The Great Generator Debate

Update (2026): Well, we finally decided to add in a generator, a Briggs and Stratton Storm Responder 6250 running watts and 8500 starting watts, 420cc OHV engine, and an 8 gallon gas tank. This thing will run an estimated: 16 - 18 Hours with 1 blower/inflatable; 11 hours with 2 blowers/inflatables; and 7-8 hours with 3 blowers/inflatables. Why did we finally break down and buy one? We lost out on a school rental they wanted it setup in the middle of their walking track. I still don't think it'll rent out a ton, but I think it's time. We've had a few other rentals recently using a customer provided generator that was a bit sketchy (one we just ran power to an outlet instead, generator kept dying)... granted I suspect those customers will still prefer to try their own generator then rent ours at $125 I can't say I blame them, but we plan to keep ours in top shape so it'll run when we need it. I think it'll come in handy for various church, school, community type events. I've done lots of self education on generators fuel stabilizer, ethanol free gas, and staying on top of routine maintenance is your friend. Other big tip is to cut fuel off at the fuel cut off valve and let the generator die so there is little to no fuel left in the carburetor to keep it clean. 👍

We still won't lug this thing around just in case, need advanced notice/booking to know to bring it with us this thing is heavy, but wanted something that would at a minimum power 3 blowers if needed, at least it has wheels and a handle.

Update (2023): After 9 years of business this still holds true

We've started our 3rd year running in the Bounce House Rental business, and truth be told I can count on one hand (with a couple fingers to spare) how many times a generator would have truly been needed. That's not to say we will never get one, but at this point demand just isn't there to have to buy, store, and maintain a generator - not to mention the other things that go with it like providing fuel, additional liability, and a greater potential for something to go wrong vs. plugging it in to an outlet (i.e. generator stops working out of fuel/low oil/overheating/mechanical trouble...). The other thing is if we did invest in a generator it wouldn't be included in the rental price, customers would have to separately rent out the generator (probably at a price point of about $50/rental in addition to the bounce house), and it would need to be booked in advance.

All that in mind I've looked back at every instance someone has asked or needed a generator, the majority of the time power was available nearby and even if we toted a generator with us just in case when asked to pay $50 extra one would assume the customer would tell you never mind the generator just plug it in. In one case we arrived and found out the park had no power (outlets were turned off/circuit tripped), we most likely wouldn't have had the generator with us either unless requested ahead of time (customer assumed outlets would work). In the last 2 cases customers obtained their own generator, in 1 of those 2 cases, having a run of the mill generator wouldn't have done any good as this corporate venue specifically wanted quiet operating generators (they ran to Home Depot to rent them) and their setup required 2 generators due to the layout (so us having 1 wouldn't have been a huge help anyway), the other case someone brought a personal one free of charge to use for the event.

I can safely assume, even if we had a generator and lugged it around with each rental it would have saw no more then 2-3 uses (being optimistic with that number) over the course of 2 years.

If you intend to rent a bounce house I strongly recommend verifying power works and is adequate prior to a party (check the circuit breaker to see how many amps if possible, plug something in to see if there is power), especially if dealing with multiple units/blowers or at a public venue. We provide 12/3 commercial grade extension cords, which can safely go up to 150 feet with a blower running (plus you get about 20 feet of cord on the actual blower itself), with up to 170 feet at our disposal we rarely have an issue finding an outlet nearby - the exceptions being some parks and large grassy fields. Keep in mind if for some reason your venue lacks adequate nearby power tool/equipment rental places such as Home Depot usually have generators for rent (~$50-100) as well.