Motorhome Generators Guide: Everything You Need to Know

With more and more people choosing motorhome travel as a vacation or lifestyle, the need for reliable off-grid power has never been greater. As you prepare for your next motorhome adventure, selecting the right generator is more than just keeping the lights on.

It's essential for increasing the comfort and convenience of your trip. However, the fun can quickly go to waste without enough power to keep your drinks cold or your laptop charged, so it's time to consider a motorhome generator.    

If you're thinking about buying a generator for your motorhome but aren't sure which one to get, this article will help you as it contains everything you need to know about motorhome generators. We also recommend Jackery Solar Generator to charge your appliances with solar energy.

What Is A Motorhome Generator?

Regarding critical motorhome equipment, no tool is more important than a generator. Because there are many common household appliances on a motorhome, but all these appliances and more require power.

While some campgrounds offer power hookups that allow you to power these appliances, relying on these hookups limits where you can comfortably camp in your RV. With a motorhome generator, you can camp almost anywhere while still enjoying all of the electronics in your motorhome, giving you more flexibility when travelling.

So, what is a motorhome generator?

A motorhome generator is a mechanical device that is either onboard (built-in) or portable and can be used as a backup power connection for your motorhome. A motorhome generator powers your devices when the generator converts stored chemical energy into mechanical or rotational energy and then back into electrical energy.

There are two main uses for motorhome generators: to store electrical energy in your RV's house batteries or as a direct plug-in to a 120-volt AC outlet. So, depending on the two uses of the motorhome generator, either use the abundant electrical energy provided by the generator or store energy that you will use later when the generator is not running.

In most motorhomes, you will find an onboard generator that can power even the most significant appliances. You will need a portable generator for a motorhome without a built-in generator.

Why Do You Need A Generator For Your Motorhome? 

If you're asking yourself, "Why do I need a motorhome generator?" you might wonder about the benefits vs. the costs. A motorhome generator offers many benefits that enhance your living and travelling experience. In short, motorhome generators can provide you with the following benefits:

Continuous Power: Unlike relying solely on RV batteries, a motorhome generator provides a steady, reliable power source, essential for running appliances like air conditioners, refrigerators, and heating systems, especially on long trips or extreme weather conditions.  

Additionally, since heavy appliances like air conditioners or refrigerators require a lot of electricity, you can use a motorhome generator to run them.

Make Motorhome Life More Comfortable: A motorhome generator has enough power to charge devices, such as sound systems, TVs, and other devices, so owners have more time to enjoy the stunning scenery.

One of the main reasons to buy a motorhome generator is to enjoy the thrill of driving on the open road while enjoying all the comforts of home. A well-chosen motorhome generator allows you to explore places off the grid.

Emergency Preparedness: A motorhome generator is a reliable backup power source for unforeseen circumstances or emergencies. Whether you experience a power outage at a campsite or need to power medical equipment, having a reliable generator ensures you are prepared for any situation.

What Size Motorhome Generator Do I Need?

What size generator should you buy for your motorhome? Generally speaking, you only need enough power to run the appliances in your motorhome and charge the batteries. So it would help if you had a powerful generator to run your motorhome without damaging its equipment or the generator itself.

Determine Your Motorhome's Power Needs  

Step 1: Check all installed appliances and their wattage. If wattage information is unavailable, look up an online resource or contact the manufacturer for accurate data.

The following table shows the wattage of some common appliances:

Step 2: Add the wattage of all appliances, lighting, and other electrical devices. This total represents your total power needs.

Watts are a measure of the power output capability of a motorhome generator. The wattage you need will determine what size generator you need.

Note: Leave some safety margin

After calculating all your power needs, consider a safety margin. So choose a generator with a larger capacity than your total power needs. This extra capacity serves as a contingency for unforeseen power needs, similar to setting aside a reserve for future increases in electricity use.

Here are some standard motorhome generator sizes:

Other Factors Related to Motorhome Generator Sizing

There are two more factors to consider when choosing the right generator size: volts and amps.

Volts: Volts measure the strength of an electric current, indicating how much current flows through the wires. For a motorhome, it indicates how much voltage the RV can handle. Most RVs have a 240-volt plug.

Amps: Amperage indicates the amount of current the motorhome can handle. Knowing the amperage of your generator is essential to ensure that it can handle all the combined loads without reaching its capacity. Different motorhomes have different amperage ratings, usually 6 to 12 amps.

So when determining what size generator you should buy, you need to check the ampere rating of your motorhome.

Types of Motorhome Generators

There are two basic types of motorhome generators: portable generators and built-in generators (aka stationary generators). Both types of generators provide power to the motorhome, but there are some differences.

Built-in Motorhome Generators

Most motorhomes come standard with a built-in or onboard whole-house generator. As the name implies, a built-in generator is a generator that is installed inside the motorhome and provides power to the vehicle.

Built-in generators are wired directly into the motorhome's electrical system and have enough AC outlets and USB outlets to power multiple appliances. Generally speaking, the amount of current provided by a built-in generator is the same as the amount required by the motorhome.

Portable Motorhome Generators

Portable generators are generally the most cost-effective type per kilowatt-hour of output and are ideal for inductive loads that require a lot of current to start. Additionally, portable generators cost much less than onboard generators, so many motorhome owners choose to invest in a portable generator.

Portable generators utilise many fuel sources and configurations, each presenting distinct benefits and drawbacks. Read the following carefully to choose the most appropriate type of portable generator.

Gasoline Generators: Gas generators burn gasoline to provide electricity. Gasoline generators are best for those on a budget or rarely use their generators.

Diesel Generators: Diesel generators provide electricity more efficiently than gasoline generators. You can get more power from your fuel, making them a good backup or off-grid power source. Diesel generators are better for those who need a durable backup power source.

Propane Generators: Propane generators use propane as the primary fuel source. Propane generators are generally better for those who camp, hike, or travel in an RV and have a steady supply of full propane tanks.

Inverter Generators: Instead of running constantly, inverter generators adjust the engine speed to meet the power demand, saving energy. Inverter generators are best for providing safer and quieter power to small electronic devices and appliances.

Solar Generators: Unlike other generators, solar generators do not release any carbon monoxide or pollutants that harm the environment. So you can use a solar generator indoors without any problems. In addition, solar generators come in various sizes and power outputs to suit your needs. Solar generators are suitable for off-grid living, motorhomes, or outdoor camping.

You may consider using a solar generator, like Jackery Solar Generator, first to use renewable energy easily. You can even use it on cloudy days or at night since it can recharge in multiple ways, such as carports, wall adapters, and other generators.

The following table summarises the pros and cons of five portable motorhome generators:

Jackery Solar Generators for Motorhome

Using a solar generator in your motorhome provides numerous advantages. Jackery is a renowned manufacturer in the solar industry, focusing on producing top-notch solar equipment like solar generators, solar panels, and portable power stations.

Jackery Solar Generators offer a reliable and uninterrupted power supply for your motorhome appliances using lithium-ion batteries.  

In conjunction with Jackery Solar Panels, a Portable Power Station facilitates the efficient conversion and storage of more sunlight for future use. By having numerous output ports, you can charge multiple appliances at the same time.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is a cutting-edge portable solar power solution for your motorhome with exceptional performance. Thanks to its substantial capacity and formidable power output, this device can sustain the operation of standard domestic appliances for several weeks and fulfil all the power needs associated with outdoor adventure or professional activity.

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus allows adding extra battery packs, which boosts the capacity from 2 kWh to a remarkable 12 kWh, thus enhancing the solar charging capabilities significantly. With the ability to be expanded to 3000W, this solar product offers a 30% higher rated power than other 2 kWh solar goods available in the market. Practically all essential motorhome appliances are energised.

The Explorer 2000 Plus is an industry's pioneering add-on battery pack that can be recharged using solar panels. This feature enhances versatility, improves charging efficiency, and reduces charging time. The LiFePO4 battery, with its sophisticated technology, guarantees a lifespan of 10 years, even with daily usage limited to once per day.

• Expandable Capacity: 2 kWh large capacity with up to 12 kWh extended power elevates off-grid living to the next level.
• Ultra-Long Standby: Out of sight, out of mind. The 2000 Plus has an ultra-long standby mode with a 50% charge for up to 2 years!  
• Fast Solar Charging: The Solar Generator 2000 Plus takes just 2 hours for a total solar charge (with 6* SolarSaga 200W solar panels). Power source becomes fully independent.

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus is also the best portable power supply for your motorhome. It combines Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus with SolarSaga 100W solar panels to use solar energy effectively.      

Featuring a 2000W full-power pure sine wave inverter and a stunning 1264Wh long-lasting LiFePO4 battery, the Explorer 1000 Plus offers abundant energy for almost all essential devices. Remarkably, it can increase its capacity to 5 kWh by incorporating up to 3 additional battery packs.  

A wall charge from 0% to 100% of the battery requires 100 minutes, while solar charging with four SolarSaga 200W panels takes 2 hours. Additionally, the innovative ChargeShield technology and consistent power delivery avoid equipment damage. 

• Higher Capacity with Smaller Size: With a capacity of 1264 Wh and a 2000W output, the 1000 Plus has the maximum production among similar-level products, supporting 99% of devices.    
• Expandable Capacity: Up to 5 power levels, providing three days of home emergency backup. Versatile for outdoor, household, and emergency scenarios.
• Battery Safety: Boasting a durable 10-year lifespan with a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) Battery, the Jackery 1000 Plus provides a constant voltage and pure sine wave, ensuring safety for all your electrical appliances.   

How to Choose A Motorhome Generator?

There are several factors to consider before choosing a generator for your motorhome. Besides the two aspects of "What size generator do I need to power my motorhome?" and "Which type of generator do I consider to power my motorhome?", you may not be sure what other factors to consider. Here are some other factors that may affect your choice of generator for your reference.

Budget

What is your budget for choosing a generator? Many motorhome travellers are on a tight budget, and the budget for generators often forms the basis of most of their expenses.

Although generators are necessary for motorhomes, it is wise to stay within the budget to buy one. Therefore, choosing an affordable generator that can provide enough power is best.

Portability

When choosing a generator for your motorhome, consider its portability based on travel and storage preferences. First, the generator's weight is something to consider because heavy generators can be a burden, especially if you move frequently.

Second, the mobility of the generator is also crucial. Specific generators are equipped with integrated handles and wheels for enhanced mobility. But be sure to check that these mobility aids are sturdy and suitable for the terrain you will encounter.

Finally, consider how your generator will be stored. Measure your available space beforehand to accommodate the generator you're eyeing. For example, a compact generator can be a real space saver in a motorhome.

Durability

A motorhome generator is a significant investment, so it should last many years rather than being worn out or damaged in the short term. A durable generator made of quality materials should withstand most environmental conditions.

For example, the generator's exterior should be protected by a full steel frame or high-strength plastic to protect the internal components. Many portable generators also use batteries. Lithium-ion batteries last much longer than lead-acid batteries and typically last five to ten years before capacity declines.

Noise Level

Noise can significantly affect your comfort and the quietness of your surroundings. So, noise level is also an essential factor when choosing a generator.

Look for generators equipped with quieting technologies such as soundproofing materials and advanced mufflers, which can significantly reduce noise output. If noise is a decisive factor in your choice of generator, solar power, like Jackery Solar Generator, is the best (and quietest) option.

Tips for Using & Maintaining Motorhome Generators

Many aspects of a generator could be considered unsafe, so it is essential to follow some safety tips when operating and maintaining your generator. How can a motorhome generator be safely operated and maintained? Read the following carefully to explore safely operating and maintaining a motorhome generator.

Tips on the Use of Motorhome Generators

As with any appliance or device, precautions should be taken when using and operating a generator. Here are some safety tips for operating a motorhome generator:

• Maintain proper ventilation when using a motorhome generator.
• Make sure the exhaust is routed outside the RV when using a fuel generator, such as gasoline.
• Regularly check all connections in the exhaust system for leaks.
• Do not sleep with the generator on unless your RV has a carbon monoxide detector.
• Make Ensure gas and other highly flammable materials are not stored near the generator.
• Using gasoline, diesel, or propane and following proper storage and transportation practices are essential.
• Using the correct power cords and cables is essential to preventing electrical fires and electric shocks.
• Keep dry while using the generator.

Tips on the Maintenance of Motorhome Generators

Performing some basic and correct maintenance on your motorhome generator is essential to ensure the long-term reliability and performance of your motorhome. Here are some tips for maintaining your motorhome generator:

• Store your generator away from water and keep it dry.
• Clean your generator regularly to prevent dirt from affecting its regular operation.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance guidelines.
• Your motorhome generator should have an hour meter to track operating hours and know when to change the oil or air filter.
• You should also perform regular battery checks, spark plug changes, and fuel system checks.

Motorhome Generators FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about the motorhome generators in the UK.

1. Can I run my generator in the rain?

It would help if you did not run your motorhome generator in the rain or excessively humid conditions. From a safety perspective, you should not run your generator in the rain because electricity and rain cannot coexist. 

2. Can I run a motorhome generator while I sleep?

Theoretically, you can run your generator while you sleep, but this is only sometimes advisable for the following reasons.

3. Are motorhome generators noisy?

The noise of a motorhome generator depends on its brand, model and technology. Generally speaking, ordinary generators are noisy, but some generators equipped with noise-reduction technology are very quiet.

Final Thoughts

A motorhome is a great home away from home when on the road or when you park in a scenic outdoor location. If you want to ensure that you can enjoy the comforts of home in your motorhome, a motorhome generator is a necessary investment.

Choosing the right generator for your motorhome can be difficult, and this guide should help you understand the critical factors in selecting the right generator for your motorhome. Also, we recommend Jackery Solar Generators for powering your motorhome with unlimited energy.