Portable generators can be an excellent power solution for recharging batteries and powering your appliances including air-conditioning when you are away from mains power. There are many types of generators to suit all sorts of applications. For caravan, camper or motorhome travellers a silent inverter generator is an ideal choice. The silent inverter generators we have featured below:
- are quiet – they rate between 47 and 60 dba at 7 metres which is similar to conversational speech
- fuel efficient – they run on unleaded fuel and good fuel economy means less fuel to transport and less weight to carry
- produce pure (smooth) power suitable for sensitive electronics such as computers and televisions
- feature an overload cut-out to protect your appliances
- most importantly they are portable with a lightweight and easy to carry design
- some models are able to be parallel paired with a second generator of the same type to provide you with double the power out-put.
What size is right for you?
The main consideration when selecting a generator will be your power requirements and the length of time you need to power your appliances. Getting a generator that is larger than your estimated needs will help to avoid overloading the generator which is a common problem.
As a guide small generators including the Engel SHX1000 and Yamaha EF1000is are great for recharging batteries in your caravan or camper, running power tools or electronic equipment like laptops, iPads and smart phones. The versatile and “medium” size Yamaha EF2000is produces enough power to run small air conditioners, recharge batteries, run small microwaves, run power tools, fridges and TVs. The larger capacity Yamaha EF2400is is an ideal size for caravanners and motorhomers as it can easily power large caravan / motorhome air-conditioners – even those with a large startup current required. Larger again in power capacity but lighter in weight is the Yamaha EF2800is. This model is another popular choice for the travelling set due to its lighter weight and capacity to run large air-conditioners with more appliances at the same time.
We have compiled a comparison chart of the key features of the popular models:
| MODEL | ENGEL SHX1000 | YAMAHA EF1000IS | YAMAHA EF2000IS | YAMAHA EF2400IS | YAMAHA EF2800I |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power output | Rated output 1.0kVA Max output 1.0kVA | Rated output 0.9kVA Max output 1.0kVA | Rated output 1.6kVA Max output 2.0kVA | Rated output 2.0kVA Max output 2.4kVA | Rated output 2.5kVA Max output 2.8kVA |
| Suitable for | – recharging batteries – running power tools, portable fridges or electronic equipment like laptops, iPads and smart phones | – recharging batteries – running power tools, portable fridges or electronic equipment like laptops, iPads and smart phones | – recharging batteries – running small air conditioners, small microwaves, power tools, fridges, TVs | – recharging batteries – running large caravan / motorhome air-conditioners | – recharging batteries – running large air-conditioners plus more appliances at the same time |
| Weight and dimension | 14 kgs
465mm length | 12.7 kgs
450mm length | 20 kgs
480mm length | 32 kgs
527mm length | 29 kgs
487mm length |
| Fuel capacity / economy | 3.8 litre tank 8.6 hours running time at half load | 2.5 litre tank 12 hour running time at no load | 4.2 litre tank 10.5 hours running time at 1/4 load | 6 litre tank 8.6 hours running at 1/4 load | 11.2 litre tank 24.9 hours running at no load |
| Noise | Quiet 58 dba at half load at 7 metres | Quietest in the range 47 to 57 dba at 7 metres | Very quiet 51.5 dba at 1/4 load at 7 metres | Quiet 54 to 59 dba at 7 metres | Fairly quiet 60 to 67 dba at 7 metres |
| Suitable to be parallel paired | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Warranty | 1 year | 4 years | 4 years | 4 years | 4 years |
Where to put one?
In use: As far away from your campsite (and others) as an extension lead will permit. Generators while quiet, do produce noise and emissions which are toxic so need an operating position well away from open windows and awnings. Generators are portable and it is worth considering locking it to a tree to prevent any unwanted portability.
On the road: Secured in an external bunker or front boot where any grease, dirt or possible fuel drips wont make a mess. Fuel needs to be carried and secured in a clean fuel can.
If you don’t already have the perfect spot to put a generator, at the RV Service Centre we can custom fit large external bunker doors, or additional aluminium toolboxes to give easy access for generators and other large items. Storage boxes can be fitted with slides, vents and easy access openings.
What is the recommended generator for my caravan air conditioners?
All air conditioners have power consumption ratings. E.g. a 21’ caravan would normally have a “large” air-con, which is rated to about 3.2kW. The manufacturer recommended power source is a minimum of 2.8kVa, so going by that, the only suitable generator from the above list would be the Yamaha EF2800i, as it is a 2.8kVa rated unit. However, from direct experience testing dozens of caravan air conditioners, you can almost certainly get perfect performance from the Yamaha EF2400is. In many situations the Yamaha EF2000is will even do the job.
So, what’s the best way to choose? TEST IT! Just bring your caravan in, and select from our range of demonstrator generators, we’ll plug it in and you’ll know for sure!
As a rule of thumb, “large” caravan air conditioners with a 3.2kW rating should have a Yamaha EF2400is. Smaller air conditioners (commonly fitting to vans less than 17’, pop tops, wind up campers etc), should be able to get away with the EF2000is.
Some new air conditioners, like the Dometic Harrier, uses full inverter technology within the air con which greatly reduces the power requirements from the generator. Others like the AirCommand IBIS 3 uses soft-start technology which reduces the start up power requirements.
One of the tricks to be aware is that even though a generator may run your air con in today’s weather, if you are experiencing an extremely hot day, you may find that as the air conditioner has to work harder, it can overload a generator which is working in most other situations. Always try to have extra capacity rather than being on the limits. The other benefit of a larger capacity generator is that you can run additional appliances while your caravan air conditioner is running.
At the RV Service Centre we stock a full range of generators in our showroom and are happy to answer any questions you might have to help you select the right generator for your needs.
