Top 12 Best RV Generator to Power Your Trip – Meet All Your Camping Power Needs

There is nothing more exciting and exhilarating than hitting the open road on a new adventure in your RV. Traveling by recreation vehicle, or RV, has become increasingly popular over the years as a way for many families to vacation together at an affordable price, as well as have the flexibility to move wherever they wish.

As an RV owner, you know that it is a passion more than just a hobby.

Top Picks and Reviews for the Best RV Generator

1. WEN 56200i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator, CARB Compliant

 

WEN 56200i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter

This handy portable generator works so quietly you might barely notice it is there at only 51 decibels. There are two prongs to plug in your items and you won’t have to worry about power surges since this generator prevents that from happening. You can safely plug in your electronics including laptops, smartphones and tablets. The WEN portable inverter generator runs on gasoline.

If you wish to maximize your fuel use, you can use this generator in Eco-mode, which means it will limit the fuel consumption on its own thus enhancing fuel efficiency. With its lightweight design and carrying handle you can use this generator in more than just your RV—the beach, tent camping, hunting and more.

Pros
  • Lightweight and easy to transport
  • Quiet operation at 51 decibels, less than a window AC unit
  • Eco-mode to limit fuel consumption when needed
  • Prevents power surges
  • Parallel cable compatible
  • Includes a USB port
  • Lights to indicate low gas and low fuel
  • Easy to start up with a pull-start
  • Only basic maintenance required
Cons
  • One-gallon fuel tank won’t last for days
  • Smaller wattage at 2000 watts; but 1600 watts running
  • Will require two generators for large RV’s
  • Parallel cables sold separately
  • Risk of fuel spillage could create hazard
  • Uses both oil and gas; cost of running is higher
  • 6 hour run time at half load

2. Westinghouse WGen7500 Portable Generator with Remote Electric Start

 

 

Westinghouse WGen7500 Portable Generator

The Westinghouse 7500-watt portable generator offers great durability and comes with a FOB for remote starting. The 6.6-gallon fuel tank also includes a fuel gauge, so you can be sure not to run out of fuel while RV’ing. As well, this unit has a low oil shutdown, so you will not damage the generator by running it while low or out of oil.

With 7500 rated watts and 9500 surge watts, you could easily run a smaller RV for 10 hours at half load. The onboard battery charger with a power adapter is a handy feature. This is a gas-only fuel tank and uses oil as well.

Pros
  • Rated for 7500 watts of power
  • Onboard battery charger with included power cable
  • Remote start and push-button electric start make this easy to start up
  • Includes 6.6-gallon fuel tank
  • It Runs 10 hours at half load
  • Roll bars surround the generator to give durability and protection
  • Low oil shutdown
  • Easy to use; includes detailed instructions for anyone to understand
Cons
  • Very heavy at around 200lbs.
  • Uses both oil and gas or propane
  • Not very portable on ground
  • Runs noisy at around 100 decibels
  • Electric start could cause electrical issues requiring professional repair
  • Higher price point
  • No parallel capability

3. Yamaha EF2000iSv2, Gas Powered Portable Inverter

 

With the trusted brand name of Yamaha, this portable inverter generator offers 1600 watts of rated output and 2000 watts at a maximum. The compact and lightweight design allows easy portability for a variety of uses, including camping or using a smaller RV.

The low oil indicator prevents damage from occurring by accidentally running it without oil and the fuel gauge allows you a quick glance at the levels. This generator operates about 51 decibels meaning it is quiet and less invasive than others. This smart machine will limit fuel consumption based on the power being used. It includes a 1.1-gallon fuel tank and will operate for about 10 hours at ¼ load.

Pros
  • Quiet operation; 51 decibels
  • Lightweight and easy to transport from place to place
  • Onboard outlets for charging batteries, with cables included
  • Easy start-up
  • Fuel gauge and low oil shut down to keep track of your levels
  • Ability to turn fuel line off to run dry for storage purposes
  • The vent cap is closeable to prevent fuel spillage when transporting
  • Parallel capable
Cons
  • Will require a second generator for large RV
  • Parallel cables not included
  • At half load runs about 5 hours
  • 1.1-gallon fuel tank means you will need to carry along extra fuel or stop more frequently
  • The higher price point for size
  • After time tends to run high on oil consumption

4. Champion 4000-Watt RV Ready Digital Hybrid Open Frame Inverter with Quiet Technology

Champion 4000-Watt RV Ready Digital Hybrid Open Frame Inverter

 

 

The open frame design of this generator allows easier access, weighs less than other models but still provides protection and durability with roll bar ends. You will get 4000 watts of starting power and 3500 running watts. The economy mode offered with this model will save you fuel and prevent less wear and tear on your engine, extending its life. You can get up to 17 hours of use depending upon load capacity used.

This unit is parallel-ready, meaning you can connect another generator of 2800 watts or higher to give yourself more power as needed. It is perfect for RV use since it has an RV ready outlet onboard.

Pros
  • Durable design but still allows easy access to the panel
  • Lighter than full frame model
  • Up to 17 hours of run time at ¼ load
  • Economy mode to save fuel consumption and engine life
  • Parallel capability
  • Low oil light indicator
Cons
  • 2.8-gallon fuel tank might mean more fill-ups
  • Average noise output at about 64 decibels
  • Still on the heavier side around 82lbs.
  • Will need an additional generator for larger RVs
  • Parallel cables are sold separately
  • Wheel kit sold separately
  • Not easily transported on it’s own without wheels

5. Champion 3500-Watt RV-Ready Portable Generator

 

 

Champion 3500-Watt RV-Ready Portable Generator

This unit is great for RV use and even has a specific outlet built-in for RV use. The voltage meter allows you to see your use at a glance and monitor as necessary. The Champion generator prevents overloads and is safe to run sensitive electronics such as tablets, phones and laptops. The quiet operation is less invasive than other models and still packs lots of power at a running wattage of 3500 and 4000 watts for starting.

The low oil shut-off sensor prevents the unit from operating on a dry oil tank and causing damage. On a full tank of gas, this unit will run for 12 hours at half load. If you enjoy RV’ing in all weather conditions, you won’t have an issue starting this generator in the cold, since it is optimized for cold weather start-ups.

Pros
  • Very affordable unit
  • Quiet operation at 68 decibels; comparable to a vacuum cleaner
  • Dedicated RV outlet onboard
  • Low oil shut-off sensor prevents running out of oil while operating
  • Up to 12 hours of run time at half load
  • 3.8-gallon fuel tank
  • Overloads and surges are prevented
Cons
  • A little on the heavy side, around 100lbs.
  • Not easily portable; no wheel kit included
  • Gas and oil use
  • Gas leakage can occur causing fire hazard
  • No parallel capability
  • Start switch tends to fail or cause electrical issues
  • Not a highly known or recognized brand name in the market

6. Honda EU2200i 2200-Watt 120-Volt Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator

 

 

Honda EU2200i 2200-Watt 120-Volt Super Quiet

This lightweight, portable generator by Honda offers a lot of power for a smaller unit. The 2200 watts can operate for anywhere from 4 to 9 hours depending on load. It runs very quiet at about 48 decibels, which is quieter than an average conversation between two people.

If you require more power, you can connect an identical generator via parallel cables, sold separately. The fuel cut off switch allows you to run the unit dry for storage purposes and prevent stale gas. It is easy to use, with a simple pull start, and maintained with some simple regular maintenance. The onboard battery charger can be used alone or while powering something else.

Pros
  • Well known brand name, Honda
  • Quiet operation won’t disrupt you
  • Low oil light indicator
  • Runs for up to 9 hours depending upon load capacity
  • Parallel capable
  • Fuel shut-off switch to allow the running unit to dry for storage
  • Onboard battery charger
  • Inverter technology produces more stable power supply
  • Eco-throttle system to save on fuel consumption
  • User-friendly; easy to maintain
Cons
  • Parallel cables not included
  • Can only connect an identical generator
  • Will need more power for larger RV’s
  • No fuel gauge to let you know where your level is
  • The higher price point in comparison with similar models
  • Gas-powered option only

7. Pulsar PG2000iS 2000W Peak 1600W Rated Portable Gas-Powered Inverter Generator

 

 

Pulsar PG2000iS 2000W Peak 1600W Rated Portable Gas-Powered Inverter Generator

This compact, lightweight generator is ideal for small jobs but can be connected via parallel cables to another generator to combine power output. The rate 1600 watts runs at a peak of 2000 watts and can run for about 6 hours on half load. The plastic body is durable and portable. You can connect your USB-capable devices directly to the generator via a USB port built-in. It operates at around 61 decibels, which is not very loud at all.

The small footprint means you can store this almost anywhere and take it with you in smaller spaces. It includes a 1.18-gallon fuel tank. The overload and oil indicator lights allow you to see at a glance if there is an issue.

Pros
  • Affordable option
  • Parallel capability
  • Lightweight, easy to transport at only about 40lbs
  • Runs fairly quietly at 61 decibels
  • Can charge USB devices directly in the generator
  • Easy to start up
Cons
  • A smaller 1.18-gallon fuel tank means more fill-ups needed
  • Will need a second generator for large RVs
  • Parallel cables not included
  • Potential to leak oil from the tank
  • Pull cord prone to breakage
  • Not a well-known brand name

8. DuroStar DS4000S Gas-Powered Portable Generator

This budget-friendly option offers 4000 watts of starting power with 3300 watts of running power. The 4-gallon gas tank has an operation time of about 8 hours. The motor is mounted at four points and isolated to give quieter operation. If you run this unit with low oil, there is an automatic shut-off to prevent damage.

The volt meter allows you to see your power consumption at a glance. The roll bar design surrounding the unit makes this a durable, stable generator. The fold-down handle and optional wheel kit (sold separately) allow for easier transporting. The muffler works to keep noise operation to about 68 decibels.

Pros
  • Very affordable option
  • Durable design with protective roll bars surrounding unit
  • Offers up to 4000 watts of power at starting and 3300 watts running
  • 4-gallon gas tank
  • Runs up to 8 hours at half load
  • Automatic shut off for low oil
  • Volt meter can be seen at a glance
Cons
  • Not a well-known brand name
  • Not parallel capable
  • No fuel switch shut off to drain completely
  • Operation is the average noise level
  • No fuel gauge or oil level indicator
  • The wheel kit is an extra purchase
  • Slightly heavy, at about 100lbs.
  • Without wheels, not easily transportable
  • Pull cords can be prone to breakage

 

How to Find the Best RV Generator for Your RV?

Now you may be asking yourself what are important factors to consider when buying an RV generator? Deciding which generator is right for your recreational vehicle may seem like a lot of work, but these key points and features will put you on the right path.

Be sure to consider your specific make and model of RV before making your final purchase. Some models offer dual-fuel generators for RV’s, making it more practical if one fuel type is not available.

Fuel Types

Within the market of RV generators, there are different fuel types used to power each generator. Some generators use propane while others are fueled by diesel or even gas. Less popular choices are generators which are known as bi-fuel or tri-fuel which use a combination of fuel and other additives.

  • PROPANE: Generators using propane are more environmentally conscious since propane is a greener choice compared with the other alternatives. The emissions that are put off are clean. While it is relatively easy to find service stations offering propane fill-ups, the power of a generator fueled by propane is limited by how much is in the propane tank. If you only plan short-day trips, this type is perfectly fine.
  • GAS: This type is most popular since finding gas to fuel your generator is as simple as pulling into a gas station or filling a gas can to use later. The downside is that gas has a shorter shelf life compared to propane and if you are traveling with extra fuel, it is a flammable liquid which translates to potential danger. Even though gas is the least expensive option, gas generators burn through fuel faster than their diesel counterparts.
  • DIESEL: Diesel is known for having an extended shelf life, giving many miles of use. These generators also put out more power than propane types and are non-explosive, so safer to have on hand, unlike gasoline. While propane is still a more environmentally sound choice, diesel burns cleaner emissions than gasoline. Most service stations carry diesel at the pumps so finding a station to get fuel shouldn’t be difficult.

Fuel Tank Size

Along with deciding which type of fuel you want to have your generator run on, you will need to look at the size of the fuel tank that comes with the generator. This will determine how long you can travel between stops at the service station for more fuel. If your trips tend to be longer drives, then you should go with a larger capacity tank.

Power Offered

More is not necessarily better when it comes to the power output of a generator. If you have a generator that puts out too much power for the RV you have, then you could trip circuits continuously. If there is not enough power output, you will have trouble running all your necessary electrical appliances and such.

The best way to decide how much power you need in your RV is to look at all the items requiring power and add them up. Keep in mind the calculation Watts= Volts x Amps. So, look at your appliances and determine how many watts you need to run them as well as the air conditioner, the furnace, your lights and so on. Then add up your watts and this will give you a rough idea of how many watts you need for your RV.

This helpful chart gives a rough estimate of watts needed for various items within an RV. Of course, this is only a guide, it is best to double-check your manufacturer’s guides.

Noise Control

If you take your RV to campgrounds or remote areas, you will want to enjoy the peace and quiet of the outdoors. This can be hindered by a noisy generator running through the night and into the day. RV generators are often rated with decibels which tell you how quiet or loud you should expect the generator to be. Look for something with lower decibels to keep things quiet and peaceful.

Maintenance

When choosing a generator for your RV, consider how easy or difficult it is to maintain. Because of smaller spaces, hard-to-reach areas and complicated electrical panels, many generators require professional maintenance. It is something to consider for the future since you will want your new generator to last for years to come.

Accessories

There are several smaller considerations you can look for when deciding which RV generator is best for you. Some include an enclosure, which protects your generator from outside forces including animals and weather. A great addition to a generator would be parallel cables which would enable you to use two generators connected for maximum power. Other items could include mufflers, power cords, and adapters and harness straps.

Tips for Using an RV Generator Safely

Any time you are dealing with electricity, fuel and power it is important to keep safety at the forefront. Accidents can and do happen often, resulting in serious injuries and sometimes fatalities. These tips will help you get the most use of your RV generator while operating, storing and maintaining it safely.

  • Always ensure the safety cap is on the tank (if available) during transport to prevent spills
  • Never store fuel inside your RV
  • Always examine the exhaust system prior to use to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
  • Change the oil and filter as you would a regular vehicle to maintain overall health
  • Use in an open-air space and avoid placing it near windows or vents leading indoors
  • Never use wet hands to handle the generator
  • All cords and plugs connected should be in good repair, not frayed or split
  • Turn off and allow to cool before refueling
  • Keep flammable liquids away from the generator
  • Always ground your generator before use
  • Avoid overloading and thus overheating
  • Keep up with regular maintenance to avoid RV generator repair

Final Review of the Best RV Generator

When you are an RV owner, you want nothing more than to enjoy a relaxing, stress-free, hassle-free time away. Sometimes your trips will be short and other times, longer stays away.

Whatever you choose or wherever you choose to go, you need to be sure you have the right amount of power to keep the comforts of home running smoothly. This guide helps walk you through some key considerations when choosing the best RV generator for your needs and shows you some great options.

Hopefully, you have found this helpful in making an informed decision. Please feel free to leave us a comment or question, we always enjoy our reader’s feedback.

Summary

This handy portable generator works so quietly that you might barely notice it is there at only 51 decibels. If you wish to maximize your fuel use, you can use this generator in Eco-mode, which means it will limit fuel consumption on its own. With its lightweight design and carrying handle, you can use this generator in more than just your RV—the beach, tent camping, hunting and more.