The Complete Guide to Powering Your Adventures
When you’re traveling with a caravan, one of the most important questions is:
“What size generator do I need for my caravan?”
Choosing the right generator ensures you have enough power for your essentials — without overspending or carrying unnecessary weight.
At Custom-Way, we’ll break it all down for you simply and clearly.
How to Choose the Right Generator Size
The size of a generator isn’t about its physical dimensions — it’s about its power output, measured in watts (W).
The basic steps to find the right size:
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List all the appliances you want to use.
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Add up their starting wattages and running wattages.
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Add a safety margin (~20%) to cover surges and future needs.
Important:
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Starting watts = higher power needed to start devices like air conditioners or refrigerators.
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Running watts = power needed to keep devices operating.
Common Caravan Appliances and Their Power Needs
| Appliance | Starting Watts | Running Watts |
|---|---|---|
| Caravan air conditioner (small) | 2,000 W | 1,200 W |
| Caravan air conditioner (large) | 3,000 W | 1,800 W |
| Microwave oven | 1,000 W | 1,000 W |
| Coffee maker | 800 W | 800 W |
| Refrigerator | 600 W | 180 W |
| TV | 120 W | 120 W |
| Lights (LED) | 30–50 W total | 30–50 W total |
| Water pump | 300 W | 200 W |
| Laptop charger | 50 W | 50 W |
👉 Example:
If you want to run a small air conditioner (1,200 W running), a microwave (1,000 W), and some lights (50 W), you would need at least:
1,200 + 1,000 + 50 = 2,250 W
Add 20% safety margin = about 2,700 W minimum.
Recommended Generator Sizes for Different Caravan Needs
| Caravan Usage | Recommended Generator Size |
|---|---|
| Basic (lights, phone charging, laptop) | 1,000 – 2,000 W |
| Medium (small A/C, fridge, microwave) | 2,000 – 3,000 W |
| Heavy (large A/C, full kitchen appliances) | 3,000 – 5,000 W |
⚡ Pro Tip:
It’s better to slightly oversize your generator than to constantly run it at full load, which reduces its lifespan.
Types of Generators for Caravans
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Inverter Generators:
✅ Best choice for caravans.
✅ Provide clean, stable power (safe for sensitive electronics).
✅ Quieter and more fuel-efficient. -
Conventional Generators:
🔥 Cheaper, but noisier.
🔥 Less stable for laptops or TVs.
If you want peaceful camping, inverter generators like the Honda EU2200i or Yamaha EF2200iS are highly recommended.
Gasoline, Diesel, or Solar?
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Gasoline: Most common and easy to find fuel.
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Diesel: Better fuel efficiency, heavier generators.
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Solar generators: Eco-friendly, quiet — but limited power output unless you have a big solar setup.
For serious off-grid caravan use, gasoline inverter generators remain the most reliable option in 2025.
Picking the Perfect Generator for Your Caravan
To travel smart:
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Calculate your wattage needs.
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Choose a generator that can handle your highest starting watts plus a safety margin.
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Pick an inverter generator if you want quiet, efficient camping.
Getting the right generator will make your caravan adventures more comfortable, safer, and way more enjoyable!
At Custom-Way, we’re passionate about helping you have the best RV and caravan experience possible.
FAQ: Caravan Generator Basics
❓ Can I use a small 1,000-watt generator for my caravan?
Yes, if you only need to power basics like lights, phones, and a laptop.
But it’s too small for air conditioners or microwaves.
❓ How much fuel does a caravan generator use?
On average, a 2,000-watt inverter generator burns about 0.1–0.2 gallons (0.4–0.8 liters) of fuel per hour at 25% load.
❓ Are inverter generators worth it for caravans?
Absolutely. They’re quieter, more efficient, and safer for your electronics compared to traditional generators.