There are a lot of people who dream of taking their family on a cross-country road trip in an RV. Just the thought of escaping city life, going to places you want, and doing things you love can make your heart flutter.
However, while budgeting for an RV, people often tend to forget the generator. It is pretty common to assume that an RV is just like a car and will have its own battery. While your RV does come with a battery, these batteries are only meant to provide power to operate the vehicle, not operate the appliances you may have in your vehicle.
Therefore, it is crucial that you consider looking into these, and finding out what RV generators run on, their wattage, etc., before investing your money in one.
Wattage
RV generators are primarily used to power gadgets such as refrigerators, charging laptops, televisions, and lighting. Therefore, choosing an RV generator with sufficient wattage is essential to power all activities efficiently.
A generator’s wattage is a measure of its power output. In general, the higher an RV generator’s power output (wattage), the more gadgets it can support simultaneously.
Thus, before purchasing an RV generator, ensure it can provide enough power. For example, if you have a lot of electrical appliances that need to be powered through the generator, a wattage of at least 5000 Watts is required.
Fuel type
RV owners often get confused about the right fuel for their generators. RV generators run on mainly three types of fuels- diesel, gas, and propane. Each type has its own advantages. For example, diesel is cheap and highly efficient, gas is readily available, and propane is easy to store and transport. Diesel RV generators are the most popular choice among users. Some generators also operate on rechargeable batteries, which are the quietest and most cost-efficient.
Cost
It is also essential to consider the price before purchasing an RV generator. Always allocate a budget and take your time to find the best one in that price range.
RV generators come in various types and capacities. Make sure that your chosen generator is cost-effective and meets all your needs.
Warranty
The most expensive RV generators aren’t necessarily the best options. It would be wise to consider the product’s features and warranty first. Longer warranty periods indicate that a manufacturer has more confidence in their product.
Type
There are two types of generators- inverter and conventional generators, and people often get confused between them.
An inverter generator produces electricity at a constant frequency with greater stability. In contrast, conventional generators have varying frequencies and voltages due to fluctuating motor speeds. The inverter RV generator is the best choice if you have power-sensitive devices.
Portability
At times, when you’re on the road alone, you may experience difficulties in loading and unloading, or moving around heavy generators on your own. The generators are usually huge and heavy; however, there are lighter options as well. Some also have rollers for enhanced portability.
Therefore, it is important to look into the portability of your generator before you purchase it.
Conclusion
Owning an RV can save you a lot on travel costs; however, if you choose the wrong generator, it can make your RV experience significantly less pleasurable. In addition, it may end up costing you even more in terms of repairs, replacements, and maintenance.
Therefore, while choosing an RV generator, make sure you consider the factors given above.