What Is a Towable Diesel Generator?
A towable diesel generator is a trailer-mounted power unit providing a reliable electricity source. It’s used in applications where a permanent power source isn’t available, or an additional power supply is needed.
Portable diesel generator rentals can be easily transported between sites, making them a practical choice for construction projects and other outdoor events. They provide flexible access to jobsite-ready power without ownership, while options like towable generator rental, diesel generator for rent, and tow behind generator rental make it easy to match the generator to your specific location and workload.
Towable Diesel Generator Uses & Applications
Compared to gas-powered generators, towable diesel generators offer more dependable performance. They can support continuous operations, making them reliable for extended use in various applications:
- Construction Sites: Power tools, lighting, temporary jobsite offices
- Industrial Facilities: High-capacity power for temporary operations
- Temporary Power: Outdoor events, remote projects, or transitional phases of larger jobs.
- Backup Power During Outages: Unexpected outages that require power to keep essential operations running until permanent power is restored
Generator Sizes, Power Output & Fuel Capacity
The right power generator rental unit should be determined by size. This is typically measured in kilowatts (kW) or kilovolt-amperes (kVA), which indicate how much electrical load the generator can handle at one time.
Fuel tank capacity also plays an important role, as larger tanks support longer run times. Additional features like day tanks or extended fuel solutions help keep power running continuously with minimal refueling.
Sizes typically range from:
- 25 to 50 kVA: Smaller generators suited for light-duty applications such as small construction sites or temporary offices.
- 51 to 100 kVA: Units that can support greater jobsite demands, such as running tools and equipment simultaneously.
- 101 to 150 kVA: Generators for more power-intensive operations, such as mid-sized construction or industrial projects.
- 251 to 300 kVA: High-output generators designed for large-scale sites, critical operations, or facilities that require substantial, uninterrupted power over extended periods.
Towable Diesel Generator Rental Cost Factors
The diesel generator rental price can vary based on project-specific details. Understanding what influences cost can help you choose the right generator and rental setup.
- Generator Size and Output: Higher-capacity commercial generator rentals designed to handle larger electrical loads typically cost more.
- Rental Duration: Short-term rentals and extended projects are priced differently, with longer rental periods often offering more flexibility.
- Fuel Usage: Fuel consumption depends on load demand and run time, which can affect overall operating costs during the rental period.
- Delivery and Setup: Transportation distance, site accessibility, and setup requirements can influence the final rental cost.
For the most accurate pricing, contact BigRentz to request a custom quote based on your project or event.
Single-Phase vs. Three-Phase Generators: What’s the Difference?
Single-phase generators are the most common type of electricity used in homes and small commercial settings. They’re used for lighter electrical loads, such as smaller jobsites or when power demands don’t require running large equipment.
Three-phase generators are designed for heavier-duty applications and higher power demands. They are used to support industrial machinery or multiple systems running at once.
Noise Levels and Jobsite Considerations
Noise levels are an important factor to consider for indoor, urban, or occupied environments. With a towable generator rental, sound output can vary based on:
- Generator size
- Operating load
- Enclosure design
- Unit placement relative to work areas or surrounding buildings
Many towable diesel generators are built with sound-attenuated enclosures to help reduce noise. Review local regulations, site restrictions, and permitted decibel limits before setup to ensure compliance and minimize disruption.
How To Choose the Right Towable Generator
Selecting the right towable generator starts with understanding what your project actually needs:
- Total Power Demand: Add up the wattage of the equipment and systems you plan to run simultaneously to determine the generator size required to handle the full load.
- Runtime: Consider how long the generator must operate each day and whether extended run times or refueling support are required.
- Phase Requirements: Determine whether your equipment requires single-phase or three-phase power to operate efficiently.
- Noise Sensitivity: Think about where the generator will be used and whether sound levels need to be limited due to site conditions or local regulations.
If you’re unsure which generator fits your project, BigRentz can help by recommending the right towable diesel generator.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to rent a towable generator?
Rental costs depend on the unit’s size, the location of your project, and the duration of the rental. Contact BigRentz to request a quote.
What size generator do you need?
Generator size corresponds to wattage or the amount of power it can deliver. Add up the total wattage of everything that will be plugged into the generator, factoring in the starting wattage of your tools. An industrial generator rental unit can’t run at its maximum capacity for too long, so add 10% of the wattage calculation to ensure your generator will have enough power.
The wattage of a generator is usually written out as kW (kilowatts) / kVA (kilovolts ampere), the capacity the generator has for power, and its actual power output (for example, 20 kW / 25 kVA). There are 1000 watts in a kilowatt.
How long can diesel generators run for?
The length that a diesel generator can run for depends on the size of the fuel tank and the load on the generator. Most diesel generators can last for a full workday, if not slightly longer.
What’s the difference between a single-phase and a three-phase generator?
Single-phase and three-phase generators both use alternating currents (ACs) and power cycles to provide power. Single-phase generators only produce one AC flow, while three-phase generators produce and cycle three AC flows simultaneously. Three-phase generators are essentially three single-phase generators housed in one unit, giving them a higher capacity to produce power.
How noisy are towable generators?
Generally, the more power a generator can produce, the louder it’s going to be. A 20 kW / 25 kVA generator typically produces sound levels of around 62 dB, while a 56 kW / 70 kVA generator produces sound levels around 65 dB. A 120 kW / 150 kVA generator produces sound levels around 66 dB.
For reference, 60 dB is about the same level of noise as a conversation or a fan running. 70 dB is about the same as a dishwasher or washing machine running.
What towable generator do I need for my project?
The right generator depends on the size and requirements of your job.
What is the fuel capacity of a towable generator?
Fuel capacity differs by model. Towable diesel generators typically have large onboard tanks that support extended operation.
How much diesel does a generator use per hour?
Fuel consumption depends on its size and workload.
What is a day tank for a diesel generator?
A day tank is a separate fuel tank that supplies diesel to the generator. It helps extend run time and reduces the need for frequent refueling.