The Best Silent Generator for Caravan in 2021
Last updated by Alan Wass on 19th May 2021
Small trips to the mountains or to places far from the city are nowadays a popular way to get a way from busy work rest life cycle. This is why people spending money on camping gear and motorhomes to enable them to spend more quality time together with family or friends. But for a perfect holiday, you must also have a power source. In order to maintain the serenity of your caravan location it is best to use a super quiet inverter generator.
Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchase (at no extra cost to you).
A generator will always be in standby mode ready to kick in when you need it to power your 12V Caravan TV most come with 12 Volt output plus household ports for items that need 230Volts. A quiet and efficient generator along with a pure sine wave power inverter will make sure you will never run out of power.
A silent generator for a caravan makes life much easier for motorhome users. Less expensive and more efficient than solar panels in many cases, there are now silent devices on the market. For guidance on outdoor noise level permitted check out this article by GOV.UK.
Portable generators feature "Inverter" technology. The inverter technology is important as it guarantees a constant flow of smooth electricity that will not damage any sensitive equipment. With this technology they are safe to drive all your gadgets and appliances.
All the portable inverter generators reviewed below are super quiet from reputable brands and conform to UK standards. They are expensive, but you are investing in a quality product fitted with the latest inverter and sound cancelling technology.
Top Selling Silent Generators for Caravans
- Wolf Recoil Start 5.5HP 4 Stroke Petrol Engine
- Fuel Efficient Power: 10 Hour Run Time at Half Load
- Key Features: Easy Recoil Start, Automatic Low Oil Safety Shut Down and Overload Protection
- 2 Year Guarantee with UK Based Technical Support Line and Full Service & Spares Backup
- 🔶 POWERFUL 1000 WATT OUTPUT – This super reliable HYUNDAI 54cc 4 Stroke Suitcase invertor Petrol generator is the...
- 🔶 EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO POWER YOUR APPLIANCES: The P1000i Includes 230v socket for your standard 3 Pin 13A mains...
- 🔶 PORTABLE, COMPACT & LIGHTWEIGHT - Weighing only 14kg, it's ergonomically molded handle makes it easy to carry &...
- 🔶 ECO MODE - Automatically reduces engine RPM to match your power requirements, Saving Money, lowering noise levels...
- Great for camping, caravaning, outdoor events and boats
- Fitted with an 'econo' switch which allows the generator to idle when no power is being drawn
- Incorporated 12v battery charging facility and low oil shut down function
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 426 x 230 x 425mm
Last update on 2021-07-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Wolf Power Genie 800 silent generator for caravan or motorhomes is among the most common generators for caravanning or camping. This model is sold by the brand as a 1,200 or 2,000W unit, but the 1,200W model will be the better alternative for those on a tight budget.
This portable inverter generator uses a 4 HP 4 stroke petrol engine, which from 7 meters away produces 58 dB during operation.
The Wolf Power Genie's other features include:
Overall, the Wolf Power Genie is an affordable caravan or camping generator that will not disappoint you. The brand provides other power options if you require more power, but the 1,200W model would be more than adequate for caravans.
Böhmer-AG is a reputable brand that manufactures a variety of silent generators for caravans. The Camo W4500i is part of the Camo series, designed to be aesthetically pleasing, yet fuel-efficient and quiet.
In terms of the Camo W4500's noise output, it only produces 59 dB. It has a startup output of 2000W and a constant output of 1700W. To satisfy the needs of heavier users, there is the W5500i. This model has a startup output of 3000W and a constant output of 2800W.
The Böhmer-AG Camo W4500i's other features include:
This portable generator is capable of generating enough power while staying reasonably quiet. It is a powerful caravan generator that works to charge the battery perfectly or to provide reliable electricity.
Briggs & Stratton is a reputable brand. The P220 Power Smart Silent Caravan Generator inverter generator is one of their top models. It is produced explicitly to be quiet. The noise output is 52 dB.
The fact that it is incredibly compact is another justification for choosing this silent generator for your caravan. It has a gross weight of 24 KG for transport around the campsite and an ergonomic handle.
The Briggs & Stratton P220’s other features include:
Overall, for caravan use, this is possibly the best silent inverter generator. It comes with an average price tag, but it beats other brands with its fuel savings. This makes it a worthwhile investment when you consider the efficiency and the prestigious brand backing the unit.
Böhmer-AG is recognized internationally as the go-to generator manufacturer when it comes to performance. This model has a comprehensive, energy-conscious range of advanced features.
With you and the world in mind, the Böhmer-AG 3000W Petrol generator has been made. The copper wound motor of this fuel-efficient unit offers unprecedented efficiency while reducing emissions.
Its intelligent power management responds to your needs by automatically changing the engine revs to match the current draw, only generating what is needed when you need it.
The Böhmer-AG 3000W’s other features include:
Using the electric key start, getting started is fast and quick. With a massive 3000W of power supplied through dual 240V outlets and 12V DC, maximum power on demand is carefully handled. Fill and forget from a single tank of fuel with a substantial 10-hour continuous run time (a standard working day).
Buying Guide: How to choose a silent generator for caravan
For a camping enthusiast, it is essential to equip themselves with the best silent generator for a caravan. But what are the criteria to be taken into account to be sure to make the right choice? You will learn everything in this buying guide.
5 Key points and questions to consider when buying a silent generator
Calculate power requirement of your caravan generator
This is the number question. When working out your power requirements remember that they may increase so best to consider the next power level that your actual current requirements. To help please refer to the table below. Please note the figures are estimates only
| Appliance | Estimated Power Consumption |
|---|---|
| Smart TV | 60 |
| Cooker | 200 |
| Fridge | 130 |
| Other | 150 |
| Total | 540 |
These are example estimates only check the maximum wattage of your own appliances. Also, the start can be much greater than the running current.
Work out the power output requirements based on your own appliances. In the example case the output must be a minimum of 550 Watts. Some silent generators guides will give the maximum out put and the rates output. The rated output is what it is capable of when running continuously. You also need to factor is some appliance at start up will use additional power.
Do you need pure sine wave for power sensitive gadgets?
Some silent generators create an approximation to household AC output. This means it is not a pure sine wave or smooth. In layman terms it can have peaks and troughs out of the norm. The problem is that some electronic equipment can be sensitive to these surges. If this is a factor n then you need to look for a generator that is capable of outputting constant power of " 50 Hertz Sine Wave".
Another option is to invest in a pure sine wave inverter and use this for those gadgets that are sensitive to voltage fluctuations, running only the more robust appliance off the silent generator
Size of generator
A generator for a caravan or camping in general should be small and portable. In fact these style of generators are often referred to as suitcase generators, as they come with a suitcase type handle. The Briggs & Stratton caravan inverter is an example of a suitcase generator This makes them super portable. All inverter generators featured can easily be moved by one person.
Manual or automatic Silent Generator?
We can distinguish two types of operation: the mobile generator, and the stationary generator. The stationary generator set is intended to provide emergency electricity in the event of a power breakdown. It is found in factories, hospitals, and other operational stations. This type of device is therefore not quite suitable for use in a motorhome.
The mobile generator is the model you need to provide you with electricity during camping or other outdoor activity, away from sources of electricity. It is particularly suitable for use in a motorhome because it is more compact, lighter, and nomadic. It will therefore be easier to transport it and install it in your camp.
Other additional functions can be taken into account with regard to the silent generator set for caravans. For example, you can choose between a manual or an electric start. The latter can be done remotely, using a remote control, and is, therefore, more practical, because you will not have to get out of your motorhome to start your generator.
For maximum reliability and safety, generators using inverter technology should be preferred. These allow a much more stable current to be delivered.
Which power level to choose for a Silent Caravan Generator?
The efficiency and performance of a generator set are defined by its power expressed in kilowatts (kW) or watts (W). Do not rely on the maximum power advertised, because it is only a peak power, that is to say, it is just for a while. It is better to rely on continuous power.
The power required is to be calculated according to the consumption of the devices to be supplied. In general, it is advisable to opt for a generator set of at least 700 Watts at 1 kW. It will then be able to supply electricity to devices that are regularly found in a motorhome, such as a refrigerator, a television, LED lights, the toilet flush, etc.
For moderate power, opt for a 2 kW group. And if you have a lot of electrical appliances that consume a lot of energy, then it is better to buy a generator of 3 kW or more.
Which noise reduction to choose for a Silent Caravan Generator?
The noise is probably one of the main disadvantages of generators for motorhomes. Indeed, their operating modes are often very noisy, due to the use of a 2-stroke or 4-stroke engine. Fortunately, manufacturers currently offer us silent generator sets for motorhomes. As their name suggests, they are much more discreet, and therefore generate less noise disturbance.
You will see in the characteristics of the model that interests you its sound level expressed in decibels (dB). It generally ranges from 50 to over 100 dB, bearing in mind that the higher this value, the louder the group will be. So prefer a device of around 70 dB.
During the analysis of this characteristic, it is possible that the announced value corresponds to the noise nuisance next to, or 7 meters from the generator. For the latter, it will therefore be necessary to place the generator set a good distance from your motorhome in order to obtain the announced sound level. For example, a generator of 59 dB at 7 meters could rise to about 75 dB if placed near your vehicle.
FAQ Section
Can I run my generator in the rain?
It is important to be aware that running an electric generator in the rain is dangerous. Typical unsafe conditions include:
If you live in the UK this may be alarming, but solutions do exist to protect keep your generator dry, so it can continue being sued regardless of the UK weather.
How can I use my generator in the rain?
A generator tent is a must-have item and will let you run your silent generator in all weather conditions. The IGAN generator tent below is made with heavy-duty tarpaulin that will enclose your generator, creating an all weather generator. It can house most generators in the range of 3500w - 12000w
Is my generator covered by my insurance policy
Generators are expensive items and with a range of suitcase portable generators they can become a target of theft. For this reason, you should have it covered under your static caravan insurance policy. Check direct with your broker, if not, ask them to amend your policy to include your valuable outdoor generator.
An alternative to a silent motorhome generator
If you only need off grid power for a few days a less expensive option would be to invest in a large secondary 110 Ah leisure battery, some can even be charged via solar panels. This will provide a modest supply for several days and save you the cost of a generator. If you decide to buy a secondary leisure battery a good quality leisure battery charger will keep your battery topped up and in good condition.