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Campervans Camping

Safety Tips and Advice for Storing a Portable Generator

Published 14 February 2024 | Last updated 20 January 2026

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.

Here at Just Kampers Insurance, we have decades of experience finding the very best deals for car and campervan owners. Many of us have campervans ourselves, so we know there’s nothing more important than keeping your pride and joy properly protected.

Contact our friendly team or get a quick online quote to see how much you could save today!

How Can I Safely Store a 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 two to three 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 two or three 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 will charge your battery whenever the battery power is dropping, so won’t always be charging it.

Key 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.

How to Keep 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 build-up 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.

Summary

Portable generators can be a game-changer when it comes to road trips and adventures in your camper. However, when not used carefully, they can become dangerous. That’s why it’s so important to store them safely and securely.

With the right care and sensible storage, you can hit the road with peace of mind that you and your camper are safe.

Another way to protect your camper is by making sure it’s covered with the right insurance policy.

Here at Just Kampers Insurance, campervan cover is what we do best, and with a team of experts and enthusiasts, you can count on us to get you the right policy at a great price. Simply call us today on 01256 44 45 46 or arrange a call-back at a time that suits you to find out more.

Plus, when you insure with us, you get 10% off orders from our sister company, Just Kampers! That means you’ll save even more money and get top-quality parts and accessories for your camper. Win-win!

Click here to get a quote from Just Kampers Insurance

What Should I Do and Not Do if I Have an Accident? FAQs

Do I need to tell my insurer about an accident if I’m not making a claim?

Yes, you should still notify your insurer about the incident, even if you don’t intend to claim for damage to your own vehicle. Your policy may require you to report incidents which could potentially lead to a claim, particularly if another driver later decides to make a claim against you.
Reporting the accident promptly also ensures your insurer has a record of your version of events.

How quickly should I contact Just Kampers Insurance after an accident?

You should report an accident as soon as reasonably possible. Having your policy number, details of what happened, information about the other people and vehicles involved, photographs and any witness details to hand can help make the process easier. Just Kampers Insurance customers have access to a claims service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Will I have to pay my excess if the accident wasn’t my fault?

If you make a claim through your own insurance policy, your policy excess may still be payable initially. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you may subsequently be able to recover this from the responsible party.

Your claims handler can explain what applies to your particular claim and whether your excess may be recoverable.

Can legal protection help if the accident wasn’t my fault?

Just Kampers Insurance policies include legal protection, which can provide assistance following a non-fault accident, subject to the policy terms, limits and exclusions.

This can include help pursuing eligible uninsured losses, such as an excess you have paid, as well as assistance with certain legal expenses, vehicle hire or claims relating to injuries and other losses.

Will I get a courtesy car while my vehicle is being repaired?

This will depend on your cover and how your claim is handled. If you make a claim under a comprehensive policy and use an approved repairer, a courtesy car may be available for the duration of the repairs, subject to availability.

Different arrangements may apply following a non-fault accident, so speak to your claims handler before arranging alternative transport yourself.

What happens if my campervan or motorhome is written off?

Your insurer will assess the vehicle and the terms of your policy before determining how the claim will be settled.

This is particularly important for classic, converted and specialist vehicles, where modifications and the vehicle’s specification can have a significant impact on its value. If your policy includes Agreed Value cover, check your policy documents to understand how this applies to a total-loss claim.

What if modifications to my campervan are damaged in the accident?

Make sure you tell your claims handler about damage to modifications and converted parts of the vehicle, rather than documenting only the exterior bodywork.

Photograph damaged pop-tops, awnings, furniture, fitted equipment and other converted elements where it is safe to do so. Keeping photographs and documentation relating to modifications before an accident can also help demonstrate your vehicle’s specification and condition.

Should I arrange my own garage to repair the vehicle?

Speak to your insurer or claims handler before authorising significant repairs. The insurer may need to inspect the vehicle, review photographs or agree repair costs before work begins.

This can be especially important with classic vehicles, campervans and motorhomes, where specialist components or conversion work may require particular expertise.

What should I do if the other driver’s insurer contacts me directly?

Don’t ignore correspondence about the accident, but avoid getting drawn into discussions about liability or agreeing a settlement without speaking to your insurer.

Just Kampers Insurance advises customers to forward third-party correspondence unanswered so it can be dealt with appropriately.

What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance or leaves the scene?

Gather as much information as you safely can, including the vehicle registration, make, model and colour, photographs or dashcam footage, and witness details.

Don’t attempt to chase a vehicle that leaves the scene. Report the incident to the police where required and contact your insurer promptly so they can advise you on the next steps.

Can I claim for belongings damaged inside my campervan or motorhome?

Whether damaged belongings are covered will depend on your individual policy and the cover you have selected.

If items inside your vehicle are damaged in an accident, photograph them and keep any evidence of ownership and value, such as receipts. Don’t dispose of damaged items until you have spoken to your claims handler.

What happens to my no-claims bonus after an accident?

The effect on your no-claims bonus will depend on factors including how the claim is recorded and the terms of your policy. Even where you have a protected no-claims bonus, a fault or pending claim may still affect future insurance premiums.

Check your policy documents or speak to the Just Kampers Insurance team if you’re unsure how a particular claim could affect your policy.

What information should I have ready when I report an accident?

It helps to have as much information as possible available, including your policy number, the date and location of the accident, details of the other driver and vehicle, photographs of the scene and damage, witness details, dashcam footage and any police reference number.

Don’t worry if you don’t have everything immediately. Report the incident promptly, and your claims handler can explain what additional information may be needed.

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Written by: Jason Sims

Jason is a Senior Marketing Executive at Just Kampers who is a fully-fledged VW enthusiast, with over 20 years’ experience in keeping Volkswagens old and new on the road, he currently owns a 69 Cal Look Beetle, and enjoys attending VW shows and Camping with friends and family.