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The right generator when camping in an RV can possibly make or break the trip. That’s why we think choosing the perfect model is important to ensure everything goes according to plan, or as close to the plan as possible.
So make sure to pay attention to the details we highlight throughout this review.
This article will be highlighting the main features of some of the best RV generators available. When shopping for one of these, it's smart to review personal power consumption and ensure it has enough wattage to handle your needs.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for RV Generators
Comparison of the Best RV Generators
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What Size Generator Do I Need for My RV?
The size of the RV generator required depends on a number of things ranging from RV appliances, air conditioning, TVs, lights, and storage space.
It’s best to take stock of all of the things your RV has which require power and measure personal requirements.
If your RV has a 15,000 BTU AC unit, a more powerful one in the 3000-watt range is necessary, especially if you plan on running appliances at the same time as the AC unit.
If the AC unit is smaller, then a less powerful option in the 2000-2500-watt range will get the job done with ease.
Considerations Before Buying
Storage
Storage is also very important when shopping. If there's nowhere to put the generator, then it's pointless to buy one. Therefore, make sure there's sufficient space and it isn't too difficult to move in and out of the storage space.
Secured Location
To prevent hazards, ensure that where you plan to store the generator is compact enough so that it does not slide around or fall. Most also require fuel. The most common models take regular gas or propane.
Fuel Requirements
It’s important to look at each generator's fuel requirements. Look at how long the fuel typically lasts, time before changing the fuel, and whether or not you will need to clean the gas tank out regularly.
Review of the Best RV Generators
Now we’re going to transition into the review section of our article and dive into things. Within this segment, we are going to cover the main features of each model, then take a look at some of the most common pros and cons shared by recent customers. Let’s get started!
Best Overall:
Champion 3500-Watt
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
So far, recent buyers have reported mostly that the generator is great. They love that it is almost noiseless and runs most of their appliances. It has worked well for them, even when they had their air conditioners on all the time. They liked the presence of 120 volts, 20-amp household outlet on it too.
Why it Stands Out to Us?
It stands out to us because it's quite powerful and reliable. The gasoline fueled 3500-4000-watt RV generator works amazingly well. It has a four-stroke motor, which makes it energy efficient. Also, the three-year warranty and lifetime technical support make it even more trustworthy.
Who Would Use This Most?
People who love traveling would use it the most. However, people who do not travel a lot will still find it helpful. The generator has a household usage outlet of 120 volts and 20 amps, which make it ideal for them. So, all kinds of people can use it.
What Could Be Improved and Why?
Although it works amazingly well, it needs some improvements. It is still quite noisy if you're nearby, so more should be done to make it quiet.
Bottom Line
Summing it all up, the Champion 3500-Watt RV Ready Portable Generator (EPA) is the best overall. It has all the features to make it powerful, trustworthy, and reliable. It can power most of your appliances along with the standard RV operations too.
Runner-Up:
Champion 3800-Watt Portable Generator
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers are happy with the generator, as it has made their vacations easier. Many survivors of Hurricane Irma report the generator worked excellently to keep their power up during the outage. The household outlet had them going for days on end as there was a power outage in their area.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It stands out to us because of many things. First off, it has a four-stroke engine, which makes it very energy efficient. The twin fuel mode helps in choosing which fuel is more readily available. This choice helps save money, as well as effort.
Who Would Use This Most?
The generator is great for all people. However, people who love to go camping in remote areas will love it most. It will keep them going for hours on end with a single tankful. People can also use it at home in emergency conditions too.
What Could Be Improved and Why?
So far, there have been several reports of noise exceeding the 68 dBA limit. Developers should minimize the noise level so that it is easier to camp with it. They should also improve its portability to make it easier to move it around.
Bottom Line
All in all, the Champion 3800-Watt is a great model. This is going to be great for camping, as well as household needs. Its ability to transition between fuel types makes it even better.
Best RV Propane Generator:
Champion 3400-Watt
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers have mixed reviews, but most of them are positive. People love its propane operation, even for long time durations. They happily report that the noise is quite low even when on higher ground levels. Overall, buyers are happy with its functionality, in spite of some minor glitches.
Why It Stands Out to Us?
What makes this stand out to us is its quiet operation and sleek design. We also like that it has a dual-fuel capability which makes it even more reliable. The fact that it can power multiple appliances at the same time makes it even more worthy.
Who Would Use This Most?
The generator is great for traveling and camping. Since it has been designed for RVs, it helps campers, but others can also benefit from it. Even mechanics and other people can use it for consistent power supply while working.
What Could Be Improved and Why?
More powerful batteries should be used which do not need frequent charging. Its portability needs to improve too, for which the manufacturers could reduce its weight. The tank is also quite small and needs frequent refilling. A bigger tank would keep it working for a longer time period.
Bottom Line
Considering all this, the Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator is amazing. The inverter generator is quite efficient, as it works better and uses less fuel. Just remember to keep refilling the tank to enjoy consistent operation.
Best Quiet RV Generator:
Westinghouse iGen2200
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Overall, recent buyers are happy with its functionality. However, there have been reports of malfunctioning and starting difficulties. The parallel capability helps them run two generators at a time to meet your electricity needs. They also love that it keeps running for 12 hours on only 1.2 gallons of fuel.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It stands out to us for so many reasons, but it's quiet operation is our favorite feature. The parallel capability is a huge positive win too. To add to these, the weight is amazing as it is very easy to pick up and move single-handedly. The power output is great and it varies to accommodate sensitive electronics as well.
Who Would Use This Most?
This generator is one of the best ones for RVers and campers. It is easy to move around and provides a lot of energy on less fuel. This makes it very friendly for your travels when you do not need to run refrigerators and washing machines.
What Could Be Improved and Why?
Buyers have reported that it takes a long time to start even when batteries are there. So, its operation should be easier, and the start should be quicker. The control and fuel panel should be tool-free so that it is easily accessible. The campers do not have time to spend on such nuisances, so they should be removed.
Bottom Line
Summing it up, the Westinghouse iGen2200 is the best quiet generator. It is great when you do not have to operate heavy-duty appliances. However, if you want more power, you can simply connect it to another one. This will save both fuel and effort on your part.
5. Westinghouse iGen1200
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Mostly, recent buyers are glad they bought it. They love that its body is compact and it is very lightweight. They also appreciate the added ease of connecting it with another generator with a parallel connection. Also, buyers are quite happy with the minimal noise production, which makes their vacations more peaceful.
Why it Stands Out to Us?
Westinghouse iGen1200 Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator stands out to us as it has a lot of attractive features. Its compact body makes for a very easily portable frame as it has less weight. The super-quiet nature of the generator is a huge plus too.
Who Would Use This Most?
The modern and lightweight body makes it ideal for all vacationers as they need something easily portable. Mechanics will find it very helpful too as they need all the extra power that they can have. Moreover, it works well in emergency situations too when you need more work on less fuel.
What Could Be Improved and Why?
Its fuel runs stale after 60 days if not used, so it gets a little problematic. Manufacturers should improve its capability to retain the quality of oil. The control panel is a little hard to operate, too, so it needs modification for easier usage.
Bottom Line
It is wise to go for Westinghouse iGen1200 Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator. The generator is not only energy efficient but also ultra-quiet, which makes it ideal for home and camping. Even if you feel that it does not fulfill your needs on its own, you can attach another generator to it.
6. Westinghouse WGen7500
Pros
Cons
Last, but not least, is the Westinghouse WGen7500, an extremely powerful, and fully-loaded option.
Westinghouse designed this portable gas powered generator with 7500 running Watts to ensure everything can be run with ease for up to ten hours at 50% load. It comes with an extremely convenient remote-start key fob so getting this thing started is no problem.
It is covered with a cast iron sleeve to ensure durability and longevity for years. It is EPA, CARB, and CSA-compliant and comes equipped with a three-year warranty so you can take it anywhere without worrying about problems. Westinghouse takes a load off the customer's back by shipping the RV generator fully operational to minimize assembly as well.
Bottom Line
This is hands-down one of the best on our list for the price range. It can sustain an AC unit and numerous other appliances with ease. If you need a powerful generator, don’t pass up the Westinghouse WGen7500.
Best 50-Amp RV Generator:
Champion 4000-Watt
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers have reported very positive things. As they have found it quite less noisy, they recommend it highly. Plus, since it connects to a 50-amp, it is quite surprising to see it having such a low noise level.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We like it for many reasons, including both its physical characteristics and functionality. The generator is super-efficient as it runs for such a long time on such low fuel. The open inverter prevents any power losses too, making it even better.
Who Would Use This Most?
Since it provides so much energy, it is great for outdoor usage. It is great for usage on RVs when you are away from campgrounds and power sources at long distances. They save big time on your bills too, so they are impressive for campers. It is great for food trucks, as well.
What Could Be Improved and Why?
There is not much that needs improvement in these generators. The only thing is the large frame and heavy amount of weight which restricts portability. There should be a lighter body for making it easier to move.
Bottom Line
So, this generator is best for 50-amp RVs which need a little more energy than the 30-amp ones. The provision of clean power makes it eco-friendly, as well as budget-friendly.
Best 30-Amp RV Generator:
DuroStar DS4000S
Pros
Cons
We couldn’t pass up adding the DuroStar DS4000S to our list. DuroStar brings us a great, modestly-priced option that is capable of handling all of our RV trip and recreational needs. This is a heavy-duty model with a steel frame that mounts easily for smooth and quiet operation.
The DuroStar DS4000S provides a 4000-Watt Surge, and 3300-watt continuous power output. This is enough to keep everything in the RV running optimally for up to eight hours with a full gas tank. It also comes equipped with a full power panel with a voltmeter, oil warning light, and multiple power outlets.
Bottom Line
The DuroStar DS4000S is one of the best on the market and comes at a great price. The power, convenience, and optional four-year warranty make this a notable pick.
Best for the Money:
Webetop Portable Generator
Pros
Cons
The first generator on our list is the Webetop Portable Generator Power Inverter Battery, and let us just begin by saying this thing is a beast! One of the best features of this model is that it is easily rechargeable via any wall outlet, car, or by solar.
Customers love the versatility of this generator because they can bring it anywhere and trust that it will be reliable when the time comes. In addition to this, there's a built-in LED flashlight that can last up to 125 hours and is great for the outdoors.
Another massive benefit recent customers love is the power offered in this model. Users can utilize multiple USB and DC ports and easily charge nearly any product - phone, laptop, camera battery, whatever you may need.
When it comes down to it, users can expect the running time to last somewhere around three to four hours when plugged into an AC outlet, and seven to eight hours for typical non-AC uses.
Bottom Line
The Webetop Portable Generator Power Inverter Battery is a super-reliable model that’s there for you when you need it most.
Many recent buyers report using this model during Hurricane Irma and had excellent things to say about the longevity of battery life and how it contributed toward better times.
One of the overlooked great features of this model is its multi-use ability and size. This easy to carry top pick can be transported in backpacks and charge items on-the-go. The bottom line here is you can’t beat the price - overall, a fantastic value.
Best Portable Generator for RV Camping:
Yamaha EF2000iSv2
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
So far, recent buyers have been impressed according to their reviews. They like the fuel efficiency of the generator as it saves big on time and money. The people have, however, complained about the difficulty in operating the control panel.
Why It Stands Out to Us
It stands out to us from other RV camping generators because of its energy efficiency. Also, it is very quiet, making it ideal for camping, even in crowded camps. Since it starts on the first pull, it is quite easy to put to work.
Who Would Use This Most?
It has great fuel efficiency and a long run time, so it is best for vacationers. People who love to load stuff up in the RV and hit the roads find it best for them. This is a powerful generator, so it can be great for use at home too.
What Could Be Improved and Why?
To improve it, the developers need to have a simpler control panel in it. The body should be more durable to make it better for outdoor usage. The tank should be larger, too so users do not have to refill it frequently.
Bottom Line
To sum it all up, this makes it big on fuel and money saving. You can have your electricity needs fulfilled to make your camping experience better. This makes it best for RV camping and recreational travels.
11. Yamaha EF2400iSHC
Pros
Cons
Yamaha has delivered a top-of-the-line product with their new EF2400iSHC. This one is going to simplify the setup and process and amplify the good times with its convenient and powerful features.
Setting the wattage to the correct level is no longer a hassle with this generator's ability to measure and optimize the output required to keep everything running.
Yamaha has improved the efficiency and reliability of their products to ensure they are making one of the most environmentally-friendly options on the market.
While optimizing the power efficiency and convenience Yamaha has managed to reduce the noise output of the generator so conversations aren’t disturbed by its presence.
Bottom Line
Yamaha has been delivering high-quality products for a long time and this is no exception. Yamaha is known to honor their warranty and this item comes with a two to four-year protection plan for a low price.
12. DuroMax XP4400E
Pros
Cons
Another excellent generator to make our list is the DuroMax XP4400E. This gas-powered offering is a heavy-duty model and has an output of 3500 watts, which is more than enough to power even the largest RVs. Because of its size, this model is also a great fit for powering your house during a power outage or storm.
With its built-in muffler, one of the greatest benefits to the DuroMax XP4400E is its quietness, giving out only 69 dB of noise. In addition to this, the four-gallon tank has the ability to run this model for up to eight hours.
Many recent customers rave at the fact that they can take it with them to national parks. Since it’s EPA and CARB-approved, buyers can ensure they’re using a model that is not only powerful, but safe for the environment.
Bottom Line
The bottom line with the DuroMax XP4400E is that this generator is a powerhouse for a great cost. This model won’t break your bank account and is sure to last you through rough times.
One of the greatest advantages to this model has to be its ease of use. Recent buyers love the fact that all they have to do is add oil and gas, and start it up.
Additionally, it can also be used to provide power to your house, as well as your RV-get two birds with one stone!
Pros and Cons of Having a Generator with You
An RV generator can be amazing for your RV to make your traveling easier. However, with all the benefits it provides, there are some cons too. Let’s have a look at how these help you and how it can be a problem sometimes too.
Pros
- These help you have immediate access to electricity when you are out on the road. They help you run your cooking apparatus and other appliances you may need on your next trip.
- They help minimize the burden on the batteries of your RV. When the batteries are running low on power, you can just connect them with your generator. This way, you can stay on-the-go, all the time.
- The RV even helps provide energy to your appliances at home if there is a power outage.
Cons
- Since these are lightweight, they are easy to steal. This raises concerns for security.
- As the generator runs on gas or other fuel, you have to supply it yourself. So, you have to keep some extra gallons of fuel on-hand, all the time.
Conclusion
Don’t underestimate the importance of a reliable generator. The decision can make or break your camping trip. The models listed above have been tried and tested and have all been given great reviews from customers.
Once again, pay attention to how many watts your RV appliances and/or AC unit require to run so you know what level to get. Also, ensure that the model you do pick is in a secure space so no accidents happen.
People Also Ask
RV generators are a great help for those who love vacationing as a family. They not only bring more comfort to your travels but also help you feel at home no matter where you are. Since they enable you to stay active and run your usual appliances, they are great. Usually, people have a lot of questions regarding these. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions;
How Does a Generator Work?
Generators are designed to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. The basic operation for these depends on gas or diesel that you provide. Some even burn propane as a fuel to generate electricity. The generator then supplies this electricity to your RV at the range of 120 volts.
What is an Inverter Generator?
An inverter generator converts the direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC). This way, it helps in reducing energy loss. This, in turn, increases its efficiency, which leads to lesser consumption of fuel. These units also reduce the burning of fuel up to 40%. This way, they help you save energy as well as your hard earned money.
How to Quiet a Generator?
While you're on-the-go, it is hard to deal with the frustrating noises of the generator. In order to quiet it, you can use a soundproof box. There are baffle boxes in which you can place your unit to muffle the noise. You can easily get them online to keep in your RV while you hit the road.
How to Use a Generator?
Using a generator is quite easy, but you have to follow the instructions carefully. First off, you have to read the instructions in the manual that comes with it. Then, check the fuel level and turn off the circuit breaker. Now, turn on the fuel valve and start the generator.
How Much Fuel Does an RV Generator Use?
Different types of units use different types of fuels. This is why their fuel consumption differs. Gasoline generators use around 18 gallons a day, while a diesel one uses 2.9 gallons an hour. On the other hand, a 20-kilo watt propane generator uses 3.44 gallons per hour.
What Size of Generator for 30-Amp RV?
The size depends on the current requirement of an RV. If you have a 30-amp RV, then a standard 3,000 watt RV generator is perfect for you. It will meet all your power needs in an RV, even when using your air conditioner.
What Size of Generator for 50-Amp RV?
A 50-amp RV does not work well with a 3000-watt generator, as its needs are greater. So, to meet the needs of 50-amp RV, a 4500 to 6500-watt generator is best.
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