a cheap harbor freight 2500 watt generator is probably best bet for
cheap infrequent use

batteries dont last but a few years.

A 1000 watt 1500 surge inverter with jumper cable connection to the
gals car would provide a rotating power source in a emergency. no fuel
storage, no noisey generator, useful on trips. cost around a 100
bucks

I have 3 generators, a 800 watt one, a 2500 watt one and a 4000 watt
fuel piggie.

but mostly we have used the 1000 watt inverter........