Recreational vehicles are fitted with multiple electrical appliances that require a constant supply of power. As such, you have to ensure that you have a powerful generator that you can rely on.
Thankfully, there are specialized generators that are specifically designed for RVs. In as much as these generators may seem small, they can deliver large amounts of electricity that will allow you to operate all your devices optimally.
Aside from being powerful, RV generators are super lightweight, so you can easily carry them into or out of the vehicle without straining yourself.
In addition to this, most RV generators have a space-saving design, thus making them an ideal option for tight spaces. However, it is worth noting that these generators perform differently.
This is because they are fitted with different models of engines that allow some generators to perform better than others.
If you are looking for top-performing RV generators that are currently on the market, the options highlighted below can be a good way to start.
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11 Best RV Generators
#1 Champion 4000-Watt RV Generator
No products found.The high-performance RV generator from Champion packs a lot of power and is more efficient compared to its predecessor.
For the same power, it has been ultra-designed to have a 50% noise reduction and 20% less weight from conventional Champion 3500 watt generators.
A full tank of gasoline will run this generator continuously for seventeen hours. This extended run time is highly beneficial because you can now rely on the generator to deliver more power while minimizing refills.
In terms of output, this generator puts out very clean power. Besides, you can tap this power from the 120Voutlet, or the two 120V 20A outlets. In addition to this, the generator is fitted with a 12V DC power outlet.
The generator, as mentioned, is lighter and it is as well smaller and more intricately designed to fit into small spaces. An RV has very limited space and it would be too bad if the generator took up too much space.
For bigger and more demanding power needs, you can hook this generator to an inverter that will increase your power output to supply all your electrical needs.
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#2 Honda EU2200i 2200-Watt RV Generator
No products found.Honda has been in the engine making business for several years. All this time spent perfecting engines of motorcycles and cars has given the manufacturer unique engineering know-how that has enabled them to produce such powerful generators like this 120V system.
This generator is not only effective for use in the RV but is also very efficient as a home generator, and it can provide power to a whole lot of appliances. Also, its power can be greatly regulated to fit the specific needs of each appliance.
In addition to its amazing versatility, this generator also runs for up to 10 hours when the tank is at full capacity. This run time, considering its size and therefore, fuel capacity, is very commendable.
There is a switch on this generator that will take it directly from full power to eco power. The eco power switch is the setting that allows the generator to deliver better, cleaner energy.
Moreover, the power that this generator puts out is just as dependable as power from any electrical outlet.
If there should be a need for more power, two of these generators can be paralleled using a specific, unique set of wires. This paralleling will increase the power output from 2200 watts to 4400 watts and this can power up more electrical appliances reliably.
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#3 Yamaha EF2000iSv2Gas Powered RV Generator
No products found.Similar to Honda, Yamaha is just as refined when it comes to designing powerful generators. With that said, the Yamaha EF2000iSv2 won’t disappoint you when you are out with your RV.
This generator features a space-saving design, so you can easily install it in areas with limited space.
And since the generator is gas-powered, it is built with a smart throttle system that will help you conserve fuel.
Generators can be very noisy, and when you are in a space as tight as that in an RV, there is definitely no space for noise.
Well, with this generator, you won’t have to worry because it has been fitted with a sound dampening muffler that makes this product one of the quietest in the market.
Most engines are started by the lighting of small sparks in the combustion chamber that will get the fuel burning. Unfortunately, sometimes these sparks are too big and may cause fires.
In line with this, you will be happy to know that this generator has been fitted with a strong spark arrestor that stops any such phenomenon from happening.
Anything that burns fuel emits some form of exhaust fumes. This generator is not an exception. It is, therefore, a relief to know that this product has CARB certification, thus making it safe for the environment
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#4 Durostar DS4000S Portable Generator, Yellow/Black
No products found.When you buy the Durostar DS4000S, you not only get the generator itself but also a set of tools that will help you when servicing the unit. Aside from that, there is also a funnel included in the package.
Unlike the generators above, this unit has a voltmeter that you can use to determine the power output that is being delivered at any given time.
This is especially important for the electrical appliances in your RV that require specific levels of power.
To further aid regulation of power, there are different classes of outlets on this generator. There are two household outlets (120V) and a twist-lock outlet that can be used to power other outlets.
It doesn’t matter what kind of appliances you have in the RV. With a peak power wattage of 4000 and a running power output of 3300 watts, there is plenty of power produced by this generator to keep things running smoothly in your recreational vehicle.
To add to this, the generator has also been designed to be very quiet and is also CARB compliant. This means that it does not pollute either the environment with noise or the air with excessive harmful exhaust fumes.
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#5 Pulsar PG10000B16 Portable Dual Fuel Generator
No products found.This generator features a quick start up system that will allow you to power the engine with a simple flick of a switch.
Plus, it comes with a strong frame that is made of durable steel. It has been built to weather the elements and protects the inner components of the generator from external damage. More to this, ensures that the generator remains sturdy and stable all the time.
The generator is built with a large 6.6-gallon tank that can run this generator for up to twelve hours when on half load. Half load for this generator is a big deal considering it has a tested peak power of 10000 watts.
When it comes to versatility, this generator can run on different fuel sources. Seeing as when you’re touring in an RV, you are bound to get to places with very little resources, this generator can continue to power your RV while running on either gas or LPG.
The large four-stroke 420cc engine delivers dependable power to the electrical appliances in your RV even when the generator is running at its lowest setting.
There is seamless switching from one fuel line to the next even when the machine is running.
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#6 Rainier R12000DF RV Generator
No products found.This generator comes with amazing features that you can make use of when working with RVs. Besides, it has a user-friendly control interface for user convenience. Also, the digital VFT display will provide you with accurate voltage measurements.
The engineers at Rainier took the fact that you will be using this generator for powering an RV very seriously. Thus, it has been designed with wheels and handles that make it very easy for you to haul this huge generator around.
Similar to the one before it, this generator is also very efficient and can run on two different sources of fuel.
That said, it can run on gasoline, hence providing you with a peak wattage of 12000 worth of power output. On the other hand, propane will provide you with up 10800 watts.
As such, it is evident that this generator can comfortably supply all the juice you need to efficiently power your RV.
It has a simple on/off button system and an electrical switch that can seamlessly change the fuel input from gasoline to propane even when the generator is in use.
The sizable 4-stroke 487cc engine can run this generator for approximately seventeen hours while on 25% load.
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#7 Briggs & Stratton P3000 Power Smart Series Inverter
No products found.Briggs & Stratton P3000 is a small unit and it looks as though it packs an equally small punch.
But, you would be wrong to think that. Its small, impressive engine will run for up to ten hours depending on the amount of load applied. In terms of efficiency, the designers at Briggs really did engineer this generator wonderfully.
It has a permanent magnet alternator that drastically reduces the amount of energy it needs to produce power because, instead of depending solely on mechanical power, it uses rare earth magnets to produce most of the power.
This unit has also been fitted with wheels and a handle for ease in maneuvering about the RV and its environments. It produces instant and very clean electricity that will keep your appliances running optimally.
For its small size, it has a pretty roomy fuel tank at 1.5 gallons. With this, you will have enough fuel to run the generator decently long period.
The power from this unit is delivered to the appliances through a couple of power outlets including four 120V common appliance outlets and a one larger 12V 30A DC outlet.
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#8 Champion Power Equipment 100307 RV Generator
No products found.For many generators and other power tools, you would have to give them some servicing before you are able to actually use them. That, however, does not apply to this Champion RV generator. As such, you can power it with propane or gasoline immediately after unboxing it.
This generator has a progressive performance tracking system that has rightfully been called Intelligauge. It automatically records the system function numbers like oil level, oil pressure, fuel level, and pressure and consumption.
Against the run time recorded, it is able to plot these numbers so that you can actively and in real-time, record your generator’s performance.
This high-quality generator has a peak power of 4375 watts while running on gasoline. Its running wattage with this fuel is 3500 watts.
While running on propane, it has a peak power of 3950 watts and a running power of 3150 watts. Either way, it still performs great and can sustainably power all the appliances in the RV.
To make it even better, this generator can operate efficiently in low temperatures, thanks to its cold start feature.
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#9 A-iPower SUA2000i 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator
No products found.This next RV generator boasts of advanced technological features that are equally mind-boggling. It is a small generator with an engine size of just 79cc. However, with this engine, it is able to produce peak power outputs of up to 2000 watts.
The Ai inverter that has been fitted on this device gives you a steady and dependable flow of clean and reliable electricity.
This power can be used to run your electrical appliances in the RV comfortably. Since this machine is small and compact, you don’t even need to set it up outside.
You would think that if it were set up in the RV it would be unbeatable in terms of its noise pollution. Well, not at all, this generator runs so smoothly and quietly that you wouldn’t even know that it is there.
It has enough power to even fire up an RV’s massive air conditioning system. Its 1.1-gallon gas tank can keep the engine running for several hours, and at the same time, operating multiple appliances in the RV.
This is a massive feat considering its size and 58 deciBel noise output. Perhaps the most attractive feature of this unit is how accessible it is.
For increased power, you have the option of paralleling this unit with another so that you get twice as much power. Whereas in other models, you would have to pair it with a similar generator, this one can be paired with just any other generator up there.
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#10 WEN 56310i-RV Generator
No products found.WEN provides you with a powerful RV generator that will ensure the appliances in your recreational vehicle never lack power. Moreover, this unit is CARB-certified and is also well built for optimum performance.
Additionally, it has been classified again as one of the most silent generators with a noise output of less than 60 deciBels. This means that, if the conditions are unfavorable to setting this generator up outside the RV, it can comfortably be set up inside.
To top it all up, this RV generator is lauded to be producing very clean power. Clean power here means that this unit generates electricity that does not harm any of the sensitive electronics like phones and tablets and laptops.
Still, the energy is enough to power up the bigger electronics like irons and HiFi systems. It has a four-stroke, medium-sized 212cc Overhead Valve engine.
The engine produces a peak power of about 3100 watts and a running power of 2850 watts. This is more than enough power to run the RV and its appliances very dependably.
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#11 Generac 6866 iQ2000 Gas Powered Inverter Generator
No products found.First off, the Generac 6866 iQ2000 features a convenient LCD display system that will keep you updated on its operations. It has three main display points. One shows how much power it is running at any given point.
The next shows how much fuel it still has in the tank and the third display relates to the first two and calculates how much time you have left before you have to refuel.
This is the second generator we are seeing on this list that runs purely on gas. It has a fuel reservoir with a volume of 1.06 gallons.
When full, the tank can run this generator efficiently, at half load for about 5 hours, and at 25% load for about 8 hours.
It has three distinct run levels that can be set up depending on the power needs of the RV and the appliances inside. This is inclusive of economy, turbo, and standard levels.
These levels help you to set up the generator optimally so that you maintain optimal fuel economy.
Furthermore, it has peak wattage of 2000 and running wattage of 1600 watts. This power is delivered to be used through a series of outlet ports.
As such, it has a dual 120V outlet ports, a 120V 30A port to which the RV can be plugged and in and a couple of 12V DC USB plugs for regular use.
Plus, it comes parallel-ready. This means that it can be paralleled with a similar generator for double the power output. This provides you with more power to run even bigger appliances.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I need an RV generator?
If you are someone who likes to be on the road, then you definitely need an RV generator for all your power needs.
If you are not, it is still a good idea to have a secondary power source just in case mainstream power goes off.
How versatile can an RV generator be?
Well, most RV generators are very versatile. They can supply different levels of power to different power outlets that will cater to different needs of the RV and the appliances inside it.
Some RV generators can even run on two different types of fuel. This makes them more accessible and easy to use.
Which RV generator is the most appropriate for me?
Well, this definitely depends on a couple of things. Which fuel is easiest for you to access? How big is your RV?
How much power do you need? But say all these factors are kept constant; the most important thing to consider would be how much emission the generator produces.
Final Verdict
There is nothing as scary as being in an empty trailer park with no power. This happens a lot to people who like to traverse the country in their RVs but didn’t do enough planning.
The article above, with its list, has effectively given you the most information you could ever need in order to make the right choice in buying an RV generator.
Last update on 2023-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
