Between the size, noise and power output, choosing a caravan generator is not always straight forward.

And with so many models on the market, finding what’s right for your individual needs can be tricky.

In this guide, we’ll break down how to choose the right generator for your needs and budget, as well as our top 4 caravan generator picks.

What Type Of Generator Do I Need?

When it comes to caravanning, inverter generators are your best option.

They’re often lightweight, quiet and easy to transport. They also produce clean sine-wave power, so they’re suitable for powering multiple frequency-sensitive devices like laptops, mobiles and hair dryers.

How To Choose The Best Caravan Generator

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

What Are You Powering?

The first step when buying a caravan generator is to work out how much power you’ll need. You can do this by adding up the watts of the appliances you wish to power on your trip.

For example, popular caravan appliances usually require:

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

What’s The Difference Between kVA and kW?

KVA is a measure of ‘apparent’ power. It is the total amount of power the generator can draw.

KW on the other hand, is known as ‘actual’ power. It is the amount of useful, working power the generator converts into output.

Noise Output

If you wish to use your generator at campgrounds, it will need to meet local campground noise restrictions.

As a standard, generators with noise levels below 65 dBA are quiet enough to avoid disrupting your campground neighbours. Regardless, be sure to familarise yourself with campground ‘quiet hours’ when generator use isn’t permitted.

Dimensions & Weight

The dimensions and weight of your generator is crucial. You must make sure it’s not too heavy to move and will fit in your caravan storage.

Anything below 25kg is ideal. Anything above should include wheels and a pulling handle to help with manoeuvrability.

Run Time

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

This will vary depending on the 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, for instance, has one of the longest run times in the industry, offering up to 20 hours of continuous operation.

Note: Generator run time will vary depending on the load, fuel tank capacity and engine efficiency of the model. So, it’s usually best practice to overestimate how long you want the generator to last to avoid running out of power when you need it most.

The 4 Best Caravan Generators

1. Best Value – The Genesys GEN2500i

The Genesys GEN2500i is one of the lightest generators in its power class. Delivering 2100 watts of continuous sine-wave power, it’s appropriate to power frequency-sensitive devices like caravan air conditioning, phone chargers and electronics.

Running for up to 20 hours on a single tank of fuel, the GEN2500i operates for 40% longer than the competition. Its noise level of 52 dBA at 7m means you can comfortably use it at campgrounds without disrupting those around you. With a compact design and attached carry handle, the GEN2500i is also easy to store and transport.

Key features of the Gen2500i include:

• Maximum output: 2400W
• Continuous output: 2100W
• Noise level: 52 dBA at 7m
• Run time: 6-20 hours
• kVA: 2.4
• Fuel tank: 5L
• Dry weight: 19.8kg
• Dimensions: 51cm x 31cm x 44cm
• Warranty: 3 year – 500 hour warranty

Price: $999

2. Most Popular – The Honda EU22i

With Honda’s reliable GXR120 engine, the Honda EU22i delivers commercial quality electricity at a maximum output of 2200 watts. In Eco Throttle mode, the EU22i will power batteries, laptops and caravan air conditioning for up to 8 hours.

The EU22i’s 53 dBA noise output meets campground noise regulations and its attached carry handle and lightweight design ensure easy portability.

If you need an extra boost of power, pair two Honda EU22i’s together to achieve a maximum 4kVA.

Key features of the EU22i include:

• Maximum output: 2200W
• Continuous output: 1800W
• Noise level: 53 dBA at 7m
• Run time: 8 hours using Eco Throttle setting
• kVA: 2.2
• Fuel tank: 3.6L
• Dry weight: 21.2kg
• Dimensions: 511mm x 290mm x 425mm
• Warranty: 4-year domestic use & 12-month commercial use warranty

Price: $2050

To read our full review of the EU22i, see our article here.

3. Most Compact & Quiet – The Honda EU32IU

Although compact and quiet, the Honda EU32IU has a large power output of 3200 watts. Its built in Eco Throttle setting automatically adjusts the engine speed to meet demand, allowing greater fuel efficiency and lower emissions. In this setting, the EU32IU will power laptops, chargers and air conditioners for up to 8 hours.

The EU32IU also features Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to turn off your generator remotely and monitor its remaining fuel level, operating time and current output.

Key features of the EU32IU include:

• Maximum output: 3200W
• Voltage: 240V
• Noise level: 53-59 dBA at 7m
• Run time: 8 hours
• kVA: 3.2
• Fuel tank: 4.6L
• Weight: 26.5kg
• Dimensions: 571mm x 306mm x 452mm
• Warranty: 4-year domestic use & 12-month commercial use warranty

Price: $4199

4. Longest Run Time – The Honda EU30is

The Honda EU30is’ 13L fuel tank is one of the largest on the market for a generator its size.

Offering a maximum output of 3000 watts, the EU30is will run fridges, audio equipment, laptops and smartphones for up to 20 hours using Eco Throttle. In the Eco Throttle setting, the EU30is matches its output to the power demand, reducing fuel consumption and overall noise to 52 dBA.

For those with large power requirements, pair two Honda EU30is’ together to achieve a maximum 6kVA.

Key features of the Honda EU30is include:

• Rated voltage: 240V
• Rated frequency: 50Hz
• Noise level: 52dBA
• Run time: Up to 20 hours in Eco Throttle setting
• kVA: 2.8
• Fuel tank: 13L
• Dry weight: 59kg
• Dimensions: 655mm x 445mm x 555mm
• Warranty: 4-year domestic use & 12-month commercial use warranty

Price: $3799

For Power No Matter Your Location, Contact Us Today

Caravan generators need to be reliable, versatile, and powerful to keep you connected and comfortable on your next trip away.

With years of experience, you can rely on Blue Diamond Machinery to provide the right advice and an inverter generator to meet your unique requirements.

If you would like some guidance on the best caravan generator for your, contact our expert team on 1300 998 647.