What Size Generator For Pop Up Camper In 2023?
We may earn affiliate fees for purchases using our links (at no additional cost to you).
What size generator should I get for my pop up camper? It is a question that many people ask themselves when they are camping or living in their camper.
This article will discuss how to figure out what size generator you need for your pop up camper.
If you’re sleeping in your pop-up camper, it’s important to be careful about how loud the generator is and what gas consumption will be.
What Size Generator For Pop Up Camper?
The size of the generator depends on the type of camper and how many people will be using it. In general, 2000 watts to 6000 watts power generator will be enough for most pop up campers.
| Size | Wattage | Recommended Generator |
|---|---|---|
| Small Sized | 2200 | Honda EU2200i Portable Inverter Generator |
| Medium Sized | 4500 | WEN 4500 Running Watts Generator |
| Large Sized | 6000 | Pulsar 6000 Running Watts Generator |
***All wattages are estimates. Your actual device wattage may vary.
[ Always remember you need to buy a generator that is 1000-3000 watts more than your total running wattage. Because the starting wattage of each appliance is more than the running wattage. ]
How many watts does a pop up camper use?
The most important factor for determining the best size generator is how many watt-hours of power you need.
Watt-hours are calculated by multiplying your average wattage (in watts) and the number of hours it will be running in a day.
You can also calculate this yourself with a formula: 60 x amps * volts = total watts, then divide that number by 1000 to convert it to kilowatt-hours.
For example, if you need a 50-watt hour generator for your pop-up camper and it will run for 12 hours in one day, then the formula would be 60 x (50 watts) * 120 volts = 3600 total watts, which equals 300-kilowatt hours per day.
Read More: What Size Generator For 50 Amp RV?
If the pop up camper is going to be running in a location that has access to an electric hookup, then the size of your generator can be much smaller since enough power will already be available at all times.
However, if the pop up camper is going to be running for 12 hours a day then it will need 300-kilowatt hours per day of power, which would require a generator with at least 500 watts.
How do you calculate the wattage needed?
It’s important to make sure you have the right size generator for your pop up camper.
In general, a 600-watt generator will be able to power about five or six 120V devices at a time – such as lights and small fans.
Anything more than that and you’ll find yourself tripping breakers constantly!
That said, this is just an estimate based on average loads while it may vary depending on what type of electronic equipment is being used.
To calculate how many watts your system uses in total (including all electrical components), multiply the voltage by amperage (if available).
For example: if everything runs off 12 volts then 120×0.07=84 amps which equals 840 watts total load so use a 1000 watt generator.
The size of the generator you need will depend on how long you’ll be running it, what type of equipment is in use, and the availability of power during your stay.
So check with a camper dealer or experienced campers before making a purchase to determine what’s best for you!
Think about these factors when choosing which wattage generators are right for your pop up camper:
- How much time do I plan to spend camping? (generator should provide at least three hours of run-time)
- What electrical components am I using while camping? (lights/small appliances such as hair dryers or refrigerators require fewer watts than things like an air conditioner or laptop)
- Is there an electrical power source nearby? (generator should provide at least three hours of run-time)
- What type of camping am I doing? (higher wattages are necessary for campers who spend a lot of time in their camper).
Read More: What Size Generator To Run 5 Ton AC Unit?
How To Hook Up A Generator To A Pop Up Camper?
The first step to hook up a generator is by plugging the extension cord into the camper.
You will then need to find an outlet that still works in order for you to plug it in and keep your conveniences running.
Find out if there are any outlets left, or if everybody else has taken them all.
If there are some remaining, make sure they’re not around anything hot like a stove, where the cord can melt from heat exposure over time so be careful when choosing these spots on which to place your receptacle’s cords.
Read More: What Size Generator To Run A Sump Pump?
The next step is to hook up the generator. Find all of your cords and set them out on the ground in a neat fashion so you can plug everything into place without any confusion.
Plug one cord from the camper extension cord into your generator’s outlet, then take the other end of this cord and connect it to an available receptacle with power coming through it at its current location.
When you’re done connecting these two ends together, flip that switch located near where your electrical panel resides inside your RV or trailer until you see lights turn back on inside before taking off for another campsite!
Don’t forget to unplug everything when moving locations as well! In order for a pop-up camper to run smoothly while hooked up to a generator, you’ll need to use the proper size of the generator.
The most important thing is finding an appropriate wattage for your needs and how long it will be needed on average per day.
For instance, if you plan on using power from your camper battery while camping but want some extra backup in case things go wrong then 1500 watts should be enough.
Otherwise, if you’re looking for something more heavy-duty that can support higher-end appliances such as air conditioners or ovens then 2000+ watts would work better since these often require much more energy than standard lights and showering systems do.
Read More: What Size Generator Do I Need For 200 Amp Service?
Top 5 Quietest generator for pop up camper
One of the most important components of your pop-up camper is a quiet generator.
In order for you and your family to enjoy your camping experience, it’s imperative that you have access to power when needed.
If noise levels are too high, then this will be less likely possible.
There are many different generators on the market today with various features and benefits but few stand out as being one of the best choices because they offer more than just power.
*** One such model is Honda’s EU2200i inverter generator which not only offers up reliable electricity should an emergency happen without having to worry about gasoline or oil maintenance.
It also boasts zero emissions making it ideal even in parks where these types of generators might typically not be allowed so you can keep your camping experience clean and true.
*** Another one of the best choices is the Champion 3500 watt portable generator with a power inverter.
This is a popular choice among campers because it’s lightweight, easy to start, and offers the ability to charge both 12-volt DC and 120/240 volt AC appliances from one unit.
*** Another option for campers wanting an uninterrupted camping experience would be Yamaha EF2000iSDEFMVS Inverter Generator.
It features Smart Power Management which automatically adjusts engine speed based on your load requirements.
So you’ll never have to worry about overloading this machine or being too underpowered when running major household appliances like air conditioners.
While still enjoying all of its conveniences such as push-button electricity starting, an hour meter that resets every time the unit is started up again, and low oil shut-off protection in case the oil gets too low.
*** Another great option is Briggs & Stratton P3000E. Has a 2000 watt peak power and 1000 running watts.
The unit weighs in at 44 pounds, but with the wheels locked it only weighs 33 lbs., making portability an easy task for anyone without back problems.
*** The final option I will recommend is the WEN 56225i Fuel Shut-Off Inverter Generator.
This generator has two engine speeds and a max output of 2000 watts at 120 volts.
It is designed to be lightweight, weighing only 56 pounds when empty so that it can easily be carried from place to place as needed.
Pop-up Camper Generator Buying Guide
There are many different types of generators for pop-up campers, so it is important to do research before you make a purchase.
Size:
The first step in your decision process should be the size and type of generator that will best suit your needs.
There are four main sizes: portable (less than 30 amp), small trailer (30 amp), medium trailer (35 or 50 amps) and large industrial/commercial-grade (>50 amps).
Power output:
The next thing to consider is what power output will work best with your items?
For example, if an item only requires 120 volts then no need for anything more powerful than a portable unit.
Fuel type:
You’ll then want to decide what kind of fuel you can store in your particular location before continuing with any purchase decision.
Propane has few emissions if used correctly, so this might be the best fit if it’s available where you’re living or working (check first!).
Natural gas requires plumbing installation which may not be necessary with propane tanks that work off disposable cylinders.
Diesel is generally considered the most powerful option as well as the most expensive.
Cost:
A portable generator can cost as little as $400, but they are not intended for continuous use.
Portable units have a lifespan of around two hours at full load and will only power your most important items when you need them in an emergency situation.
FAQs
Will a 2000 watt generator run a pop up camper?
Perhaps, but it won’t be able to power all items inside the camper simultaneously or even close. It would depend on how many loads your point needs powering as well as what they are – ie freezer vs lights only etc. In general though; 2000W should cover things like lights and a few smaller appliances, but that’s about it.
Will a 3500 watt generator run a 30 amp camper?
A 3500 watt generator can power a camper with a 30 amp circuit. If you have not enough amperage, the generator will run at half power and may overheat. You should buy a smaller generator if in doubt or plan to upgrade your camper wiring system for more amps.
Beware that inverters rob some of the available power from your battery even when they are running on their own internal batteries so this is an added consideration when sizing up generators.
Will a 5000 watt generator run a camper?
Yes, 5000 watts is enough power for a camper. But you may need to get an inverter as well. An inverter will convert the DC current from your generator into AC electricity that can be used by some appliances in your camper like lights and fans which are not compatible with DC current). Inverters cost about $250-500 so plan on spending at least that much when purchasing one if needed.
Final Words
When it comes to the size of your generator, consider how many watts you need for what appliances and devices you want to run.
If a larger wattage sounds appropriate for your needs, then go for that option. But if not, don’t be afraid to purchase something smaller!
You can always upgrade later on as needed. We hope this post has been informative and helpful in getting you started with determining which size generator will work best for your pop-up camper lifestyle!
