When you’re going on a camping trip, the best inverter generator for camping is one that doesn’t make a lot of noise. In fact, the best inverter generators for camping should be quieter than a vacuum cleaner. They should be able to generate a reasonable amount of power without disturbing the surroundings. And they should be able to power devices like Bluetooth speakers and small electric tools with ease.
There are different types of inverter generators for camping and they can produce a large amount of power. Some of these units can be used for up to nine hours without recharging, so they’re ideal for camping trips.
Also, these machines are more portable than other models, as they’re closed and contain a low-dB rating. You can expect to see a lot of power from these generators, but they might not be as quiet as you’d like.
The most advanced camping inverter generators have more outlets. They can power your entire campsite. They are the best choice for camping because they can power appliances, including laptops and cell phones. They are also built with inverter technology, ensuring they have less than three percent total harmonic distortion.
Therefore, we’re here to help you pick the best inverter generator for camping.
Table of Contents
How to Choose the Best Generator for Camping
Push-Button Electric Start
It’s most convenient for you if you look for an inverter generator with a push-button electric start because it makes ignition much easier. The other option is to buy one with the conventional pull-starting mechanism, which isn’t necessarily hard to use either but is difficult to get used to. You can get the push-button start installed in most generators for about $50 yourself too.
Fuel Type
Inverter generators can both run on one fuel type only and also two different types. This solely depends on the type of generator you purchase. Gasoline is the more readily available fuel in most regions, whereas propane is considered cleaner and more efficient. So, to make the right decision, you need to see which fuel is readily available to you and costs you lower.
Just to have more options and stay on the safer side, it’s better to purchase an inverter generator for camping that can run on both gasoline and propane. Some generators can be RV-ready even run on diesel.
You can also convert a single fuel generator into a dual or triple fuel one using special kits.
Portability
Most inverter generators are very heavy and can’t easily be moved here and there.
So, in such a case it is only fair to look for a generator that has wheels attached to its bottoms to make its portability easier. These wheels are a great deal because if you were to separately get them attached to your inverter generator for camping, they could cost you up to $150.
Fuel Gauge
Fuel gauges allow you to check the fuel levels of your inverter generator at any point in time. These are especially useful for generators that can be used for camping because they save you from running out of fuel during your camping journey.
Automatic Low-Oil Shut-off
Some generators have an automatic low-oil shut off which causes them to shut down as soon as your fuel levels become dangerously low. This saves you the trouble of accidentally damaging your generator.
Noise Level
Inverter generators are generally quieter as compared to other types of conventional generators.
However, the noise level of the generator you are about to purchase is still an important factor to consider. When you are camping in a desolated area, even a low noise level can seem to annoy you. Hence, you should get the best small quiet generator for camping.
Usually, a generator with a decibel rating of 60 dBA is considered to be somewhat acceptable.
Required Power Output
To find the right-sized generator for yourself, you need to calculate your power output requirements. This can easily be done by adding the starting wattages of all the appliances you will be running on the generator. For instance, if you will be running two appliances on it, with starting wattages of 1000W each, then a 2500Wgenerator should suffice for you.
Generally speaking, if you are camping in a tent, then a tiny generator should work fine for you. But if you are camping in an RV, then of course your power requirements are much larger.
Price
Of course, a very important feature to consider in any generator you are purchasing is the price that they come in. One thing to see is whether the price they are coming in is worth all the other features of the inverter generator. And the other thing to see is whether the price falls under your budget or not. Any combination of features that is too expensive for you is not the best investment for you.
Most generators with a starting wattage of 1200W to 2400W will cost around $350 to $600, whereas ones with 3000W to 3500W can go up to $800 or more.
Warranty
Most generator brands that offer a good and high warranty represent high-quality deliverance on their part.
However, you should check customer reviews to find out the trustworthiness of the warranty as some brands will offer a high warranty but then end up breaching it when you need them.
Related: Top 5 Generators for RV | Best Dual Fuel Portable Generators
Comparison Table
Image | Product | Details | Price |
---|---|---|---|
WEN 56203i Super Quiet 2000 Watt | Watts: 2000 Voltage: 120 V Engine Type: 4 Strokes Engine Displacement: 79cc Running Time: 7 Hours Dual Fuel Enabled: No Portability: Easy Noise Level: 51dB Emission Rating: CARB Approved |
Check Price | |
Westinghouse iGen4500 Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator | Watts: 4500 Voltage: 120 V Engine Type: 4 Strokes Engine Displacement: 224cc Running Time: 18 Hours Dual Fuel Enabled: No Portability: Easy Noise Level: 52dB Emission Rating: EPA and CARB Approved |
Check Price | |
PowerSmart PS5025 Generator 2200 Watt | Watts: 2200 Voltage: 120 V Engine Type: 4 Strokes Engine Displacement: 79cc Running Time: 10.5 Hours Dual Fuel Enabled: No Portability: Easy Noise Level: 58dB Emission Rating: CARB Approved |
Check Price | |
PowerSmart PS50A Generator 1000 Watt | Watts: 1000 Voltage: 120 V Engine Type: 2 Strokes Engine Displacement: 63cc Running Time: 10 Hours Dual Fuel Enabled: No Portability: Easy Noise Level: 68dB Emission Rating: CARB Approved |
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Pulsar G2319N 2300 Watt | Watts: 2300 Voltage: 120 V Engine Type: 4 Strokes Engine Displacement: 80cc Running Time: 9 Hours Dual Fuel Enabled: No Portability: Easy Noise Level: 59dB Emission Rating: CARB Approved |
Check Price |
Product Reviews – Our Top Picks
2000 Watt Super Quiet Portable Fuel Shut-Off Inverter Generator (56203i) by WEN
The 56203i by WEN is one of our favorite inverter generators when it comes to the low noise level. It has been rated to be safe by the US Department of Health and Human Services. This is a very lightweight, most quiet generator for camping, which is why its portability is not an issue.
Although it is not RV-ready, it is still good enough to carry loads of tent camping, making it one of the best inverter generators for travel trailers.
Specifications
- Dimensions – 17.3 x 11.5 x 17.7 inches
- Weight – 39 Pounds
- Wattage – 2000 watts
- Voltage – 120 volts
- Engine Type – 4 strokes
- Engine Displacement – 79 Cubic Centimeters
- Frequency – 60 Hz
- Runtime – 7 hours
- Noise Level – 51 dB
Customer Rating – 4.7/5
This generator features the automatic fuel shut-off feature, making it highly safe to use, without the risk of damaging it accidentally.
3700 Rated & 4500 Peak Watts Super Quiet Electric Start Portable Inverter Generator (iGen4500) by Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment
One great thing about the iGen4500 by Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment is that it includes digital displays for not only its fuel levels, and remaining run time, but also the power output, voltage output, and lifetime hours.
This generator can handle all sorts of heavy loads, which is why it is also RV-ready. Yet it can provide a clean power supply to all of your sensitive appliances.
Specifications
- Dimensions – 24.5 x 17.5 x 20 inches
- Weight – 93 Pounds
- Wattage – 4500 watts
- Voltage – 120 volts
- Engine Type – 4 strokes
- Engine Displacement – 224 Cubic Centimeters
- Frequency – 60 Hz
- Runtime – 18 hours
- Noise Level – 52 dB
Customer Rating – 4.3/5
This inverter generator is very fuel-efficient. It even features an ‘economy mode’ for maximum fuel efficiency.
2200 Watts Super Quiet Portable Fuel Shut-Off Inverter Generator (PS5025) by PowerSmart Generator
This generator is safe to use because the PS5025 offers automatic fuel shut-off. This means that it turns the generator off itself as soon as the fuel levels run dangerously low.
It has a decent runtime and power output. It can carry some heavy loads but isn’t great at handling a lot of heavy loads.
Specifications
- Dimensions – 21 x 20 x 14 inches
- Weight – 42.5 Pounds
- Wattage – 2200 watts
- Voltage – 120 volts
- Engine Type – 4 strokes
- Engine Displacement – 79 Cubic Centimeters
- Frequency – 60 Hz
- Runtime – 10.5 hours
- Noise Level – 58 dB
Customer Rating – 4.5/5
This is a great option to take for camping because this generator is parallel-ready. This means that you can use 2 or more of its units together for higher power output!
1000 Watts Portable Generator (PS50A) by PowerSmart Generator
A very fuel-efficient inverter generator for camping, the PS5A by PowerSmart Generator is a great generator choice to purchase for a safe camping experience.
Although it is not RV-ready, it still has a good power output and will also provide safe and clean power for your sensitive appliances.
Specifications
- Dimensions – 17 x 15 x 14.1 inches
- Weight – 38.7 Pounds
- Wattage – 1000 watts
- Voltage – 120 volts
- Engine Type – 2 strokes
- Engine Displacement – 63 Cubic Centimeters
- Frequency – 60 Hz
- Runtime – 10 hours
- Noise Level – 68 dB
Customer Rating – 4.4/5
This is a very easy-to-use inverter generator. It’s also very easy to assemble.
2300W Portable Gas-Powered Inverter Generator (G2319N) by Pulsar
The G2319N by Pulsar can carry heavy loads as it offers starting watts of 2300W. It also has a good runtime, so it won’t be leaving you hanging during a camping session! RV-ready this inverter generator for camping has a recoil start, so it can easily be started and won’t be a hassle for you.
Specifications
- Dimensions – 19.7 x 11.22 x 17.91 inches
- Weight – 47 Pounds
- Wattage – 2300 watts
- Voltage – 120 volts
- Engine Type – 4 strokes
- Engine Displacement – 80 Cubic Centimeters
- Frequency – 60 Hz
- Runtime – 9 hours
- Noise Level – 59 dB
Customer Rating – 4.4/5
This is one of the best inverter generators when it comes to supplying clean power to sensitive appliances as it includes stable sine wave technology for this purpose.
Essential Accessories to Purchase With Your Inverter Generator For Camping
To make the most out of your inverter generator for camping, you should look for some of these additional accessories to purchase with it.
- Transfer Switch
- Fuel Stabilizer
- Extension Cords
- Cold Weather Kit
- Weather Proof Cover
- Maintenance Kit
- Wheel Kits
- Muffler
- Wireless Remote Start
- Push Start
- Battery Chargers
- Automatic Voltage Regulators
Wrapping it Up
With great variety present in the inverter generator market today, choosing the right best portable inverter generator for camping for yourself can be a tough choice to make.
However, with our help, you can find yourself a reliable camping partner!