Best Camping Generators in Australia – The Ultimate Guide
Camping generators are a great extension of your camping equipment. They are especially useful for anyone having a camping trailer or caravan as these have many electronic devices. If you travel only with your 4WD you can use the generator to charge your car batteries, computer equipment, or even a portable heater.
What are the best camping generators in Australia? Read our ultimate guide and also learn everything about choosing the right generator for your camping needs.
What size camping generator do I need
Choosing a camping generator is strictly dependent on your electricity needs. It is also important to know how much of your camping time you are going to spend off-grid. If you spend most of your time in caravan parks, you probably don’t need a generator.
When I need a generator?
Generators are most useful when you travel off-road and spend time in places without electricity. When you plan to visit remote places like Cape York, Great Central Road, Gibb River Road or the Simpson Desert – this is where you utilise the generator.
Often having a good wattage solar panel could fulfil your power needs, but if you own a camper trailer or caravan with many high electric devices that would not be enough.
Also, if there is no sun for more than a few days, you won’t be able to use your solar panels to charge batteries so using the generator is the only option.
Imporant factors when buying a camping generator
There are a few features that should be looked for when buying a camping generator. The most important ones are listed first.
- Size – 1000W or 2000W or higher – this depands on your power consumption needs; read on to find out more.
- Operating Hours – this feature is based on two components: engine efficiency and fuel tank. Long operating hours are something to look for.
- Warranty – generators usually don’t break if used and maintaned properly, but having additional 2 year is a big addition to a standard warranty (offered only by Yamaha)
- Noise – generators are noisy in general. While camping you are staying among people, so having a quite generator is a bonus to have.
- Dimensions – important when you have a small allocated space in you car, camper trailer or RV.
What camping equipment can I charge with generator?
Check the below table for sample camping equipment and recommended camping generator size. The recommended generator size is based only on one device connected at the same time.
Below, running wattage figures are only samples. Check your device specification for the exact wattage consumed by the item.
You can connect multiple devices to the generator by using a powerboard. Note though that the total wattage of the devices cannot exceed the maximum generator wattage.
| Item | Running Watts (startup Watts) | Recommended Generator Size |
|---|---|---|
| 10000 BTU RV AC | 700W (2000W) | 2000W |
| 13500 BTU RV AC | 1200W (2700W) | 2000W |
| 15000 BTU RV AC | 1500W (3500W) | 2000W |
| Microwave (600W) | 600W (750W) | 1000W |
| Camping Fridge | 100W | 1000W |
| Desktop PC | 600W | 1000W |
| Laptop | 250W | 1000W |
| Monitor | 250W | 1000W |
| Hot Water Heater | 2000W (2000W) | 2000W |
| Oven | 2000W (2000W) | 2000W |
| Corded Drill | 1000W | 1000W |
| Water Pump | 1000W | 1000W |
| Fan | 200W | 1000W |
| Electric Blanket | 80W | 1000W |
| Toaster | 1000W | 1000W |
| Battery Charger (Mobile) | 25W | 1000W |
| Air Inflator | 50W | 1000W |
1000 Watts generators comparison table
| Camping Generator | Yamaha EF1000iS | Westinghouse iGen1200 |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
| Best For | Best overall, warranty | Longer running hours |
| Output | 1000W | 1200W |
| Rated Output | 900W | 1000W |
| Operating Hours | 12 | 15 |
| Fuel Tank | 2.5 L | 2.8 L |
| Size (mm) | 450x380x240 | 500x440x340 |
| Dry Weight | 12.7 kg | 15 kg |
| Noise (Eco) | 47 dBA | 51 dBA |
| Noise Full Load | 57 dBA | – |
| Outlets | AC Plug, 1 x 12v | AC Plug, 1 x 12v, 2 x USB |
| Warranty | 4 years | 2 years |
* best in the group in green
2000 Watts generators comparison table
| Camping Generator | Yamaha EF2000iS | Westinghouse iGen2400 | Chrometech Outback 2400 | Engel R2000IS | Dometic 2100VA | Briggs & Stratton 2400W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Best For | Best Overall | Quietest | High power | Budget-friendly | Most durable | Complete pack |
| Output | 2000W | 2400W | 2400W | 2000W | 2100W | 2400W |
| Rated Output | 1600W | 2100W | 2100W | 1800W | 1800W | 1800W |
| Max Operating Hours | 10.5 | 24 | 20 | 7 | 8 | 8 |
| Fuel Tank | 4.4 L | 5 L | 5 L | 4.8 L | 4.2 L | 3.7 L |
| Size (mm) | 490 x280 x445 | 500 x340 x440 | 512 x315 x447 | 498 x312 x467 | 320 x530 x430 | 500 x310 x450 |
| Dry Weight | 20 kg | 20 kg | 19.8 kg | 22 kg | 26.5 kg | 22.8 kg |
| Noise (Eco) | 51.5 dBA | 51 dBA | 52 dBA | – | – | – |
| Noise Full Load | 61 dBA | – | 59 dBA | 68 dBA | 61 dBA | 58 dBA |
| Outlets | AC Plug, 1 x 12v | 2 x AC Plug, 1 x 12v | 2 x AC Plug, 1 x 12v, 2 x USB | AC Plug, 1 x 12v, 2 x USB | 2 x AC Plug, 1 x 12v, 2 x USB | 2 x AC Plug, 1 x 12v, 2 x USB |
| Warranty | 4 years | 2 years | 1 year | 4 years | 2 years | 3 years |
* best in the group in green
What is the best camping generator in Australia?
By looking at all crucial features and longest warranty on offer Yamaha EF2000iS seems to be the obvious choice but if you are short on budget Westinghouse iGen2400 gives you similar performance for the lowest price (and shorter warranty).
Should I buy 1000 or 2000 Watts?
There is only one factor when deciding on generator size – your power consumption.
To calculate what generator size you need just add up all the devices you want to charge at the same time. Make sure the total wattage does not exceed the generator’s maximum wattage.
Example power consumption calculations:
- Laptop (250W) + Camping Fridge (100W) + Battery Charger (25W) = 375W – 1000W Generator will be sufficient
- 15000 BTU RV AC (1500W) + Laptop (250W) = 1750W – 2000W Generator is recommended
As a rule of thumb, if you want to charge RV air-con, portable heater, microwave, or any higher than 1000 Wattage devices you need a 2000W plus generator. Otherwise, stick to 1000W and you save on price and the generator will be lighter and easy to pack.
Where I can buy a camping generator?
These days you don’t have to move from your house to get a decent camping generator. Considering there are very heavy (starting from 13 kg) it is always better to order one online from a good retailer shop.
We recommend MyGenerator, Caravan RV Camping, TentWorld, Outback Equipment, or eBay. Most brands have their eBay shops online.
How to secure generator from being stolen while camping?
It’s good to stop and pack your generator for the night. As a rule, generators should be switched off around 10 pm when camping in national parks.
To protect your generator from being stolen while camping you can use a cut-resistant super steel cable like Honda Security Cable (available on eBay). You can attach it to your generator and hook it to a camper trailer or RV.
Can I rent a generator for camping?
It is possible to rent a generator for camping from many equipment hire shops like MegaHire or Kennards. The price will vary around $60 per day.
However, due to camping trips being usually pretty long it is better to buy a new generator that will pay off only after around 3 weeks of use.
1000 watts generators summary
| 1000W Generator | Summary | Best features | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yamaha EF1000iS | Output: 1000W Weight: 12.7 kg Noise (ECO): 47 dBA Warranty: 4 Years | light, quiet, long warranty | My Generator Caravan RV Camping |
| Westinghouse iGen1200 | Output: 1200W Weight: 15 kg Noise (ECO): 51 dBA Warranty: 2 Years | longer operating hours, USB ports, bigger tank | Outback Camping |
2000 watts generators summary
| 2000W Generator | Summary | Best features | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yamaha EF2000iS | Output: 2000W Weight: 20 kg Noise (ECO): 51.5 dBA Warranty: 4 Years | high quality, quiet, 4-year warranty | My Generator Caravan RV Camping |
| Westinghouse iGen2400 | Output: 2400W Weight: 20 kg Noise (ECO): 51 dBA Warranty: 2 Years | long-running hours, quiet, bigger tank | Outback Equipment |
| Chrometech Outback 2400 | Output: 2400W Weight: 19.8 kg Noise (ECO): 52 dBA Warranty: 1 Year | light, high power, USB ports | My Generator |
| Engel R2000IS | Output: 2000W Weight: 22 kg Noise (Full): 68 dBA Warranty: 4 Years | compact, low price 4-year warranty | My Generator Caravan RV Camping |
| Dometic 2100VA | Output: 2100W Weight: 26.5 kg Noise (Full): 61 dBA Warranty: 2 Years | durable, electric and recoil starter | Tentworld Caravan RV Camping |
| Briggs & Stratton 2400W | Output: 2400W Weight: 22.8 kg Noise (ECO): 58 dBA Warranty: 3 Years | user friendly, quiet | My Generator Caravan RV Camping |
What generator we use and when?
We use Honda EU1000i which is a good, quiet, and efficient model. Unfortunately, it is not possible to buy one anymore.
During our long camping experience, we did not need to buy a 2000W generator as we have minimal power consumption needs. We usually camp with a tent, rooftop tent, or small camping trailer. 1000W generator was always enough for our needs.
Best Camping Generators in Australia- Summary
There are many models to choose from, but it is always best to buy good quality, recommended brands that manufacture generators for many years.
Yamaha is a definite leader here, but that comes with the price.
Other brands don’t stand far behind as the competition is very high. We recommend always checking online reviews, or asking your fellow campers for additional opinions. After all, you want to buy a generator for many years and you want to avoid any disappointment.
I hope that our guide and the list of best camping generators in Australia will help you make the right decision.
Camping Generators
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
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4WD Equipment Checklist
GPS Navigator or compass
Maxtrax – if you get bogged, you can use it for additional traction
Tire Deflator – deflate tires quickly when going on dirt or 4WD
Air Compressor – inflate tires quickly after going back on bitumen (we use MM)
Tire Repair Kit – to fix the tire by yourself when you don’t have access to the tire shop (we use Oztrail)
UHF Radio – for communication with your mates and in emergency
Full Recovery Kit (with Dampener Blanket) – must-have if you are going on real off-road
High Lift Jack – useful if you do serious 4WD tracks
Shovel – useful if you get bogged, also good for campfire cooking
Fuel funnel with water filter – additional protection when fueling up in dodgy places
