HOW TO RESOURCE: Selecting A Camping Generator Or RV Generator |
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WHAT'S BEHIND A GOOD CAMPING GENERATOR?
DOES A CAMPING GENERATOR HAVE TO BE AN INVERTER?
Not necessarily, however inverter models do possess certain built-in advantages which can make them ideal for recreational applications. Consider the following:
CAMPING GENERATORS MUST BE QUIET
In order to appease campground neighbors, and to comply with the modern noise-level regulations found in national forests, your recreational generator should produce as little noise as possible.
Inverter models have idle control as a standard feature. With idle control engaged, the generator engine produces only enough rpm to operate the appliances or load connected to it. Not only will this cut down on noise, it reduces engine wear and dramatically increases fuel economy!
Since inverters are designed specifically for quiet operation, most are enclosed in a thick polyurethane casing with plenty of padding to curb vibration and limit engine noise. Such a casing can reduce noise levels from 5 to 10 dBA, the difference in output to the ear between an oscillating fan and a loud vacuum cleaner.
A CAMPING OR RECREATIONAL MODEL MUST BE ULTRA-MOBILE
Mobility is particularly important when a generator will be transferred to a remote camp or location. Here are some other things to keep in mind:
While a heavy camping generator that is intended to power an RV air conditioner may possess wheels for increased mobility, rugged outdoor terrain can render them less effective, even useless. If a generator is light enough in weight to be lifted and moved easily by an average-sized adult, this can be of tremendous advantage when encountering rough outdoor obstacles.
RECREATIONAL MODELS MUST POWER DESIRED EQUIPMENT
Just like any other generator, a camping or recreational generator is only useful if it can power what it needs to. One way to insure that it can is to total the wattages of the appliances or circuits which your generator will be running, and purchase accordingly.
A camping generator with running watts of 3,000 should power a modern RV air-conditioning unit of up to 13,500 btu, even at high altitude. If your motor home or trailer contains an older model AC unit, try to test run it with a prospective generator before purchase. Most generator sellers will have demo models available to perform such tests.
There are advantages to inverter generator models when it comes to producing their advertised power. Many, particularly low-priced, traditional generators create less output than their manufacturers claim. This is primarily because a certain amount of power seeps away in the transfer of output from the generator element of a machine to its outlet panel via a standard alternator.
Instead of a typical mechanical alternator, an inverter employs electronic circuitry to transfer power, a reliable and efficient alternative which minimizes weight and reduces output loss!
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