Choosing a Generator for a Travel Trailer: Key Specs

Start with wattage: running and starting watts

The first spec to read on any generator listing is the wattage figure. Most listings show two numbers: running watts and starting watts. Running watts is the continuous power the generator can supply, while starting watts is the brief surge needed to start motors, like an air conditioner or a refrigerator compressor. The title often shows the starting figure first, so read the full listing to see both.

For a travel trailer, the wattage you need depends on what you plan to power. A small trailer with lights, a phone charger, and a TV needs less than a trailer with a rooftop air conditioner, a microwave, and a coffee maker. The maker of your trailer lists the electrical requirements in the owner's manual. Compare those figures to the generator's stated running and starting watts. The generator's starting watts must cover the highest surge demand of any appliance you might run at the same time.

This site does not size a generator for a specific trailer because every rig is different. The wattage question is best answered by reading your trailer's manual and, if you are unsure, asking the trailer maker or a licensed electrician. The guides below group generators by wattage range, so you can start with the range that matches your trailer's needs.

• Read the running watts and starting watts on the listing, not just the first number in the title.
• Check your trailer's manual for the wattage requirements of its appliances.
• Match the generator's starting watts to the highest surge demand you expect.

Weight and portability: how you'll carry it

A generator for a travel trailer has to get from your vehicle to the campsite. Weight is a listing spec you can read directly, and it matters for how you plan to move the unit. Some generators have wheels and a handle, others are suitcase-style with a carry handle. The listing states the weight and whether wheels are included.

If you have a truck bed or a trailer tongue, a heavier unit with wheels might be fine. If you need to lift the generator into a car trunk or carry it up steps, a lighter suitcase-style unit is easier. The generator weight and portability article explains the trade-offs in more detail.

Remember that a generator with a larger fuel tank and more power is usually heavier. You are balancing power needs against how much weight you want to handle. Read the weight on the listing and compare it to what you can comfortably move.

Noise: read the decibel figure and campground rules

Noise is a listing spec, usually given as a decibel figure at a certain distance, like 68 dBA at 23 feet. The listing states this number, and you can compare generators by it. Lower numbers mean less noise, but the exact measurement method varies by maker, so compare figures from the same maker when possible.

Campgrounds often have quiet hours and noise limits. Before you buy, check the rules of the campgrounds you plan to visit. Some parks restrict generator use to certain hours or ban them entirely. The generator noise levels explained article covers how to read decibel figures on listings.

Inverter generators are a type often chosen for camping because they are designed to be quieter than open-frame units, but the listing will state the decibel figure. Read that number rather than assuming a type is quiet.

Outlets: match the plug on your trailer

Your travel trailer connects to shore power through a specific outlet, usually a 30-amp or 50-amp receptacle. The generator listing will state which outlets it has, including RV-ready outlets. A 30-amp RV outlet is a common standard for many trailers, while larger rigs may need a 50-amp outlet. The generator outlet types guide explains the difference.

Read the listing to see if the generator has the exact outlet your trailer uses. If it does not, you may need an adapter, but that is a separate purchase and not always straightforward. The trailer's manual or the trailer maker can tell you which outlet your rig uses.

Also check for standard household outlets (120-volt) for running small appliances, and USB outlets for charging devices. The listing will list all outlets, so you can verify it covers your needs.

Fuel type and run time

Generators run on gasoline, propane, or both (dual fuel), and some also run on natural gas (tri fuel). The fuel type is stated in the listing title and description. For a travel trailer, consider what fuel is available at your campsites and how you will transport it. Gasoline is widely available, but propane is often easier to store and can be used with the same tanks that power your trailer's stove or heater. The generator fuel types comparison article explains the options.

Run time is another listing spec, usually given as hours at a certain load, like 12 hours at 25% load. This tells you how long the generator will run on a full tank before you need to refuel. Read the run time figure on the listing and compare it to how long you expect to need power between refueling stops.

Fuel handling is a topic for the maker's manual. This site does not give fuel storage or mixing advice. Always follow the manual's instructions for fueling and storing the generator.

Carbon monoxide: run it outside, far from the trailer

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that can kill. The CPSC warns that portable generators produce large amounts of CO and must never be used indoors or in garages, basements, or sheds. For a travel trailer, this means the generator goes outside, well away from windows, doors, and vents. The CPSC guidance is clear: use generators outside only, at least 20 feet from the home or trailer, with the exhaust facing away.

Some generators have a CO sensor and auto shutoff feature, which is listed on the product. This feature can shut the generator off if CO builds up, but it does not make indoor use acceptable. Always follow the maker's manual and the CPSC guidance. Read the CPSC generator safety page for the full warning.

Install a battery-operated CO alarm inside your trailer, near sleeping areas, as the CDC recommends. Check the batteries regularly. If you suspect CO poisoning, get to fresh air and call 911.

Electric start and other features

Starting a generator can be as simple as pulling a cord or as easy as pressing a button. Electric start is a listing feature that uses a battery to start the engine, and some models include remote start. For a travel trailer, electric start can be convenient, especially if the generator is mounted on the trailer tongue. The generator electric start vs recoil article compares the two.

Other features to look for on the listing include a fuel gauge, an hour meter, and low oil shutdown. These are stated on the listing and can make ownership easier. The generator hour meter article explains how that feature helps track maintenance.

Parallel capability is another feature: two smaller generators can be connected to provide more power. This is useful if you want to start with a small unit and add a second later. The generator parallel capability article covers this.

Compare listings by stated details

When you have a shortlist of generators, compare them side by side using the stated details on each listing: wattage, weight, noise, outlets, fuel type, run time, and features. The best generator for RV guide does this comparison for you, grouping picks by these specs.

Remember that the site compares stated details only, not measured performance. The maker's page for each model has the full specifications, and the manual has the details for operation and maintenance. Read both before you buy.

For a travel trailer, the key is to match the generator to your specific rig. Use the wattage range that fits your trailer, check the outlet type, and consider how you will carry and fuel it. The guides below can help you narrow the choices.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

What size generator do I need for a travel trailer?

The size depends on your trailer's electrical demands. Read the running and starting watts in your trailer's manual, then match them to a generator's stated figures. A small trailer may need only 3,000 watts, while a larger one with air conditioning may need 5,000 or more. The best generator for RV guide groups by wattage.

Can I run my travel trailer's air conditioner with a generator?

You can, if the generator's starting watts are high enough to handle the air conditioner's surge. Check the air conditioner's starting watts in your trailer's manual and compare it to the generator's starting watts. The generator must also have the right outlet for your trailer's plug.

How far should the generator be from my travel trailer?

The CPSC advises using portable generators outside, at least 20 feet from windows, doors, and vents, with the exhaust facing away. Never run a generator inside a trailer, garage, or any enclosed space. Follow the maker's manual and the CPSC guidance.

Is an inverter generator better for a travel trailer?

Inverter generators are often chosen for camping because they are designed to be quieter and more fuel-efficient, but the listing will state the decibel figure and run time. The choice depends on your needs for noise, weight, and power. The inverter vs conventional generator article explains the difference.

What is an RV-ready outlet?

An RV-ready outlet is a receptacle on the generator that matches the plug used by many travel trailers, typically a 30-amp or 50-amp outlet. The listing will state which outlets it has. Check your trailer's plug type to ensure compatibility.