A petrol generator is an excellent back up power option that many campers and 4WDers are already using and loving when they’re off grid or travelling remote. The Adventure Kings generator range consists of a 2kVA model and a 3kVA model and both run on standard unleaded fuel for easy operation in a wide range of locations. Petrol generators are much more efficient than trrying to run your vehicle to power your gear or charge your batteries – the small but powerful 114cc engine will use a lot less fuel at idle than your 3000cc big 4WD engine. Plus they are quiet – the Adventure Kings 2kVA at idle is just 59dB – that’s about the same level of noise as an office conversation! There’s also just basic maintenance required to ensure they run smoothly and reliable for a long time to come. Whether you’re looking for an occasional power source, or something to run your caravan air conditioner then read on to see how you can keep your generator in top condition and ready for action. So read on to learn the basic tips and tricks you need to know, to ensure your gennie will keep you and your campsite powered up.

Number one is when you first get your generator ensure you fill it with oil. Gennies are shipped without oil (excluding some assembly oil) for safety and they will not run without oil. We recommend 10W30 oil for Adventure Kings generators to ensure smooth running and reliable service. You should ideally check oil level before use daily and replace the oil every 6 months or 100 hours (whichever comes first) to keep your gennie in top condition. By not correctly filling up your generator you could cause damage to the engine and shorten the life of the unit. Because Adventure Kings generators have a low oil sensor and low oil engine cut-off by not paying attention to the oil level, the gennie could shut down to protect itself when you need it most! With the dipstick attached to the oil cap, checking is super quick and easy – access the oil filler and unscrew the cap to check oil level.

Next is to ensure you’re sizing your generator correctly – if you’re constantly wanting to power 2000W of loads then the Kings 2kVA gennie will be able to supply the power, but it means your generator will always be working at its upper limit. It’s similar to trying to tow a 3.5t caravan with a small 4WD SUV, sure it might be able to do it… but a big V8 4WD will do it with ease and with much less stress on the components! So, if you’re looking at running near 2000W or say a caravan air conditioner over 1800W then it’s worth stepping up to a larger generator such as the Adventure Kings 3kVA generator. 3kVA of output with a peak power of 3300 watts means it will easily be able to run the caravan air conditioner without being highly stressed and you can easily power other appliances at the same time if need be, without a worry!

Third is to ensure you look after your generator during storage and transport. An easy option here is to add a generator cover, to protect the unit and prevent dust or moisture getting into the intakes and vents. Another important note is to either use fuel stabiliser or drain the fuel if you’re not intending to use the gennie for a long period. Old, stale fuel won’t ignite properly and can gum up the fuel system meaning it’s hard to start and unreliable if you do get your gennie running. Adventure Kings generators run on standard 91 octane unleaded petrol which means it’s easy to find fuel wherever you are – but you need to keep it fresh! Finally if you are planning on storing the generator for a long period, you’ll need to put a small amount of oil in the cylinder to prevent it seizing over time. The easiest way to do this is to remove the spark plug, drip about a tablespoon of oil inside. Then turn the engine over a few times to ensure that all of the internals are covered and lubricated – this will make sure nothing seizes up or gets any corrosion build up while it’s in storage!

Finally, avoid using your new generator in extreme environments if you can – avoid rain and thick dust for example. If you have to use it in dusty environments then you’ll likely need to change the air filter and fuel filter more often to ensure smooth operation. Like all petrol engines, a generator doesn’t need too much to run – just oil for lubrication, fuel, air and compression to make power whether it’s a lightweight 2000W gennie or one that’s capable of a little heavier work load like a 3000W gennie. Look after it and it will look after you – the next time you have a heat wave at camp you’ll have no trouble running your caravan air conditioning, or keeping the fridges running while you’re charging your battery at the same time. Plus, if you’ve stored it right and kept it ready to go, a petrol generator is perfect for keeping the power on at home too – the next time you have a blackout or the power is switched off for repairs or maintenance you’re good to go! Connect your essential appliances to your gennie and you’re golden! Keep the fridge cold so you don’t lose your food, run a microwave to heat up dinner and even boil the kettle the make a hot cuppa that’ll make everyone more comfortable! Even something as simple as running the lights at home makes a huge difference and that’s why a gennie is so good!