From RVs to Boondocking: Generators for Every Camper

From RVs to Boondocking: Generators for Every Camper

Finding the best generator for camping can be a challenge. However, if you know how they work and have a basic understanding of them, the search process won’t be so difficult.

While you are in the outdoors, there are some things that require electric power and it’s up to you to invest in a quality generator that will essentially bring power to camper or RV so you won’t get left in the dark while deep in the woods.

To help you find the best generator for your next camping trip, we’ve put together a list of the seven best generators currently on the market. Before we get to the list itself, we’ll go over which size generator is best for you and how you can choose one for your own use. 

The Best Generators for The Outdoors

The following is a list of the seven best generators for camping. As you go through the list, you should note the characteristics and features of each and every generator. This way, you can find one that matches the description of your ideal generator for camping.

Once you find one that’s close enough, you’ll have a winning choice. Let’s kick off the list by unveiling our best overall choice:

Yamaha EF2000iSv2 Portable Generator

The YAMAHA EF2200iS Inverter Generator stands out in the portable generator market with its robust 79cc Yamaha engine, designed to deliver consistent high power output suitable for both home backup and outdoor activities.

Thanks to the Yamaha Quiet Technology, this generator comes equipped with an advanced muffler system, reducing noise levels significantly. An absolute blessing when you’re trying to enjoy the tranquility of nature or need to keep noise down in residential areas.

For those with recreational vehicles, the inclusion of a standard RV outlet is a thoughtful touch, eliminating the hassle of carrying additional adapters. The DC outlet offers versatility, allowing users to charge batteries or use devices directly.

There’s an illuminated multi-function LED display that’s particularly user-friendly, providing clear visibility of the generator’s status at any time.

Startup is made effortless with the Smart Dial Knob, which simplifies the process to a single action, making it accessible even for those not technically inclined, and the Smart Throttle feature is another highlight, as it automatically adjusts the engine speed based on the load.

Bottom Line: The YAMAHA EF2200iS is an excellent choice for those in need of a reliable, quiet, and efficient power source. Its user-friendly features, combined with Yamaha’s reputation for durability, make it a worthwhile investment for anyone needing portable power.

Briggs and Straton, 6500W Portable Generator

The Briggs & Stratton Q6500 stands as a testament to what modern portable generators should be: quiet, powerful, and incredibly user-friendly. With a robust 306cc engine, this generator kicks off with a hefty 6500 starting watts and sustains 5000 running watts.

This power output is managed through advanced inverter technology, which is a significant advantage for users with sensitive electronics. You can safely charge and power laptops, smartphones, and even home theater systems without worrying about power surges or fluctuations.

One of its standout features is its exceptional runtime. With a 5-gallon tank, the Q6500 can keep running for up to 14 hours at a 25% load. This extended runtime is perfect for overnight use or during long power outages.

The interface is where Briggs & Stratton really focuses on the user experience. The LED displays are clear and informative, offering real-time data on things like power usage and when it might be time for maintenance.

Lastly, the variety of outlets – including four household outlets, an RV outlet, and two USB ports – ensure that you can connect almost anything you need, making this generator incredibly versatile for all occasions.

Bottom Line: The Briggs & Stratton Q6500 is an impressive blend of power, efficiency, and convenience. It’s particularly well-suited for those who need a reliable, quiet source of power for both sensitive equipment and high-demand applications.

Generac 7117 GP2200i Portable Generator

The Generac 7117 GP2200i is a great portable power solution. Its TruePower Technology is a key feature, providing high-quality, consistent power that’s gentle on delicate electronics, making it perfect for charging laptops, smartphones, or running small appliances.

The design of the GP2200i is compact and lightweight, and with an integrated handle it makes moving it around is hassle-free. Whether you’re heading to a campsite or positioning it in your backyard during a blackout, its mobility is a significant advantage.

One of the generator’s smart features is its Economy Mode. This setting not only conserves fuel, extending the run time when you need it most, but also reduces noise, allowing for a more peaceful environment, so you won’t get too many complaints from others campers.

It boasts LED indicators that alert you for things like low oil, overload conditions, or when the generator is ready for use. The addition of a USB port is a thoughtful touch for modern users, and for those needing more power, the parallel-ready feature allows you to connect two units for double the output.

Bottom Line: The Generac 7117 GP2200i is an excellent blend of functionality, safety, and portability. Ideal for those who value quiet operation and clean power output for their gadgets.

Jackery Portable Solar Power Station Explorer 24

The Jackery Explorer 240 is a great little portable power solution for those who like to spend time outdoor. With its 240Wh lithium-ion battery pack, this power station manages to be both powerful and incredibly portable, weighing in at just 6.6 pounds.

The Explorer 240 boasts a pure sine wave AC outlet that’s capable of handling devices up to 200W (with a peak of 400W), alongside two USB-A ports and a 12V DC car port. This array of options ensures that you can keep all your essential gadgets charged at any one time.

The inclusion of pass-through charging is a thoughtful touch, allowing the unit to be charged while simultaneously powering other devices, which is crucial for uninterrupted use.

The environmental aspect of the Explorer 240 is where it truly shines. It can be paired with Jackery’s own SolarSaga solar panels for a green, renewable charging solution. And the built-in MPPT controller maximizes solar charging efficiency, ensuring that you get the most out of the sun’s energy.

Bottom Line: The Jackery Explorer 240 is a compact, versatile, and environmentally friendly power station. Its lightweight design and solar recharge capability make it a standout, although its capacity might be limited for those needing to power larger devices.

Champion Power Equipment 3500-Watt Inverter Generator

The Champion Power Equipment 3500-Watt Inverter Generator strikes an impressive balance between power, portability, and user-friendliness, making it an excellent choice for RV users, campers, and tailgaters.

With a noise level of just 58 dBA, it’s quiet enough not to disrupt the peace of your outdoor setting while providing a robust 3500 starting watts and 2300 running watts.

The ability to use a parallel kit to connect with another Champion inverter for increased power output is a significant advantage for those needing more juice without investing in a much larger generator.

Ease of use is clearly a priority in its design. The EZ Start Dial makes starting the generator a breeze, while the Economy Mode helps in managing fuel consumption by adjusting the engine speed to the load. The generator also has CO Shield technology which automatically shuts down the unit if carbon monoxide levels become hazardous.

The generator’s interface allows for easy monitoring of voltage, frequency, and operating hours, adding to its user-friendly nature. The outlets include a clean power 120V 20A household outlet, ensuring you can safely power sensitive electronics.

Bottom Line: The Champion 3500-Watt Inverter Generator is a reliable, efficient, and quiet power source. Its thoughtful features like the CO Shield, parallel capability, and clean power make it a favorite for many.

Westinghouse iGen12001 Generator

The Westinghouse iGen1200 is a great little generator, known for its exceptional balance of power, quiet operation, and portability. With 1000 continuous watts and a peak of 1200 watts, it’s tailored for back up power anywhere.

Its less than 3% THD ensures that it’s safe for even the most sensitive electronics, which is a critical feature for today’s users. And at only 33 pounds, the iGen1200 is remarkably light for its class, making it super easy to transport and store.

Noise levels are where this generator truly excels, however. Operating as low as 52 dBA, it’s quieter than an average conversation, which means it won’t disturb your peace or that of your neighbors.

Coupled with its “Economy Mode,” the iGen1200 not only minimizes noise but maximizes fuel efficiency, offering up to 9 hours of continuous operation on just 0.8 gallons of gas, which is impressive for its size.

The capability to run in parallel with other Westinghouse models using a parallel cord (sold separately) is another notable feature, giving you more flexibility to increase power output when needed.

Bottom Line: The Westinghouse iGen1200 is an excellent choice for those looking for a lightweight, quiet, and fuel-efficient RV generator. It can safely power sensitive electronics and the option for parallel operation make it highly versatile. A great option!

Jackery CPAP Battery Backup Powerpro 500

The Jackery PowerPro 500 is a great little portable power station specifically designed for anyone in need of a reliable, quiet, and clean energy source for outdoor or emergency use. With a robust 500 watt-hour capacity, it’s designed to keep a CPAP machine running for over 9 hours on a single full charge.

One of the standout features of the PowerPro 500 is its commitment to silence and cleanliness. Unlike traditional generators, this power station uses a lithium battery pack, which means there’s no noise, no fumes, and no need for gasoline.

This makes it especially suitable for use in enclosed spaces like tents or bedrooms where noise and air quality are concerns. The pure sine wave inverter ensures that the power supplied is as clean as the grid power, which is crucial for the longevity of sensitive medical devices like CPAP machines, which can be run on the PowerPro 500.

Safety is another area where Jackery doesn’t cut corners. The PowerPro 500 is ETL Safety Certified and comes with a Battery Management System (BMS) that oversees various safety parameters, including voltage, temperature, and short circuits, all providing peace of mind while you’re using it.

Bottom Line: The Jackery PowerPro 500 is an excellent investment. Its high capacity, safety features, and silent operation make it a top-tier choice for powering sensitive equipment such as CPAP machines.

Buyers Guide

When the call of the wild beckons, and you’re planning a road trip, ensuring you have all the comforts of home can make your camping experience truly memorable. Among these comforts, a reliable power source stands paramount.

Whether it’s for charging your devices, lighting up your campsite, or powering essential appliances, a generator tailored for camping can be your best companion.

This buyer’s guide answers a all questions you’ll have to help you find the perfect generator that balances power, portability, noise level, and efficiency.

What Size of Generator Do I Need?

The short answer: it depends. It will depend on the number of amps and wattage you need to power your camper or RV. You should also note the size of your camper or RV so you can make the determination of which size generator is best. Keep in mind, the bigger the RV, the larger-sized generator you will need. The rule of thumb is the more things you need to power, the more wattage you’ll need from a generator.

If you absolutely need to power larger appliances like air conditioners, a dryer, or televisions, then you will need a larger size generator since they offer more wattage and amps.

If you just want to stick to the basic appliances like your fridge, stove, or even your lights (and maybe some smaller appliances), you can get away with a small-sized generator with a running power of 1200 watts.

Remember, not every generator is created equally. Some will produce enough power to operate multiple small appliances, but that may not mean they’ll be able to power a single large appliance like a TV (or anything that may require a bit more power).

What Makes a Great Generator For Camping Trips?

There are a few characteristics and features out there that make a generator stand out for the purpose of camping. It is important that you know how to distinguish the great generators from those that are not so great in terms of quality and performance. Here are a few things to look out for when you are in search of a generator for camping:

Price

If you are on a budget, then it is important to find a generator that is the best that you can afford in terms of quality and performance. A cheap generator will likely fail and not give you the amount of power you need. So, find a generator that you know will last you a good deal of time and provides you with enough power to get through the camping trip. Even if it means spending a little bit higher on the budget scale, you get a bit more value out of it than a generator that will turn out to be a disappointment. 

Easy to Transport

Of course, if you are taking your generator to the woods for a weekend of camping fun, you’ll need one that will obviously be easy to transport and easy to move from one place to the next. Keep in mind that while a good number of generators are a bit weighty, they make up for its ability in being portable by having built-in wheels. 

Amps and Wattage

A great generator will obviously be one that is considered to be quite powerful. You’ll need a good amount of power for your RV or camper so you can use the things that require electricity. This includes some stoves for cooking. Also, you’ll need the overhead lights to get around if lanterns aren’t enough or they somehow die out. 

What Do I Need to Know Before Buying a New Generator?

It’s important to know a few key things prior to purchasing a new generator. This way, you can make a more informed decision and know exactly what your intents and purposes are. Here’s what you need to consider:

Know the Appliances You’ll Need for Camping

While a variety of options exist, it’s important to know which appliances will be used frequently while you are camping. Some recommended appliances including your fridge, freezer, oven, or air conditioner, to name a few. Make a list of the appliances you intend to use and from there, you can determine how many watts you need to power them.

How Many Watts Do I Really Need?

Referring to the previous section, the more appliances you need to run, the more wattage you need. Remember, there are some generators able to run multiple small appliances, but won’t do enough to power large appliances like ACs or televisions. 

Should You Use it for the Home?

The short answer: it depends. Some larger-sized generators can be used for both the campsite and the home. Once again, it also depends on what you need to keep things running in your home in the event of a power outage resulting from bad weather. Once again, this is where you need to carefully consider how many watts you need in order to run them.

Generators for the Great Outdoors

The best generator for camping is out there. You’ll need to find one that fits your needs and purposes, so you can use it whenever you need it. Camping in the outdoors can be fun. However, if you are in an RV or camper, you’ll need a power source to ensure you can get around just fine without relying on a flashlight or a lantern. Furthermore, you might not find cooking over an open flame all that appealing. Find a generator that stands out to you and use it for the long-term whenever necessary.