Quick rule of thumb

  • Residential backyard with a 30A outlet (or two 20A circuits) within 100 ft → shore power
  • Most LA residential lots → shore power works fine; we bring 50 ft of heavy extension cable
  • Ranch property, vineyard, off-grid canyon site → generator
  • Commercial parking-lot deployment without a tap → generator
  • Beach or sand placement → generator (no hookups in tide zone)
  • Multi-day event with concerns about a power trip → generator as backup

The generator

HDR's onboard generator is a 30A inverter-style unit. Inverter generators are quieter, more fuel-efficient, and produce cleaner power than older field-style generators. Noise level is about 60 decibels at 25 feet — comparable to a household conversation, and below the LA County residential noise threshold for daytime hours.

When the generator surprises clients

  • Less noisy than expected — inverter style at moderate load is barely audible 30 ft away
  • Burns about 1 gallon of fuel every 5–6 hours at typical event load
  • We bring enough fuel for the full event window — no client refill needed
  • Quiet enough for outdoor ceremonies if positioned away from the altar

Shore power

Shore power = your site's electrical outlet. The trailer needs 30A at 110/120V — same as a residential dryer outlet or an RV pedestal. With a heavy-duty extension cable (we bring 50 ft), we tap to your outdoor outlet and the trailer runs all day without generator noise. Two dedicated 20A circuits can also work in a pinch with our adapter.

When shore power has limits

  • Older homes with limited outdoor outlet count — A/C performance may dip on a 20A circuit
  • Long runs over 100 ft from outlet to trailer — voltage drop affects climate control
  • Outlet shared with high-draw appliances inside (during cocktail hour with the caterer running) — trip risk

Cost difference

Generator service adds $100–$200 to the daily rate, depending on event duration and fuel. Shore power adds nothing. For most one-day residential rentals where shore power is available, the trailer runs on shore power and we use the generator only if there's a power issue mid-event (we leave it on the unit as backup).