Best Remote Start Generators

A decent generator can really enhance your experience if you are out in an RV, camping or tailgating.

A generator can give you great power when you’re out on the go, so you can enjoy all of your luxuries even away from home.

Sometimes it can be a little bit of a pain to get up and manually start your generator, however.

That’s why a remote start generator is a good investment!

There are a lot of great remote start generators on the market. The question is, what’s the best option for you?

Here, we’re going to cover some of the best remote start generators that the portable energy market has to offer.

We’ve also brought you a nifty buyer’s guide that will help you to narrow down your decision.

Best Remote Start Generators: A Buyer’s Guide

Why Should I Get a Remote Start Generator?

There are a number of reasons why you should invest in a remote start generator.

For starters, these units tend to come with indicator lights and other ways of telling you whenever something is wrong with your device.

This means that it’s simple to deal with any problems that may arise, without finding out too late. 

One of the issues with generators is that you are limited in where you can put them. You have to put them somewhere that you can access them easily, such as outside on the ground.

This isn’t always the best choice. If you have a remote start generator then it means you don’t have to be near the generator to use it, so you could mount it onto a wall or a desk if you wish to. The devices usually come with cradles that you can use to do just this. 

Furthermore, these generators are permanently powered, so even if the power goes out it can be powered by battery. The device will even tell you if your battery is low. It’s pretty easy to switch out the batteries too. 

Remote start generators are, as a whole, very handy. Sure, they cost more money, but if you’re caught in an emergency situation it’s a good idea to have a generator with a remote start as all you will need to do is push a button and it’s ready to go.

It’s essentially a convenience feature, so if you have the extra money to invest it’s certainly worth your while.

Things to Consider

It’s not just a matter of buying the very first remote start generator you see - to make the best decision for you, you should thoroughly assess your options.

When making your choice, here are just a few of the key things that you should think about. 

Fuel Type

There are a few different types of fuel to choose from when buying a remote start generator. The main ones are gasoline, propane (or LP), natural gas, diesel or solar energy powered generators.

The most popular type of generator is the one fuelled by gasoline, as this fuel is the most common to find, not to mention it’s easier to come by these sorts of generators.

 It’s important to choose a generator that has a fuel source you can get easily. 

So, for cleaner energy burning propane is certainly best, but a propane generator will not give you as much power as a gas generator will.

Diesel is the best choice for optimal power. There are also inverter generators on the market that are worth considering, as these allow you to switch between different fuel types as it suits you.

Capacity

Before you buy your remote start generator, you should think about the number of things you are planning on powering up.

Of course, your remote start generator may not quite have the power required to get every single appliance in your home up and running, but you should be able to run a few, depending on the size of your device.

A small generator could probably run one or two devices, whereas a bigger device would rev up about 4 or 5 appliances.

If you want to figure out whether your generator can handle your appliances’ power demands, then you need to add up how many watts all of your tools will require to run.

You then need to find a generator that can equal this wattage, and a little extra for good measure. It’s worth mentioning that some appliances have starting and running watts, so you will need to take this into account too.

Starting watts are what your appliance needs to essentially jerk it into action, whereas running watts are what it needs on a continuous basis.

Ease of Use

Your remote start generator should be easy to use. Having a remote start already makes it a little easier to start up in comparison to some other models out there.

You also need to think about things like how intuitive is the user interface, is it easy to change the batteries if there are any, and other things like this. You should also consider how easy it is to move, as it may be a little difficult to transport by yourself unless it has tires.

Noise Level

A lot of people use their remote start generators when they are camping or in an RV. If this sounds like your intended use, then you really need to think about how much noise the generator makes.

Of course, some generators are much noisier than others. They are usually around 50 to 80 decibels in terms of volume. If you don’t want to wake up your children, pets or neighbors, then you should look at options leaning towards the lower number. 

Safety Features

Generators, as with any other kind of power device, can be dangerous if not used correctly, so you need to think about the kinds of safety features that the generator has.

You should look at a model with things like overload protection and low oil shut of systems. They help to make sure that your generator doesn’t get damaged. Your generator will automatically shut off if the generator is low on oil.

Number of Outlets

The amount of outlets that your generator has is also important. You should take a look at the control panel of your device to see the number of power outlets that it has, and what sorts of outlets they are.

For instance, if you plan on traveling in an RV then you are going to need a power outlet to account for that. You will also need at least two to four 120V AC household outlets too. Any extra ports, like USB ports and 12V DC outlets are a pleasant bonus.

Remote Control Distance

As this is a guide on the best remote start generators, it goes without saying that thinking about your remote capabilities is pretty important.

You will need to consider the amount of remote control distance that your generator has, and whether that will fit with our specific needs.

If you look at the manufacturer specifications you will often find that the remote control distance is stated in yards, though others may put it in feet.

If you don’t have any electricity and there’s poor weather, having a remote control system is pretty useful. You still need to find a distance that suits your needs.

Cost

Generators can be pretty expensive, especially remote operated generators. Of course, not every model is the same and some may cost less than others.

Certain manufacturers may charge more for their product, or a generator may have a larger capacity which means it costs more money. You need to set a budget for yourself, and consider all of the things that are complete must haves for you.

From there, you can make the best decision for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do with my generator when I’m not using it?

The best option is to put your generator somewhere dry, such as in your home or in a shed. This means your engine is less likely to be exposed to damage, ultimately making it last longer.

You will also need to ensure that you get rid of any excess fuel from the generator’s storage otherwise you can end up damaging the engine.

Is it possible to run a generator that has been out of use for a while?

If you haven’t used the generator in quite some time, you may be faced with a dead battery which will also mean that the electric remote start feature may not work automatically.

There’s usually a back up option to deal with this though - a recoil start. This will help you to run the generator, at least until you change the battery.

You will need to get your hands on a battery charger that will work with 120V outlets. 

Can I use a remote control with an older model generator?

It’s only natural that you wouldn’t want to replace your old generator because it’s still perfectly fine. Yet, you still want the flexibility of remote operation.

Thankfully, you can actually connect a remote control to an older generator. You will have to invest in a wireless remote control transmitter to do so.

This transmitter will begin to work from around 100 meters away from the generator.