Whether you take weekend trips outdoors or you are someone who just likes to travel a lot with your RV. The most important thing when taking a trip in an RV will be a generator.
The outdoor trip is a great way to bond with your friends and family, and when you have a portable generator with you, it gives you peace of mind that you won’t run out of power. For camping, there can be two spots, one where there is an electrical supply available and the one where it is not.
If you want to drive around and want to camp anywhere, you want then the portable generator can give you that flexibility.
But choosing the right one based on your needs can be a daunting task, so to help you make the right choice, we have collected and reviewed the best RV generators, and we have also offered all the extra information you may need.
Note:
| Champion 200953 (Best Overall)
 
|
| Champion 100520 (Highest Power Output Inverter)
|
| WEN 56380i (Budget Pick)
|
| DuroMax XP13000EH (Another High Powered Generator)
|
| Westinghouse iGen4500DF (Best Dual-fuel Inverter Generator)
|
| Champion 200988
|
| WEN GN400i
|
| WEN 56203i
|
Table of Contents
Best RV Generators
1. Champion 200953 4250-Watt Open Frame Inverter Generator for RV
Being an avid traveler with a practical half-life on RVs, I had to face many challenges in my adventure. The most frequent and severe was a lack of power.
So I started looking for a reliable and efficient power solution, and that’s where I had my face-off with Champion’s wonderful 200953 open-frame inverters.
I was pretty thrilled with the generator’s absolute game-changing character, say power, for instance. The exceptional performance aside, the Champion 200953, with a powerful 4250-watt peak and 3500 running outputs, is more than capable of handling all of my power needs, from running my AC unit to charging my phone and laptop.
Not just it, the RV generator is designed with an innovative inverter technology that gives clean and stable power to sensitive electronics.
However, I was struck by the generator’s rugged and durable design. With its sturdy frame and heavy-duty wheels, it’s built to withstand all kinds of terrain and weather conditions, which is essential when you’re on the move.
Despite its tough exterior, the generator is surprisingly lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it a breeze to set up and get running. Additionally, the least weight of 101 pounds assures it’s the best RV generator in the market.
Unlike other generators that can be loud and disruptive, the Champion 200953 RV generator runs like a dream, with minimal noise and vibration at a 64-decibel noise rating.
It’s the perfect solution for those early mornings when I want to enjoy the peaceful tranquility of nature without disturbing my fellow campers.
The generator is configured to give the longest running time for up to 14 hours while working on 25% load with its full 2.3-gallon fuel tank.
And among all the other ease, the generator gets a simpler and intuitive control panel that allows the easy start and monitoring of power. All the comfortability factor makes it a rightful generator for RVs.
Pros
- Clean power for RV
- Parallel connectivity support
- Quieter than others
- Wireless remote start
- Economy Mode
- Decent runtime
Cons
- Wheels could be stronger
2. Champion 100520 8750-Watt DH Series Open Frame Inverter Generator
Moving on to another finest creation of the Champion, the magnificently amazing icon of power, the Champion 100520 inverter generator. I recently had my weekend adventure with this wonderful power backup tool, and I am thoroughly impressed.
First off, the sheer power of this RV generator is unmatched. It can handle all of my RV’s electrical needs with ease, from running the air conditioning to powering multiple appliances at once.
And with 8750 watts of peak power and 7000 watts of running power, I never have to worry about running out of juice mid-trip.
Moving on to reliability, which is kind of necessary if you are a traveler. I’ve used it on long road trips through all sorts of weather conditions, and it’s never failed me once. It starts up quickly and runs smoothly, without any hiccups or sputtering.
Plus, the durable steel frame and foldaway never-flat tires make it easy to transport and set up wherever I need it.
The least weight measuring the scale to approximately 155 pounds, is a game-changer in the maneuverability business, considering the power potential of the generator.
The generator operates within a minimum of 3% thermal harmonic distortion, guaranteeing clean and stable energy for sensitive electronics.
Designed with a powerful 4-stroke 420cc OHV engine and leak-free 4.2-gallon fuel tank, they can give you constant running of power for up to 10.5 hours in a single fill.
There are so many ways I thank this superior champion 100520 because it runs quietly without causing disruption to the camping areas.
Another great feature is the convenient electric start, which saves me time and hassle compared to manual start generators.
And with the digital hour meter, I can keep track of how long it’s been running and plan maintenance accordingly. So, it’s a perfect choice for those who enjoy roaming around.
Read the Champion 100520 8750-Watt Open Frame Inverter Generator Review
Pros
- Plenty of power
- Multiple covered outlet
- Smart control panel
- Cold Start Technology
- Foldaway handle
- Larger fuel tank
- Low Noise rating
Cons
- Price might be an issue
3. WEN 56380i 3800-Watt Super Quiet RV-Ready Portable Inverter Generator
Being in an RV gave me a different level of peace, but that certainly can turn into chaos if you don’t have the rightfully essential equipment for living.
So, I am asking for help from this outstanding mechanic, WEN 56380i, here to brighten up my ordinary-looking outing.
First off, the WEN 56380i is incredibly easy to use. The intuitive interface and clear instructions made starting it up a breeze, even for someone like me who isn’t exactly a mechanical whiz.
Once it was up and running, it provided consistent, reliable power, which is a huge plus when you’re on the road.
But let’s face it; A generator can only be defined by its power potential; so it delivers consistent 3800 surge watts and 3400 rated watts of power to juice up all my electronics. This is courtesy of the reliable 212cc 4-stroke OHV engine, which is also EPA and CARB-compliant.
Once again, what stuck to my heart is how impressively quiet the generator is; WEN 56380i operates at a whisper-quiet 57 decibels, which is roughly equivalent to the noise level of a normal conversation.
I was able to enjoy the beautiful sounds of nature without any interference from the generator.
Things got more interesting when I came to know the 56380i is a fuel-efficient generator. I can run it for several hours on single gas; this cuts slack to the fuel cost and also eliminates the frequent refueling trouble.
The standard 8.5 hours of working at half-load can be assured by its strong 2.2 gallons of fuel tank.
Finally, the WEN 56380i is just an all-around solid, well-made piece of equipment. It feels sturdy and durable, and I have no doubt that it will last me for many camping trips to come.
And since this generator for RV seeks minimal maintenance, it’s all perfect. It’s also backed by a 2-year warranty, which is a nice added peace of mind.
Pros
- Fuel Efficiency
- Clean power
- Low maintenance
- Least weight
- Super Quiet
- Electric start
Cons
- Wheels come separately
4. Westinghouse 4500 Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator
There are millions of RV generators in the market claiming they are best for those cozy RV staying days, but you cannot trust your luxury with any random generator because I didn’t.
After comprehensive research, I came across this Westinghouse iGen4500DF generator and was amused with its performance.
Different from others, the iGen4500DF has dual fuel capabilities, meaning it can run on either gasoline or propane, making it incredibly versatile for my needs.
Additionally, it has an impressive 4,500 peak watts and 3,700 running watts, providing me with ample power to run all of my essential appliances.
The Westinghouse iGen4500DF is compact, lightweight, and easy to maneuver, which makes it ideal for RVers like me who are always on the go.
For initiating the generating power system, one might need a remote start key to turn on the tool even from 260 feet away. this is backed up with the easy electric and traditional remote start
The iGen4500DF also has an impressive runtime, which means I can run it for 18 hours on end without worrying about refueling, thanks to its 3.4-gallon tank. This is perfect for when I want to spend a whole day exploring the wilderness or just relaxing by the campfire.
Another thing I love about this RV generator is how fuel efficient; this iGen4500DF is, saving not just energy but also cutting costs. Right out of the box, this generator was easy to set up and get running.
The user manual was straightforward, and the digital display made it simple to monitor the generator’s performance. It also produces stable and clean power protecting all your electronics.
This generator for RV operates at an impressively low decibel level, making it significantly quieter than most other generators on the market.
Also appreciate the fact that it comes with a range of safety features, such as low oil shutdown and overload protection, which give me peace of mind when I’m out on the road.
Pros
- Inverter frame technology
- Exceptionally noiseless
- Dual Fuel technology
- Multiple outlets
- Safety features
- Effortless Remote start
- Cost and Fuel efficiency
Cons
- None for now
5. DuroMax XP13000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator For RVs
There isn’t a surprise that you find this spectacular piece of XP13000EH generators here; the DuroMax has always been a reliable and innovative brand when it comes to generators.
This time not me, but all my electronic appliances are saying this very fact; let me give you a tour of its efficiency.
Firstly, this RV generator is an absolute powerhouse, a 500cc engine capable of producing a whopping 13000 watts of peak power and 10500 running wattages, which is more than enough to power all my RV appliances.
And the best part is that it’s designed to run on either gasoline or propane. So, I can choose whichever fuel source is more convenient for me at the time.
The next very thing I appreciate about this generator is its impeccable portability. Despite its high-power output, it’s surprisingly lightweight and compact, making it easy to move around and store when not in use.
It also has a sturdy, all-weather suitable build and a pair of sturdy wheels and handles, which is an asset for maneuvering outside.
There’s nothing worse than struggling to start up a generator in the middle of a remote camping spot. Say no more; the easy electric start cut short a way to get the XP13000EH roaring in seconds with just a push of a button.
Don’t worry about long powering because this XP13000EH can spread its magic for 17 hours while running at 25% load. The strong, durable fuel tank with an 8.3-gallon capacity has its hand in this.
With the concern of the environment, you can use propane which grants 12350 peak wattage and 9975 running wattage for 13 hours while working on a 25% load.
Despite its powerful output, the noise level is surprisingly low, so you won’t have to worry about disturbing your neighbors at the RV park or drowning out the sounds of nature.
One feature I’ve found particularly useful is idle control. This automatically adjusts the engine speed to match the load, which helps conserve fuel and reduce noise, a perfect generator for an RV.
Read the Full Review of DuroMax XP13000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator
Pros
- Immense power source
- The flexibility of dual fuel
- Largest fuel storage
- Durable all-metal build
- Powerful DuroMax engine
- Environmentally friendly
- Energy efficient
Cons
- Weigh heavier than others
6. Champion 200986 4500-Watt RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator
After tasting a wide range of power backup generators for years, I must say I felt a moment of serenity with this wonderful Champion 200986 generator; whose unrivaled performance has truly blown me away.
But let’s talk about the real reason why this RV generator is a game-changer.
First things first, I love the Champion 200986 generator because it’s a gem for all RV enthusiasts; it is exceptionally portable. It comes compact and lightweight, making all easy to store and transport easiest as pie.
It also has never-flat wheels and a convenient handle and wheels, so I can easily move it around my campsite as needed.
However, this is not the only reason for choosing this wonderful machine. I also love the convenient features like the electric start and remote control.
It’s so easy to get this generator up and running, even when I’m feeling a little lazy. Also, the low decibel rating subjects to the super quiet operation. No more peace breaker annoying generators
Now the power part is capable of giving 4500 starting power and 3500 running wattages using an advanced 4-stroke 212cc OHV engine. This is more than enough to keep all my appliances, electronics, and lights running smoothly.
The 200986 can run for up to 14 hours on a full 2.3 fuel tank as a perfect generator for RVs.
Now you can enhance the power of the generator by simply attaching it to this another parallel ready generator. It has a wonderful build but also the smartest innovation; the 200986 got a bright power meter with intelligence to give a glance at real-time updates.
And as someone who values durability and quality, I can’t say enough good things about the Champion 200986’s rugged design and construction. This thing is built to last, with top-notch components that can withstand even the toughest conditions.
In terms of safety, the generator comes clean with inverter technology meaning clean and stable energy for sensitive electronics.
Pros
- Parallel ready performance
- Clean and stable power
- Three-year warranty
- Power meter Intelligauge
- Longevity of working
- Ultra-quiet operation
Cons
- Power supply can do better
7. WEN GN400i 4000-Watt RV-Ready Open Frame Inverter Generator,
Coming to the last, I just can’t wait anymore and share an out-of-ordinary experience with the WEN GN400i RV while camping or boondocking. Upgraded potential and perfect convenience makes it unrivaled.
This generator is a real game-changer, and it has quickly become my go-to choice for all my RV power needs.
I was initially drawn to this generator because of its convenience to use. However, this bad boy is a game changer when it comes to powering up your RV away from home; the 4000 starting watts and 3500 running watts can power up juices to all appliances in the RV.
The GN400i encapsulates a super-fuel-efficient character for enjoying the outdoors without refilling and the eco-mode for keeping the surrounding fresh and safe.
But what really sets the WEN GN400i apart from other generators is its portability. It’s surprisingly lightweight and compact, which makes it easy to bring along on all of my outdoor adventures; 66 pounds, can you believe it?
Also, the tag of the in-built ergonomic Handle, intelligauge display, and never-flat wheels make a smooth slope for maneuvering.
Like portability, usage comes next to the best part. The GN400i is astonishingly user-friendly. The control panel is easy to read and navigate, and starting it up is as simple as turning a key is the literal piece of perfection in this generator.
The generator operates with 4 strokes, a 212cc engine, and a 1.8-gallon ability strongest fuel tank that ultimately gives seven hours in one fill.
When it comes time to refill the tank, the clear gas gauge and easy-to-access fuel cap give their helping hand to make the process easier.
Making the GN400i different from others, it comprises significant safety technology, say a fuel shutoff, low-oil shutdown, and overload protection. All of this at such an economical range categorize it under the cheap RV generators list.
Pros
- Fuel economy generator
- Uses parallel support
- Multiple outlets
- Clean power to the sensitive tool
- Additional safety measures
- Ultra-compact and light
- Exceptionally cheap
Cons
- Tank storage is low
RV Generator Basics
What Is It?
In a park, there will be electricity available to power the electrical appliances, but the trouble starts when you start venturing off the grid. To meet your power requirement when you are off the grid, an RV generator is exactly what you need.
You can use it to directly power the hard-wired appliances on the RV, you can charge the electronics, and also it can be used to charge the battery bank of the RV as well. So, an RV generator is a power-generating tool to meet your power needs.
Who Needs an RV Generator?
There are two options to power the appliances in your RV. First, you can use the batteries. The problem with the batteries is that they are not so efficient and can only power a few of your electronics. If you want to power any moderate to big appliances, the Battery won’t do it.
The second option is a generator; they are a good option for all your power needs, including the power-demanding window air conditioner.
If you prefer to stay at the RV parks, then you don’t need a generator. If you travel solo and only need the power to charge the laptop and mobile or use very light appliances, you also don’t need a generator. But if you want to power many appliances and travel with a companion, you certainly need a generator.
How Does an RV Generator Work?
The working mechanism of the RV generator is the same as that of a diesel or gasoline engine. The engine rotates the motor to generate electricity.
To power pistons that rotate the motor, a mixture of air and fuel is released inside the engine and is ignited by the spark plug, this burning of fuel will generate the energy that will keep the piston moving. Most of the generators have a 4-stroke engine to rotate the motor.
If the fuel used is diesel, then there is no need for a spark plug for ignition because the diesel itself will start burning when it is compressed at high pressure.
Types of RV Generators
There are many types of generators available in the market, but we will focus on inverter and non-inverter generators.
Inverter RV Generators
With several advantages, inverter generators are the best option for the RV.
The working is the same as any generator. They use gasoline or diesel to generate electricity, but this generated electricity is processed through a few electronic circuitry to make the power clean so that different electronics can be powered safely.
Besides, the speed of the engine is regulated based on the load at the terminal, which makes them highly fuel-efficient.
These generators make very little noise, and they are also lightweight, that’s why they are perfect for campsites and tailgating adventures.
The one drawback you can consider is that they can’t supply the high power as the conventional generators, but to use it in the RV, there is no need for that much power.
Non-inverter RV Generators
The non-inverter generator, also known as the conventional generator, works on either a diesel or a gasoline engine, which rotates the motor to generate electricity.
The advantages of this type of generator over inverter generators are their power-delivering capability. If you need a high power source, then the non-inverter generator is the power equipment to go to.
But they are noisy and not as fuel-efficient as inverter generators because to maintain the proper voltage and frequency; the engine needs to keep running at a constant speed irrespective of the load at the terminals. Besides, they generate more noise than inverter generators and are heavier to move around.
What Does RV-Ready Mean?
A generator becomes essential when you are off the grid and where the shore electricity of the park is not available. When it comes to connecting the generator with the RV, you can connect it directly, or you can use an adapter to make connections.
The direct connection is possible only if the generator is RV-ready; otherwise, you will need an adapter or converter.
When someone says that the generator is RV-ready, what they mean by the term is that the generator can be directly connected to the RV to fulfill the power requirements without any adapter.
TT-30R or 14-50R is a standard outlet in which you can connect the cord of the RV, where TT means the Travel Trailer. With this outlet in your generator, you can power any portable vehicle like a van and trailer, not just RVs.
The 30 in the outlet denotes the ampere rating of the power outlet, which means the RV will draw 30A from the outlet when it is connected to the generator, while the R stands for the receptacles.
How to Connect a Generator to The RV?
Connecting the generator to the RV is an easy task; just follow these simple steps, and you will have power running in the circuits of the RV in no time.
The first thing you will need to do is find a place where you would like the generator to be placed. You can either keep it at the front on the A-frame or the rear of the trailer on the bumper.
But before installing the generator, make sure the bumper can handle the weight of the generator, and if it can’t, then you will need to install a support for the generator.
When the generator is installed, you will need to drive the grounding rod into the ground and then connect the road with the generator using a copper wire.
Another thing you might like to do is install the transfer switch on your RV. The transfer switch will let you keep the RV connected to the shore outlets even when the generator is supplying power to your RV.
If you have a gasoline generator and the gasoline is stored in the tank, you will need a fuel pump so that you can transfer the fuel from the tank to the generator.
Once all these things are ensured, connect the generator to the RV using a travel trailer cable. Now, start the generator, and the power should start flowing through your appliances.
What to Look for When Buying the Best RV Generator?
To make a better choice when purchasing an RV generator, keep these things in mind.
Power Output
How much power you want your generator to supply will depend on the number of appliances that need to be powered up. The selection of the generator should be such that it can supply enough power to all of your appliances without consuming much space and being lightweight.
A small generator with a power output of 2000 watts is sufficient to run the small appliances and to power your electronics, but if you want to power more than just tiny electronics, we suggest that you go for the RV generator with a rating of more than 3000 watts.
It will power most of the equipment attached to your recreational vehicles like the microwave oven, fridge, and even the window air conditioner.
If you want a generator that doesn’t compromise in power when you feed a few appliances together, then calculate your power needs before making a purchase.
Portability
If you are a solo wanderer, then you should consider a generator that you can easily load and unload from your RV on your own or invest in a standby generator.
There is a choice you will have to make; you can either go with the portable ones or the permanent generator, which will be permanently attached to your vehicle.
The portability of the generator decreases with the increase in power output. To make generators more powerful, many other things are included in them, making them heavier and not so easy to move around.
The portability of the generators is increased by the rubber wheels at the base and the handles to carry them. So, choose the one which comes with both of them to make transport easy.
If you decide to install the standby generator, then you can’t take it with you. Besides, it needs to be installed by professionals and that will increase the overall cost of the installation. It’s totally up to you which one you want.
The Noise Level
The noise level is a critical consideration when looking for a new generator. If you have ever been to a national park, you may know that they have many rules and regulations, which need to be followed. And one rule is to keep the noise level of the generator within tolerable limits.
Most of the parks will only allow the generators to run if the noise generated by them is less than 60 dB when measured from a distance of 50 ft. Also, some parks have a preset time limit, and you can only operate the generator during that time.
As the power output of the generator increases, the noise level also increases but with developing technologies and better mufflers, the sound level is kept low. So, a noise level should also have a say in the final decision. After all, you don’t want to annoy your nearby campers and neighbors.
Fuel Consumption
When you are on a weekend trip, and the nearest fuel point is a few miles away, then you may want your generator to run a little longer.
The Bigger generators will have bigger tanks, which will provide more runtime, but the size and the weight of the unit will also increase.
The best choice would be to invest in an inverter generator that adjusts the engine’s speed depending on the power drawn out from the output. So on less load, less fuel will be utilized.
Starting System and Other Features
There are mainly 3 methods through which you can ignite the engine, which are used in every modern generator. Depending on the model and brand, the generator will have one, two, or all three methods of starting incorporated into the unit.
The generator could have a recoil starter; to start the generator, you will have to pull the cord. The second one is the electric start, where the generator will come to life with just the push of a button, and the third is a remote start; with the accompanied key fob, you can start the generator remotely from up to a certain distance.
If we talk about the features, then there are safety features and convenience features. Make sure that the generator has all the basic safety features like a low oil shutdown, overload protection, circuit breaker on the control panel, etc. You can’t compromise on them.
The convenience features are those which make it easy to operate and monitor the generator, for example, an LCD to keep an eye on the voltage, frequency, and operating hours.
FAQ
Q. What are Starting and Running Watts?
Starting watts is the power that appliances will need at the time of starting. For example, starting the motor requires more watts than when it’s running. Note that this high power is only needed to supply for a few seconds to minutes.
While running watts is the power that appliances will continuously need to function properly. Starting watts will be more than the running watts.
Q. How Much Power Does a Typical AC Unit Needs?
In most generators, air conditioning units are either 13,500 BTU or 15,000 BTU. We have given you the estimate for both types of generators, but to get the exact rating, check on your appliance.
For a 13,500 BTU air conditioner, starting watts can range from 2500W to 3000W, and the range for the running watts is 1500W to 2000W.
If we consider the 15,000 BTU unit, then starting watts rages from 3000W to 3500W, while the running watts can be from the range 1400W to 1800W.
Q. How Much Power Output From the Generator Does an RV Needs?
The size of the generator will mostly depend on the appliances you want to run. So before making a purchase, you should calculate the starting and running watts for your appliances and then only make the purchase of the suitable generator.
If you own a small trailer and don’t run any major power-consuming appliances, then the generator of 2000 Watts will be enough for you. But, if you want the microwave or fridge, or air conditioner running, you will need a generator with a power output of more than 3000 W.
Q. Is it Harmful to Sleep in The RV when The Generator is Running?
The main problem with the generator is that they emit harmful gases, and one gas from the exhaust is carbon monoxide, which is transparent, tasteless, and odorless, making it more dangerous.
If it is accumulated in a confined space, then you will never know, and if you inhale too much of it, then it can cause serious tissue damage or even death.
So when you are running the generator to power your air conditioner, make sure the exhaust is pointed away from the RV, and the windows are closed so the gases can’t slip inside.
Also, make sure that the generator tank is full because when the fuel is too low, the generator will turn itself off.
Awesome generator! I bought Honda EU2200i as insurance for the next major storm! Easy to start and really quiet. It does not come with oil, so make sure you have some. Takes about a half quart. Love the eco mode! This is the new 2200 watt, which is the same price as the 2,000 watts, so you are better off getting the newer model.