Going on a road trip? A camping adventure, maybe? Time spent away from home comes with a lot of intriguing and mysterious things to look forward to. One sure thing, though, is that many find themselves at a loss when they need a reliable source of power.
Inside a travel trailer, you can rely on a car battery to do very little. And even then, the engine has to keep running continuously. Charging your phone, using your laptop, turning on your portable music system are only a few examples of why you need extra power.
So what happens if you’re far away from civilization? On a road in the middle of nowhere or deep inside the jungle? This is where the best generator for travel trailer comes in to save the day. Whether traveling alone or with family and friends, time spent fishing, driving, or adventure-seeking in the outdoors won’t be complete without a good generator.
Your search for a generator is like looking for a needle in a haystack. What with all the varieties available, it would take you days or weeks to settle on one. But still, your choice of a machine doesn’t mean that it is guaranteed to serve all your needs.
On your voyage, you need a generator that is not only convenient and dependable but one that is powerful enough. So to help you make an informed choice, we have come up with a list of 13 top generators for travel trailers.
1. Yamaha Gas Powered Portable Inverter
- 1600 watt rated AC output, 2000 watt maximum AC output, 13.3/16.7...
- Super-quiet muffler with USFS-approved spark arrestor - 51.5 dBA...
- Smart Throttle varies engine speed based on load - improves fuel...
- Inverter system with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) control
- CARB Compliant
Offering plenty of quiet and reliability is this Yamaha Gas Powered Portable Inverter. It is just the right size for a smaller trailer and is not heavy at all. Some of its most outstanding features include a fuel gauge to help you monitor and keep track of consumption and to know when the machine needs refueling.
A cut-off valve guarantees that you can keep the fuel from accessing other components and to help ensure all the fuel is drained out when the generator is in storage. This is a thoughtful feature because fuel tends to become thick and sticky if the machine goes unused for a long time.
At full capacity, this Yamaha generator churns out 2000 watts worth of power. It a lower capacity this generator can work at 1, 600 watts. It comes with a trigger system that goes off to alert you that the oil levels are too low.
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2. Champion Portable Generator for Travel
- Dual Fuel – Operate your 3400-watt portable generator right out...
- Convenient Electric Start with 3-Position Ignition Switch –...
- Ultra-Quiet Operation – 59 dBA is perfect for RVs, tailgating,...
- Clean Power for Sensitive Electronics – RV Ready with a 120V...
- Champion Support – Includes 3-year limited warranty with FREE...
Travel-ready generators are rare to find. But once you set your eyes on this Champion Portable Generator, you’ll know you’ve hit the jackpot. Its design features a 30A RV outlet that can run larger machines as well as smaller ones. It can run your trailer’s air conditioning system without the need for you to turn your car engine on. Quite convenient especially on those insanely hot afternoons in the outdoors.
Adding on to its long list of amazing features is an easy start system that works just as efficiently during cold weather as it does when it’s warmer. All this, thanks to a cold start mechanism and a 3-way ignition switch.
Don’t want to have to turn the machine on manually? You are sorted with a wireless remote start that can work with you standing as far as 80 feet away. It has a 3,500-watt capacity engine that can run for up to 12 hours continuously. This provided it’s on a full tank, and you use it at a 50% load rate.
This Champion generator comes with a volt guard that keeps your electronics and appliances intact should a surge or a voltage spike occur. It has a sturdy steel frame that not only enhances portability but also works as a safety measure protecting the inner workings of the generator.
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3. Honda Portable Generator
- Provides 7,000 watts for 10 secs to start larger equipment
- Full GFCI protection
- OSHA worksite compliant - meets job site emission and safety...
- Long run time - up to 10.5 hrs
- CO-MINDER: advanced carbon monoxide detection system
Considering this Honda portable generator as your ultimate choice for a travel trailer is going to be the best decision of your life. Its high regard is probably owing to a near endless list of great qualities checking off the boxes of anyone looking for an excellent onboard generator.
When turned on, it produces a sound rating of up to 48 to 57 decibels. This makes it a great choice for when you need something quiet.
It has excellent fuel consumption. A little goes a long way. This is made possible by intricate eco-throttle technology that enables this machine to run uninterrupted for 4 to 9.6 hours. All it takes is a full tank and adequate oil. This generator uses inverter technology to enable it to supply you with clean energy/power delivered in small palatable chunks.
If you’re looking for a source of power for simple applications and heavy-duty power applications, then this Honda generator will not disappoint. A downside is that this machine’s price tag may fall above what most shoppers are ready to spend. But when you think of it, this is only a small price to pay bearing in mind you’ll be getting your money’s worth in the long run.
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4. DuroStar Gas-powered Generator for Travel Trailer
- Plenty of Power – With 4,000 peak watts and 3,300 running...
- Powerful Engine – The DuroStar 208cc OHV engine is a workhorse...
- Low Oil Shutoff – Protects your investment by automatically...
- Power Panel – The power panel includes a selection of outlets...
- Complies with Emissions Standards – All DuroStar generators are...
Finally, a generator worth a standing ovation! Travel trailers come in all shapes and sizes. In the same breath, different travelers have different power needs. When looking for a machine that has enough power to serve all your needs, whether simple or heavy-duty, this DuroStar Gas-powered Generator is guaranteed to do just that and more.
Its design features a steel frame that’s easy on the eye and proof that this machine is durable. To limit noise, this machine has mufflers and motor mounts. It has a fuel tank that can hold up to 4 gallons of unleaded gas. Enough juice to give you a whopping 8 hours of continuous run time at 50% load.
It comes with an easy to operate control panel. A circuit breaker, a start switch, and a voltmeter. There’s also a warning light that flickers to alert you that the oil levels are low. Owing to the placement of the gas and oil tanks, it is advisable to keep this generator on level ground to avoid sudden oil spillage.
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5. Westinghouse Inverter Generator
- 1800 Rated Watts and 2200 Peak Watts at Less Than 3% THD - Weighs...
- Great Choice for Home Use as an Emergency Backup in a Power...
- Extremely Quiet, Extremely Fuel Efficient: as Low as 52 dBA Noise...
- Parallel Capable - Combine Your iGen2200 with the Westinghouse...
- Safely powers sensitive electronics such as laptop computers,...
Versatile and dependable are only two words out of many that can be used to describe the Westinghouse Inverter Generator. Its aesthetically pleasing design is something that few can look past. What with its attractive colors and light build, what’s not to love about this machine? But beyond its looks are other irresistible qualities.
This includes a built-in handle for enhanced portability, which comes in handy when you want to get it on and off your trailer. If you are concerned about its safety, you can rest easy because this generator is consciously designed to supply power to delicate items such as laptops, phones, radios, and portable cookers without damaging them.
It boasts 30% to 50% more fuel efficiency when compared to other generators. This means that it consumes very little fuel when giving you a lot of power. 1 gallon of fuel can run this generator for well over 10 hours at 25% load. Double insulation and mufflers are to thank for this machine’s quiet operation.
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6. DuroMax 4-Cycle Portable Generator
- Plenty of Power – With 4,400 starting watts and 3,500 running...
- Powerful Engine – The DuroMax 210cc OHV engine is a workhorse...
- MX2 Technology - Get the maximum power from each of the 120-volt...
- Low Oil Shutoff – Protects your investment by automatically...
- Fully Featured Power Panel – The power panel includes a wide...
With an average output of 3,500 watts and a maximum output of 4,400 watts, this generator has enough power to suit all your needs for days. It has a built-in muffler for quiet operation. No need to be intimidated by how bulky the DuroMax 4-Cycle Portable Generator is.
To help you conveniently move it around, its design features a fitted wheel kit and a front handle. Its intricately designed power panel features a circuit breaker, an engine shut off switch, a power outlet, and a voltmeter.
These are all deliberate qualities meant to help you monitor the machine as well as have an easy time operating it. To protect against overload, this DuroMax generator can automatically shut itself down when the fuel or oil levels are too low.
Its ability to remain calm and maintain the number of rotations per minute, even when running at full capacity, enables it to consume less fuel. This advantage also extends its durability and efficiency. Its solid build is ideal for heavy-duty power demands that an otherwise smaller, lower capacity engine wouldn’t support.
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7. WEN 2000-watt Generator for Travel Trailer
- Dimensions: 18" x 11" x 18" | Weight: 48 lbs
- Noise Level: 53 dB operation
- EPA III and CARB Compliant 79.7 cc 4-stroke OHV engine produces...
- Great for campgrounds, construction sites, tailgates and power...
- Produces clean power to safely operate and prevent damage to...
Not all of us are good at following instruction manuals to set up equipment. Well, this Wen generator was made with people like you in mind. It is super easy to install and set up, not to mention its lightweight build.
Its sound rating is only around 51 DB. Which is low enough to have it up and running at a distance not too far away from your trailer. Seeing as this generator is built through inverter technology, it can properly balance fuel consumption depending on the load and the time it is left running.
It can produce as much as 2000 watts worth of power while consuming little amounts of fuel and no emissions. Irrespective of the load, you now don’t have to worry about how much load you’re tasking this generator with; either way, you will have no energy wastage taking place. Your Computers, Tablets, Phones, and TVs remain intact and safe from damage.
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8. Champion Dual Fuel Generator
- Dual Fuel: Operate your 3800-watt portable generator right out of...
- Electric Start: Power up the 224cc Champion engine with the handy...
- Intelligauge: Keep track of voltage, hertz and run-time hours to...
- Outlets: One 120V 30A RV outlet (TT-30R), one 120V 30A locking...
- Champion Support: Includes 3-year limited warranty with FREE...
The best thing to find when looking for a generator is quality and portability. On these two, this Champion Dual Fuel Generator ticks all your boxes. What’s more, it can provide up to 4,750 watts of power at full capacity and 3,800 watts of power at average capacity. With this much power, you can accommodate several travel trailers and still have all your power needs fulfilled.
On a full tank, this bad boy can run for 9 hours to 10 and a half hours. It has an inbuilt dual-fuel feature. This allows it to run either using gas or using propane. It also has a large battery, which is quite convenient for when you want to spend as little time as possible starting the generator.
Concerned about how you’ll get to recharge this easy start battery? This generator already has that covered by improvising a push button that triggers the internal charger to charge the battery as the generator runs.
Another conspicuous feature is an integrated volt guard that helps keep all your electronic devices and appliances safe from damage in case of a surge or voltage spike.
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9. Westinghouse Generator for Travel Trailer
- 2000 Running Watts and 2500 Peak Watts; Recoil Start; 4 Gallon...
- Features Two 5-20R 120V Household Duplex Receptacles with Rubber...
- Plug-and-Play: Comes with Oil, a Tool Kit, and a User's Manual to...
- Powered by a 212cc Westinghouse 4-Stroke OHV Engine Featuring a...
The difference between this Westinghouse generator and the one featured above is that this one has a higher capacity and extra premium features. It is not only priced well within the budget of most shoppers, but it has distinctive qualities that make this a worthwhile generator for anyone serious about finding quality.
With this generator, you are guaranteed 2, 500 watts of power at peak capacity and 2, 000 watts of power at rated or average capacity. Its tough build goes to exhibit its might and durability. What with a 4-stroke engine and cast iron sleeves, you have an all-powerful, durable, and high-quality piece of equipment.
Built using intricate technology to ensure smooth running and silent operation. Even more, it has a self-monitoring system that keeps it from consuming more fuel than is necessary. This generator is highly portable, easy to operate, and safe to use on all applications. Overload protection keeps the generator intact in case it runs at a capacity higher than it can handle.
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10. Champion Open Frame Generator
- Advanced Open Frame Inverter Design: 50% quieter and 20% lighter...
- Quiet Technology and Extended Run Time: 64 dBA is great for RVs,...
- Clean electricity for sensitive electronics: RV Ready with a 120V...
- Parallel Ready: Increase your power output by connecting up to...
- Champion Support: Includes 3-year limited warranty with FREE...
Thanks to an open frame inverter design, this generator is so much lighter and quieter compared to other generators in the same category. It can produce up to 4000 watts worth of power at full capacity and has an economy setting to help save on energy and prolong its life.
Whatever recreational activities you and your friends have planned, you can bank on this generator to accommodate your needs. It will not die on you or give you less than what you expect out of it. It can run for up to 17 hours while producing an average output of 3,500 watts.
If you care a lot about your environment, this is a clean energy only generator. It is designed to run efficiently and waste no energy nor produce emissions. It’s also designed with an inbuilt volt guard to protect any devices or appliances connected to the generator from getting damaged in case there’s a malfunction with the supply of power.
Considering how bulky this machine is, one drawback is that it doesn’t come with its wheel kit. This immensely affects its level of portability.
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11. Champion 3100-watt Generator
- Quick Touch Panel – Access all your controls in one spot, plus...
- Ultra-Quiet Operation – 58 dBA is perfect for RVs, tailgating,...
- Clean Power for Sensitive Electronics – RV Ready with a 120V...
- Smart Economy Mode – Can reduce the electrical load, providing...
- Champion Support – Includes 3-year limited warranty with FREE...
This Champion 3100 watt generator must be the easiest to install and operate. It barely takes you minutes to have the machine up and running. Its size makes it convenient to load on and off your trailer and to fit in a small space, especially if your trailer isn’t as spacious. But don’t mistake its compact build for weakness.
When it comes to output, this generator can produce up to 3,100 watts of power at full capacity and 2,800 watts at half the capacity. Its inverter type engine rids you of the worry of having to carry gallons and gallons of fuel because it doesn’t need much to power all your electronics and appliances.
It has a sound rating of only 58 decibels. You can, therefore, still enjoy the convenience and comfort without placing the generator too far away from your trailer. This generator can run uninterrupted for up to 8 hours. A quick touch control panel enables you to monitor everything and control the generator desirably.
Should the oil levels diminish to alarming levels, the inbuilt sensor automatically shuts down the machine. It also supports eco-friendly operation that governs electrical load which, in turn, prolongs the life of the engine and promotes safety.
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12. Briggs & Stratton Travel Trailer Generator
- Quiet and fuel efficient 111 cc OHV engine produces 2,200...
- USB port allows charging of portable electronics in order to stay...
- Parallel connector port allows connection between 2 units for...
- 1 gallon fuel tank for Up to 8 hours of continuous operation at...
- The parallel connector port allows connection between 2 units for...
If you are looking for a simple generator for simple applications, then you have just defined the Briggs & Stratton Travel Trailer Generator. With an output of up to 2,200 watts at peak capacity and 1,700 watts at steady capacity, you can power simple electronics such as phones, TVs, tablets, and so on.
It weighs a paltry 55 pounds, which makes it perfect for a travel trailer. Conveniently, its design features several power outlets to support several uses. Its inverter engine verifies that its fuel consumption and safety standards are above average.
It comes with a fuel tank big enough to fit a gallon, which can run for up to 8 hours at 25 per cent load capacity. This generator has a sound rating of between 57 decibels and 59 decibels depending on whether it is running at peak or average capacity.
For easier monitoring, it has an alert system that triggers the alarm to go off when the oil levels are too low. To make it easy to handle, this generator has an ergonomic, easy-grip handle.
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13. Generac Portable Generator
- ULTRA-QUIET – 40% Quieter than Honda* Advanced inverter...
- Ideal for work or play - durable steel enclosure, clean inverter...
- 16% more power than Honda, Featuring power rush advanced...
- Digital smart lcd - digital wattage meter, run time remaining...
- USB ports - charge mobile devices including smartphones and...
When you own a big trailer, you need a generator that is up to the task. Nothing spells power more than this Generac Portable Generator. Want proof? It has 6,875 watts worth of peak power and 5,500 watts at an average output. It has a gas tank that can carry up to 6.7 gallons of fuel to keep it running for up to 10 hours continuously.
This generator’s build can handle rough conditions just as well as it does mild conditions. Its OHV engine employs splash lubrication known for extending the life of the machine. If you’re bringing larger electronics that would need a lot of power to run, then you’ll be glad to know that this generator can support several. It can power appliances like heaters, freezers, and portable air conditioning systems.
You’ll notice that the outlets on this generator are slightly hidden or covered. This is a deliberate move aimed at protecting this area from external environmental factors such as sun exposure or flood water. It has a self-monitoring system that shuts down the generator when the oil levels get too low. It also features a fuel gauge that allows you to monitor how much fuel you have at any particular point in time.
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Best Generator for Travel Trailer Buying Guide
For a long time now, generators have become handy machines people keep in their garages. But as time goes by, people are finding other avenues outside of their homes where generators could prove just as useful. One such avenue is on a travel trailer.
It’s no secret that with all the generator varieties up for sale, not all of them are up to par. So what criteria do you follow when trying to choose one out of hundreds of options? Here are several factors to consider when trying to find the right and best generator for travel trailer.
1. Power Capacity
What do you need the generator for? The answer to this question tells you the power rating to check for when looking for a good machine. Some people are okay with a simple generator that gets simple applications working. But for larger trailers fully equipped with all the essentials of a small house, a heavy-duty generator is necessary. Note that the power requirements of a generator meant to power a home in case of emergency is quite different from a generator intended to power a travel trailer.
To know how much power the generator has, focus on finding out its running wattage and its starting wattage. This way, you know how much power it takes to start up the machine and how much power it produces with different loads.
Remember to factor in all the appliances and electronics you intend to power. Estimate how much power all these things will take then pick a generator that fits your power needs.
2. Quiet Operation
Regardless of how convenient any generator may be, it is never a pleasant thing having to endure too much noise. For this reason, you must settle for that generator that has an acceptable rating in decibels. Look at it this way; a fridge sound rating is around 50 decibels, a vacuum cleaner is at 70 decibels, a whisper is at 30 decibels, and a blender is at 80 decibels.
With this in mind, you now have a clear picture and can better determine the sound rating you can settle for in a generator. A portable travel trailer generator should have a maximum noise level of 60 decibels or below. Anything more than this, and you’ll have to either find another generator or place it far away from your trailer.
3. Fuel Consumption
Some generators work efficiently and can satisfy each one of your power needs. A downside, however, is that such generators tend to require frequent oil and fuel refills. Some people are forced to grapple with this challenge admitting that it’s a small price to pay for a powerful machine. But this isn’t a sacrifice you have to make. If you take your time and search harder, you will settle on a generator that has adequate power and one that is also built to consume minimal amounts of fuel.
A fuel-guzzling generator will cost you a lot more money than you need to spend. It is advisable to find a generator with inverter engines or those with an eco-throttle feature. Such generators are guaranteed to run smoothly for longer without needing many refills.
4. Fuel Tank Capacity
Ever wonder what run time means on a generator manual? Each generator has a unique run time; this means that its engine can consume a particular amount of fuel at full load, average/half load, or Quarter load. For example, a generator with a larger fuel tank can run for many hours when operating at 50% load. A small tanked generator, on the other hand, will end up using more fuel when running at 50% capacity.
In a nutshell, the tank size matters. A larger tank is far much better than a smaller tank. This irrespective of the size of the entire machine.
5. Ease of Operation
No one wants to buy a generator they can barely operate. Look at the control options. Is there a control panel? How straight forward are the instructions? Are the buttons visible and easy to operate? This is where you get to test the machine and establish whether or not you are comfortable with its operation.
Some advanced generators even feature remote operation. This makes it quite convenient for someone who doesn’t want to have to keep turning their machine on and off manually. Other generators have a button or electric ignition, while others have a pull cord or recoil system to get the engine started.
Check what safety measures there are, look for a fuel gauge or an oil monitoring system. A generator that has these three features allows you to promptly refill oil when the levels are too low. And even when the oil is depleted without your knowledge, the generator shuts itself down automatically. A fuel gauge enables you to monitor the fuel levels, which also informs you how much run time you have left.
6. Portability
Most generators, however small in size, can be quite heavy. You need to find a generator that’s easy to move around. Portability, in this case, may exist in the form of a grip handle, wheel kit, or a firm frame. Find a generator that has provisions that make it easy to mount and unmount on the trailer.
7. Number of Outlets
A generator with one or two outlets works harder than a generator with many outlets. In turn, this limits the lifespan of the generator with fewer outlets. How does it work? Many outlets allow you to spread the load on the machine. One outlet may suffice if you’re using it for low wattage applications, but not so much when you want to power heavier appliances.
In as much as it is good to know that you have numerous outlets at your disposal, it is advisable not to burden the generator by using all the outlets. Unless, of course, there’s an emergency.
8. Budget
How much money do you plan to spend purchasing a generator? The general rule of thumb is that you will spend less for a generator with limited features and more for a generator with many features. Some of the factors that directly influence the price of a generator include its power capacity, brand manufacturer, ease of operation, and its noise rating.
9. Warranty
Generators are man-made machines. They are bound to have problems. In case you find out there’s something wrong with your generator after you just bought it, you will use the warranty to solicit for a refund, repair or exchange. After spending a significant amount of cash purchasing a generator, it only makes sense to ask and sign a warranty document. Otherwise, you may watch your hard-earned money go down the drain should issues arise.
Final Words
No doubt, generators serve an irreplaceable role in our lives. This comprehensive read gives you enough armor to use in your quest towards finding the perfect generator. If it is priced within your budget and satisfies your needs, then you have yourself a generator that will serve you for years and years.
Now you can focus on having a great time out on the road with your trailer. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you have the backup of a good generator to serve all your needs. You can trust our list of featured generators to make the cut when it comes to quality, durability, and reliability.
