How Big of a Generator Do I Need for My Travel Trailer?

Your camping experience in a travel trailer could be way better if you can access a reliable power source. The built-in power production could run the necessary gadgets, but it will drain out when it comes to heavy appliances like ACs, refrigerators, and heaters.

This is where travel trailer generators come into the frame. They can effortlessly fulfill all your power needs without relying on conventional grid power.

However, before opting for any travel trailer generator,  it's important to acknowledge your trailer power needs, what size of generator you need, their different types, and what you should consider when choosing a generator. Let's discuss all this in detail.

How Much Power Do I Need for My Travel Trailer? 

You can calculate your travel trailer's power needs by determining your appliance's power requirements. For this, firstly, enlist all the devices you want to run. Making a table with three columns that could be appliance name, starting watt, and running watts is recommended.

Now, simply check and note the appliance start and running wattage requirements given on their labels. The maximum starting power is the threshold for the surge power of your generator. Now add the running power of appliances you want to run simultaneously. 

For example, if your answer is 2000 watts, and the maximum surge power is 3500 watts, you need a generator that fulfills both requirements.

Another important point here is considering the 20% rule. This means your generator’s power output capacity should be at least 20% higher than your power requirements. This gives some head space to your generator, eventually boosting their life span.

How Big of a Generator Do I Need for My Travel Trailer?

The generator size required to power your travel trailer depends on your power consumption patterns. The more appliances you run, the bigger the generator size you will need. 

Below, we discuss different generator sizes and what they can power. You can review them to know how big a generator will align with your power needs.

2000-Watt Generators

A 2000-watt generator can effectively fulfill the power needs of a small travel trailer. It can even support the power requirement of a 5000BTU AC for 1-4 hours. 

However, It is important to understand that you cannot run heavy-duty appliances simultaneously for such a generator size. This generator is a good choice for those with limited power needs.

3000-Watt Generators

3000-watt solar generators are ideal cases that support the power needs of all your necessary appliances and offer some headspace for luxury electronics. However, the power requirements of each appliance vary, so doing some math to find your overall power needs before buying a 3000-watt generator is recommended.

There are many chances that this generator will allow you to watch TV while enjoying the cool AC breeze and your drinks chilling in the fridge.

5000-Watt Generators

A 5000-watt generator is an ideal generator for travel trailers and is thus widely used. You can run all your appliances with this unit, from lights to refrigerators and AC to laptops.  

5000-watt generators, though, are an exceptionally good choice when it comes to power production capacity. But it is worth noting that their fuel requirements are also high. If you opt for a solar generator, you will need to add more batteries and solar panels to make your generator compatible with all your devices. 

So, for 5000-watt generators, some extra expenses are inevitable, whether it's fuel or solar.

What Factors to Consider When Choosing a Travel Trailer Generator?

Generators, whether they are conventional fuel-operated or solar, require hefty investments. This is why their selection should be prudent. Specifically, when buying a generator for a travel trailer, multiple factors need investigation to find a unit that perfectly aligns with all your needs.

Here is what you should consider

Price

Price is a fundamental variable, no matter what you are buying. In the case of a generator for your travel trailer, it depends on your personal preference. For example, if you are a frequent traveler, your power needs will also be more as compared to a seasonal nomad, and thus, you will need a high-power generator at a high price.

What you can do best here is to go for a deep investigation and see what brand has the most suitable offering for you. 

However, BLUETTI, with its price match guarantee, is the torch bearer in this domain. This means if you buy any product and find its price high compared to the same unit of any other brand, you can claim the extra amount within 30 days of your purchase. 

Noise

Everyone loves a calm and peaceful environment, especially when you are on outings with your travel trailer.  Thus, it is recommended that solar generators be used. They are quiet, safe, environmentally friendly, and do not need a continuous fuel supply to carry out their functions.

Still, if you are choosing a conventional fuel generator, select a unit with minimum noise pollution.

Portability

While on a travel trailer, the portability of the generator is a much-needed feature. While most of the conventional generators are not easily portable, it is recommended to choose light weight generators. 

Further, if you want the best solution, you can go with the BLUETTI EP500. This solar generator comes with wheels, making its mobility easy and flexible.

Power Output

There is no point in buying a generator if it cannot fulfill your power requirements. For this, it's important to check your power consumption patterns and what appliances you want to run. If your needs are around 2000 watts, a generator with around 2400-2500W output capacity is recommended.

Compatibility with EPA Laws

Adhering to EPA laws is crucial for travel trailer owners to ensure personal and environmental safety from pollutants. This includes using EVAP-certified generators and special arrangements to keep carbon at a minimum.

Unabiding these rules could lead to heavy fines. Thus, solar generators are the most recommended case. They are environmentally friendly and require only a one-time investment. 

What Are the Different Types of Travel Trailer Generators?

Various types of generators available on the market can fulfill your travel trailer's power needs. However, every option has some limitations, rendering them unfit for use while traveling. Some generator types that can be used for travel generators are discussed below.

Built-in generators

Unlike small RVs, most of the travel trailer comes with their built-in fuel generators. These generators have good output capacity and can effortlessly fulfill your travel trailer's power needs.

However, they release carbon monoxide while functioning, which has potential health risks for humans. Though they have a proper ventilation setup, some amount of gas remains inside the trailer and can be hazardous. Additionally, their requirement for continuous fuel supply and portability issues further add to their limitations.  

Portable solar generators

These generators are the most recommended case for travel trailers and RVs due to their multiple benefits. They are noiseless and do not emit any fumes, making them environmentally friendly.  Further, their supplied power is totally free, and their portability makes them easy to carry during camping and other off-grid adventures.

However, one potential downside is their high initial cost. But if we compare their usage with the fuel requirement of gas generators, this cost is also paid back in the long run.

Inverter generators

These generators are the modern variants of conventional fuel generators. They are energy efficient and, unlike fuel generators, they can maintain their power production capacity according to requirements. 

Inverter generators could be a good option. However, their high initial cost, low output capacity, and fuel supply are major concerns associated with them.

What Appliances Power the Most in a Travel Trailer?

The power requirement of any appliance in your travel trailer depends on its use. For example, if you are camping in the summer, your AC and refrigerator will consume much of your power budget, and conversely, if there is a winter season, the heater’s power requirements will be higher. 

Below is a table showing the average power requirement of different appliances of a travel trailer.

Portable Solar Generator Recommend for Your Travel Trailer

Gas generators are good for fulfilling your travel trailer’s power needs but have scores of limitations when compared to solar generators. They are quiet, do not emit toxic fumes, provide free power after a one-time investment, and much more. But why choose BLUETTI portable solar generators? Here is the answer.

• Price match guarantee. This means if you find any related product with a lower price, you can claim the extra amount within 30 days of purchase.
• 24/7, lifetime customer support.
• 4-10 years hassle-free warranty, depending on product.
• All products with LiFePO4 batteries. The most appreciated type of battery in terms of longevity and safety.
• Efficient and reliable products with millions of satisfied consumers around the globe.

Below discussed are two portable solar generator variables that can serve your power needs best. 

• BLUETTI AC500 + B300S

This 5000W power backup could be the one-in-all solution to all your travel trailer power needs. With its 10000W surge power, it can support all your appliances, whether it's a heavy-duty AC, a heater, or a stove.

Its built-in battery capacity is 3072Wh, which is further extendable to 18432Wh to ensure you never run out of power. Further, to recharge this battery, you can use 6 different streams, including AC, solar, generator, and AC+solar.

To make your investment worthy, AC500 offers 3500+ charge cycles. This means it has a life span of more than ten years, with each charge cycle per day.

Other specifications include 16 output ports that make this unit compatible with all your appliances and remote operations through the BLUETTI smart app.

• BLUETTI EP500 + 3*PV200

EP500 is a 2000W pure sine wave inverter that has a giant in-built battery of 5120Wh. What’s most special about this unit is its portability. It comes with two wheels that make its mobility a piece of cake.

Additionally, unlike any other unit of this type, it offers 6000+ charge cycles, expanding its life span to more than 20 years. 

It does not only have multiple charging streams but also connects various appliances simultaneously. It has 10 plus output ports, including wireless, cigarette lighter, USB-A, and USB-C ports. 

You can control its functions remotely through wifi or by using its smart screen.

Final Thoughts

Generators are a must-have accessory for your travel trailer. They do not only supply you with power but also boost your overall boondocking experience. However, the size of your travel trailer generator completely depends on your personal power requirements. 

Built-in RV generators could be a good choice, but their emissions could have severe health consequences. Portable solar generators are the best choice in all regards. You can visit BLUETTI to find a reliable, efficient, portable, and cost-effective solar generator for your travel trailer.