Best Generators for RVs

Having an RV is synonymous with camping, road trips, and just getting away from the stressors even just for a little while.

Most RV owners are either solo travelers or someone who wants to take his family out for a trip. But whatever you use your RV for, it’s always best to have a generator handy.

Generators are important for emergency purposes. But they’re equally important when you’re out in the wilderness. Finding the best generators for RVs can take time – that’s why we have prepared the handy guide and recommendation for you below!

We need light and good ventilation especially if the weather is chilly at night. Warm food is also better than packed or ready-to-eat meals.

Moreover, when we’re on the road driving and something happens like the battery is dying, we don’t have to panic being stuck in the jungle if we have a generator. It might not fully power the batteries, but it will be sufficient so you can arrive at your destination or head back home.

I searched for some of the best generators for RVs in the hopes of you finding an ideal one if you haven’t already.

Champion 3400 Watt RV Ready Inverter Generator

Power can come in a small package.

This inverter generator from Champion has 3400 watts that run on either gasoline or propane which you can easily switch to whenever you change your mind.

Features of the Champion 3400 Watt Inverter Generator

Power

  • 3400 starting watts, 3100 running watts (Gasoline)
  • 3060 starting watts, 2790 running watts (Propane)

Run Time:

  • 7 ½  hours at 25% load (Gasoline)
  • 14 ½ hours at 25% load (Propane)

Technology:

  • Electric start (battery included)
  • Cold Start Technology for a quick start during cold weather
  • Economy Mode for fuel-efficiency

Safety:

  • ˂ 3% THD which is safe for sensitive electronic devices
  • Low oil shut-off (0.6-quart oil capacity)
  • EPA
  • CARB

Noise Level: 59 dBA from 23 feet

Dimension: 25.1” L x 17.3” W x 18.3” H

Weight: 95.7 lbs

Pros
  • Powerful
  • Economic
  • Easy to use
  • Not too loud
  • Safe
  • Long run time
Cons
  • A bit heavy for its size
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WEN 56225i 2250 Watt Inverter Generator

A true portable inverter generator.

It has a 79.7cc 4-stroke OHV engine which gives off 2250 surge watts and 1800 running watts fueled by gasoline.

Features of the Portable WEN 56225i 2250 Watt Inverter Generator

Power: 2250 surge watts and 1800 running watts

Engine: 79.7cc 4-stroke OHV

Fuel: Gasoline

Fuel Tank Size: 1.85 gallons

Run Time: 6 hours on 50% load

Design: Ultra-lightweight

Noise Level: 53 dB from 23 feet

Safety

  • Auto fuel shut-off
  • Sensitive electronics-safe
  • EPA 3 and CARB

Dimension: 19” L x 11.5” W x 18.2” H

Weight: 48.5 lbs

Pros
  • Power-efficient
  • Ultra-lightweight
  • Safe
  • Easy to use
  • Easy to operate
  • Parallel connection capable
  • Ultra-quiet operation
Cons
  • Could benefit from a bit more power output
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Briggs & Stratton P3000 Inverter Generator

The advanced inverter generator.

It powers your adventure with 3000 watts of output by the Briggs & Stratton OHV 171cc engine.

Features of the Briggs & Stratton 30545 Inverter Generator

Power

  • 3000W starting watts
  • 2600W running watts
  • 120 VAC
  • 18.3 amps at 120 volts
  • 60 Hz

Fuel: Gasoline

Tank Capacity: 1 gallon

Run Time: Can reach 8 hours at 25% load (1 gallon)

Start:

  • Recoil
  • Single-power control knob

Multi-outlet:

  • 12v DC charger outlet
  • USB outlet
  • 4 x 120-volt AC
  • 1 x 120-volt 30 amp lock outlet with RV adapter

Control Panel:

  • Toggle switch for Quiet Power Technology
  • LCD screen
  • LED light

Safety:

  • Low oil shut-off
  • Overload indicator

Portability:

  • 2 x Never-flat wheels
  • Telescoping handles
  • Lightweight

Noise Level: 58 dB at 25% load

Pros
  • Power-efficient
  • Safe
  • Lightweight
  • Noiseless
  • LCD screen
  • Noise control
  • Multi-outlet
Cons
  • Only runs on gasoline
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How to Choose the Best Generators for RVs

Portability

You definitely want something that’s portable and lightweight. Some RV generators are marketed as portable but can be heavy. Finding the overall best generators for RVs takes a balanced approach.

You wouldn’t see it as a problem when it’s on the RV floor while you’re on the road traveling. But you will once you carry it and walk to your camping site. The good thing is that most RV generators in the market have carry handles that make everything easier.

Run Time

Normally, if you only use your generator for lighting at night, you’ll have a long run time from a single fuel. But if you use it for lighting, heater, cooking, charging smart devices, and others, you will get a lower run time from a single fuel.

But new technology today allows for fuel efficiency. Some generator engines have an automatic-adjust feature that adjusts to power usage based on the current load. This saves you more fuel if you have a low power load from the items you use.

Safety

Your generator has to be certified safe by regulating bodies. Remember that it runs on fuel and it generates electricity. Both can cause fire.

To make sure it is, contact the manufacturer for certifications or do a thorough research.

Noise

Because you are escaping from the hustling city or place and are going to some place quiet, you most definitely don’t need your generator to be noisy. That should be the last thing it should be.

You want to be able to hear the birds chirping, the wind passing by, and the water calmingly streaming. A noisy generator won’t let that happen.

We have also prepared a guide on how to make your generator quieter.

Individual Features

Fuel capacity, noiseless operation, portability, these are some of the features that generators have in common. What sets them apart from each other are their individual features. This might be in the form of automatic start-up, remote control, USB outlets, LED screens, etc.

Conclusion

I love camping and so do my family and friends. We always set a weekend every month to camp and we tend to bring a lot with us. For one, I love to cook so we have a grill, a coffee maker, and some pans.

We also have a heater that we use so we are all toasty if the weather gets cold at night.

I don’t mind my generator not having the latest features. I just need it to be safe and efficient. It has to be lightweight and fuel-efficient too.

These finds are for me the best finds where you get the value for your money, and that you and your company will truly be glad of having.

Further Reading

Best Generator for Tailgating