The 10 Best Generator For Tailgating Of 2024

Sarah Combs By, Sarah Combs
Updated
Best Generator For Tailgating
Best Generator For Tailgating

Our Top Picks

1. Best Of The Best: Champion Power Equipment 200961 Generator

Built to last, Champion Power Equipment's 200961 Generator is a self-contained powerhouse that provides you with the power you need when you need it. The 200961 Generator operates on either gasoline or propane, making it possible to enjoy your outdoor experiences even when the power goes out. Plus, it's quiet and easy to use. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: Westinghouse Generator

The Westinghouse Generator is a safe and reliable source of backup power. It is strong enough to run all your essentials, calm, and extremely fuel-efficient for maximum performance. Read Review

3. Best Efficient: Generac 7127 IQ3500 Generator

Generac 7127 IQ3500 Generator is a durable generator that offers reliability and convenience. The steel enclosure protects the electronics from bumps and scratches, as well as protects you from accidental contact with live electrical circuits. Portability is a cinch thanks to the convenient fold-down handle, and the generator can power job sites or recreational activities with ease. Read Review

5. Best Energy Efficient: WEN 56200i Generator

The WEN 56200i Generator is perfect for camping, boating, and other outdoor activities. It produces clean power to operate and prevent damage to sensitive electronics safely, plus it's easy to transport. Read Review

When you go to a live sporting event, it can be nerve-wracking. You’ll never know when you’ll need power and what that moment might be. That’s why we think you should bring a generator with you on your next tailgating trip.

With a generator, you can provide power for various appliances and other devices that plug into an electrical outlet. A generator is also perfect for camping, tailgating, and outdoor events when there may not be access to power from an outlet or the grid. Luckily, there are several generators available on the market to meet your needs and budget. If you want to make sure you have reliable power at your next tailgating event, keep reading to learn more about our top five choices for the best generator for tailgating.

After doing extensive study and analysis over a 22 hours, We think the best generator for tailgating is Champion Power Equipment 200961 Generator. You can consider Westinghouse Generator as an alternative if you're still undecided. Other suggestions on this list are definitely worth considering, and we've put up a useful shopping guide to help you decide!

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Champion Power Equipment 200961 Generator
Our Score:
9.7
Champion Power Equipment

CLEAN POWER: Includes two covered 120V 20A household outlets with clean electricity (less than 3% THD), a 12V automotive-style outlet, plus a handy dual port USB adapter

QUIET OPERATION: With an ultra-quiet 53 dBA from 23 feet, enjoy 2500 starting watts, 1850 running watts and up to 11.5 hours run time on gasoline, and 1665 running watts and up to 34 hours on propane

PARALLEL READY: The optional, sold-separately clip-on parallel kit enables this inverter to connect with another 2500-watt Champion inverter to double your output power. GFCI Outlets : No

CHAMPION SUPPORT: Includes 3-year limited warranty with FREE lifetime technical support from dedicated experts

DUAL FUEL: Operate your 2500-watt portable generator right out of the box on either gasoline or propane, plus at only 39 pounds, this inverter is one of the lightest 2500-watt inverters in the industry

TOP Choice #2 Westinghouse Generator
Our Score:
9.6
Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment

Great Choice for Home Use as an Emergency Backup in a Power Outage - Strong Enough to Run All Your Home Essentials

All Westinghouse Portable Generators are Functionally Tested in the Factory and May Contain Minimum Residual Oil and/or Fuel Odor; EPA and CARB Compliant; Backed By 3-Year Limited Service; Labor; and Parts Coverage and Nationwide Customer Service Network

1800 Rated Watts and 2200 Peak Watts at Less Than 3% THD - Weighs Only 47.4 Lbs. - Gas Powered - Two 120V 20 Amp Outlets; Two USB Outlets

Parallel Capable - Combine Your iGen2200 with the Westinghouse WH2200iXLT; iGen1200; iGen2200; and iGen2500 to Increase Available Wattage and Amperage (Requires Westinghouse Parallel Cord)

Extremely Quiet, Extremely Fuel Efficient: as Low as 52 dBA Noise Output and 12 Hour Run Time on a 1. 2 Gallon Gas Tank - Features "Economy Mode" for Maximum Fuel Efficiency

TOP Choice #3 Generac 7127 IQ3500 Generator
Our Score:
9.4
Generac

USB ports - charge mobile devices including smartphones and tablets

16% more power than Honda, Featuring power rush advanced technology.Rated AC Frequency:60 Hz

ULTRA-QUIET – 40% Quieter than Honda* Advanced inverter technology and enclosure design provide optimal quiet performance (* Over 5 dB(A) quieter than the EU3000is, based on independent third-party testing)

Digital smart lcd - digital wattage meter, run time remaining display, generator status, hour meter and fuel level

Electric start with power dial start/run/stop - three operation settings integrated into one simple-to-use dial (battery included)

Ideal for work or play - durable steel enclosure, clean inverter power and easy portability make this the ideal generator for jobsites or recreational activities

4 Champion Power Equipment 200954  Generator
Our Score:
9.2
Champion Power Equipment

QUIET TECHNOLOGY AND EXTENDED RUN TIME: 64 dBA is great for RVs, tailgating, your next project or home backup, with 4250 starting watts and 3500 running watts for up to 22 hours run time on gasoline

ADVANCED DESIGN: 50% quieter and 20% lighter than a traditional 4250-watt generator, plus Economy Mode saves fuel and extends engine life, and Intelligauge monitors voltage, frequency and operating hours

Engine type: 4 Stroke

Gasoline Starting Amps at 120V:35.4A.Gasoline Running Amps at 120V:29.2A

CHAMPION SUPPORT: Includes 3-year limited warranty with FREE lifetime technical support from dedicated experts

PARALLEL READY: Increase your power output by connecting up to two 2800-watt or higher inverter or digital hybrid with the optional Parallel Kit (sold separately)

CLEAN ELECTRICITY FOR SENSITIVE ELECTRONICS: RV Ready with a 120V 30A RV, plus two 120V 20A household outlets with clean power (less than 3% THD) plus two convenient USB ports

5 WEN 56200i  Generator
Our Score:
9.0
WEN

Great for campgrounds, construction sites, tailgates and power outages

Noise Level: 53 dB operation

Produces clean power to safely operate and prevent damage to sensitive electronics such as phones, tablets, televisions and computers

Dimensions: 18" x 11" x 18" | Weight: 48 lbs

EPA III and CARB Compliant 79.7 cc 4-stroke OHV engine produces 2000 surge watts and 1600 rated watts

Includes two three-prong 120V receptacles, one 12V DC receptacle and one 5V USB port

Equipped with a low oil alert light and low oil automatic shutdown, helping keep your generator performing year after year

Powerful 79cc OHV 4-Stroke engine provides an abundant power supply yet runs at a super quiet operation of only 52 decibels

Complete with A-iPower’s “Low idle” technology for an extended run time of 4 hours at 100% load and 7 hours at 50% load

Light weight and compact at only 48 pounds, making your tailgate or camping experience as smooth as possible

Produces 2,000 starting watts with 1,600 running watts of clean and safe power for sensitive electronics such as phones, televisions, laptops, and other electronics

7 PowerSmart Generator
Our Score:
8.7
PowerSmart

Simple operation: easy to assemble, uses oil/gas mix fuel so there's no need for oil changes.Durable and the structure of the whole machine is relatively simple, failure rate is low.

Stable output: gas generator contains with 56cc, 4-stroke gas powered engine, which provides 1500 surge watts and 1000 rated watts, strong reliability, with a full fuel tank of 0.74 gallon, can run for 6 hours at half load.

Clean energy: 120V household outlets and 5V USB output are installed in thie generator, which provides clean power to sensitive devices, such as phones, laptops and other outdoor electronics.Completed safety design prevents damage to these devices.

Low noise: noise-free environment is one of our goal for this generator.Performs low decibel during operation, provides quiet environment to user.

Portable generator: generator solid handle makes it easy to carry around for outdoor adventures such as campgrounds, construction sites, mobile devices and power outages.The weight is only 26.5 lbs.

Customer Satisfaction: covered with PowerSmart 3-year-warranty, free lifetime tech support, repair service center in U.S., online support in 24H. Any reason please contact with us.

8 Craftsman C0010250 Generator
Our Score:
8.6
Craftsman

Steady Power – Inverter technology produces safe, clean power, ideal for sensitive electronics and tools

Easy Start – Start Stop Choke dial makes starting the generator quick and easy

Ultra Quiet Design – With fully enclosed case

Automatic RPM Control – Adjusts engine speed, reducing consumption and sound levels

Built In Handle – Allows you to carry the generator with one hand for easy mobility

9 maXpeedingrods Generator
Our Score:
8.1
MaXpeedingrods

[Multipurpose power supply] Produces 3500 peak watts and 3000 running watts of power. Easily runs a small house lighting system or an RV’s 15k air conditioning unit or other equipment like the refrigerator and more needs.The 47lbs compact and lightweight design is ideal for outdoor living, RV travel, vacations, food trucks, and any scenario where power is needed.

[Low Noise] At a distance of 23 feet, the decibel level of ECO mode is 58 decibels, which is almost equal to the sound made by a normal conversation or a running dishwasher. At this noise level, there is little to no disturbance to the user or anyone nearby.

[Extra-long run time] while using Eco mode you can extend your run times. It will Run for approximately 8.3 hours @25% load (750w load). Approximately 4.5 hours at 50% load (1500w load).

[Provides clean power] Inverter technology produces clean pure sine wave power to provide safe, high-quality current for sensitive equipment without damaging electronics. Can charge phones, laptops, cameras and other digital equipment.

[Power more appliances] 1 x 120V 30 amp RV outlet, 2 x 120V 20 amp outlets, 2 x 5V DC USB outlets. Support all types of standard electrical equipment.

10 Honda EU3200i Generator
Our Score:
7.9
Honda

Compact & Lightweight Design - At less than 60 lbs, the EU3200i is lightest, most compact 3000 watt series generator we've ever made. Two integrated handles make if easy to lift, carry, and store.

Protected by Oil Alert - Protects the generator by shutting the engine off when low oil is detected.

Clean, Stable Power for Electronics - Honda Inverter Technology provides home-outlet quality power for sensitive electronics.

Exceptional Fuel Efficiency - Thanks to Honda's exclusive Eco Throttle System, the EU3200i offers great fuel efficiency. Runs up to 8.6 hours on a single tank, depending on the load.

Super Quiet - So quiet, your neighbors will thank you. The EU3200i operates at 54 to 58 dB(A), which is less noise than a normal conversation.

Easy Starts & Simple Operation - Quick and easy 2-step chokeless starting: just turn on and pull for instant power.

Added Peace Of Mind - CO-MINDER system is designed to automatically shut down the generator if it detects carbon monoxide gas reaching unsafe levels.

Know with a Glance - Front panel LED indicators provide quick, convenient viewing of fuel level, Eco Throttle operation, and more.

3200 Watts of Portable Power - The EU3200i can operate a wide variety of appliances, including a furnace, fridge, microwave, RV AC, and much more.

What to Look for When Selecting best generator for tailgating?

There are numerous factors for customers to consider whenever they decide to buy a best generator for tailgating. Simultaneously, it comes with many product types and brands, which makes it difficult for you to choose yourself. Thus, we are here to give you support, guidance, and solutions to these problems. Our buying guide will highlight some most outstanding features related to the best generator for tailgating of 2024.

Nowadays, the number of technology sale networks, especially websites, sale forums, or even the online space for customers’ comments, has been dramatically increased. So, you can quickly obtain information on best generator for tailgating available on these sources. 

Along with reading the update of best generator for tailgating on famous websites, you are also expected to go through some needed things below to make a great decision.

Size

Installing home generators requires space. So make sure that you consider the dimensions of all models. You can find generators in a variety of sizes, from smaller units measuring less than 3ft to more large units measuring 5ft or more. A general rule of thumb is that the generator with the highest power rating will be larger.
Be aware that the clearance between your home and generator may be determined by local codes or model specifications. A small generator may require only 18 inches of clearance.

Warranties

A warranty is usually included with the purchase of a generator. The warranty covers both labor and parts for most residential inverter and portable generators. For standby generators which can be larger investments, you will usually get a 3- to 52024 warranty period.
Certain warranties may also include travel expenses for technicians to visit the generator and fix it. However, this depends on which manufacturer you are using.

Automatic Start

Whole home generators can automatically start when power goes out. This allows the generator to automatically start supplying power when there is no electricity from the utility. This feature is usually only available on standby generators, and not portables. These systems can provide peace of mind and may be more expensive than the security that your generator will automatically turn on without interrupting vital systems like heating and cooling.

Type

You need to decide which generator type is best for you: a portable or standby generator. This will help you decide if you just want the lights to stay on or if you need to power other electrical components such as the refrigerator, window, central air conditioner, and the fridge.

Fuel Source

Generators are generally powered by either gasoline, natural gas or propane.
The majority of portable generators run on gasoline and can generally keep fridges and lights running for several hours. These generators can't be relied upon for long-term power backups, such as when there is no electricity for several days.
Propane and natural gas are used more often for large home-standby generators. These fuels can be used for larger home standby generators as they are cleaner-burning and offer on-demand power.
Solar or battery-powered power sources are an alternative to traditional fuel-powered generators. These machines have different capabilities, and their run time can vary widely. However, they might be the best match for you if your power requirements are less than minimal. They are typically used for camping only, not home.

Wattage

A generator's wattage is the measure of its ability to provide power for whatever it plugs into. This information is crucial to understand about any generator that you are considering.
However, this number does not represent the entire picture. Wattage is made up of three parts: power needed to turn on an appliance and power required to maintain it running. It also includes power necessary to sustain a power surge, which is when regular juice returns to normal and all appliances start to work again. Many appliances use more power for startup than their run energy consumption. You could overload your generator when you turn on appliances and other devices. If the generator can't provide enough power, it could overload. You need to know how many watts your generator can generate, depending on whether it is powering just one item or the whole house.
An increase in generator costs is generally associated with a higher wattage. Most people agree that it's better to have enough power than not to be able to run your fridge or keep cool by a fan.

FAQs

Where Is The Best Place To Put Your Home Generator?

Natural gas generators do not produce as much fumes than natural gas ranges. Gasoline-powered generators can produce carbon monoxide exhaust fumes, which is why it's important to select the ideal location. These are the reasons why utility companies and local codes often have specific requirements for placement.
A generator should generally be located at least 5ft from any windows or doors. While some generators are able to be mounted as close as 18inches from the house, it is still important that the generator is at least 5ft away from any air intake areas on the property.
It is not advisable to use portable generators in an indoor environment, such as a garage. This type of generator is best placed outdoors, away from windows and doors.

Can I Vent The Exhaust Out Of An Enclosed Area?

No. The generator should not be used in enclosed areas or homes. The portable generators can only be run outdoors where there is adequate ventilation. As with all gasoline engines exhaust, generators contain poisonous carbon monoxide.

How Do You Safely Run A Home Generator?

A whole-home generator or standby generator must be connected to a switch. This disconnects your circuit panel and the electrical grid, allowing power to flow through the circuits from the generator.
You must manually start the power transfer for portable generators. These products have different safety requirements.

Can I Use The Generator During Inclement Weather?

Although you can use your generator in any weather or temperature, protect it from the elements whenever it is not being used to stop it from shorting out and rusting. It is not recommended to run the generator indoors.

Does The Portable Generator Need To Be Grounded?

Yes. It is important that the generator be correctly grounded in order to protect your safety. The generator must be grounded properly to avoid electrocution. Grounding is a subject matter that must be adhered to by all authorities, federal and state.

What Regular Maintenance Should Be Performed On A Home Generator?

You should get basic maintenance information from the manufacturer of any generator that you buy. However, most generator models will work fine if you follow these guidelines.
Run the generator at least 30 minutes per month or perform a weekly self test
When storing a gasoline-powered generator, add fuel stabilizer.
Regular oil changes are a must for your generator.

 


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About Sarah Combs

Sarah Combs
Sarah Combs is a visual editor who loves to travel and hike. She enjoys taking photographs of her journeys, which help her to remember the beautiful places she's been to. Sarah is grateful for the opportunities that she has had to see the world and looks forward to continuing to explore new places in the future. Sarah is the editor of CampfireHQ since 2021 and has written on a variety of topics, from camping, and hiking to other outdoor guides.

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