When You Actually Need a Generator
Most of our renters don't need one. State park campgrounds have 30-amp or 50-amp electric hookups, which means the RV runs everything from the site's power — AC, fridge, microwave, lights — and you never think about it.
But a generator becomes essential when:
For those trips, we rent out a Westinghouse WGen5300v. It's a mid to upper tier generator — quieter and more powerful than most.
The Specs That Matter
- 30amp output
- Propane or gas powered
The Noise Thing
This is the question everyone asks. The Westinghouse 5000 is rated around 72 dB at 23 feet under load — louder than a Honda EU2200 inverter generator (around 57 dB) but quieter than most construction-grade generators. It is a suitcase style to limit the noise as much as possible
In real terms: you can have a normal conversation next to it if you're not directly beside the exhaust. At the campsite next door, you'll hear it but it won't stop you from talking. If you're running it overnight for AC, put it 20+ feet from the bedroom wall and nobody notices once they're asleep.
[Video of the noise level coming — we'll drop it here so you can hear for yourself.]
Why Not a Honda/Yamaha Inverter?
Fair question. The inverter generators (Honda EU2200, Yamaha EF2000) are quieter and lighter. But:
For anyone who needs AC during a hot weekend, the 5000W open-frame is the honest answer. If you're just charging phones and running lights, you can get by with way less, and we don't usually suggest renting the generator for trips like that.
When We Suggest You Rent It
- If you are boon docking for an extended period.
- If you need air conditioning
- If you need the microwave
What We Don't Suggest It For
- You don't need it for heating or fridge or hot water heater usage
- You don't need it for short periods without plugged in power.
Safety Stuff We Tell Every Renter
Don't run the generator inside or under an awning. Carbon monoxide kills people every year doing this. Keep it at least 15 feet from any window or door of the RV/van. Point the exhaust away from your seating area.
And don't run it dry. Let it cool down before refueling. Bring a small funnel — the fill neck is narrow.
The Bottom Line
If you're heading somewhere with no power, ask us about adding it. It's a real camping trip enabler — most of our boondocking renters come back saying it made the difference.
