What size generator do I need for camping?
Check, uncheck or adjust the typical device list below — watts, startup surge and battery size update instantly. Numbers come from U.S. DOE, ENERGY STAR and manufacturer spec sheets, not marketing copy.
1. Check what you need to power
Refrigeration & Freezers
- 1
Kitchen
Heating, Cooling & Fans
- 1
Water & Pumps
Laundry & Cleaning
Electronics & Office
- 2
Medical Devices
Power Tools & Outdoor
Lighting
- 2
2. Your sizing
Assumptions: daily hours per device follow DOE / ENERGY STAR duty cycles; capacity adds a 25% margin. Check your appliance nameplates — actual draw varies by model.
3. Best matches from our 6-brand database
- EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max~$899
- rated 2,400W covers your 260W continuous load
- surge 4,800W covers your 428W start peak
- 1.4 days of your typical daily use (2,048Wh / 1,430Wh)
- EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plus~$1,149
- rated 3,000W covers your 260W continuous load
- surge 6,000W covers your 428W start peak
- 1.4 days of your typical daily use (2,048Wh / 1,430Wh)
- Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus~$2,599
- rated 3,000W covers your 260W continuous load
- surge 6,000W covers your 428W start peak
- 1.4 days of your typical daily use (2,043Wh / 1,430Wh)
Static answer (crawlable summary)
Typical device list: Portable 12V Fridge/Freezer (Dometic CFX3 45 class)×1, Phone / Smartphone Charger×2, LED Bulb (60W equivalent)×2, Box Fan×1.
Estimated from: Mfr spec: Dometic · Unbound Solar Power Table (secondary) · Energy Star Certified Products (bulbs) · Mfr spec: Lasko Pro Power 20in — some household values are cross-checked class estimates (not single-model nameplates); check your own appliance nameplate before buying.
| Continuous load | 228 W |
|---|---|
| Startup peak | 428 W (driven by 1× Portable 12V Fridge/Freezer (Dometic CFX3 45 class)) |
| Daily energy use | 1,430 Wh |
| Recommended capacity | 1,790 Wh (25% margin included) |
| Minimum inverter | 260 W continuous |
Frequently asked questions
What size generator do I need for camping?
For a typical setup (Portable 12V Fridge/Freezer (Dometic CFX3 45 class), Phone / Smartphone Charger, LED Bulb (60W equivalent) and Box Fan), you need at least 228W of continuous power. The single biggest moment is startup: when 1× portable 12v fridge/freezer (dometic cfx3 45 class) kicks on, the momentary draw peaks at 428W. For a full day of runtime we recommend at least 1,790Wh of battery capacity (your devices use about 1,430Wh per day, plus a 25% margin for a full day of use).
Which power stations can handle this?
Based on published specs, EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max, EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plus, Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus cover the 428W startup peak and deliver 1.4 days / 1.4 days / 1.4 days of typical daily use. Check the comparison cards above for the full numbers.
Why is the startup surge higher than the running watts?
Motor-driven devices (fridge compressors, well pumps, air conditioners) draw 2-5× their running power for a split second at startup — measured as locked-rotor amps (LRA). On this page the biggest spike comes from the Portable 12V Fridge/Freezer (Dometic CFX3 45 class): a station that only meets the running load will trip or stall when it starts. Data sources: U.S. DOE Energy Saver, ENERGY STAR certified products, manufacturer spec sheets.