Use case
Backup power for a food truck
Food-truck loads are refrigeration-heavy with multiple compressors. Size for full running load plus the single largest compressor surge.
Running
2,560W
Peak surge
2,960W
Recommend
4,000W
The chest freezer drives the peak here, surging when it starts. Sizing for the running total plus that single largest surge — not the sum of every surge — gives a realistic 4,000W (4.0kW) recommendation.
Typical loads for a food truck
| Load | Running | Starting |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 160W | 480W |
| Chest freezer | 200W | 600W |
| Household lights (LED) | 200W | 200W |
| Microwave (1000W) | 1000W | 1000W |
| Coffee maker | 1000W | 1000W |
Size your exact setup
Common questions
What size generator do I need for a food truck?
For this typical load set, about a 4,000W (4.0kW) class covers it — that's 2,560W running plus the largest startup surge (from the chest freezer), with a 20% margin.
Can I run more than this?
Yes — this is a representative set. Add or remove loads in the load sizer to match your exact situation and get an updated number.