Enjoying a feast out the back of your car, surrounded by friends and family, all while being at a fun location is truly, a magical feeling. Being outdoors requires a certain amount of prep and a portable generator is one of the most basic necessities.
But finding the right one can be a real hassle. Not to worry because we have covered everything you need to know about buying the best generator for tailgating.
Important features to consider before you buy the best generator for tailgating
Buying the perfect generator for tailgating is not an easy choice to make. You need to consider a lot of factors before finalizing the generator. The following things are a must to consider:
Power output
Generators are made for providing a power alternative at places or times where the traditional power doesn’t work. So, the most important thing about any generator would be the amount of power it can provide.
You should be aware of your expectations from the generator. Calculate your required watt count, which means you should know exactly how many appliances you are going to run on this generator and how much power do they consume.
Add them up and you would know what kind of a generator will fulfill your needs.
Fuel options
Generators run on either gas or diesel. Some expensive generators can run on both. The type of fuel option one should consider depends upon where the generator will be used. If the availability of gas is not a problem, go for the gas ones otherwise opt for a diesel.
Gas is usually cheaper as compared to diesel. But diesel can be carried easily at any tailgating location. Availability and the price of fuel are the main things that you should consider before deciding what type of generator would suit you.
Engine’s reliability:
No one would like to spoil their favorite football match or camping at a beach or a park just because their generator keeps breaking down. It is the most frustrating thing that can happen to anyone.
How would you know if the generator’s engine is reliable or not? This is the most difficult thing to investigate, especially if someone is new to generators. The quality of the generator coils is very important. A generator with neatly rolled copper coils should always be preferred.
Fuel tank capacity and runtime
Obviously, no one likes to stop in the middle of the party just to refill the fuel in a generator. But the generators with higher fuel tank capacity are usually more expensive.
You need to know your budget before looking out for a generator that has enough fuel capacity for the whole party. Although there is one downside of a generator with a large fuel tank capacity and that is their weight. Extra fuel can add extra weight which makes the generator difficult to carry.
Outlets
Several outlets decide how many electrical devices can run on a generator at the same time. Whereas the outlets type decide which type of devices can be connected to it i.e. high voltage or low voltage.
The number and type of outlets you need depend upon your usage. If you need the generator for low voltage appliances like charging your phones etc., you do not need to invest in bigger generators. Small generators will do fine for you.
If you want to run your cooking stove or refrigerator on it, then you would need a bigger generator with high voltage outlets.
Noise level
This factor is not related to the performance of the generator, but it is still very important. People usually go camping in the countryside to enjoy the silence. What would be the purpose of going if all the serenity is tarnished by heavy background noise caused by the generator?
So, it’s always important to consider the generators noise level.
Size, weight, and portability
An ideal tailgate generator should be small and easy to carry. But if you need a higher fuel tank capacity and a higher power output, your generator will get bigger.
Tailgate generators are meant to be carried around. A bigger and heavier generator will make your life very difficult. So, don’t go for extra power. Always opt for a generator that fulfills your power requirements. Such generators are comparatively small and easy to carry.
Safety features
Look for the generators that come with proper safety measures. Your generator should be able to detect when the power usage is exceeding the power capacity of the generator. It should turn off automatically before causing itself any damage.
Low fuel shutoff is another safety feature that every tailgating generator must-have. It turns the generator off automatically as soon as the fuel levels drop too low. This feature protects your generator’s engine from damage that is beyond repair.
Warranty
Whatever the product may be, everyone wants a warranty. Especially, when you are going to buy something expensive like generators, a warranty is a must. Moreover, a longer warranty means the company is confident in its product.
Always follow the company’s guidelines to maintain the product otherwise the warranty will be null and void.
List of the top 8 best generators for tailgating:
1. Honda EU2200i – best generator for tailgating
Key features:
- Power Output: 2200-watts
- Run time:6 hours
- Noise value: 48-57 dBA
The Honda EU2200i product tops our list of the easiest to use, reliable, and fuel-efficient generators. The maximum power output that you can achieve through this generator is 2200-watts. The power output is sufficient to run high voltage appliances.
Honda generators are designed to run only on unleaded gasoline. Its fuel tank comes with a capacity of 3.6-liters and can last up to 9.6 hours. This generator tends to provide more reliability than others as it comes with a 3-year commercial/residential warranty
You don’t have to worry about the noise as it produces a sound of 48-57 dBA only. It’s small and weighs only 40 pounds which makes it very easy to carry. It comes with a fuel shut off valve that automatically turns off the generator as soon as the fuel levels drop too low.
Pros
- A single fuel tank can last up to 9.6 hours
- Weighs only 40 pounds
- Comes with a 3-year commercial/residential warranty
- Very quiet
Cons
- A limited number of outlets allowed
- Expensive
2. Westinghouse iGen2200
Key features:
- Power Output: 1800-watts
- Run time: 12-hours
- Noise value: 52 dBA
iGen2200 is a highly rated generator that is ideal for your tailgating experience. The maximum power output that can be achieved through this generator is 1800-watts.
It runs on gasoline. And its fuel tank comes with a capacity of 1.2- gallons and has a run time of 12-hours. High voltage electrical devices that consume more power can run on it without any power failure.
You don’t have to worry about the noise as it produces 52 dBA only. It weighs 46-pounds which makes it quite easy to carry. It is supported with oil shutdown safety features which help keep your generated protected at all times.
However, despite its great performance, some users have reported an issue of a gasoline leak.
Pros
- Power output can support devices that consume high voltage
- Light-weighed
- Doesn’t produce much noise
- Covered Outlets
Cons
- Fuel tank leakage issues
3. Briggs & Stratton P2200 Power Smart Series
Key features:
- Power Output: 2200-watts
- Run time: 8 hours
- Noise value:59-decibels
This product belongs to the league of generators that have a power output of 2200-watts. Its fuel tank comes with a capacity of 1 Gallon and can last up to 8 hours. This generator tends to provide more reliability than others. The product offers a minimum 90-day warranty.
The company claims that it produces a noise of 59-decibels only, but some customers reviewed that it is louder than what has been advertised. It’s small in size and comes with a handle that makes it one of the easiest to carry. You can trust the generator with your precious mobiles and laptops as the company claims it produces 3% total harmonic distortion.
The generator has a slight problem with its on/off switch that can be very frustrating.
Pros
- Reliable
- Comes with a handle that makes it easy to carry
- Parallel Capable
Cons
- No Fuel Gauge
- Problems with its on/off switch
4. Champion Dual Fuel RV Ready
Key features:
- Power Output: 3400-watt
- Run time: 5 hours
- Noise value: 59 dBA
This product belongs to the league of bigger generators. It is expensive and is made for bigger events that require extra power. The maximum power output that you can achieve through this generator is 3400-watt.
It comes with dual fuel options that are gasoline and propane. Its fuel tank comes with a capacity of 0.6-quarts and has a run time of 7.5 hours. It offers a 3-year limited warranty. In case of fuel shortage, it will protect your generator by shutting itself down automatically.
It produces a sound of 59 dBA at 23 feet. It is slightly on the larger end and weighs 95.70 lbs. Its built-in wheels make it one of the easiest to move. Its low oil shut-off sensor keeps track of the fuel.
The downside of this product is that it only offers two 120-V outlets.
Pros
- Dual Fuel Capable
- Extensive run time
- Comes with a built-in tire that makes it easier to carry
- Reliable
Cons
- Comes with only two 120v outlets
5. WEN 56200i
Key features:
- Power Output: 2000-watts
- Run time: 4-hours
- Noise value: 51 dBA
WEN 56200i has a very good power output value while being one of the cheapest products on the list. The maximum power output that you can achieve through this generator is 1600 rated watts and 2000 surge watts.
It contains a 4-stroke 79.7 cc engine that runs only on gasoline. Its fuel tank comes with a capacity of 1 Gallon and can last up to 9.4-hours. Moreover, is small in size but offers one 12V DC receptacle, one 5V USB port, and 2 three-prong 120V receptacles. Since it has a calculated noise value of 51 dBA it is not noisy.
However, it is not very well-built, which makes it a bit un-durable. In addition to that, its run time is on the lower side.
Pros
- Affordable generator
- Easy to carry
- 4-stroke engine
Cons
- Lower run-time
- Less sturdy construction
6. Generac 7117 Gp2200I W 50St Inverter
Key features:
- Power Output: 2200-watt
- Run time: 75 hours
- Noise value: 60-70dB
The maximum power output that you can achieve through this generator is 2200-watt. The maximum voltage is 120 volts. The fuel tank should be filled with fresh gasoline that has a rating of 87 octanes. Its fuel tank capacity is 1.2-gallons and can provide a run time of 10.75 hours at 25% load.
It produces about 60-70dB of noise which is the highest range in our list. Hence, it got some bad customer reviews.
Although an added advantage is that it only weighs 46-lbs which makes it easy to carry.
Pros
- Covered Outlets
- Mid-level Power
- Lightweight
Cons
- Very loud
- Bad customers review
7. Atima Inverter Generator AY2000i
key features:
- Power Output: 2000-watts
- Run time: 10 hours
- Noise value: 52 dBA
Atima’s AY2000i is a beautifully designed generator that looks like a suitcase. The maximum power output that can be achieved through this generator is 2000-watts. Its Gasoline-Powered fuel tank comes with a capacity of 1-gallon and can last up to 10 hours at ¼ load. The product has a 2-Year warranty.
You won’t have to worry about noise as it produces 52 dBA only. Furthermore, it is small in size and weighs only 50.6 pounds. Its suitcase design makes it one of the easiest generators to carry. This product features both advanced inverter technology & Pulse Width Modulation (PWM).
Sadly, a few users reported that the generator started throwing oil after some months of use.
Pros
- Beautiful design
- Reliable
- Strong engine
- 2-years warranty
Cons
- After some months of use, the generator starts throwing oil
8. Yamaha EF2000iSv2
Key features:
- Power Output: 2000 watts
- Run time: 5 hours
- Noise value: 5 dBA
It is a small-sized, beautifully designed, average powered generator. The maximum power output that can be achieved through this generator is 1600 running watts and 2000 starting watts.
It can run only on Gasoline. Its fuel tank comes with a capacity of 1.1-gallons and can last up to 10.5 hours at 25% load. It is one of the most reliable generators. The company offers a 3-year limited warranty which shows their confidence in the product.
It produces a sound of 51.5 dBA at 1/4 load. It’s a compact generator that weighs only 44.1 pounds. Its suitcase-type handle makes it quite easy to carry. The product offers Width Modulation (PWM) control
Pros
- Low-Mid Level Power
- Beautiful design
- Strongly built
- Operate quietly
Cons
- Expensive
Conclusion:
We have come to the end of the article. We hope you would have known by now what type of generator will suit you and your pocket. All the listed products are the best in their way. You just need to buy the one which suits your needs.We would suggest you buy the one that gives you enough power output. We hope all your rendezvous is filled with joy, laughter, and unlimited power supply.
FAQs:
- Which Is the Quietest Generator for Tailgating?
Our top listed product Honda EU2200i is the quietest. Its noise value can go as low as 48 dBA. - What safety features should you look for in a tailgating generator?
Look for the generators that come with proper safety measures. Your generator should be able to detect when the power usage is exceeding the power capacity of the generator. Your generator should turn off automatically before causing itself any damage.
Low fuel shutoff is another safety feature that every tailgating generator must-have. It turns the generator off automatically as soon as the fuel levels drop too low. This feature protects your generator’s engine from damage that is beyond repair.
What should be the size of a tailgating generator?
An ideal tailgate generator should be small and easy to carry. But if you need higher fuel tank capacity and higher power output, your generator will get bigger.
Tailgate generators are meant to be carried around. A bigger and heavier generator will make your life very difficult. So, don’t go for extra power. Always opt for a generator that will fulfill your power requirements. Such generators are comparatively small and easy to carry.
How quiet a tailgating generator should be?
Noise should be as low as possible. People usually go camping in the countryside to enjoy the silence. What would be the purpose of going if all they hear is the noise of the generator?
So, always look for the generator that doesn’t produce much noise.
How far a generator should be placed from my car?
You need to keep the generator close to your eye but not too close as its noise and smell will irritate your guests
What is the importance of the number of outlets in a tailgating generator?
Some outlets decide how many electrical devices can run on the generator at a time. The type of outlet decides which type of devices can be connected i.e. high voltage or low voltage.