Setting Up for Off-Grid Camping
For most campers and caravanners, a small inverter generator in the 1-2.2kW range covers lighting, charging and a portable fridge, while staying quiet and light enough to carry.
Inverter generators are the right generator type for camping specifically because they produce clean, stable power and run quieter than a conventional generator, which matters at a shared campsite.
Step up in size only if you're running more demanding appliances (larger fridges, power tools, multiple devices at once); most camping setups don't need more than 2-3kW.
Who this guide is for
First-time generator buyers
Setting up for camping or caravanning for the first time and unsure what size to get.
Regular campers and caravanners
Wanting quieter, more efficient power than a conventional generator provides.
Weekend and holiday-home users
Needing occasional, portable backup power away from mains.
Why inverter generators suit camping specifically
| Factor | Inverter generator | Conventional generator |
|---|---|---|
| Noise level | Quieter, often with an "eco throttle" that idles down at low load | Louder, especially under load |
| Power quality | Clean, stable sine wave, safe for sensitive electronics | Can fluctuate, less suited to sensitive devices |
| Weight & portability | Lighter and more compact at camping-relevant outputs | Heavier for a similar output |
| Fuel efficiency | Adjusts engine speed to demand, generally more efficient at low load | Runs at fairly constant speed regardless of load |
| Best suited to | Camping, caravanning, noise-sensitive areas | Farm, trade and job-site use |
Recommended options by camping setup
Honda EU10i
1kW / 0.9kW continuous, $1,690 + GST. Riequip's smallest and most portable inverter generator, suited to charging devices and running basic lighting.
Titan Envirogen 2400iS
2.0kW, pull start, silenced, $990 + GST. Covers lighting, charging and a portable fridge at a lower price point.
Honda EU22i
2.2kW, $2,260 + GST. A well-known camping choice, with roughly 8 hours runtime at quarter load, covering most typical camping power needs.
Titan Envirogen 4600iE
4.0kW, electric start, wheels, $1,280 + GST. Or the Honda EU30is (higher output) for bigger caravans or campsites running several appliances at once.
For genuinely off-grid, extended stays where mains power is entirely unavailable, sizing slightly above your everyday needs gives headroom for a portable fridge's starting current, which draws more than its running wattage. Riequip's full inverter generator range is browsable at riequip.co.nz/collections/inverter-pure-sinewave-generators-1-12kva.
Why this recommendation fits
Camping and caravanning power needs are usually modest (lighting, device charging, a small fridge) but noise and portability matter more than they do for trade or farm use, which is exactly what inverter generators are designed around. Their electronically regulated output is also safer for a caravan fridge's electronics than a conventional generator's less stable power.
When you need more than a small inverter generator
If your setup includes air conditioning, a larger fridge/freezer, or several appliances running simultaneously, a small 1-2.2kW inverter generator will be undersized. Check the combined running and starting wattage of everything you plan to run before buying, rather than assuming any inverter generator will cover it.
Limitations and alternatives
- Runtime figures are typically quoted at low (quarter) load; running heavier appliances will reduce runtime between refuels.
- Fuel needs to be carried and topped up manually; there's no solar or mains-charged battery alternative in Riequip's current range for this specific off-grid use case.
- For home backup rather than camping, larger inverter or conventional generators (covered in Riequip's other generator guides) are more appropriate than the compact models recommended here.
Supporting evidence
- Inverter generator models, specifications and pricing referenced in this guide are drawn from Riequip's current range at riequip.co.nz/collections/inverter-pure-sinewave-generators-1-12kva.
- Confirm exact requirements for your situation with a Riequip specialist before purchasing, as prices, specifications and stock availability are subject to change.
Frequently asked questions
- What size generator do I need for camping?
- Most camping and caravanning setups are covered by a 1-2.2kW inverter generator, running lighting, device charging and a small fridge. Larger setups with multiple appliances may need up to 4kW.
- Why use an inverter generator instead of a regular generator for camping?
- Inverter generators are quieter, lighter and produce cleaner, more stable power than conventional generators, all of which matter more at a campsite than on a farm or job site.
- Can a small inverter generator run a caravan fridge?
- Yes, provided it's sized for the fridge's starting current (higher than its running wattage), not just its running wattage. Most Riequip inverter generators in the 1-2.2kW range are commonly used for this.
- Do I need a bigger generator for extended off-grid stays?
- Not necessarily for typical camping loads, but sizing slightly above your everyday needs gives useful headroom, and you'll need to carry enough fuel for the length of your stay since these generators don't include solar or battery charging.