5 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Generator

Posted by jessicawilson on April 18th, 2021

Going off on another adventure with your RV is an exciting thought. But if you’re starting to think about going farther, then you might need to invest in a better generator. Planning a big trip is much easier when you’ve got a generator to help you and your family out. Here are several questions to help you make the right buying decision.

Is It Ready to Go?

When you look for a generator, make sure it’s RV-ready. Does it come with a TT-30R outlet? What about a 14-50R outlet? Either option allows you to plug your rig straight into your generator without having to use a separate adapter. TT stands for travel trailer and the R is for the receptacle. When you shop around for options, you’ll want to look for the “RV Ready” bit to make sure that’s the kind of generator you’re getting.

Are the Parts Available?

Choose a generator with components that are easy to find. Keep in mind that issues will come up sooner or later. When it’s time to replace those parts, if they’re hard to find, though, that’s going to cause problems for you. Look for popular brands and check how accessible their parts are. For instance, options like the Onan generator parts make it easier for you to get the replacement parts you need.

How Much Power Do You Use?

Knowing your energy consumption levels matters. That will tell you which generators can provide the amount of power you need. For instance, do you have an AC, fan, heater, or all three inside your rig? You’ll also need the generator to keep the lights going and for your fridge to keep working. And if you have gadgets, then you’ll need to add those, too. These could be your iPad, laptop, microwave, blender, coffee maker, slow cooker, and others. You’ve also got your satellite receiver, gaming console, and your TV for a bit of entertainment. Clearly, if you have all these and more in your trailer, you’ll need to check for a generator that can keep all of them going.

Is the Generator Quiet?

Anyone who’s ever had to deal with a noisy generator knows how it can make such a difference when you’re on the road. Aside from your comfort, a lot of campgrounds, as well as parks these days, now have noise ordinances. You’ll want to check which generators comply with those rules. Also, if you love wildlife, then a quiet generator is less likely to scare them away. Quiet generators are definitely the choice for seasoned RV travelers.

How Much Does It Weigh?

Another consideration when you look for a generator is the weight of the unit. If it packs some solid heft, then you’ll want to get one with a handle and a wheel kit, so it’ll be easier to move it around. If you’re going off-site for boating or fishing, though, you’ll want to look for lightweight options that perform nearly as well. Or, stock up on a lightweight inverter that you can lug around with you.