Top 5 Generators for RVs – The Best Picks for You!

There are many different types of generators for RVs, but this guide will highlight the best ones. They will power your small appliances and window AC, but will not provide the power needed for larger appliances. The most important feature of an RV generator is its portability. It is easy to stow away in the RV when you aren’t using it, and you can quickly set it up once you reach your campsite.

Regardless of your needs, it’s important to choose the right generator for your RV. The best generators are compact and lightweight. Consider a portable generator if you plan on taking your RV out of town. Considering this your choice of generator should be small, lightweight, better design with easily accessible handles. The best rv generator will provide you with the power you need while traveling.

Having a generator is a great idea if you plan on using your RV in remote locations. It can power smaller appliances, and it can also run a whole host of other equipment. However, you should make sure that your RV generator is quiet enough to not disturb other campers.

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Types of RV Generators

There are two basic categories that generators for RVs are divided into.

1.    Built-in RV Generators

You can only get yourself a built-in RV generator if your vehicle has a built-in compartment where the generator should go. These generators are properly installed and hardwired to the vehicle’s electrical system. This also means that these RV generators consume fuel from your vehicle’s tank instead of any other external sources. This creates a great deal of ease for the user.

What makes them, even more, user-friendly is the fact they also don’t need to be operated separately and will be easily turned on and off from inside the vehicle. These generators are certainly superior in terms of the total electric output they can provide you with. A portable generator of similar power output would weigh extremely heavy and sound extremely loud.

However, since they’re inbuilt, these generators are hard to repair and maintain on a regular basis. They also produce a great amount of exhaust that is dangerous for you.

2.    Portable RV Generators

Portable generators, on the other hand, do not sit inside of your vehicle. They are placed several feet away from the RV in some cases. These RV generators cannot consume fuel from your vehicle’s tank. Instead, they need to be fed separately, which can be a bit of a task at times but is also a great benefit for people who constantly travel around.

In fact, portable RV generators even come in dual-fuel types, where a generator can run on more than one fuel type, allowing you to be more flexible with the fuel choice. The RV generator that is portable can easily be placed many feet away from the vehicle, which is why their exhaust doesn’t do as much harm to a person as that of a generator sitting inside the vehicle.

They’re also easy to maintain and repair as they are easily accessible outside of the vehicle. However, they tend to give you a lower power output as compared to much larger built-in RV generators. They also need to be turned on and off manually, which can be a bit of a hassle at times.

Things to Consider When Buying a Generator for RV

Before you can decide which RV generator to purchase for your vehicle, it’s important to know what your needs are. But in order to recognize your need, you need to tell all the important features of a good generator.

1.    Electric Output of the Generator

You should know your exact power needs to get a generator that has enough electric output to fulfill your needs. The correct way to know your power requirements is by checking for the starting wattage requirements of each appliance that you will be connecting to it. The total wattage requirement will then determine the minimum electric output of your RV generator.

For instance, if you’re going to put two appliances on the generator with a starting wattage of 1000W each, then you should purchase an RV generator with at least 2500W.

2.    Fuel Type of the Generator

Most RV generators run on diesel, gas, or propane. For built-in RV generators, we recommend that you purchase a generator with the same fuel type as your RV, as they directly use fuel from your vehicle’s tank, However, portable RV generators run independently and can use any fuel type without restriction. The choice lies with you.

You can even purchase a dual fuel generator that will then run on more than one type of fuel, allowing you to be flexible with your fuel choice. The best fuel to store for long without worrying about it going bad is propane. However, your choice also depends on where you live. You should go with a fuel choice that is cheaper for you.

3.    Size and Dimensions of the Generator

Although this seems like a small detail, this is one of the most important features to consider in an RV generator. You need to know the dimensions of the available compartment of your vehicle. Only then can you fit your generator perfectly in it without any struggle.

4.    Portability of the Generator

As we mentioned earlier, there are two basic types of RV generators. One of the built-in RV generators, and the other is the portable RV generator. As the name itself suggests, the portable RV generator is placed outside of your vehicle and is a great choice to benefit from for travelers. Whereas the built-in generator is specific to your vehicle and is hardwired to its electric system.

The portable generator consumes fuel other than the vehicle’s, whereas the built-in one uses it from the vehicle’s own fuel type. Portable generators need to be loaded and unloaded every time for use, which can be a bit of a hassle. If you’re struggling to do it alone, then this video can help you out.

Some generators do have wheels to make portability easier, but the others will have to be manually handled.

5.    Quietness of the Generator

For a lot of people, the quietness of an RV generator might be a very important feature. If you’re someone who is also easily annoyed by loud noises, you should greatly consider the noise factor of the RV generator you are looking into. Most portable RV generators are extremely loud as compared to the built-in ones.

However, sometimes placing them at a distance saves you the trouble of hearing the noise if it’s not too loud. It’s only safe for your ears as long as it’s under 80dB! It’s also important to remember that most camping sites and trailer sites require you to use generators that have a noise level below 60dB.

Top 5 Picks for RV Generators – Product Reviews

RV Ready Dual Fuel Electric Start Portable Generator (XP12000EH) 12000 Watt by DuroMax Store

This DuroMax RV generator is a portable 12000-watt generator that you can use in a vehicle.

It is rather quiet since it includes a good-quality muffler with its purchase.

It also offers you to choose between two fuel types, gasoline, and propane, for whichever is convenient for you.

Specifications

1. Dimensions – 30 x 29 x 26 inches
2. Weight – 224 Pounds
3. Wattage – 12000 watts
4. Voltage – 240 volts
5. Engine Type – 4 strokes
6. Engine Displacement – 457 Cubic Centimeters
7. Frequency – 60 Hz
8. Run Time – 8 hours
9. Noise Level – 74dB

Customer Rating – 4.5/5

If you’re looking for a generator for an RV that allows you to be flexible between fuel choices, then this generator that runs both on gasoline and propane should be your pick.

This is a natural gas portable generator and propane generator for both house and RV.

RV Ready Portable Generator with Wireless Remote Start (100554) 4375/3500 Watt by Champion Power Equipment Store

Wireless remote starts are one of the most attractive features in portable RV generators, and the Champion Power Equipment Store offers you that!

The 100554 model generator even includes an electric ignition start.

It is a reliable and powerful choice for you.

Specifications

1. Dimensions – 24.9 x 22.9 x 22.4 inches
2. Weight – 120.1 Pounds
3. Wattage –  4375 watts
4. Voltage – 120 volts
5. Engine Type – 4 strokes
6. Engine Displacement – 208 Cubic Centimeters
7. Frequency – 60 Hz
8. Run Time – 12 hours
9. Noise Level – 64dB

Customer Rating – 4.5/5

If you don’t want to struggle with the transfer process of the generator, then this generator’s remote and wireless access will be great for you!

RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator with Fuel Shut-Off and Electric Start (56380i) 3800 Watt by WEN

This portable generator by WEN is a good option for RV since it’s both portable and quiet.
You can connect any and all sensitive devices to it without risking them since it supplies clean power for them.

Specifications

1. Dimensions – 23.2 x 18 x 20.1 inches
2. Weight – 99.2 Pounds
3. Wattage – 3800 watts
4. Voltage – 120 volts
5. Engine Type – 4 strokes
6. Engine Displacement – 212 Cubic Centimeters
7. Frequency – 60 Hz
8. Run Time – 8.5 hours
9. Noise Level – 57dB

Customer Rating – 4.7/5

If you’re looking for a super quiet RV generator, then WEN should be on top of your priority list.

RV Ready Portable Gas-Powered Inverter Generator with USB Outlet & Parallel Capability (G2319N) 2300 Watts by Pulsar

Pulsar definitely produces one of the best generators, and its RV-ready G2319N is no exception to the brand’s quality.

Even though this is a very lightweight RV generator, there is no compromise on its quality and reliability.

Specifications

1. Dimensions – 19.7 x 11.22 x 17.91 inches
2. Weight – 47 Pounds
3. Wattage – 2300 watts
4. Voltage – 120 volts
5. Engine Type – 4 strokes
6. Frequency – 60 Hz
7. Run Time – 4.8 hours
8. Noise Level – 64dB

Customer Rating – 4.4/5

This is the most budget-friendly mini generator for home and RV that you can pick from our recommendations, without compromising on the quality.

RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator (662220-EU2200i) 2200 Watt by Honda

Honda is a brand well-known to deliver high-quality and reliable electronics. The EU2200i is a generator for your RV that is no exception to this!

This is a great portable generator for people who want quiet generators, that will not be hard for them to carry around, since it is only 57 decibels!

Specification

1. Dimensions – 16 x 20 x 11 inches
2. Weight – 46.5 Pounds
3. Wattage – 2200 watts
4. Voltage – 120 volts
5. Engine Type – 4 strokes
6. Engine Displacement – 121 Cubic Centimeters
7. Frequency – 60 Hz
8. Run Time – 8 hours
9. Noise Level – 57dB

Customer Rating – 4.8/5

For a lot of people, the best feature for a generator will be the ease of its portability. This generator increases that by great detail by being as lightweight as it is!

It is also the most fuel-efficient generator of the options we gave you.

Essential Accessories to Purchase With Your RV Generator

To make the most out of your RV generator, you should purchase a few of the essential accessories that make your generator even better for your use.

1. Transfer Switch
2. Fuel Stabilizer
3. Extension Cords
4. Cold Weather Kit
5. Weather Proof Cover
6. Maintenance Kit
7. Wheel Kits
8. Muffler
9. Wireless Remote Start
10. Push Start
11. Battery Chargers
12. Automatic Voltage Regulators

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Long Do RV Generators Last in One Round?

Different RV generators have different running-time expectancies.

Most generators can run between 8 to 24 hours without interruption, as long as they have sufficient fuel, are ventilated properly, and are well equipped for extreme weather conditions.

How Do You Maintain an RV Generator?

If your RV generator is just sitting around and is not being actively used, you should always run it for 5 to 15 minutes monthly.

This will both prevent the fuel from going bad, and also assure you that your generator is functional.

To learn more about maintenance, you should check this youtube video.

Can You Use an RV Generator Inside Your Home?

Yes!

However, it’s important to check the power output of your generator and the electric output needed inside your home to see if it’s enough.

As long as it’s enough and the automatic or manual transfer switch for the generator is functional, most RV generators can be used inside your homes as well.

Can I Use an RV Generator in the Rain?

No.

For your own safety, you should never use an RV generator in the rain.

When it’s wet, it’s not grounded and you always run the risk of being electrocuted.

Wrapping it Up

A portable RV generator has a number of benefits and is an essential part of your camping gear. This device will keep your RV running smoothly, and will also give you a place to stay. It will provide electricity to your campers and other equipment. If your campers have a hard time finding an electric outlet, consider using a solar panel.

With our help, you can make that decision easily!