Choosing the Best Camping Generator

Almost everybody at one time or another will need for a portable generator, or wish they had one. There are a number of different portable generators available. The most popular are camping generators, emergency power generators, standard portable, RV, jobsite, and marine generators designed to meet to a whole variety of uses. Before buying, you should first figure out how and where you’ll be using that generator.

If you are looking to buy a camping generator, this is the right place for you. This brief article can give you some actionable points about how to choose the right one for your needs and demands.

Generators generally have only two major parts, the engine and the alternator. The size, quietness, and price usually depend on the size and quality of these two components. Between the two the alternator is the more important because it is what generates the electricity. The engine has to be big enough to spin the alternator at the required RPM.

The two types of alternators are the standard and the inverter. Standard alternators are made up of heavy copper coils that generate AC electricity. Camping generators with a standard alternator are usually noisy since the engine is required to maintain a 3,600 rotation speed per minute required by the alternator to produce power. Naturally, this type of generator can consume large amounts of fuel. Standard alternators are not suitable for power sensitive electronics because they cannot produce electricity as clean as comes out of the utility power plug.

Inverter generators, on the other hand, produce DC electricity which is then converted to clean AC power at the output connections. Inverter generators are lighter and more compact. The engine can run at different speeds depending on the load and that reduces both the noise and the fuel consumption.

Another major innovation in some inverter generators is a full GFCI [ground-fault circuit interruptor] sensor now available on some makes and models. This system monitors and protects against ground faults on all outlets, not just the 120V duplex outlets like on most generators. This system is also more durable and reliable than standard GFCI outlets, which are known as high-maintenance items.

As you probably already guessed inverter generators are more desireable as camping generators. They can be carried around and placed where needed. Reasonable noise levels and fuel consumption reduce the unavoidable aggravations of keeping them running.

The trade off is that small size means a small power output. However, even the smallest portable camping generator will keep a few lights on and power a couple low wattage electrical aplliances at the same time. If you need more wattage you can always go for a bigger generator. Matching power output with power needs is the most important buying decision. Some sage advice is always to buy a little more power than you need right now. Once you get used to the extra comfort a portable camping generator can provide there will be no such thing as an unused plug.

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