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If you love spending time outdoors camping, you know that having a reliable source of power is a must. A small generator is a perfect solution for powering your essential electronics like lights, phone chargers, and small appliances. But with so many generators on the market, it can be tough to know which one is right for you.
7 Best Small Generators for Camping: Reviewed
- WEN 56203i – Top Pick
- Honda EU1000T1AG – Premium Choice
- MARBERO M87 – Best Price
- Champion Power Equipment 100900
- MARBERO KEVM82SE
- FF FLASHFISH GA150
- FlashFish 40800mAh
1. WEN 56203i
The WEN 56203i is a highly portable inverter generator that produces clean power for sensitive electronics. It is extremely quiet, making it ideal for use in camping and RVing. The generator includes two three-prong 120V receptacles, one 12V DC receptacle, two 5V USB ports, and a two-year warranty.
Key characteristics
- Brand: WEN
- Wattage: 2000 watts
- Fuel Type: Gasoline
- Quiet: 51 dB(A)
- Running time: 7 hours
- Tank Volume: 1 Gallons
- Weight: 39 pounds
- Very quiet;
- Compact dimensions;
- Produces a lot of power
- Not the lightest
2. Honda EU1000T1AG
The Honda EU1000T1AG is a lightweight, portable power generator that is ideal for camping, supplemental RV power, and any other activity that requires quiet operation.
The EU1000T1AG features Honda’s exclusive CO-MINDER system that continuously monitors carbon monoxide levels and automatically shuts down the generator before detected CO levels become dangerously high. Additionally, the EU1000T1AG can be paralleled with another identical model for up to 2000 watts of power. Honda EU1000T1AG is a great small honda generator for camping. This brand has good support from its customers
Key characteristics
- Brand: Honda
- Wattage: 1000 watts
- Fuel Type: Gasoline
- Quiet: 42 to 50 dB(A)
- Running time: 50%= 3 hours, 25% = 6.8 hours
- Tank Volume: 0.55 Gallons
- Weight: 28.7 pounds
- Lightweight and portable;
- Can be paralleled with another generator for more power;
- Quiet operation
- Loudness
3. MARBERO M87
As one of the most popular portable power stations on the market, the MARBERO M87 boasts an impressive 83Wh capacity (22500mAh,3.7V), 2*QC3.0 USB port (27W max), 2*USB C(PD3.0, 18W/30WMax). 1*DC ports (5V/4.8A 24W max), 1 AC output socket (80W running, 120W peak). This makes it a great choice for those who need a reliable power source for their devices, whether it be for camping, fishing, traveling, or other outdoor activities.
One of the best features of the MARBERO M87 is its long-lasting battery life. With a fully charged power station, users can expect to get up to 12 hours of use out of the LED light, making it a great choice for nighttime emergencies or simply for providing extra light while camping. The power station can also be recharged in three different ways – by wall outlet, by car adapter, or by a solar panel – making it a versatile and convenient option for those who are on the go.
Overall, the MARBERO M87 is a great choice for those who are looking for a reliable and long-lasting portable power source. With its wide range of features and its versatile charging options, it is a great option for anyone who needs a reliable power source for their devices.
Key characteristics
- Brand: MARBERO
- Wattage: 83 watt/hours
- Fuel Type: Solar Powered
- Quiet: –
- Running time: 7-8 hours
- Tank Volume: –
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
Smallest portable generator for camping in our review
- 3 ways to charge;
- 12+ hour battery life;
- 83Wh capacity
- Inferior to more expensive models
4. Champion Power Equipment 100900
Champion Power Equipment’s 100900 fuel inverter generator is one of the lightest and quietest on the market, making it a great choice for camping or other outdoor activities.
It’s dual-fuel capable, meaning it can run on either gasoline or propane and produces 2000 starting watts and 1600 running watts. The 100900 is also parallel-ready, meaning it can be connected to another 2000-watt Champion inverter to double your output power. Overall, this is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable fuel inverter generator.
Key characteristics
- Brand: Champion
- Wattage: 2000 watts
- Fuel Type: Gasoline, Liquefied Petroleum Gas
- Quiet: 53 dBA
- Running time: 11.5 hours at 25% load
- Tank Volume: 20-pound
- Weight: 39 pounds
- Quiet operation;
- Reliable;
- Lightweight and portable
- Noisy
5. MARBERO KEVM82SE
The MARBERO KEVM82SE is a versatile and portable power station that is perfect for students or anyone who needs a reliable backup power source. This power station is built with a 111Wh capacity (30,000mAh/3.7V), 2*QC3.0 USB ports (18W Max), 2*USB ports (5V, 2.4A), 1*USB C port (PD2.0, 18W Max), 1*DC port (12-16.8V/10A, 13A Max), and a 2 prong and 3 prong wall socket outlets (80W running, 120W peak).
This makes the mini generator capable of running and charging cell phones, iPad, tablets, cameras, radios, night lights, mini fans, and camping explore devices under 80W.
The battery management system (BMS) enables voltage control, temperature control, and more advanced safety operations, and the portable power supply also features cooling vents on its back to help it stay at a constant temperature.
When it comes to short circuits or overpowering, the MARBERO KEVM82SE will automatically shut off the power to protect itself and the powered devices with over-voltage and short-circuit protections.
The slim size (6.5 x 4.1 x 3.1 inches) and lightweight (2.4lbs) design with a compact handle make it perfect for emergency backup power at home or on the go, and the 5 USB ports (including 2 QC3.0 and 1 USB C port) make it easy to charge a variety of devices.
The MARBERO KEVM82SE is the perfect cross between a smaller 30000mAh power bank and a larger power station and is essential for anyone who needs a reliable and portable power source. One of the best portable generators for camping.
Key characteristics
- Brand: MARBERO
- Wattage: 111 watt/hours
- Power Source: AC/DC
- Quiet: –
- Running time: –
- Tank Volume: 30000 Milliamp Hours
- Weight: 2.4 pounds
- Lightweight and compact;
- Quick charging;
- Comes with a carry handle
- Not intended for powering multiple large devices
6. FF FLASHFISH GA150
The FF FLASHFISH GA150 is a great power station for those who need to charge a variety of devices while on the go. With its three outputs – two 110V AC outlets, three USB ports, and two DC ports – this power station can easily charge a laptop, smartphone, tablet, camera, or other electronic devices.
Additionally, its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to take with you on your next camping trip or fishing excursion. And if you need to recharge the power station while on the go, there are three options available – the wall outlet, solar panel, or 12V car socket.
Key characteristics
- Brand: FF FLASHFISH
- Wattage: 150 watts
- Power Source: Solar Powered, Battery Powered
- Quiet: –
- Running time: –
- Tank Volume: 45000mAh
- Weight: 4.5 pounds
- Lightweight and portable;
- 45000mAh capacity;
- Continuous 150W AC power
- Cannot be charged and used at the same time
7. FlashFish 40800mAh
As more and more people look for ways to be prepared for power outages, the FlashFish 40800mAh portable power station is a great option to consider. This 151Wh station is powerful enough to meet different kinds of electricity demands, making it ideal for use at home, during travel, or while camping.
With multiple charging outputs, including AC/DC/USB, this unit can easily charge a variety of devices. Additionally, the built-in LCD display keeps users informed of the remaining battery power, making it easy to know when it needs to be recharged.
Triple rechargeable modes make this unit even more versatile, and the all-around protection ensures the safety of both the user and their devices. With a weight of only 4.07lbs, this power station is easy to take with you wherever you go.
Key characteristics
- Brand: FF FLASHFISH
- Wattage: 200 watts
- Power Source: Solar Powered, Battery Powered
- Quiet: –
- Running time: –
- Tank Volume: 40800mAh
- Weight: 4.08 pounds
- Multiple charging outputs provide more options;
- High performance and handy power source;
- Other unique design features
- The power station cannot be charged and used at the same time
Buyer’s Guide: Small Generators for Camping
When traveling or camping generator is an indispensable thing. The battery in the phone runs out, the navigator runs out, and the matches get wet, which will make it necessary to use an electric stove – there are plenty of applications for the device. Below we will consider the main types of generators, their advantages, and disadvantages, as well as try to make them with our own hands.
Types
The basis of any generator is the conversion of any type of energy into electricity. According to the method of obtaining this energy, electric generators can be divided into the following groups:
- gasoline;
- diesel;
- inverter;
- wind;
- solar-powered;
- getting energy while a person is moving.
Varieties
By power:
- up to 1 kW – compact, easily fits in a backpack, allowing you to take it with you on any trip;
- 2-5 kW – suitable for camping or a small country house, the power is enough to serve a refrigerator, standard lighting, a gas boiler, and a pump for a small well;
- 6-7 kW – will provide power for an average country house.
By type of engine:
- two-stroke – ideal for low-power devices, distinguish between generators with an aluminum block, which can last up to 500 hours with daily use of fewer than 6 hours, and a generator with cast-iron liners in the cylinders – will last about 1500 hours;
- four-stroke – will cope with powering powerful appliances, the service life of about 3,000-4,000 hours.
If possible cope with peak loads:
- asynchronous – do not work in conditions of peak surges, which does not allow you to connect to them, for example, a refrigerator or any power tool, which briefly when turned on consumes 3-4 times the power, suitable for power supply of low-power devices;
- synchronous – easily tolerate load surges.
Classification of Electric Generators by Fuel Type
Models of modern electric generators differ in a number of parameters: automation (ATS), power, number of phases, and starting method.
However, the parameter that has the main influence on the technical and operational characteristics of the equipment is the fuel type.
Gasoline generators
The price of gasoline generators is the most affordable among devices with comparable performance characteristics. However, the cost of maintenance and operation is high, due to the expensive fuel. In addition, they have a motor life, on average, up to 5000 hours.
Types of electric generators
Power up to 15 kW. However, the most common devices with a capacity of 4-7 kW. Gasoline electric generators are compact and lightweight, they can easily fit in the trunk of the car. This makes them a popular power source for outings: for recreation, connecting power tools, etc.
They are mainly used as emergency power sources. For the maintenance of the gas boiler, TV, and lighting in the house, single-phase 5 kW devices are suitable. Objectively, they can be switched on 5-10 times a year for 3-5 hours.
So, such disadvantages as low motor life and expensive fuel will not have a significant impact on the operation.
Diesel
Diesel units are mostly used as stationary backup power generators for homes or permanent – at construction sites when the output of electricity is needed for 10-15 hours a day.
The capacity of diesel generators of 5 to 25 kW allows connecting a large amount of power-consuming construction equipment. Diesel generators have a large size and weight. Service life is 15 – 25 thousand hours, which is superior to other types of power generating equipment on liquid fuel.
The devices operate reliably in a wide range of temperatures and humidity. They are economical, and given the cost of diesel fuel, their operation is cheaper than that of their gasoline counterparts.
One of the few disadvantages of diesel generators is their high noise level. For use in the home, such equipment should be installed away from residential areas.
Gas
Electric generators using only gas fuel are rare. Much more often one can see hybrid devices, where the ability to work on cylinder gas is combined with diesel or gasoline fuel.
In this case, the technical parameters of electricity (power, frequency, voltage) generated by the generator are identical for any type of fuel. The cost of operation of such a device (when working with gas) is lower than that of gasoline and diesel generators. However, the initial price of such equipment is the highest.
The size of the gas generator is comparable to a diesel generator. The noise level when working on gas is lower than that of liquid-fuel devices, when working on gasoline or diesel, is comparable to similar liquid-fuel generators. Motor life up to 10 thousand hours.
Power Generator Camping FAQs
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
What size generator do I need for camping?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as the size of generator you will need for camping will depend on a number of factors, including the number and type of electrical devices you will be running, the length of time you will need to run them, and the available fuel supply. However, a general rule of thumb is that you will need at least a 1,000-watt generator for basic camping needs.
Where do you put your generator when camping?
You can put your generator in a number of places when camping. Some people put them in their trunks, while others put them in the back of their SUV. If you have a small camper, you may be able to put it in the storage area.
In the camp itself, the generator should be placed as far away as possible so that the wind will not blow carbon monoxide from the generator and the noise will not interfere with your rest.
How do you secure a generator being stolen?
Generators can be secured in a number of ways, including keeping them in a locked shed or garage, chaining them to a fixed object, or installing an alarm system.
Conclusions
There are a few things to consider when choosing a small power generator for camping. The first is how much power you need. If you are just running a few lights and a small TV, you can get away with a smaller generator. If you need to power a larger RV or camper, you will need a larger generator.
The second thing to consider is how often you will use the generator. If you only need it for occasional use, you can get a less expensive model. If you plan to use it frequently, you will want to invest in a higher-quality model that will last longer.
Third, you need to decide what type of fuel you want to use. Gasoline is the most common, but you can also find generators that run on propane or diesel. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so make sure you research each type before making a decision.
Finally, you need to make sure the generator you choose is easy to use and maintain. Read the reviews before purchasing to see what others have to say about the model you are considering.
By following these tips, you can choose the best small generator for the camper.