Portable Camping Generators
The benefits of owning portable camping generators for your camping trips are obvious. If you like traveling and getting into the great outdoors there is no need to go without all the luxuries you have become used to at home. Some people believe that camping is equal to roughing it but a growing number are starting to realize that it doesn't have to be this way.
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Portable camping generators are useful for both tent camping and caravan or RV camping. What you are going to be using it for will determine the size and model you ultimately get.
When you are choosing a portable camping generator you first need to determine your power requirements. This is pretty simple to do. Most devices will list their power requirements in watts so just add these up and you will have your approximate power requirements. If they don't list watts then do the sums. Watts=Amps x Volts and you will arrive at the wattage needed to power the device.
Another important often overlooked requirement is the start up current required. If you have large appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators and or freezers in your arsenal of travel gear then you need to factor this in to your total power requirements.
For example, a fridge will require up to 3 times the amount of operating current to start up. If you haven't accounted for this massive power drain then you stand a chance of damaging your appliances and electronics. Fortunately, if you have more than one large appliance you only need to take into account the largest power requirement rather than adding all of them together.
The reason for this is these devices will rarely start at the same time so you only need to provide for the biggest power draw and this will take care of the rest.
Fuel Choices For Portable Camping Generators
Portable generators run on a variety of fuel sources but for most generators you will probably have a choice of either gasoline or propane.
For an emergency generator you are going to keep at home as well as take camping with you propane is a good choice as gasoline can't be stored for long periods of time.
Some generators are dual or even tri-fuel capable so if you like to have choices you should seriously consider getting one of those models.
Other Things To Consider For Portable Camping Generators
When you are choosing a generator you will be wanting one that is as quiet as possible.
Some campsites don't allow generators at all but for those that do you still don't want to abuse the privilege. Most campers are trying to get some peace and quiet so make sure you only use your generator at times you know are not going to annoy your fellow campers.
These days there are many models that are available that are super quiet but the important thing to remember when it comes to portable camping generators is that you get what you pay for so plan to pay a little extra for quality and durability.
Another consideration is a spark plug arrestor. National parks may not allow the use of portable camping generators if they don't have a USFS-approved Spark Arrestor so be sure to include this feature on your must have list.
Check out some more camping equipment tips and tricks here.