If you use a portable generator while adventuring in your campervan, this quick guide can help you use and store it safely, so you can enjoy your trip with peace of mind.
How To Safely Store Your Portable Generator
Your generator should be stored somewhere dry, cool and secure but not somewhere the temperature may drop below 0°C. Storing your generator requires the right preparation and it should be kept in the correct environment, so it doesn’t become damaged or clogged. The levels of preparation you’ll need to make will depend on how long your generator will be out of use.
Fuel Generators
To begin with you should clean up any dust, debris or fluids from your generator before deciding on what you will do with your fuel. Your fuel will deteriorate after 30 days if it’s left in your stored generator without being stabilised. There are three options to tackle this problem, firstly you can drain the fuel into a storage container, secondly you can run the generator until it uses up any remaining fuel or thirdly you can fill the fuel to the maximum level, add fuel stabiliser and run for 10 minutes to allow it to circulate. If you choose this final option you will need to run the generator every 2-3 months and refill with fresh fuel and stabiliser.
You should then remove any excess fuel in the carburettor and fuel hose by turning off the fuel valve and running the generator until they’re empty. This will prevent any fuel from clogging in them. Finally, if you’re storing it for a long time you should remove the spark plugs and add 2-3 teaspoons of oil to the cylinders. Crank the engine to properly lubricate the cylinders.
LPG Generators
LPG generators don’t require as much preparation before storage as you won’t have to worry about fuel clogging in the carburettor and the fuel tank and lines won’t need to be emptied. All you will need to do is dust the outside of your generator and disconnect the gas hose. At this point it’s safe to store for short periods without removing the battery.
Solar Generators
Similarly to LPG generators, solar generators don’t need as much preparation as petrol/diesel fuel generators. You will need to disconnect any electrical appliances and solar panels and clean any dust and dirt completely. You’ll also need to fully charge the battery and check the battery’s charge every so often and, if you find it’s dropping, recharge it fully.
Should You Remove the Battery When the Generator is Not In Use?
If you’re going to be storing your generator for a long period of time, you should definitely disconnect and remove the battery from your generator and store it in a cool dry place, where it won’t be damaged. This will prevent the battery from completely depleting and you can use a trickle charge and battery maintainer to keep your battery charged over long time periods. A trickle charge charges your battery whenever the battery power is dropping, so won’t always be charging it.
Safety Tips
The main hazards when using a portable generator are fires, electrocution, and carbon monoxide poisoning. When powered up, generators can get very hot so it’s important not to use them near or on any flammable items or dry grass. You should also give it plenty of time to cool down before handling it or wear protective equipment and always keep the generator away from children. The fuel will also be flammable so it should be stored correctly, away from anything that could damage the container or cause a fire.
Another cause for concern is electrocution, as these appliances are producing an electrical current. This means regular checks for damage or exposed wiring is important to lower the risk of this happening. You should also keep wet hands away from your generator and any other electrical equipment. If you’re using your generator outside you should also keep an eye on the weather, making sure it isn’t out getting wet in the rain.
Due to the combustion that happens in your generator, carbon monoxide can be produced, which can be fatal without ventilation if enough is breathed in. This is because carbon monoxide is an odourless, colourless gas that causes fatigue, reduced brain function and asphyxiation. Carbon monoxide is also very flammable so it’s important you have safety measures in place in case of a gas build up. This can be by installing a carbon monoxide alarm and ensuring there’s enough ventilation.
Keeping Your Generator Secure
Generators are one of the easiest and most commonly stolen appliances from campervans and they definitely aren’t cheap to replace. Therefore it’s important to keep your generator secure and deter thieves from stealing it. One obvious way to prevent theft is to keep your generator out of sight, such as in an awning. However, this should never be done when the generator is running as you may get a buildup of carbon monoxide, instead close the fuel tap and let it cool down before moving it into your awning.
You may also want to chain the generator to your campervan but this should only be used if you are completely certain it will be electrically isolated from the body of your van. If you do use this method you should make sure to use a good quality chain that can’t easily be removed by thieves.
