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Running Caravan Air Conditioners: Generator Sizing & Setup
For running a caravan air conditioner, an inverter generator is the recommended choice. Unlike conventional generators, inverters provide "clean" power (a pure sine wave) that is safe for sensitive electronic components found in modern air conditioning units and other appliances. When selecting a generator, prioritize the following: Sizing (Wattage): Air conditioners have high "starting" (surge) watts when the compressor kicks in, which is often 3–6 times their running wattage. A generator in the 2.0kW to 4.5kW range is typically required to handle this surge comfortably. Always check your specific AC unit’s label for its starting and running requirements. Noise Levels: Since you will be using this at campsites, look for low-noise ratings. Modern inverter generators are designed to be significantly quieter than traditional open-frame models. Portability & Features: Features like wheels, handles, and remote or electric start can make daily use much easier. When selecting a generator for your caravan air conditioner, performance can be affected by more than just raw wattage. Here are the critical environmental and operational factors to keep in mind to ensure you have enough power when you need it most. Environmental Performance (De-rating) Generators produce less power in high heat, humidity, or at high altitudes. Heat Impact: As ambient temperatures rise, engine performance decreases. A good rule of thumb is to allow for a 1.5% decrease in output for every 5°C above 25°C. For example, on a 45°C day, your generator may output 6% less power than its rated capacity. Altitude: Operating at high elevations will further de-rate your generator’s output, meaning you should account for these drops when sizing your unit. Extension Lead Length In extreme heat, the length of your power cable matters. It is recommended to use a short lead (3–4 meters maximum) from the generator to your caravan. Using a longer cord can cause voltage drop, which may lead to issues starting your air conditioner's compressor. Factoring in Other Appliances Your generator needs to handle more than just the air conditioner. You must account for the total load of every device running simultaneously, such as: Battery chargers Refrigerators Lights and TVs If your generator is sized only for the air conditioner's surge, it will likely overload if you try to run your battery charger or other appliances at the same time. Recommendation Because of these variables, it is always a smart investment to opt for a generator with extra capacity beyond the peak draw of your air conditioner. This "headroom" ensures your system remains reliable, even on the hottest days or when you have multiple devices connected.
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Can I run a generator indoors?
No, you should never operate a generator indoors. Operating a generator inside your home, garage, basement, crawl space, or even near open windows and doors is extremely dangerous. Fuel-burning generators produce carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that can be fatal in minutes. Why It Is Unsafe CO Buildup: Carbon monoxide accumulates rapidly in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces. Because it is undetectable by human senses, it can overcome you before you realize there is a problem. Insufficient Ventilation: Standard home ventilation systems are not designed to exhaust the high volume of toxic fumes produced by a generator engine. Fire Hazard: Generators require significant airflow for cooling. Placing them in a confined area can lead to overheating and pose a serious fire risk. Safe Practices Outdoor Use Only: Always place your generator at least 6 meters (20 feet) away from your home, directed away from windows, doors, and air intakes. Install CO Detectors: If you use a generator, ensure you have battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms installed in your home. Keep It Dry: While generators must be outside, they should be placed on a dry surface and protected from rain or flooding using a specialized generator tent or canopy—never use an improvised cover that restricts airflow. If you are worried about power reliability and need a safe, indoor-friendly solution, have you considered looking into portable power stations (battery-based power banks)? These do not produce fumes and can be used safely indoors. We at the Generator Store offer a full range of generators and portable power stations.
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What is the difference between running and starting watts?
Understanding the difference between running watts and starting watts is key to choosing the right size generator for your application. Running Watts (Rated Watts) Running watts is the continuous power needed to keep an appliance or tool operating normally once it is already running. This is the figure you should look at for devices like lights, fans, or heaters that maintain a steady power draw while in use. Starting Watts (Surge Watts) Starting watts is the temporary, extra "burst" of power required for a few seconds to get motor-driven products moving from a standstill. Devices like refrigerators, air conditioners, water pumps, and power tools often require 3 to 6 times their running wattage to overcome inertia and reach operating speed. Why the Distinction Matters When selecting a generator, you must ensure it can handle the total combined running watts of all devices you intend to power simultaneously, plus the highest single starting wattage of any one of those devices. Example: If your refrigerator uses 200 running watts but requires 800 starting watts, your generator must be able to handle that 800-watt surge to prevent an overload shutdown.
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Can a 2000 watt generator run a microwave / kettle / fridge at the same time.?
A 2000-watt generator cannot run a microwave, kettle, and fridge at the same time. You will need to manage your power consumption by using these appliances individually or upgrading to a larger model generator. To determine what you can run, you must distinguish between Running Watts (what the device needs to stay on) and Starting/Surge Watts (what the device needs to kick-start the motor or heating element). Typical Power Requirements Appliance Estimated Running Watts Estimated Starting (Surge) Watts Electric Kettle 1,500 – 2,500 W 1,500 – 2,500 W Microwave 800 – 1,200 W 1,200 – 1,800 W Fridge/Freezer 100 – 200 W 600 – 1,200 W Understanding Your Capacity Simultaneous Use: Running any two of these devices at once will likely exceed the 2000-watt threshold. For example, a kettle (1500W) plus a microwave (1000W) requires 2500W, which will overload a 2000W generator. Starting Loads: Even if your generator is rated for 2000W, it may only be able to handle that load for short periods (peak/starting). You must ensure your total running load stays well below the generator's rated wattage to avoid frequent trips or engine stalling. The Fridge Factor: Refrigerators have compressors that cycle on and off. If the compressor kicks in while you are using another appliance, the sudden surge demand could trip the generator's circuit breaker. If you must use these items with a 2000W generator, follow this protocol: Prioritize: Keep the fridge plugged in at all times to maintain food safety. Cycle Usage: Do not use the microwave or kettle while other high-draw appliances are active. Check Labels: Always verify the specific wattage listed on the back or bottom of your specific appliances. Avoid Overload: If you hear the generator engine struggling or the RPMs drop significantly, switch off a load immediately. You can view our range of generators around 2000 watts here :- https://generatorstore.com.au/collections/2000-2999-watts
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New Westinghouse Auto Start Models
The Westinghouse portable generator range is expanding with some new exciting inverter generators, these include two new Auto Start Series models with intelligent 2-wire control.
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Our Recommended 8KVA Petrol Generator Models
With so many options available today, and your not sure which 8KVA generator model you should choose..? To help we have listed the best 8KVA models that we recommend from our range to use in the most common applications for this size generator.Option 1 - Briggs & Stratton Elite 9500Briggs & Stratton Generators are designed [...]
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Camping This Christmas? Our Top Three Camping Generator Models
Christmas is a great time to get away and head to some of Australia’s great camping spots. The perfect addition to any caping trip is a reliable portable generator so you have portable power when needed. We have put together our top 3 portable camping generator list, to help make your section easier, as there [...]
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Australia's Best Generator Brands
With alot of different generator brands in the market today, if your'e looking for quality and reliability, you cant go past these brands listed below. From our extensive range these brands are world leaders in producing very good quality products, backed up with multiple years of warranty and spare parts support.Honda GeneratorsHonda are by far [...]
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Honda EU70iS Inverter Generator Review
The Honda EU70iS is the biggest EU series inverter generator available. Boasting a massive 7000 watt maximum output. the EU70iS is the perfect solution for all large caravans, food and coffee vans, parties and more. Featuring Honda's Sine-Wave inverter technology for smooth, high quality power flow, the EU70iS safely provides power for frequency and voltage [...]
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What is better a Generator or an Inverter Generator.?
Inverter Generators Vs Generator due to the similarity in usage, most people interchange these terms a lot, and there seems to be confusion among consumers on the differences between an inverter generators and conventional generator.And after knowing the differences, which one is better between the two?Two popular generator options are inverter and standard variants. They [...]
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Wireless Remote Start for Honda Generators
The wireless remote start option for your Honda generator will provide a reliable, convenient form of starting and stopping your Honda generator with little to no effort! With its long range (free field) operating distance of approximately 75 meters, the wireless start option will effortlessly start-run-stop the generator from inside your house, shack, or caravan when [...]
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Yamaha's new EF7200E 6.0KVA Petrol Generator
Featuring economy idle for “inverter like” fuel economy, reduced noise and longevity the EF7200E is feature packed. Comprising a digital meter displaying cumulative run time and voltage, keeping on top of maintenance is easy. The EF7200E provides serious full time power and offers 11 hours of operation without refuelling, has an electric starter for hassle-free start-ups and is capable of running most homes in an emergency situation.KEY FEATURESAuto DecompressorNon-Fused [...]
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