A travel trailer requires a reliable and convenient power source. But, what size do I need for my trailer? You need to find out the amount of power you will need during your travel to determine what size of generator you will need. This guide will help you determine the right generator size to go for.
Are you looking for a quick solution? You can use the Craftsman’s Tape Measure to measure the size of your trailer’s generator compartment. Calculate the total power you require in your travel trailer and then go for a generator that meets these requirements. You can also go for a generator that has been specifically designed for travel trailers, such as the Westinghouse iGen4500 Gas Powered Generator.
Why Do You Need A Generator For A Travel Trailer?
Travel trailers generators are necessary equipment for dry camping or camping in remote areas with no electricity. These generators can either be in-built or bought separately. However, most travel trailers don’t have an in-built generator due to limited space to accommodate the generator and tank fuel.
When the electricity connection is not available, generators can help offer AC power for all the devices that use a 120 voltage AC power outlet. Also, they can charge and store power in the travel trailer DC battery for future use.
Generators in recreational vehicles provide power for electronic devices such as microwaves, air conditioners, hairdryers, and refrigerators. Some of these devices use DC power provided by the recreational vehicles DC battery.
Portable generators make your campsite safer during the night by powering your campsite lights, keeping intruders away. This sense of security also gives you peace of mind when sleeping.
Additionally, generators will help charge communication gadgets if you need to communicate with friends or colleagues, or you just want to use your camera to capture the adventure.
If you are using a projector, you can use a generator to power it up and enjoy your fun movie at night. This will help catch a break after the exhausting outdoor activities during the day. Besides, a generator with high power output can power a portable electric stove and water heater.
This allows you to prepare your meals without much hassle. When camping during summer, a generator can power a portable rechargeable fan, which provides you with a cooling breeze when sleeping at night. The fan can also help scare away the bugs that may disrupt your sleep.
How To Calculate To The Foot Of Your Trailer Width Generator You Need
The field of electrical engineering has greatly advanced and generators are now available in the market in a wide range of sizes. However, determining the right generator size for the foot of your trailer can be challenging. Here is how you can calculate the foot of your trailer width to determine which generator size you will need.
Measure The Size Of Your Trailer’s Generator Compartment
The first step in determining the right size of a generator to use in your trailer is to measure the generator compartment of the trailer and make sure the generator you are going for can physically fit. Using the Craftsman’s Tape Measure, measure the size of the generator compartment to ensure you don’t go for a generator that won’t physically fit in those dimensions.
Calculate Your Power Requirements
The second step is to calculate the total power you will require to run the appliances in your trailer. Sum up the starting wattage of all the devices you will run in the trailer. Although you might not calculate the wattage of light devices, ensure you calculate the wattage of all heavy appliances such as the air conditioner and camping water pump.
Add Around 20% To Your Maximum Power Load
Once you know the minimum wattage you require to start all the appliances in your trailer at once, consider adding around 20% to a maximum load. This extra power helps prevent the generator from running at full power non-stop, improving its durability.
With the total power requirement and the dimensions of your trailer’s generator compartment, you can go for a generator size that meets these requirements.
What Is The Best Generator For A Travel Trailer?
A generator that fits your travel trailer should enable you to charge and power your devices and equipment during your recreational activities.
The best generator for travel is one that will fit in your trailer’s generator compartment and cater to your power needs without polluting the environment with noise. The Westinghouse iGen4500 Gas Powered Generator can deliver up to 4,500W, which is adequate power to run air conditioners and other heavy appliances in your travel trailer with low noise levels.
When it comes to connectivity, you will love the versatility offered by the two 120V outlets and one TT-30R RV outlet. With a 3.4-gallon fuel tank, this generator can run up to 18 hours without refilling. Thanks to the push-button electric start and the remote start key fob, you will also enjoy the convenience of starting this generator.
Typically, the fob key allows you to stop or start the generator at a distance of around 260 feet away. This generator also comes with a traditional recoil start which offers additional dependability in case of any problem with the electric start.
Although the 104.7 pounds of weight can be heavy to carry, you will enjoy the convenience offered by the wheels and the telescoping handle when moving this generator. This generator comes with a convenient and intuitive LED display which helps to monitor the power output, remaining runtime, voltage output, and other maintenance data.
Final Thoughts About A Generator For A Travel Trailer
It is not easy to tell the right size generator for your travel trailer. Fortunately, you can use Craftsman’s Tape Measure to measure the trailer’s generator compartment, calculate your total power needs and then go for a generator that will meet the requirements. Some generators, such as the Westinghouse iGen4500 Gas Powered Generator, are specifically designed to use travel trailers and meet these requirements.
Dave Pearson is a Canadian musician, sound editor, and audiophile. He is also the founder and owner of the website SoundProofGeek. On SoundProofGeek, Pearson offers advice and resources on audio equipment, including how to assess and improve audio quality, how to troubleshoot and repair audio equipment, and how to improve the music listening experience.
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