I have been down this apparently controversial road before but in this case I believe it is worth another visit. Should people who have an RV equipped with a generator be able to use it when camping?

Apparently for a number of RVers the answer would be a big fat, NO.

I find this to be, well, off putting. I am trying to be delicate here. I’m sure I’ll be less so as we go along.

Obviously if you are in a campsite with full or even partial hook ups, mainly electrical, this is not an issue. You will not need to turn on your generator. However I find YouTubers, blogs or magazine articles with RV Etiquette lists almost always include in these lists that not using your generator while boondocking is a virtue (camping somewhere in your rig with no electrical or sewer hook ups).

The ask is usually accompanied by the request to be “considerate” of your neighbor and often a comment will also have an additional caveat that goes something like, “I go camping to find peace and quiet.”

These lists all have reasonable considerations.

Pick up after your pets poo, do not walk through other people’s camp sites, leave your site as clean as you found it etc.

The “do not use your generator”? Nope.

I am repeating myself but I seem to have been misunderstood by at least one reader so let me clarify.

I do not in any way believe I am better than anyone else. In fact, I feel those who ask (demand) that the generator that comes with most Recreation Vehicles, not be used because they don’t like the noise, are the ones with an attitude.

I was sarcastic, glib and a bit harsh in the blog “If I Hear One More Time Not To Use My Generator” . It’s how I roll sometimes. I do not regret anything I said however, my tone could have used a bit of polishing. I am remaining firm though. What I said still stands.

I and thousands of us bought an RV with a generator. I intend to use it. For example, I have a small dog. I am not going to have him suffer inside my rig at some campsite because someone somewhere in some state park might hear my generator. Nor am I going to suffer. My husband feels the same.

As I said before, if you need absolute peace and quiet, do not camp near any other living soul. Be certain to stay isolated. Federal and state parks have thousands of acres of land. Make certain you isolate. It is up to you to find your tranquility. When boondocking in wilderness, I go where no man goes before me. Do not camp near me.

If I am not breaking any camping rules, I will be using my generator and if need be, it will be on all through the night. I find it selfish to impose your restrictions on me. If you like to have open windows in 80 to 90 degree or more heat, fine. I do not. I like air conditioning, I’ll be using my generator to power it. Camp elsewhere.

I am not better than anyone at all for this. I think it is the opposite. I believe those who impose their personal restrictions upon me about using a perfectly good generator are the ones who act as kings/queens lording over the rest of us.

How does that go? “You’re not the boss of me!”

Until next time: Duty, Honor and Seeing the Country RV Style!