Imagine this: you've just arrived at what appears to be the picture-perfect spot to camp. Only a few little tasks separate you from the ideal weekend out in nature. Of course, you've got to take care of a couple things before you can fully relax. So you set up your tent and grab some firewood. Now, your plan was never to fully "rough it," since you prefer having things like music to listen to, some lights to make the campsite feel more like home, and so on.

Running a small appliance using inverter generator (quiet) sine wave (protec ting electronics)- recharging electronics 2500i and 4500i and all power stations. Run fan? Never fully "roughing"it. Electric cooler for tent camping

What could go wrong? Well, if your portable generator is unreliable or otherwise not up for the task of powering your various items, plenty could go wrong. 

Seemingly right on cue, the music stops. You're in the dark…with no backup power. This isn't the trip you were expecting. 

While this is a purely hypothetical situation, it’s also one that’s certainly possible—and one that could have been avoided with a more reliable and powerful portable generator, like those offered by Cummins Inc.

What Type of Generator Is Best for Camping?

It depends on the type of camping you have in mind, as well as the extent to which you want to bring modern devices and small appliances into the mix.

If your idea of camping involves a tent (rather than, say, an RV), then, a portable generator is the answer. Cummins produces a wide range of quiet, portable generators that are efficient, powerful, and reliable. Portable generators offer several advantages, with the primary benefits being their size, cost, and convenience. Depending on your power requirements and budget, you might consider the following options: add power stations and different scenarios

• The Onan P2500i, a 2500 watt digital inverter portable generator; gasoline-powered.
• The Onan P4500i, a 4500 watt digital inverter portable generator; gasoline-powered.
• The Onan P4500iDF, a 4500 watt inverter dual fuel portable generator; gasoline/propane-powered.
• The Onan P9500df, a 9500 watt dual fuel portable generator; gasoline/propane-powered. 

What Type of Generator Is Best for RV Camping?

If when you think camping, you picture a big shiny RV hitting the road, then the portable generators discussed above won't cut it. An RV simply requires too much power, especially when you consider some of the appliances inside like refrigerators, microwaves, and, of course, AC. 

Here’s an idea of the type of power you’ll need for the major categories of RV:

• For a Class B Van with a single AC unit: 2,000 to 3,600 watts.
• For a Class C Van with a single AC unit: 2,800 to 4,000 watts.
• For a Class A RV with two AC units: 5,500 to 8,000 watts.
• For a Class A RV with three AC units: 10,000 to 12,000 watts.
• For a Fifth Wheel with two AC units: 5,500 to 7,000 watts.

Portable power stations are another great option suitable for RV campers as well as tent campers. Cummins offers a wide range of power stations, including lightweight and versatile options you can even take with you when setting out for a hike.

For more information, you can learn about RV generator sizes here, or browse Cummins RV generators here. 

Next, we’ll explore how to calculate how much power you’ll need, so you can zero in on the perfect generator for your specific needs.

What Size Generator Do You Need for Camping?

Size definitely matters when it comes to generators, as there are risks associated with using a generator that is either too powerful or not powerful enough. A too-small generator is likely to overheat and may not provide sufficient or consistent enough power for you to be comfortable. Employing a too-large generator, on the other hand, means paying much more than you need to. In other words, the best portable generator for camping is the one that delivers the necessary power and fits your budget.

Here's a basic process for roughly calculating your needs:

First, determine how much power you'll need. Whether you're a tent camper or an RV camper, make a list of the must-have items or appliances you'll need to power. You'll need to account for each item's running watts as well as, in some cases, the starting watts (an extra "boost" of power required to get certain, larger items up and running). A small electric refrigerator or freezer, for example, requires around 700 running watts and an additional 2200 starting watts, for a total of 2900.

Add together the running wattage numbers for everything you intend to use, including the starting watts needed. If you're not sure about starting wattages, you can instead multiply the running watts total by a factor of at least 1.5 to account for certain items' starting watts. This buffer also allows some room for error, in case of mis-estimation or emergency.

From there, you can browse available generators to find the perfect generator for your needs, priorities, and budget. Cummins produces some of the best portable generators, RV generators, and home standby generators—meaning wherever you are and whatever you need to power, you’re covered.

Shop Cummins’ Selection of Quiet, Powerful Portable Generators

Whether you’re looking for the best portable generator or power station (link)for tent camping, an RV generator, or even a home standby generator, you can count on Cummins for products that are quiet, reliable, and powerful. Find a dealer near you today.