RV Generators

RV Generator Features and Maintenance

RV generators are at the heart of what makes RVing so cool.

Recreational vehicles are driven all over the country in all kinds of places from cities to remote areas with no available source of power.

A generator allows you to keep the RV heated, your food cold in the refrigerator. It makes cooking your your meals a cinch.

None of these things would be possible without a generator. Granted, you could stay at a crowded campground with electrical hookups, but then why travel? Having a generator lets you camp anywhere, anytime. You can make your own electricity.

What Makes RV Generators Different?

Generators are specially built to be used with RVs. These generators are able to be used safely in an enclosed space, so any emissions and fumes are directed away from the RV. They usually run more quietly than large, industrial generators, too.

Features to Look For

When you're shopping for an RV generator, there are a few key things you want to look for. New RVs will come with their own generator, so check that they have these features as well.

• The generator should have an electric starter.
• The fuel pump should be electric.
• The generator should be easily accessible for repair and maintenance.
• Safety mechanisms should include a high oil pressure shutoff and an automatic fuel safety.
• Is it efficient? Low fuel consumption with a high energy output is ideal.
• The gauges should be easy to read for temperature, fuel and wattage.
• How much power does it generate? You need to know how much power is needed to run your RV appliances.
• How many gallons of fuel does it hold? Most will hold from one to five gallons, so choose one with the amount that is convenient for you.
• Check for low decibel levels. Does it come with muffling and sound abatement?

How to Keep a Generator Healthy

RV generators need routine love and care to run their best. Make a regular schedule for checking fluid levels, electrical wiring and gauges. To run at its best, every generator also needs some exercise. Just because you're not traveling is no excuse to neglect your generator.

Unless your generator is run at half capacity for at least two hours every four weeks, you can find moisture built up inside and damage to the fuel system. Running the generator occasionally will also stop the gasoline from breaking down into varnishes and gums that may clog up your system.

If your system does get gummed up, follow the procedures in your manual to clean it out properly. Check your air filter, too. It's a good idea to keep an extra around in case you need to replace it. Generators often pick up dirt while you're driving. Rinsing it off with the hose occasionally can help keep the grime to a minimum. You also want to change your oil after every 100 hours of use.

RV Generator Safety

As with any appliance, your generator needs to be handled and maintained in a safe manner. Familiarize yourself with the owner's manual that comes with your generator. Make certain you understand everything in it so you can maintain your generator properly.

• Generators produce exhaust, which can be deadly if it gets into the RV. Always check that the exhaust system is in good working order.
• Never go to sleep with the generator on unless you have a working carbon monoxide detector.
• Check the tail pipe and all exhaust hoses every time your RV bottoms out on a driveway or other object in the road.
• Check for obstructions in the exhaust system regularly.
• When doing maintenance on the generator, always have the generator off. Disconnect the positive battery cable.
• Do not connect your generator to a building electrical system unless you are using an approved device and opening the proper breaker in the building.
• Only use fuel that is approved for your generator. Generators may run on gas, propane or diesel.

You'll enjoy your RV a lot more if you know you can rely on your generator. Learning how to care for your generator will keep it reliable.

More RV Generator Research & Reading

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