You could be reviewing the RV camping trip you went to last time. It turns out it was your worst ever experience in years. Perhaps, several things went amiss, including your arrangements of power supply.
The generator did not hold on well – it went down quite often. That could not just be disappointing but also horrific.
Are you planning for another similar trip?
You do not want your next camping trip to be anything near such, again. In this guide, we want to ensure that your electricity needs on your RV are sorted.
We explore some of the best portable generators in the market for RV camping. Let us get to know them right here.
If you are an RV camper, a portable generator is a must-have. Because you are in the middle of nowhere, the little machine has to be reliable. It must not cut down on power so that lighting inside the motorhome is compromised.
Otherwise, you will be left in the dark. This can be fretful and upsetting especially if you do not have better options to turn to. Things even get worse granting that you are loners in that particular campsite. No one is there to run to for help.
In such circumstances, if you had gone with the entire family, no one would feel safe or secure. And it is okay to be in such emotions.
However, the right generator should make everyone in this temporary home have something to appreciate such outings for.
The best models are quiet and powerful too. This means that you are advantaged in two ways: awesome power supply and peace of mind due to the low sound decibel output.
Moreover, the best generator also runs a few more appliances in your RV. This is besides the lighting you get. You can connect your microwave oven; watch your favorite TV show on your big screen. If you went with your vacuum cleaner, the generator would equally power it with minimum fuss.
Sometimes you want to even power heavy-duty equipment. For example, the air compressors and other power tools.
In addition, these generators are portable. Their overall build is compact and low profile meaning that carrying the generator to a new location for placement is a cinch. You do not need to struggle to take it from place to place.
You can use the generator to supply power to other key electrical connections. As long as you set it up well, you could charge your cell phones, PCs, and devices like GPS.
The other bonus thing about RV camping generators is that they lower your spending costs. First, they are never associated with outrageous price tags. So, you purchase them with a few bucks and you are up and running. Their fuel requirements are also not as high as you would expect of a regular power generator.
Types of Portable Generators for RV Camping
As usual, there are many types of RV generators on the market. They come in different designs, models and with unique features.
RV Inverter Generator
The main highlight about this generator type is quietness. Apart from producing clean power, RV inverter generator is one of the best for electric connections such as computers and other power sensitive equipment.
They come in different power wattages including 2200 watts, 3400 watts, and 6500 watts. If you love camping on RVs in the woods, these are ready-to-go solutions.
Portable Diesel RV Generator
RV generators that run on diesel are very powerful. They also emit fewer fumes to the environment. It is safer to use these generators compared to gasoline types. This is due to the non-explosive nature of the diesel fuel.
However, you would be disappointed on their noise output. They can produce annoying noises and this is not likeable.
Propane RV Generator
The propane RV generators depend on liquid propane for fuel. And they are known to possess great longevity. Additionally, they are low in power, compared to gas or diesel types, although the difference is quite marginal.
The fact that they consume propane also makes them clean appliances and, therefore, environment-friendly.
Gasoline RV Generator
The most affordable generators you can get as an RV owner are gasoline RV generators. As you already know, gasoline is cheap and easily available. Most RV owners have resorted to these types, as they are convenient.
The problem with these generators is the risk of gasoline. It is a highly flammable fuel that you do not want to gamble around with. Gasoline is also not great when it comes to shelf life. And in a little while, you will be looking to a low fuel level warning light.
Make sure that you keep the generator far away from your RV. Do not store it up in your vehicle – it is never safe!
Best Portable Generators for RV Camping Reviews
1. Champion Power Equipment 3500-Watt Portable Inverter Generator
The Champion Power Equipment comes as a unique RV generator with the dual fuel function. You can use it for camping, boat, and definitely RVing. The dual fuel feature allows you to easily switch between gas and propane fuels. This is not only a convenient model but also versatile in nature.
Champion Power Equipment is designed to operate at 3500 starting watts and 2300 running watts. This makes it an efficient model that can run a number of appliances and power sensitive devices.
It takes about 10 hours to use the full gas tank completely. The generator is quiet (58 dB) and fuel-efficient as it comes with an economy mode.
Overall, the generator is the best choice if you want an extremely versatile type
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2. Generac 8251 GP2500i 2,500-Watt Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator
- Portable Power Solution: The GP2500i inverter generator is your...
- High Quality and Consistent Power: With TruePower Technology,...
- Compact and Lightweight: Designed for easy transportation this...
- Fuel-Efficient and Quiet: Activate Economy Mode to automatically...
- Smart and Reliable: Equipped with LED indicators for low oil,...
Generac 8251 GP2500i is a great model for portability – it weighs in at just 48 lbs. The model is rated at 2500 starting watts and 2200 running watts.
Coming as a compact design, generator can run for 7 hours at half-load and almost 20 hours at full load. The electricity produced is safe and stable. Moreover, there is a built-in handle to help you with transportation.
The economy mode is also featured on this model. This means less fuel spent as the machine only gives the energy as required by the load. Resultantly, it saves fuel and leads to low noise production.
The Generac 8251 GP2500i accommodates a parallel connection. This enables you to connect another machine of the same model via a parallel connection kit. You achieve a higher power output with the two generators.
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3. Briggs & Stratton P2400 PowerSmart Series Inverter Generator
Many online Amazon reviewers have applauded Briggs & Stratton 30545 Inverter Generator, for its quiet running and sufficient power supply. The generator has a 2400-watt power output when starting and 1800 watts at running. It is one of the best models on the market with low sound decibel output.
Obviously the unit is not the lightest at 50 Ibs, however, it is portable and comes with a strong handle. It also has a parallel connector port which allows you to connect two units together for even more power
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4. maXpeedingrods 4000 Watt Inverter Generator
The MaXpeedingrods 4000 Watt Inverter Generator is a great pick for anyone who wants timely and stable power and yet a lightweight unit. This Portable Generator from BFG has a peak output of 4000watts and a rated output of 3500watts, therefore is suitable for use during camping or in RV, power backup at home. The AE3000 is one of the quietest equipment in the market – the noise level in operation is 58 dBA at 23 feet, which is low enough not to intrude with necessary ambient noise.
This generator has a strong 223cc engine and employs a pure sine wave technology for stability when powering gadgetry such as laptops and smartphones. They can burn gasoline and propane which means that we can switch between the two and get the best results in terms of usage. The maximum operating time is up to 12 hours on a tank of gas at 25% load, using a controller that’s efficient. The LCD screen is used to display important issues like voltage, fuel level and the remaining time of operation.
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5. Westinghouse iGen4500 Generator
- 3700 Rated Watts and 4500 Peak Watts at Less Than 3% THD –...
- Features a 5–20R 120V Duplex Household Outlet, an RV-Ready...
- Led Data Center: Rotating Digital Display Shows Fuel Level, Power...
- Extremely Quiet, Extremely Fuel Efficient: as Low as 52 dBA Noise...
- All Westinghouse Portable Generators are Functionally Tested in...
The Westinghouse iGen4500 is one of the most decorated RV generators. Coming with a 224cc 4-stroke OHV 4500-watt engine, the unit does not fall short of power. The 3.4-gallon fuel capacity is huge and it will take 18 hours to deplete it.
Westinghouse iGen4500 generates very minimal noise. With just 52 decibels output, you have almost noiseless equipment in the surroundings. It is a bit heavy compared to most models discussed previously. While the sturdy wheels and durable handle make its maneuverability quite effortless.
The 3-year warranty is decent although this generator has been found to malfunction after just a short time. At least according to some reviewers.
Overall, the Westinghouse iGen4500 is a powerful generator. Its design is quite spot on.
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Best Portable Generators for RV Camping Buying Guide
Power Needs
If your RV power requirements are many, then you must get a powerful generator. It must correspond to the needs sufficiently.
Make sure that the generator adequately supplies for all the electronics and appliances you have in the RV.
Fuel Consumption
No need to overemphasize this although super-important. Buy a model that is not probably a fuel guzzler. You do not want to overspend on fuel.
You can as well look for the eco-mode feature in a model. This helps to control fuel consumption.
Noise Level
Some models are whisper-quiet, others will leave you rattled. Fortunately, all the generator models highlighted in this guide comes with noiseless features.
The bottom line is, check those units with low decibel ratings. A noisy generator will not only destroy your outing but it could also cause unnecessary misunderstanding with your neighbors.
Portability
This is the reason why we compiled the guide. Basically, the generator should be lightweight for easy portability.
You should be able to pull it along without force. Some have good handles and solid wheels that roll smoothly over surfaces. These are easy to transport.
Conclusion
Now, that is a massive list of the best portable generators for RV camping. You should be in the best position to secure a generator for your RV for the upcoming trip.
