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When you want to enjoy your camping trips in your RV, then having a generator will save you a lot of trouble. And because of this, you do not have to invest in a big battery.
To help you choose a better generator, we have created this ultimate guide on Best RV Generators in 2021.
The first RV generator on our list is an impressive WEN 56203i portable inverter. It is listed as the quietest generator, and the credit goes to its internal inverting technology.
That’s not all; its inverting technology is also responsible for higher fuel efficiency and low noise operation. Thanks to its EPA III and CARB certifications, this generator is safe to use anywhere in the USA.
This generator is rated for 2000 peak watts and 1700 running watts, and using this power, you can only run small appliances in your RV. To run additional machines like AC, refrigerator, and sump pump, you need a bigger generator than this. Moreover, due to the compact design and stable power of this generator, you can use it to power garden tools like lawn mower, snow blower, electric tillers and much more.
There is one 120V three AC receptacle that is included in this unit, but to run more machines; you can use the extension cord too.
It has one gallon of fuel tank that will give you about 7 hours of runtime on a 50% load. And if we talk about the noise output, then it produces 51 decibels of noise, which is quite low compared to other generators.
So if you are looking for a quiet generator with clean power output, then there is no better option than WEN 56203i.
Pros
Lightweight and compact inverter generator
Clean power output
High fuel economy
Parallel capability
Cons
Low power output
Champion is another famous brand that offers premium products and that too at a very affordable price range. This generator is dual-fuel, meaning that you can use propane or gasoline according to your wish.
Powered by 224cc engine, this generator can deliver 3800 continuous watts when running on gasoline and 3420 continuous watts when running on propane.
This particular RV generator comes with a dedicated RV port, which you can connect directly to your RV. Additionally, it also comes with various output receptacles, which consist of one 120V locking port, two 120V household ports, and some DC ports.
To top it off, all these ports are protected by a volt guard system that protects your appliances from unwanted voltage spikes.
It can easily run 15,000 BTU AC, refrigerator, TV, and some other additional appliances easily in your RV. But more than that will overload the generator, so keep that in mind.
This unit features the 3.4 gallons of fuel tank, which contains 9 hours of fuel if you run the generator at 50% load. Last but not least, Champion is providing three years of warranty on this product.
Pros
It can run on gasoline as well as propane
3800 running watts on gasoline
Dedicated RV ready port
Wheels and handle for easy transport
Cons
Electric start is not that reliable
Westinghouse WGen7500 is designed for those people who like to run many appliances simultaneously in their recreational vehicle.
Please note that this RV generator can only run on gasoline. It can generate a maximum of 7500 continuous watts and 9500 starting watts. You will love its remote start feature, which allows you to start the generator wirelessly from up to 109 yards away.
Just like all the big generators, Westinghouse WGen7500 also includes an electric start system, and this system relies on internal battery, so do not forget to charge it after a set interval of time.
And for the backup option, the recoil start feature has also included in this unit. If you decide you to use this generator in your house, then included a transfer switch ready port will help you do so.
Its 420cc 4-stroke engine is not powerful, but it is also easy to clean and maintain. Other than that, it also includes some other useful features like automatic low oil shutdown, digital hour meter, and battery indicator.
The only thing we did not like about this generator is its heavyweight, but given its high power output and mind-blowing features, I would say it’s a great trade-off.
Pros
High power output generator
Comes with GFCI outlets and wireless starting system
Easy maintenance and clean up
High runtime
Three years warranty
Cons
Heavy and bulky
Expensive
A-iPower SUA2000iV is another small inverter generator for RV we have considered. Due to its small power output (1600 running watts), you cannot use it to run bigger electrical machines.
But on the other hand, in addition to an RV usage, you can use this generator for camping as well as other outdoor activities because of its small size and low noise output.
The A-iPower’s low idle technology adjusts the speed of the engine according to power demand; thus it greatly helps in cutting the fuel costs.
Other than that, its low noise operation (58 decibels) will ensure that you can enjoy your trips quietly in your RV even when the generator is running at full speed.
If you think this amount of power is not enough for you, then with the help of a parallel ready kit, you can double the power output. Its inverter technology delivers cleaner and stable power, meaning that you can safely run sensitive electronic devices such as TV, tablets, and laptops.
That’s not all; the multi-switch functionally includes start, run, and stop buttons in one place to operate the generator easily. Moreover, the built-in fuel gauge reminds you when to refuel.
Manufacturer’s two years of solid warranty is enough to choose this generator over others.
Pros
Small and compact RV generator
Inverter capability
Low noise operation with great fuel economy
2 years of warranty
Cons
Many users reported the issue of gas leaking
Honda has produced many quality generators, and their products are exceptionally well-built and reliable. They have always cared about their customers and provide value to their customers.
Honda EU2200i is an upgraded version of the previous inverter generator, and it packs lots of great features. But these features come at a price. Their generators are usually expensive compared to all the generator brands on the market.
This unit can produce 1800 rated watts and 2200 starting watts. And if you need more power, then the parallel capability of this generator will come in handy.
Although its fuel tank is small (0.95 gallons) but still it will give you 8.1 hours of runtime at 25% load, which is pretty great. And let’s not forget its stable and clean power, which is essential for computers and smartphones.
Furthermore, there is one interesting feature, too, which is known as automatic fuel shut off. Basically, this sensor cuts off the power to your appliances upon detection of low fuel levels.
Moreover, the large spout and oil drain gutter makes the cleaning process very easy and efficient. So if you are looking for a reliable RV generator that will last for years, then you should choose Honda EU2200i.
Pros
Compact and lightweight inverter generator
Very fuel-efficient
Parallel capable
Three years of warranty
Cons
Expensive compared to other same power output generators
Most of the buyers don’t know what features they should be looking in a new generator. We have created this guide to help buyers that don’t know anything about generators, enjoy.
The first thing you should look for in any generator is how much power it can produce. After taking into account your power requirements, you can decide how many watts of generator you need for your RV. Also, don’t forget to add an extra 20 to 25% extra power in your calculate wattage to meet the future demands.
The noise output of the generator is very important, especially when you go camping in your RV or if you are boondocking with fellow campers. Most of the generators in our list are inverter generators, which are quiet compared to any other generators on the market.
A generator is not safe to run inside your RV. You should put it at least 20 feet away from your RV when operating it. Now if your generator is too heavy then it will become very frustrating for you to move it. On the other hand, if the generator has wheels and handle, then it will help you carry it but still try not to choose the heavier generator.
This is another feature you should check if you like to run your generator overnight. Generator with a small fuel tank will give you less runtime, and thus, you have to refuel the generator frequently. Also, the high loading on the generator will consume more fuel.
Almost all the RV generators come with dedicated RV ready port so you can connect the generator directly to RV’s many power circuit. But if you want to use the generator for other activities such as home backup, then the other output ports are crucial. So don’t forget to check the output receptacles in your selected generator.
Features like electric start/remote start, digital display, fuel gauge, and GFCI outlets will help you operate the generator efficiently. These features are not necessary, but when you want to choose between two generators, then these features will give you an edge.
According to our research, inverter generators are best for RV usage because of their low noise operation, excellent fuel economy, and clean power output.
On the downside, the inverter generator comes with low power output because their internal circuits aren’t designed to handle high power output.
But by linking two inverter generators in parallel, you can double the power output, so don’t need to worry about overloading your generator anymore.
Other than RV, you can also use the inverter generator as your home backup during power outages too.
As I said earlier, all the RVers choose the inverter generators because they are very fuel-efficient. The inverter generators are equipped with special power inverting circuits and load sensing technology which adjusts the engine’s speed according to load demand. So this type of generator will always consume less fuel compared to conventional fuel.
Now, if we talk about the noise output, then it is also quite low; here’s how. The generator produces noise due to the rotation of the engine, and the noise production is maximum when the generator is fully loaded. But in the inverter generator, the engine’s speed is adjusted according to power demand. Thus the noise level is relatively low.
Another big advantage of using the inverter generator is its clean and stable power output. The conventional generator provides power that contains a high amount of harmonics (in the permissible limit). This type of unclean power heats the internal coils of the electrical machine, which shortens its life expectancy. Therefore you should invest in an inverter generator.
Overall, the Champion 3800-Watt Dual Fuel Generator is our top pick. Considering its power output, it is very affordable and not to mention the three years of mind-boggling warranty on this unit.
Compared to other units, its power output is high, which is great, especially when you want to run many appliances simultaneously in your RV. Other than that, the dual-fuel system also decreases the overall fuel cost if you run the generator on propane. By the way, don’t miss our rating list of propane generators if such fuel is the only an option for your needs
But on the downside, it does not have the inverting capability. So if you are on a low budget, then this generator is great for you, and if you want the inverting ability, then you can choose the WEN 56203i.
