overload and low-oil alarms. It will give you 3.5 hours of run time under the maximum load and more time with a lighter load. It’s also quiet enough to meet National Park Service regulations.