What Size of The Generator for Caravan Aircon?

When choosing what size of generator is best suited for your caravan aircon, you will need to consider the unit's start-up and running needs. The standard caravan air conditioning unit requires anywhere between 2000 to 3000 watts of energy to get started and then going forward will need about 1000 to 2000 watts to keep running. Before we delve into how to choose the right generator for your needs, let us look at the benefits you enjoy from being able to have a working AC in your caravan.

Why invest in a caravan AC?

There are quite a number of caravans that do not come with an inbuilt air conditioner, although they have become more of a standard feature with new vehicles. If you do not have an air conditioner for your caravan due to it not coming already installed or perhaps have a unit that is broken down, now is a good time to consider investing in a new appliance.

Caravan air conditioners are specially designed to meet the needs of travellers and will thus be different from what you are accustomed to at home. However, the benefits they offer are fairly similar.

Comfort

The top reason to invest in a caravan air conditioner is so you can enjoy comfort while on your travels. Most people will opt to travel by caravan during the summer when the weather can get really hot and having a cooling system is necessary so you and your family can be comfortable while inside. There are few things as uncomfortable as feeling like you are roasting within your vehicle.

Safety

Keeping cool is also a safety concern. It is not unusual for young kids, the elderly and even pets to suffer heatstroke and other health problems when subjected to extended periods of extreme heat. Body temperature should be kept within a reasonable range to safeguard health. So, before you set out on any journey, especially when you know temperatures will start soaring, ensure that your caravan air conditioner is in good working order.

Enjoy indoor activity

While going caravanning is often for reasons related to enjoying the exploration of the countryside and having outdoor fun, there will often be times when you will spend considerable time indoors. Besides sleeping, other activities like cooking, cleaning, reading, watching television, or even just relaxing will take place indoors. It can be unbearable to get anything done when the inside of your caravan is overly hot. Having an air conditioning unit will make this environment more tolerable and at times more enjoyable than even going out.

Choosing the right type of caravan AC

There are different types of portable generators that you can use to power your air-conditioning unit. Generally, the best option for standard caravans is inverter generators. They offer several benefits over other options that make them a top choice.

Safety

Inverter generators will produce pure sine wave power. This is a form of clean power that is best suited to powering sensitive electronic equipment. Caravan air conditioners have electric components that can be damaged when the power supply is disrupted. Sine wave power is the best way to protect your appliances, even besides just the air conditioner. When you invest in a caravan, you will likely be hoping not to have to replace electronics so this option is the ideal way to safeguard them.

Fuel efficiency

Inverter generators are more fuel efficient than other choices of generators. This is thanks to technology that allows them to automatically adjust their engine throttle according to the level of power demand and load at any given time. This means less power is generated when one appliance is running and is increased when more devices are switched on.

Little noise

These generators tend to produce little noise when running, which can make it more comfortable to run your caravan air conditioner even when you need to sleep. The engine throttle is low noise when running a low load. They also tend to have soundproof casing and low-tone mufflers that further act to temper noise. When checking noise levels, the standard inverter generator will sound at about 54 to 68dB, which is similar to a normal conversation. This is also helpful when you find you have to park near other caravans as it reduces the likelihood your neighbours will kick up a fuss.

Easily portable

Inverter generators are typically small in size and lightweight. They also come with handles and wheels that make them easy to carry or drag around. Their small size is also helpful in ensuring they do not take up much space in the caravan when not in use and lesser concerns due to the smaller fuel tank. Having good portability is also helpful for solo caravan travellers who can easily set up and store away their generators as needed and without a second pair of hands.

Environmentally friendly

The sine wave power that inverter generators produce results in lower emissions and cleaner power as compared to when using more traditional generators. This higher quality power is not only good for the environment but also makes it better for parallel capability.

Easy Maintenance

Given the little maintenance that these generators require, it makes it an ideal investment for caravan travellers who may not be highly technologically inclined. Most maintenance is focused on battery inspection and checking fuel levels. Monthly checks on the battery should be adequate in ensuring they work smoothly. 

While all these benefits do make inverter generators the best choice for most caravan travellers, it is noteworthy that they also tend to be more expensive than other portable generators. However, the cost savings that come from fuel efficiency and durability when well-maintained can more than make up for this.

They are also not ideal for travellers with larger motorhomes due to their limited power output. If you have a larger vehicle, a more powerful diesel generator may be a better fit.

What generator to use to power caravan AC?

As said, when it comes to choosing the right size of generator for your caravan, you need to factor in your power needs. More so, try to accurately determine how much power is needed to start up and then run your air conditioning unit, and choose a generator that can adequately cover that demand. More power is usually needed for start up than running.

When looking at your generator options, you will find that their maximum capacity is normally indicated. This means that if you choose a 2000-watt generator, 2000 watts is its maximum capacity. In most cases, a 2000-watt caravan generator will only be able to produce 2000 watts at its peak to start an air conditioner and then run continuously at a lower 1600 watts onward. However, this may be too small a generator for your needs.

Most caravan air conditioners require about 2000 to 3000 watts to start up and 1000 to 2000 watts to keep running. The best way to figure out what size of generator you will need is to learn the power needs of your air conditioner. If not indicated in a manual or on the appliance itself, you may need to consult with the air conditioner manufacturer or whoever services the appliance.

Fortunately, there is a sizable range of inverter generators to be found within the 2000 to 3400-watt range that can be a good match to your needs. If you have any concerns about making this choice, consult with a professional installer to get the best recommendations.

Factors to consider when choosing a caravan AC

Ensuring you get a caravan generator that can adequately meet your air conditioner’s power needs during start up and running is not the only factor to consider when making a choice. Here are other issues you should also take into account.

Start with the air conditioner

If you do not already have a caravan air conditioner or are looking to replace or upgrade the one you have, it may be better to start with this before buying a generator. There are now many high-efficiency and effective rooftop air conditioners that can easily be served by 2000-watt generators for both start up and running needs. Going this route can help to improve efficiency and allow for more energy savings.

Temperature

When the ambient temperature and/or humidity are high, more power is needed to start an air conditioner. Unfortunately, these conditions can also cause lower power output for a generator. This thus means that you may find there is less than sufficient power to start the air conditioner's compressor. To account for this change, allow for a 1.5% decrease in power output for every 5 degrees C above 25C. This means that on a 35C day, expect a 2 x 1.5 = 3% decline in power output. If the location you are at also has higher humidity, expect further decline.

Extension leads

The longer the lead from the generator to your caravan, the more amperage drop you can expect, more so if the conditions are hot. It is generally recommended that you always use a lead that is no longer than three to four metres. This is often a good enough distance not to cause much noise given how quietly inverter generators run.

Running other appliances

It is best to limit your use of other appliances when running your air conditioner. The more load that is drawn, the less power there will be to run your air conditioner. If you feel that you may need to run other appliances like your fridge, television, and laptop while also using the air conditioner, ensure you account for these demands when choosing a generator.

The top consumers tend to be kitchen appliances like fridges, microwave ovens, coffee makers, and blenders, alongside many standard vacuum cleaners. Their power demand can easily go over 1000 watts individually. Devices like laptops and televisions will consume less power. And, like with air conditioners, most appliances will have a higher start up demand than when running.

Size and weight

Depending on the size of your caravan you may need to consider how much of an allowance you can give to a generator. Keep in mind that the smaller the generator, the less power capacity it will likely have. Weight may also be an issue for solo travellers with mobility or other physical challenges. Ensure that whatever the size and weight of the generator, you can capably handle it.

Brand

Just as with any other appliance, it is best to stick to brands that have a solid reputation for dependability and durability. High-quality brands like Yamaha, DeWalt, Briggs & Stratton, and Honda make for an ideal choice for most caravan travellers. Not all are expensive as both DeWalt and Engel are known for having affordable options. Avoid no-name brand options that you might find online and think are a great bargain. These will likely not have a valid warranty and their parts could be difficult to find.