What size generator for a truck camper?

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

  • 1

Heating, Cooling & Fans

Water & Pumps

Laundry & Cleaning

Electronics & Office

  • 1
  • 2

Medical Devices

Power Tools & Outdoor

Lighting

  • 2

2. Your sizing

Running load1,988 W
Startup peak2,188 Wdriven by 1× Portable 12V Fridge/Freezer (Dometic CFX3 45 class)
Daily energy2,910 Wh
Recommended capacity3,640 WhBasis: 1 day of typical usage, incl. 25% margin for inverter loss & battery depth of discharge
Backup duration:

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

  1. Anker SOLIX F3800~$2,199
    • rated 6,000W covers your 2,190W continuous load
    • surge 9,000W covers your 2,188W start peak
    • 1.3 days of your typical daily use (3,840Wh / 2,910Wh)
    • 120/240V split-phase output
    Check price →
  2. EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3~$2,799
    • rated 4,000W covers your 2,190W continuous load
    • surge 8,000W covers your 2,188W start peak
    • 1.4 days of your typical daily use (4,096Wh / 2,910Wh)
    • 120/240V split-phase output
    Check price →
  3. Bluetti AC200Lexpandable system~$999
    • rated 2,400W covers your 2,190W continuous load
    • surge 7,200W covers your 2,188W start peak
    • base 2,048Wh + expansion batteries (up to 8,192Wh) covers your 3,640Wh need
    Check price →

Static answer (crawlable summary)

Typical device list: Portable 12V Fridge/Freezer (Dometic CFX3 45 class)×1, LED Bulb (60W equivalent)×2, Phone / Smartphone Charger×2, Induction Cooktop (portable single burner)×1, Laptop Computer×1.

Estimated from: Mfr spec: Dometic · Energy Star Certified Products (bulbs) · Unbound Solar Power Table (secondary) · Mfr spec: Duxtop 8120MC (Secura) · VT Extension table (DOE-derived) — some household values are cross-checked class estimates (not single-model nameplates); check your own appliance nameplate before buying.

Continuous load1,988 W
Startup peak2,188 W (driven by 1× Portable 12V Fridge/Freezer (Dometic CFX3 45 class))
Daily energy use2,910 Wh
Recommended capacity3,640 Wh (25% margin included)
Minimum inverter2,190 W continuous

Frequently asked questions

What size generator for a truck camper?

For a typical setup (Portable 12V Fridge/Freezer (Dometic CFX3 45 class), LED Bulb (60W equivalent), Phone / Smartphone Charger, Induction Cooktop (portable single burner) and Laptop Computer), you need at least 1,988W 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 2,188W. For a full day of runtime we recommend at least 3,640Wh of battery capacity (your devices use about 2,910Wh per day, plus a 25% margin for a full day of use).

Which power stations can handle this?

Based on published specs, Anker SOLIX F3800, EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3, Bluetti AC200L (with expansion batteries) cover the 2,188W startup peak and deliver 1.3 days / 1.4 days / up to 2.8 days fully expanded 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.

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