Finding The Right Generator For Your RV
Camping is a time-honored and much loved tradition, and there’s no more comfortable or convenient way to do it than in your RV. RVs and the parks built for them are designed to provide residential-style amenities without hampering your time in the great outdoors. But what if you’re boondocking, or your RV park’s electrical grid has a problem? Your RV battery only works for so long, especially with modern mobile devices charging all night long. Investing in a generator can ensure that you’re prepared and comfortable in any situation!
To help you pick the right one for you, we here at Noteboom RV put together a few tips for narrowing down your options a bit. If you want more RV tips and tricks, or you’re on the market for a new RV altogether, contact our store in Harrisburg, South Dakota. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will help find what you need at the prices you want!
Power Considerations
Before you start your hunt, you’ll need to understand that not all generators are built to the same specs. You’ll need to figure out what’s compatible with your rig and what isn’t before you make a purchase to avoid a lengthy return process or maintenance problem. Start by making sure the generator can support the complete wattage of your entire RV, planning for as much power usage as is possible so you’re prepared for anything.
Go through your RV and examine every appliance. Each one has its own wattage, so start by tallying up all of these to see the wattage of the rig if all appliances are running at once. You can plan for a generator that only powers a few appliances at a time, or one that can run everything at the same time.
Consider how you’ll be powering your generator as well. It’s going to need some type of fuel or power source in order to supply your camper with electricity. The three usual options are propane, gasoline, and diesel fuels. Each has its own pros and cons, so you’ll want to figure out what makes sense financially and is the most efficient for your needs.
Finally, your RV itself will play a significant role in determining what generator you choose, even beyond the wattage it needs to run. Your RV’s fuel type may require a compatible generator, meaning a diesel RV might need a diesel generator.
Maintenance
Doing regular maintenance on your RV generator is an easy, simple way to ensure you stay safe and your machines stay functional. If an emergency situation arises and you’re in the middle of nowhere, a functional generator can mean you get lifesaving heat or air conditioning. Take a minute to regularly check the hour meter when your generator is seeing a lot of use and change the oil consistently—typically, once every 200 operating hours. During low-usage months, make sure to power it up and give it a good sprint at least once a month to keep it working.
Precautions
RV generators have been designed and refined to be safer than ever, but that doesn’t mean they’re risk free. There’s the potential for them to emit carbon monoxide, which you probably know is potentially lethal to humans. Keep up with your exhaust system and ensure it’s functioning properly to ensure this never becomes a danger. This channels the fumes outside the rig to prevent any dangerous buildup in the confined interior. You should also invest in a carbon monoxide detector. However well-built your machine is, leaks are always a possibility, so make sure to take every precaution possible.
We hope this has helped you find and prepare for your new RV generator! If you have any questions, or you’re just hoping to see our inventory, contact us at Noteboom RV. We proudly serve the people of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Sioux City, Iowa—let us serve you today!