1. Power output.

Make sure the generator you buy has enough power to run all the appliances you need to run. You can calculate this by listing the appliances you need to use and then adding up the “running wattage” which should be listed in the owners manual for each appliance. Now find the “starting wattage” for each appliance and add the highest one to your previous total. That’s the amount of power your new generator needs to supply.

2. How many outlets?

Again you’ll need to think about how many appliances you’ll need to be running at  any one time, now add up the most you’ll need and that will tell you how many power outlets your generator needs. Also make sure the outlets are protected from the weather and dust and dirt.

3. Size and weight

Consider carefully how you’re going to use your portable generator, is it just going to be sitting next to your RV or tent, or will you need to lug it across rough ground? Does it have wheels, will the tyres stay up if the get punctured?

4. Gas tank size.

Obvious when you think about it, how much gas will the tank hold? You don’t want to be constantly messing around refilling a gas tank.

5.  Surge protection

Make sure that whichever generator meets all your other requirements it also has some kind of surge protection. You don’t want to suddenly find that you new generator has fried all your valuable electronic gear.

Read a full review of the Briggs and Stratton 10 HP Portable generator here