The best places for camping parties, with the most beautiful sights and exclusive feel, are always away from the nearest power sources. When there’s no socket around for miles, bring yours – that is, a portable generator. But how do you choose the best one?
What Type of Generator Should You Look for?
There are various types of generators available nowadays, so we cannot prefer a certain model by one parameter. What should you consider before placing your order? Let’s take a look at what types of generators exist and what differences they have.
Chances are two thousand watts will be enough for your party. But there are other parameters, and one of the most important is the noise level. But if you decide that you want a quiet 2000 watt generator, the questions only start here. First, what type of generator? Second, what is “quiet”? Here we will answer these questions for you – or rather help you find your own answers.
What’s “quiet”?
While generators, in general, are a rather noisy type of equipment, there are quiet and loud models among them. Given our premise, the first thing we may consider is the noise level, as the manufacturer puts it. You must understand, though, that there are some tricks to measuring it.
- The distance at which the measurements are taken is usually 23 ft. If you get closer to it, the generator will sound much louder.
- The noise level is always represented as a range. The lower number in the range is the noise the generator makes when working at 1/4 of its nominal power, and the higher indicates how much noise it makes when 100% busy.
Generators that produce noise under 50 dB (under these conditions) qualify as “quietest”, and those that produce between 50 and 60 dB are “quiet”. Indeed, we may also consider the quieter-than-average generators (60-70 dB). We don’t think it makes sense to search among noisier generators at all.
Read more: How to make a generator quiet?
Fuel type
The first division between various generators (and for many, the crucial one) is the type of fuel they use. There are mostly three options:
- Propane generators.
- Diesel generators. For commercial and industrial use, they are very well-suited. Yet they are more expensive and require diesel fuel. In addition, they are more expensive and (what’s more important for us) generally noisier.
- Gasoline generators. These are the most common types simply because it’s easier to find gas in a random place than any other fuel. In addition, the stats say your car likely has a gas engine, so you won’t have to deal with different types of fuel (if it’s not so, it’s a reason to prefer another type).
But it’s not only about the fuel. There are more important factors, and one of the most talked about is the inverter.
Inverter
Regardless of the fuel they use, there are types of generators that have or do not have an inverter. And there are certain reasons to look at inverter models first. They are more expensive, but this is for a reason, and in the long run, they may cost less.
In inverter generators, the engine also produces AC power which doesn’t, though, enter the output directly. Instead, the inverter converts it into DC and then back into AC which is much more stable and reliable. In addition, inverters control the engines, so they don’t use their full power all the time, which results in fuel economy and a quieter working mode.
Watts up!
How powerful should the generator be to cause no discomfort while away from urban areas? It depends on what you are going to do with it. As the experience says, 2000 watts will suffice for most parties. There are many ways you can benefit from a portable power course within your reach:
- Climate control. Turn on fans when it’s too hot or use electric heaters to warm yourself while sleeping in the cold.
- Cooking. While using wood for your barbecue is the most natural way, some processing is better with electric appliances.
- Repelling insects. Electric ultrasonic repellents also require power.
- Lights. It’s beautiful when it gets dark, but walking around with lighters or flashlights is less fun. A good set of LED lights around the camp will make it fantastic. And you can also bring disco lights, why not?
- Charging gadgets. Phones and tablets are not just for those who always feel at work. You will want to take thousands of pictures, make videos, connect to speakers and play your tunes. By the way…
- Music. It’s one thing to have a portable JBL Charge or its likes, and another thing to bring a powerful 100W speaker that lights up the night.
Other parameters
Among other parameters, the first one we consider (because it is in the biggest letters) is the price. Of course, no one wants to overpay. But costlier ones may lead to smaller expenses in the future and more fun at your camping parties. So, mind the price when you’re good with the other things.
Size and portability also matter, as you need the equipment to take it with you, and you will have to both carry it in your car and in your hand.
Will There Be Music?
We have mentioned big speakers, at least 100W, and they can not only rock your party but redefine what’s a quiet generator. It’s not only important for the guests that want to celebrate and dance. Speakers like this consume a lot of power, being among the most important reasons to have a generator in your camp at all.
On the other hand, as the music is playing, the generator noise is much less disturbing, only heard in the moments of silence. Even a rather moderate 100W speaker can produce about 110 dB, while the generators we consider quiet are only about 50-60 dB. So, a quieter-than-average generator won’t be heard either.
So, how does music influence your choice? First, you need more watts. A speaker itself will not consume that much, but if you want to bring the entire DJ setup, with players, acoustics, and lights, you will easily exceed those 2000W with it alone. Of course, before arranging a loud party, you should ensure it’s legal where you plan it.
Choose your superpower!
So, an inverter gas generator seems the perfect search field; among these, you can find the best model. Still, though, you may have your reason to prefer another type. As for power, 2000 W is mostly enough, unless you arrange something big. I hope this helps you have a nice camping party!
