What Is the Best Generator for a Caravan?

July 16, 2024 | Nate Cord

When heading off for a trip away in your caravan, having a reliable power source is absolutely essential. Whether you need to keep all of your phones, ipads and other gadgets fully powered, run essential appliances, or simply enjoy some modern comforts while out in the countryside, the right generator can make all the difference.

But with so many options out there on the market, it can be a little overwhelming trying to determine which one is best for your needs.

In this guide, we explore some of the best caravan generators available, from lightweight and portable options to high-powered models. But first, it’s important to understand the various factors and considerations that will help you decide which model is best for you.

What Generator Do I Need for a Caravan?

Before you purchase an generator for your caravan, you’ll want to consider the following:

What Will You Be Powering?

First things first, think about what you want the generator for, and therefore how much power you’ll realistically need.

You can do this by adding up the watts of the appliances you want to power on your trip.

Some of the most popular caravan appliances usually require:

• Caravan air conditioning: 2000W
• Washing machine: 1200-1600W
• Kettle: 1200W
• Television: 200W
• Laptop charger: 50W
• Phone charger: 5W

If you require any expert advice on how much power you’ll need for your trip, please give us a call on 01639 849847 and we’d love to help.

What’s The Difference Between kVA and kW?

When discussing electrical power, two commonly used units are kVA (kilovolt-amperes) and kW (kilowatts).

KVA is a measure of ‘apparent’ power and the total amount of power the generator can draw. However, KW is known as ‘actual’ power, meaning the amount of useful, working power the generator converts into output.

Understanding kVA and kW is essential for choosing the right generator for your caravan because it ensures you select a generator that meets your power needs efficiently and safely.

Think About Run Time, Too

You must make sure your generator provides the power you need to run your caravan throughout the trip.

Of course, this will vary depending on the total duration of your trip, but a run time of at least 8 hours should be sufficient for intermittent use over several days. The Honda EU30is, is a great example, offering up to a whopping 20 hours of run time on a full tank.

It’s important to note, however, that the run time will vary depending on the load, fuel tank capacity and engine efficiency of the model. So, we recommend overestimating how long you want the generator to last to avoid running out of power in times of need.

Noise Levels

This is an important consideration for many caravan users, as some generators can be quite noisy, and let’s face it, no one wants to be that person creating a disturbance and ruining the relaxing atmosphere.

So, when looking for a generator, make sure to check their dBa level, aiming for nothing over 60-65 dBa at a 7m distance.

Inverter generators are designed to operate quietly, making them perfect for use in noise-sensitive environments such as campsites or outdoor events.

On the topic of noise, here are 4 ways you can make a generator quieter,

Portability

Portability is also another important factor to consider when choosing a generator for your caravan. You want to choose a compact and lightweight generator that’s easy to transport and store in your caravan.

Typically speaking, anything below 25 kg is ideal for a trip away, and anything above should include wheels and a pulling handle to help with manoeuvrability.

Warranty Period

Another really important thing to consider when choosing a caravan generator is the warranty period.

A warranty is a written guarantee that’s provided by a manufacturer or seller, which ensures that a product will perform as specified or be free from defects for a certain period.
If the product then breaks or fails to meet these specifications within the warranty period, the manufacturer or seller is obliged to repair or replace it, or provide a full refund.

This is why it’s essential that you choose a brand or company that offers a generous warranty period.

You’ll also want to opt for well-known brands with a reputation for reliability and customer service.

Our experts are also available to chat via 01639 849847 or [email protected] 5 days a week, should you have any questions or issues.

What Is the Best Generator for a Caravan?

Here’s an overview of five notable models, highlighting their strengths and ideal use cases:

Here are 5 of the best generators for a caravan:

1. Anker A1751211 Power House 535 Portable Power Station

The Anker A1751211 Power House 535 Portable Power Station is an excellent choice for caravan use due to its silent operation, portability, versatility, and eco-friendly nature.

Its main benefits include:

• Its drop-proof unibody structure meet the requirements of industry testing standards to withstand any impact during outdoor adventures
• 7.5 kg, compact and lightweight, with a built-in handle for easy transportation
• It operates at whisper quiet levels due to an internal chip and intelligent AI algorithm
• Battery capacity of 512 watt-hours (Wh) and output power of 500 watts continuous/ 750 watts surge

The 512Wh capacity is sufficient to power a wide range of small to medium-sized appliances and electronic devices in a caravan, including things such as laptops, small fridges, LED lights, fans, and even some small kitchen appliances.

This generator also comes with an industry-leading 5 year device warranty.

2. Clarke IG950D 800W Inverter Petrol Generator

The Clarke IG950D 800W Inverter Petrol Generator is a compact, efficient, and reliable generator that is particularly well-suited for caravan use.

• Max output of 800W (700W continuous) – perfect for leisure use such as camping & caravanning
• Provides clean and stable power, suitable for sensitive electronics
• Runtime is approximately 5.8 hours at 50% load
• Anti-vibration feet further reduces noise

The Clarke IG950D generator is compact and lightweight (only weighing 8.5 kg!), making it super convenient for transportation and storage in a caravan, and it also comes with a carry handle.

3. Hyundai HY2000Si Digital Inverter Suitcase Generator

The Hyundai HY2000Si Digital Inverter Suitcase Generator is an excellent choice for caravan use due to its combination of portability, efficiency, and reliability. Here are some of its key features:

• It boasts a massive 2000w / 2kW maximum output
• Low noise level of only 58dB @ 7m, so you’re assured of a clean, quiet, reliable source of power
• Up to 8.1 hours at 25% load
• Lightweight 21Kg highly portable ergonomic design
• Compact suitcase design with a built-in handle for easy transportation

This generator is suitable for running small to medium-sized appliances in a caravan, such as a microwave, TV, refrigerator, and portable air conditioners. It’s also ideal for charging sensitive electronics like laptops, smartphones, tablets, and cameras due to its clean power output.

4. Hyundai HY4500SEI Petrol Portable Inverter Generator

If you’re looking for a compact and quiet generator with powerful performance, the Hyundai HY4500SEI Petrol Portable Inverter Generator is a great choice. Key features include:

• Powerful max output of 4kW and continuous power of 3.8kW
• Ultra-quiet generator (Noise level of 58 dB(A)) with remote electric start, so it won’t disturb others in a campsite or event
• Pull-out front handle and heavy-duty wheels make transportation easy
• Eco-mode automatically adjusts the engine speed to match the load, enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing noise

It also produces clean and stable power, so it’s ideal for safely powering sensitive electronics such as laptops, smartphones, and medical equipment. It’s also great for powering air-con, TVs, fridges, halogen heaters, air pumps and more.

5. Champion 97001i-P-UK Petrol Inverter Generator

Another perfect companion for your caravan is the Champion 97001i-P-UK Petrol Inverter Generator, allowing you to experience the ultimate in power and tranquillity. Here are a number of reasons why:

• The robust 420cc Champion engine delivers a whopping 7500 starting watts and a consistent 7000 running watts
• An impressively low noise level of 61 dBA at 7m
• Convenient wireless remote control start
• Designed to provide clean power with less than 3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), ensuring the safety of your sensitive electronics

This model is backed with a 3 year limited warranty, so you can be assured of quality and support.

Looking For a Quality Generator?

At Generators Direct, we offer a range of generators, power stations and power banks for your specific needs.

All of our products are manufactured, tested and certified to industry standards, and come with a price promise – you won’t find prices cheaper anywhere on the web, but if you do, we’ll match them. In addition to this, all orders come with free mainland UK shipping and after sales support from our experts.

If you require additional advice or have a question for our team, don’t hesitate to get in contact with us using this form or via phone at +441639849847.