If your travel trailer doesn’t already have a generator, then we highly recommend getting one, so you have a reliable source of power. 

When finding the best generator for your trailer there are a couple of things to keep in mind such as how much amperage you’ll need, and how long you expect to leave your generator running.

Of course, you’ll also need to find a decent generator. There are many generators out there, but how do you know which one is right for you?

Well, below you’ll find the top 3 generators you need for your travel trailer, as well as a buyer’s guide, FAQs, and tips on how to care for and maintain your generator. Let’s get into it!

What Should You Look For In A Travel Trailer Generator?

When looking for a generator for your travel trailer there are a few factors to consider, so you buy a generator that fits your needs and your RV.

Size

How big your generator should be will depend on what you need it to power. Many use a generator to power their lights and air conditioning, while some will want to use their generator to power their television, radio, microwave, or electric grill. 

If your A/C is 13,500 BTU then you will most likely need a generator that has a starting wattage of around 2,800-3000 and a running wattage of about 1,500-2000 watts.

Noise Level

Another important aspect to take into consideration is how much noise your generator will make. Some campgrounds have restrictions on how noise your generator can make.

For example, a campground may not tolerate a generator that makes over 69 decibels. Therefore, it’s a good idea to look for generators that make less than 69 decibels of noise. 

Power Output

You also need to consider how much power the generator produces, and this will help you determine what size generator you should buy. 

Usually, people only run a few things off their generator, and our pick for the best generator - the Champion - puts out 3,800 running watts which is capable of running a 15,000 BTU RV air and more besides.

Reliability And Durability

The last thing you want is for your generator to fail unexpectedly, and that’s why buying a reliable and durable generator is so important.

You can ensure this by buying your generator from a brand that is well-known in the industry, and is also backed by a decent warranty. 

Price

It might seem obvious, but the more expensive a generator is, the more features it’s going to have, the more power it is going to put out, and the quieter it will be.

Of course, budget-friendly generators get the job done too, but you have to decide whether extra features and lower decibel levels make a generator a worthwhile investment. 

Generator Care & Maintenance

To keep your generator in tip-top condition, it will need a little maintenance. However, this needn’t be time-consuming.

As long as you are consistent and keep on top of maintenance, it’s easy to keep your generator in good condition and running for a long time. Let’s take a look at some simple care and maintenance tips for your generator.

Don’t Leave Your Generator Unused

You have to run your generator from time to time, and you shouldn’t leave it unused for months at a time. If you do, surging or other engine issues can occur when you actually need to use it. 

Even leaving your generator unused for a month can cause degradation to the fuel inside, and gum up the generator’s parts. We recommend running your generator once a month for about two hours to prevent these problems from arising. 

While you’re running your generator, make sure to turn on some devices in your RV too. This is an essential part of making sure your generator will be a ready and reliable power source. 

Place It In A Convenient Location

Placing your generator in an ideal location will improve its durability. You should place your generator in a place that is stable, sturdy, and able to hold the unit up with plenty of support. 

Placing your generator somewhere level will make sure it doesn’t fall or shift when running. However, if your generator has a generator tray, then you don’t need to worry about this.

If you don’t have a tray, you can build one yourself. This is rather simple, and you just need a few panels and screws to make your own tray. Once it’s ready, you just need to secure your generator with brackets, clamps, and straps. 

Correctly Store Your Generator

While we’re on the subject of placing your generator in optimal locations, let’s talk about storage. 

When you’re not using your generator it needs to be stored in a cool, dry location, and away from falling hazards. This makes sure your generator doesn’t sustain any preventable wear and tear. 

It’s important to store your generator in a location free of moisture, as this can affect the performance of the generator. When you’re not using your generator it might be a good idea to cover it, as this will prevent dirt, dust, grime, and mud from getting inside it.

Regularly Servicing Your Generator

Generators can be fickle, and this is why routine services are necessary. Most modern generators are extremely efficient, and are designed to run for a long time with little risk of breakdown.

Still, generators will need regular servicing to make sure they’re still performing well and doing their job in your RV. Your generator can be serviced at your closest repair shop. The staff there should be able to find any issues within the unit and easily fix them. 

Make sure to keep a record of the services your generator receives as this helps you keep track of when the next service should be.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Would Make The Most Out Of A Generator For Their Travel Trailer?

Travel trailer generators play an important role in ensuring your road life is as comfortable as your home life. Camping in a campground that has full utility hookups without a generator would be near impossible. 

You can’t always depend on shore power for your power needs, and this is where a generator comes in. 

It’s also important that your generator can charge your battery bank. These generators can power your 120 AC outlets, and these outlets power appliances such as hairdryers, microwaves, toasters, and other small devices. 

Do Travel Trailers Have Built-in Generators?

Travel trailers do not usually have built-in generators, but some high-end manufacturers of RVs do produce RVs with built-in generators.

A travel trailer with the option of a built-in generator is usually a lot more expensive than an RV without one, but if you can afford it, then why not buy an RV with a generator built-in?

How Do You Use A Generator In Your Travel Trailer?

Setting up or attaching a generator to your RV isn’t complicated, and can be done in a few simple steps. 

The first step is figuring out whether your travel trailer is generator-ready. You can find this out from your owner’s manual, or by contacting the dealer. 

You’ll also need to make sure you’re buying a unit that can meet the particular power needs of your RV and overall configuration. 

Next you will need to decide what fuel you’d like to use as a power source. Propane or gas generators are the most popular.

If you use a gasoline tank you will need to make sure you have a tank capable of transferring the fuel into your generator. It’s worth researching certain materials that can dampen the noise level of the generator. What materials you use will all depend on how big your generator is and where it’s placed.

You will also need to install a transfer switch when connecting your generator to your RV. This is important because it lets you alternate between using shore power and the power provided by the generator. 

After all, sometimes you may need to use your generator, and sometimes shore power will do. These switches make a big difference because they can prevent issues that arise from electrical problems, like fires.

Related: Predator 3500 Inverter Generator vs Honda 3000

Final Thoughts

Just like every other purchase for your travel trailer, it’s important to do your research before you part with your hard-earned cash.

Ensure the generator you purchase fits your needs and is also appropriate for the type of camping you’ll be doing. While generators can be costly, if you’re a keen camper then they’re a must.

If you camp a lot at campgrounds, then you will need a quiet generator like the Honda EU2200I or Generac 7117.

However, if you’re going to be boondocking and quietness isn’t much of an issue, then we recommend going for a more powerful generator like the Champion, which we believe is the best generator for travel trailers.