Top 5 Factors to Consider When Selecting Your Camping Generators

Australia offers some of the best camping sites in the world. Its unique geographical advantages of being surrounded by the sea on all sides, like the beaches, coastal scenery, national parks, and comfortable weather, make camping a pleasure. Campers can enjoy thousands of large and small camping sites for the most fantastic experience.

However, to use camping equipment conveniently, suitable camping generators are needed. And this is where reputable brands like Jackery come in strong, helping consumers find the most suitable solutions.

However, how do you choose the perfect portable generator? Read this guide to discover five crucial factors to consider.

Activities Held When Camping

Camping is all about fun and bonding. It provides the perfect atmosphere to enjoy Mother Nature and build relationships with other family members. Activities that make it worth the time include the following:

Have a Picnic

Camping will never be fun without a nice picnic. Campers carry a wide range of food and other staff to create a dream picnic worth remembering. Thus, items like a refrigerator, fan, electric grill and other cooking equipment, coffee machine, and lighting are necessary.

These are items that consume substantial electrical power. Camping solar panels are helpful in places where you cannot tap grid electricity. A complete set of solar generators will provide the necessary ability to run this equipment.

Outdoor Film

After the picnic, campers often want to enjoy some entertainment. And there is no better way to pass the time at night than with an outdoor film. Equipment like projectors and Bluetooth speakers create the perfect outdoor theatre, allowing campers to enjoy more time together.

Camping in the woods without grid power requires an alternative power source that will not disappoint. Luckily, there are powerful solar camping generators designed perfect for such situations. It all comes down to finding the right small generators for camping.

Music Party

A fun-filled camping expedition with friends will not end without a music party. Some campers may create a complete music festival during such a season. Music and electrical equipment, such as sound, microphone, etc., are required. 

These are instruments that run on electrical power. Solar camping generators will provide it all, including any lighting needs.

How To Choose The Right Camping Generator

Electricity consumption is among the significant problems campers face. Tapping power from traditional electricity sources is not only expensive but can be inconvenient too in case of outages. That is why a camping generator is the best solution.

However, choosing suitable and reliable camping generators is of utmost importance to solve the problem of outdoor electricity consumption and enhance the happiness of camping. Here, we have highlighted some of the top considerations for choosing the right camping generator.

Endurance

Picnics, films, music parties, and other activities included in camping can be quite demanding on power sources. For instance, a refrigerator or a microwave requires high power consumption. The same is true for film projectors, lighting, and sound equipment. Aside from that, campers may also need to charge their electronic devices like laptops and smartphones.

A low-quality and low-endurance camping generator may not handle such a load. Endurance is about providing the required energy for the desired time. If the generator does not drain too fast, the battery may explode due to overload. Thus, getting a generator that withstands the task is crucial.

One of the features to look for in such devices is the charge controller. When electricity from the PV panels runs across the charge controller, it appropriates how much power should flow to the battery. Thus, one of the charge controller's most crucial functions is safeguarding battery endurance. It tells when the battery requires charging and if it's overcharging, keeping it safe.

Power

The best generators can power more than eight appliances at the same time. One can connect their laptops, lighting equipment, smartphones, and refrigerators, among other appliances.

The more devices can be connected simultaneously, the better the generators. However, it depends on how much the user wants to connect to this device and how many they have. 

Tip: Always look at the power rating of the solar generator before buying. This is the amount of power delivered at any time. Batteries with high capacity but low power ratings deliver less electricity but last much longer.

Charging Time and Method

How long does it take to charge camping generators? This is one of the most important considerations for any solar power device. Also, what are the charging methods?

Consider devices with multiple charging methods, which can support charging at any time. A good device should charge quickly via AC through a socket connection and also from solar panels. 

Charging speed also matters. No one wants to spend too many hours waiting for their generator to fully charge before they can use it. And since they often have larger-capacity batteries, it's important to find out how long it will take to get a full charge.

Charging via AC is always faster. It can take about two hours to charge a 2000Wh solar camping generator. Charging with solar panels takes a little longer - up to 7 hours. Luckily, some of the best generators allow users to connect appliances when charging on solar.

Compatibility with the various charging methods should not be overlooked. When using solar panels, some generators can accept powerful panels, which can charge them in less than two hours, while others can only accept specific low-charging camping solar panels. Therefore, your choice will determine how long it will take to enjoy a fully charged power generator.

Price

The initial cost of purchasing a solar power generator can be quite high. It requires a substantial investment, even though the long-term benefits compensate for the buying cost.

Nevertheless, cost-effectiveness is a vital consideration for such devices. Buying something too expensive, low-quality, or too much for your camping needs is unnecessary. Compare prices from different brands and products, and then choose one that fits the budget.

However, one must be careful not to sacrifice quality for price. Cost-effectiveness goes beyond the initial purchase. Longevity, endurance, and durability should be prioritized.

Weathering Resistance

Different people like camping in different weather conditions. Some love the warmest summer months, while others find winter just as good an experience. Whatever the case, choosing a camping generator suitable for various camping sites is crucial.

The best camping generators are designed to withstand different weather conditions. Their features include:

• Waterproof: You never know when the rains may begin during the camping trip. Even if it doesn't rain, using the generator outdoors overnight can expose it to dew. Thus, waterproofness is a vital feature.
• Heat resistance: Lithium-ion batteries may swell or even explode when exposed to too much heat. This has always been a major issue, even with power generators. Luckily, the best generators are designed with heat resistance features to certain levels, protecting them during harsh summer conditions. Keeping this in mind allows one to get the safest generator.

Weather resistance is an important part of the safety features of small generators for camping. It does not only protect the device itself but also every appliance connected to it. The camper can take such devices to any camp, and they will not fail.

The Best Camping Generators

It is extremely crucial to invest in a high-quality camping generator. But with so many solar generators on the market today, finding the right one can be quite overwhelming. The most important consideration is the brand. With a trusted name, you can always be sure to find the most suitable and reliable solution.

And this is where Jackery comes in. This is a company that has contributed largely to the ever-growing adoption of green energy across Australia. For example, household power bills in areas like the ACT are $800 lower than those in other areas where solar power adoption is still low, as the territory cut electricity prices[1] due to long-term investment in renewable energy.  

Jackery offers many solutions designed to meet every user's camping needs. The Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro Portable Power Station and Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro Portable Power Station are the two most popular choices. They come with the following features:

Endurance

The Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro Portable Power Station is among the best small generators for camping on the market. It features an ultra-long standby mode and can last ten years for one usage/week. Its low self-discharge rate allows it to last 365 days from an 80% battery level, an excellent choice for off-grid living.

The Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro Portable Power Station promises the same benefits - only with more power output. It comes with a first-rate lithium battery that houses two chips for dual battery protection. It also has temperature-core detectors, ensuring safety and reliability.

These are excellent features for camping generators. Their 3+2 year warranties are proof enough of their endurance longevity. The 2160Wh power from the Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro Portable Power Station and the 1002Wh output from the Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro Portable Power Station are enough to power all your devices.

Excellent Power Output

Nothing makes a camping generator more important than its power output. The Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro Portable Power Station delivers a 1002Wh output, creating the perfect source for various appliances. The Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro Portable Power Station promises a massive 2160 Wh power output to deliver the perfect camping experience.

Users can conveniently connect up to 7 devices simultaneously. This could be a refrigerator to cool picnic drinks, charging laptops, and making coffee simultaneously. Such convenience makes camping very enjoyable.

Multiple Charging Methods and Fast Charging

Users can charge these power generators in different ways. The 2*1000W AC ports, 2* USB-A Ports, and DC carports on the Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro Portable Power Station create three different charging methods - directly from AC power sources, solar panels, and car charging systems. The Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro Portable Power Station can be charged using an AC connection and camping solar panels.

Charging speed also matters. It takes only 2 hours to charge the Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro Portable Power Station via an AC wall outlet and less than 7 hours using 2 SolarSaga 100W solar panels. The Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro Portable Power Station can fully charge within 1.8 hours with an AC input of up to 800W and 3.8 hours with 4*SolaSaga 100W solar panels.

These features make them convenient for any camping experience. They are powerful, easy to charge, and long-lasting.

Affordability

Price is another important factor when selecting a portable generator for camping. Luckily, Jackery has the best solutions in the two products above.

The Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro Portable Power Station is a little higher in price, but it offers more power, performance, features, and endurance. It's perfect for a long camping trip with demanding power consumption. The Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro Portable Power Station is more affordable for those who don't have too many power-hungry appliances.

Weather Resistance

Jackery is famous for creating high-quality camping generators that endure any weather conditions. The Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro Portable Power Station and Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro Portable Power Station feature waterproof and dustproof functionality. This makes them ideal for even the toughest weather conditions during a camping trip.

Use the portable generators for camping throughout the night, and they will perform efficiently. Camp during summer and the heat will not be a big issue.

Conclusion

The Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro and 2000 Pro Portable Power Station provide the best camping environment for every enthusiast. The choice between them depends on your needs and camping requirements. If you have hot plates, full-sized refrigerators, air conditioners, portable electronics, lighting, and more, the 2160 Wh output from the Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro Portable Power Station should be ideal. It's good for taking your family to adventures and camping trips.

For those who require an affordable and more portable solution for less power demands, the Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro Portable Power Station should be enough. It can connect up to 6 appliances simultaneously and is ideal for solo campers.

Jackery is a pioneer in the camping generator industry and a global leader. It has created a wide range of power stations since 2012 and is now a recognized brand by over 200 authorized media and organizations worldwide. With such a reputation, consumers are assured of the reliability and durability of portable generators for camping.

Reach out today to learn more about the company or buy your next camping power source.

References:

[1]Island in the Energy Price Storm: Renewables Help AGT Cut Power Costs. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/jun/06/island-in-the-energy-price-storm-renewables-help-act-cut-power-costs (Access: September 12, 2023)