Question 1

What size generator do I need?

Accepted Answer

Add up the running watts of everything the generator will power, then add the single largest starting or surge load on top of that number, not the surge of every device. If your total running load is 4,500 watts and the largest single surge is 2,000 watts, your minimum is 6,500 watts. That method works for straightforward loads. If you are working from equipment amperage rather than watts, the amp chart is a useful cross-check. Three-phase equipment, large motors, variable frequency drives, and UPS systems all change the math, which is why Mobile Air & Power Rentals sizes against measured load demands and site constraints rather than nameplate totals alone.

Question 2

What is the difference between kVA and kW on a rental generator?

Accepted Answer

kVA is apparent power, while kW is the real, usable power the generator actually delivers. Rental generators are commonly rated at a 0.8 power factor, so a 25 kVA unit delivers 20 kW and a 150 kVA unit delivers 120 kW. When comparing a generator against your load calculation, always compare in kW. Sizing off the kVA number is one of the most common ways facilities end up undersized by 20%.

Question 3

What sizes of rental generators are available?

Accepted Answer

Mobile Air's fleet starts at roughly 20 kW (25 kVA) and runs up to 1 megawatt of capacity, covering applications from a single piece of equipment to an entire office building. Common mid-range units include 36 kW (45 kVA), 120 kW (150 kVA), and 480 kW (600 kVA) models from manufacturers including MultiQuip, TecnoGen, and MMD. If your requirement falls between standard ratings, the recommendation is built around your measured load rather than simply rounding up to the next unit on the shelf.

Question 4

What kW capacities are available for towable generator rentals?

Accepted Answer

Portable, trailer-mounted units make up the small and mid-range of Mobile Air's fleet, starting around 20 kW (25 kVA), and are designed to be delivered directly to a jobsite without a crane or permanent pad. Larger capacities arrive on trailers or skids depending on the unit and available access. Share your site access constraints, including gate width, ground conditions, and drop location, so they can be factored into the equipment recommendation before delivery.

Question 5

How long can a rental generator run before it needs refueling?

Accepted Answer

Run time depends on load, not just tank size. A generator operating at half load uses less fuel than the same unit operating at full load, so actual runtime varies with the application. Onboard tanks generally cover a working shift to a full day at typical load. For extended outages or continuous operation, an external rental fuel tank can substantially extend runtime and reduce how often refueling is required.

Question 6

Are rental generators quiet enough to run near occupied buildings or events?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you specify a sound-attenuated unit. Mobile Air's fleet includes sound-attenuated models with enclosures designed to reduce operating noise for applications near offices, hospitals, hotels, and event venues. If your site has a specific requirement, such as a property-line decibel limit or permit condition, share it before the rental is specified so noise requirements can be considered when selecting equipment.

Question 7

Which industries commonly rent generators?

Accepted Answer

Generator rentals are commonly used by manufacturing plants bridging production through utility work or service upgrades, healthcare facilities supporting critical systems, construction sites operating before permanent electrical service is available, and events or venues powering temporary infrastructure. Data centers, utilities, and municipalities may also use rental generators during outages and restoration work. Mobile Air works across these demanding applications from branch locations nationwide, which is why generator sizing begins with the actual load and operating requirements rather than the industry alone.

Question 8

What is included with a generator rental?

Accepted Answer

A Mobile Air generator rental includes consulting and sizing, delivery, setup, and on-site management, with 24/7 support throughout the rental. Units are maintained through a rigorous preventative maintenance program and stored under controlled conditions between rentals. That preparation is particularly important during an emergency, when the generator needs to start reliably and carry the required load.

Question 9

Should I rent or buy a generator?

Accepted Answer

Renting generally makes sense when your power requirement is temporary, seasonal, or unpredictable, including outages, planned maintenance shutdowns, construction phases, events, and project-based supplemental power. Renting avoids the initial capital investment as well as ongoing maintenance, load bank testing, fuel management, and storage costs. It also allows you to size equipment for each project instead of committing permanently to one capacity. Buying may make more sense when you have a permanent, code-required standby power requirement with a known load. Even then, rental power can bridge the gap while a permanent generator is specified, delivered, repaired, or replaced.

Question 10

Why rent a generator from Mobile Air & Power Rentals instead of a general equipment yard?

Accepted Answer

Two differences matter on site: sizing and readiness. Rather than simply renting a generator from an equipment list, Mobile Air assesses your power requirements, site constraints, and load demands, then specifies the generator and distribution equipment to match. Units are maintained through a rigorous preventative maintenance process and stored under optimal conditions. Installation and 24/7 support also come from the same company that provides the equipment, giving you a single partner to call if something needs attention during the rental.

Rental Generators

Reliable and Versatile Rental Generators for Every Need

Why Choose MAPR for Your Rental Generator Needs:

Why Choose Mobile Air & Power Rentals for Engineered Solutions?

25Kva – 20kW Rental Generator | Tecno Gen

25Kva – 20kW Rental Generator | MultiQuip WhisperWatt

45Kva 36kW Rental Generator | MultiQuip WhisperWatt

Have Questions?

Available for rental in these locations

Frequently Asked Questions

+ What size generator do I need?

+ What is the difference between kVA and kW on a rental generator?

+ What sizes of rental generators are available?

+ What kW capacities are available for towable generator rentals?

+ How long can a rental generator run before it needs refueling?

+ Are rental generators quiet enough to run near occupied buildings or events?

+ Which industries commonly rent generators?

+ What is included with a generator rental?

+ Should I rent or buy a generator?

+ Why rent a generator from Mobile Air & Power Rentals instead of a general equipment yard?

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