When traveling with a living quarter horse trailer, having a generator is essential for powering appliances and electronics.
Choosing the right size generator can be challenging. In this context, we will discuss what size generator is suitable for living quarter horse trailers in 2023.
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What Size Generator For Living Quarter Horse Trailer?
For a living quarter horse trailer, a generator producing between 3000 to 8000 watts is generally suitable. The specific size needed will depend on the combined wattage requirements of all appliances and both starting and running watts.
| Trailer Size | Wattage | Recommended Generator |
|---|---|---|
| Small Sized | 3000 | Craftsman 3000i Inverter 50 St/CSA |
| Medium Sized | 4500 | Champion Power 4500-Watt Portable Inverter Generator |
| Large Sized | 8000 | Generac GP8000E Portable Generator |
Factors to consider
When selecting the right size generator for a living quarter horse trailer, there are several factors to consider.
Power Needs
Determine the appliances and electronics you want to power in the trailer.
They can include air conditioning, heating, lighting, water pumps, refrigerators, microwaves, and other devices.
Calculate the wattage requirements for each item, including starting and running watts. Add up the total wattage requirements to determine the minimum size generator you need.
Trailer Size and Layout
Consider the size of your horse trailer and the layout of the living quarters. Larger trailers with more living space and appliances will require a larger generator.
A smaller trailer may require a smaller generator but still need to meet your power needs.
Generator Type and Fuel Source
Choose between a portable or permanent generator, depending on your specific needs and usage.
Consider the fuel source, such as gasoline, propane, or diesel, and availability during a trip or emergency.
Noise Level
Consider the generator’s noise level, especially if you plan to use it at night or in crowded camping areas.
Look for models with noise-reducing features or consider installing a soundproofing enclosure.
Budget
Determine your budget for a generator and balance it with your power needs and the other factors listed above.
Remember that a generator is an investment that can provide peace of mind and safety during emergencies or while on the road.
How to Calculate a Generator for a Horse Trailer
Identify Power Requirements
When aiming to select a generator for a horse trailer, you should first enumerate all appliances and electronics you intend to use.
The array of devices can range from air conditioning and heating systems to more subtle uses like lighting and water pumps.
It’s crucial to be exhaustive in this listing, ensuring nothing is overlooked, as each addition impacts the overall power requirement.
Determine Individual Wattage
Once your list is complete, the next step involves pinpointing the starting and running watts for each listed item.
The distinction is vital; starting watts refer to the initial surge to activate the appliance, while running watts sustain its operation.
Examining appliance labels or referring to their manuals will typically yield this information.
Employ a wattage calculator tool if uncertainties arise, providing a reliable estimation in the absence of precise data.
Calculate Cumulative Wattage
With the individual wattages established, proceed to consolidate them.
This amalgamation provides a foundational value representing the bare minimum wattage your generator must be capable of producing.
It’s pivotal to understand this aggregate to ensure the procured generator aligns with the energy demands of your trailer.
Apply Safety Margin
To accommodate unforeseen energy demands and potential additions, introducing a safety margin is prudent.
By enhancing the cumulative wattage by 25% (multiplying by 1.25), you establish a buffer.
Also, ensure the generator can manage any unforeseen surge in power requirement, granting peace of mind in variable conditions.
Weigh Generator Types
Generators are not a monolithic category; you must decide between portable and permanent solutions.
Portable generators present a versatile option, allowing relocation as needed, but they can demand more frequent maintenance and fuel replenishment.
In contrast, permanent generators, though potentially more costly and necessitating professional installation, offer a stable, dependable energy source with less hands-on management.
Perform Example Calculation
Consider a compact trailer housing an AC unit (needing 1500 running watts and 3000 starting watts), a refrigerator (600 running, 1200 starting), a microwave (1000 running, 2000 starting), and several lights (200 running).
The requisite wattage is, therefore, at least 4300 watts.
Integrating the safety margin yields a recommended 5375-watt generator, serving as a practical exemplar for the calculation process.
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What kind of generator do I need for the horse trailer?
The type of generator you need for a horse trailer depends on your power needs and usage. Here are some options to consider:
Portable Generators:
Portable generators are a popular choice for horse trailers as they are easy to transport and can provide enough power to run appliances and electronics in the trailer.
They come in different sizes and fuel types, such as gasoline, propane, or diesel.
Portable generators can also be used for other purposes, such as camping or home backup power.
Inverter Generators:
Inverter generators are a type of portable generator that provides clean and stable power for sensitive electronics such as laptops, smartphones, and TVs.
They are also quieter than conventional generators, making them a good option for camping or outdoor use.
Inverter generators are available in various sizes and fuel types.
RV Generators:
RV generators are designed specifically for use in recreational vehicles, including horse trailers.
They are often built into the trailer or mounted on the exterior and can provide enough power to run all appliances and electronics in the trailer.
RV generators can be powered by gasoline, propane, or diesel and are available in different sizes.
Permanent Generators:
Permanent generators, also known as standby generators, are installed outside of the trailer and connected to the electrical system.
They are designed to automatically turn on in the event of a power outage and provide enough power to run all appliances and electronics in the trailer.
Permanent generators are typically powered by natural gas or propane and require professional installation.
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Best Living Quarter Horse Trailer Generator Review
1. Champion Power Equipment 200986 4500-Watt Portable Inverter Generator
The Champion Power Equipment 200986 inverter generator is a portable unit that can be used inside or outside.
It has excellent power and fuel efficiency, which means less maintenance costs in the long run.
The engine stays cool to the touch even after running continuously at full load, meaning it will last longer with regular use.
It has a 12-volt DC outlet which means you can power lights and anything else with a standard cigarette lighter plug.
It also has an AC inverter outlet, which is great for powering laptops or any other electronic devices.
The Champion Power Equipment 200986 has two 120V 20A outlets, meaning it will run just about everything in your living quarter horse trailer without needing a second generator.
This is the perfect size for living quarters, and it gets great reviews from other customers who have purchased this model as well.
It will provide enough power to run lights in your trailer, TV screens, laptops, or anything else you might need while on vacation with your horses.
This unit only comes with one battery bank, so it will need to be charged up before you leave your house.
2. Honda 660270 7,000 Watt Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator with Electric Start
Honda has been making generators for over 50 years, and the company is known for producing some of the best on the market.
The Honda Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator with Electric Start includes a lightweight frame, which makes it easy to carry around when necessary.
It also comes with an electric start. So you can get it going with the push of a button.
The 660270 Honda Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator also includes four 120-volt outlets.
So you can plug in all your equipment at once without needing to use up multiple plugs.
It is great for tailgating or camping trips when there are only one or two power outlets available on site and you need to power all of your electronics.
The Honda Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator also includes a battery-charging function that can charge 12V batteries while you are using it as a generator in case you run out of juice.
The Honda 660270 Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator with Electric Start is one of the best generators on the market for those looking to power their living quarter horse trailer.
>> What size generator to power my house?
3. Briggs & Stratton Q6500 Quiet Power Series Inverter Generator
This generator is a best-seller, and for good reason.
It can power up your trailer without any problem. Whatsoever, it includes every hose you could ever need (except for propane).
It’s quiet enough that you can have conversations with people standing next to the generator while it’s running.
The Q6500 features Briggs & Stratton’s patented PowerCommand technology, which lets you adjust the generator to run at lower power when it is not needed.
This Briggs & Stratton model has an air-cooled engine that runs in temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit and delivers up to 5500 watts of clean electricity for hours on end.
You’ll get more than enough power for your trailer with this generator, and you can use it reliably in all weather conditions.
4. Champion Power Equipment 100891 9375/7500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator
This is your best choice for power in a trailer.
The Champion Power Equipment 1008912 can run either on gasoline or propane, which means that you can go with whichever fuel type suits you and not worry about it being available when needed.
This generator also offers both AC and DC outputs so there are multiple ways of powering either your trailer or campground.
It also comes with a battery system that will store power when the generator is off.
So you can be sure to have days and even weeks’ worth of running time at your fingertips as long as you remember to turn it on before use.
The Champion Power Equipment 1008912 is the perfect size for living quarter horse trailers.
It’s not a huge unit that will take up half your trailer, but it won’t have to be cranked every time you want lights on either.
This generator has enough power to bring all of your modern-day needs and could even handle some small appliances while running on low power.
5. WEN GN875i RV/Transfer-Switch-Ready 8750-Watt Electric Start Open Frame Inverter Generator
The WEN GN875i RV Ready 8750-Watt Inverter Generator is a great generator for your living quarter horse trailer.
The generator is best for people with smaller living quarters such as a trailer, RV, or boat.
The WEN GN875i can be installed on your truck bed and started by the key switch to power up while driving down the road which comes in handy when you need power without having to install it at home first.
It also has an electric start and is super quiet.
Another great feature of this generator is that you can run it on less than half capacity to power up your TV and charge your laptop or other small devices.
The WEN GN875i RV Ready 8750-Watt Inverter Generator has many features and specifications that make it best for living quarter horse trailers.
6. DuroMax XP10000E Gas Powered 10000 Watt Portable Generator
This is a top pick for the best horse trailer generator that needs 10000 watts of power.
The DuroMax XP10000E Gas Powered 10000 Watt Portable Generator with Electric Start has been designed to power your appliances and more while camping or tailgating.
It features an electric start, so you don’t need any heavy-duty starting equipment (which is a plus if there’s any kind of snow or ice on the ground).
The DuroMax XP10000E Gas Powered 10000 Watt Portable Generator with Electric Start has an automatic low-oil shutdown system which means that when it reaches 0.25 quarts, it automatically shuts off to prevent damage.
It also features two 120-volt 20-amp outlets, one 120/240-volt twist-lock outlet, and built-in surge protection.
This is the best generator for camping or tailgating if you have any kind of power-consuming appliances that need to be plugged in while on your trip.
For example, an air conditioner or refrigerator can be very difficult to keep running on a generator.
All of the electrical outlets are grounded, which means that you don’t have to worry about any kind of electric shock while using them.
The gasoline tank holds up to 15 gallons, and there is also an automatic low-oil shutdown system.
So as long as you check your oil levels, you don’t have to worry about any kind of engine damage.
7. Pulsar G12KBN Heavy Duty Portable Dual Fuel Generator – 9500 Rated Watts & 12000 Peak Watts
Pulsar has always been considered one of the best manufacturers in the portable generator industry because they produce units with high quality and durability.
This is also true for their Pulsar G12KBN Heavy Duty Portable Dual Fuel Generator that features a powerful 12000 peak watts dual-fuel engine, which can run on either gasoline or propane.
This generator has a lot of power and it can produce up to 12000 watts.
The starting wattage is 10800, which means that this model will have no trouble powering more than one appliance at the same time.
This is perfect for living quarter horse trailers because there are always multiple appliances running in such places as microwaves or refrigerators.
The fuel tank has a capacity of 8 gallons and it takes about an hour to fill up.
This generator can work for as long as 12 hours after 30 minutes on gas or propane.
The dual-fuel option will also make this unit more appealing because you don’t have to worry when the power goes out. All you need is either one of the two fuels.
The best part is that this model has a digital panel and it’s very easy to read.
The push-button starter will make starting up even easier, too. With so many features, we’re sure you’ll want to get this model from Westinghouse.
How To Choose A Generator For A Living Quarter Horse Trailer?
Step One: Determine Usage
Find out how much power the air conditioner, fridge, and microwave need.
Add up these three numbers together with a minimum of 1200 kilowatt hours (kWh) or more if there are other appliances like clothes dryers, washers, etc.
Sometimes it’s difficult to find this information from the manufacturer, so you can try contacting them if necessary.
Step Two: Determine the Power Capacity Needed
Find out how many watts are needed for your air conditioner and fridge as well as the wattage of the microwave oven.
The generator needs to be able to produce enough power (in kilowatts) equal to or more than the sum of these three.
Step Three: Determine the Generator Size Needed
Find out how much power is needed in kilowatts for your air conditioner, fridge, and microwave oven as well as the wattage of range.
The generator needs to be able to produce enough power (in kilowatts) equal to or more than the sum of these three.
Step Four: Determine the Generator Fuel Type
Find out your generator fuel type preference. Will it be gas or diesel powered, if you don’t know what size to get then refer back to step one and look for “What Size Should I Get?”
Step Five: How Much Power Do You Need?
Take your wattage requirement and also add the sum of your three appliances.
Step Six: Compare Generator Sizes to the Required Wattage in Kilowatts
Find out which generator size can produce enough power for your needs, or see Step One “What Size Should I Get?”
if you don’t know what size generator is right for you.
FAQs about what size generator for living quarter horse trailers
Will a 7500-watt generator run a living quarter horse trailer?
It depends on the model of a generator and how much load (i.e., appliances) will be used simultaneously while running it.
What size generator do I need for my horse trailer?
Generally, a 4500-watt generator is sufficient.
Can I run my air conditioner with a generator in my horse trailer?
Yes, you can run an air conditioner with a generator in your horse trailer.
Final Verdict
Selecting the right size generator for a living quarter horse trailer is all about understanding your unique needs.
You’ll need to identify all appliances you’re powering, calculate the total wattage, and consider a suitable safety margin.
Remember, the choice between a portable and a permanent generator also plays a pivotal role in meeting your energy requirements efficiently.
