Best Generator for rv camping 2023
If you are looking for a reliable and efficient generator to power your RV and other appliances during your camping trips, you might want to consider these five models that we have selected based on their features, performance, and customer reviews. Here is a comparison table that summarizes their main specifications and ratings:
| Model | Peak Watts | Running Watts | Fuel Type | Run Time | Noise Level | Weight | Remote Start | RV Ready | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Champion 4500-Watt Portable Inverter Generator1 | 4500 W | 3500 W | Gasoline | 14 hours at 25% load | 52 dBA at 23 ft. | 95 lbs. | Yes, with key fob | Yes, with TT-30R outlet | $1,099.002 | 4.6 out of 5 stars3 |
| Champion 4250-Watt Open Frame Inverter Generator4 | 4250 W | 3500 W | Gasoline or Propane (dual fuel) | 22 hours at 25% load (gas) or 14.5 hours at 25% load (propane) | 64 dBA at 23 ft. | 104.7 lbs. | No, recoil start only | Yes, with TT-30R outlet and L5-30R outlet | $451.985 (gas only) or $599.006 (dual fuel) | 4.6 out of 5 stars7 |
| Westinghouse 4650 Peak Watt Portable Generator8 | 4650 W | 3600 W | Gasoline or Propane (dual fuel) with CO sensor | 14 hours at 25% load (gas) or 11 hours at 25% load (propane) | 57 dBA at no-load, 62 dBA at 25% load, and 68 dBA at full load at 23 ft. | 106 lbs. (gas only) or 108 lbs. (dual fuel) | No, recoil start only | Yes, with TT-30R outlet and L5-30R outlet | $329.009 (gas only) or $369.0010 (dual fuel) with CO sensor | 4.6 out of 5 stars11 |
| GENMAX 3200W Portable Inverter Generator12 | 3200 W | 2800 W | Gasoline with CO detect | Up to 8 hours at economy mode with one gallon of fuel | As low as 52 dBA with double-insulated acoustic enclosure | 47.3 lbs. | No, recoil start only | Yes, with TT-30R outlet and two USB ports | $466.6913 | 4.6 out of 5 stars14 |
| Westinghouse 4500 Peak Watt Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator15 | 4500 W | 3700 W | Gasoline | 18 hours at 25% load on a 3.4-gallon fuel tank | As low as 52 dBA with Quiet Technology | 98 lbs. | Yes, with remote electric start and auto choke | Yes, with TT-30R outlet and two USB ports | $1,049.00 | 4.6 out of 5 stars |
Champion 4500-Watt Portable Inverter Generator
This generator is a premium power solution that offers remote start, LED display, RV ready outlet, and super quiet operation. It has a powerful engine that produces clean and stable power for sensitive electronics and appliances. It also has an economy mode that saves fuel and extends engine life by adjusting the engine speed according to the electrical load.
Some of the advantages of this generator are:
- It has a wireless remote start that allows you to start and stop the generator from up to 80 feet away with a key fob.
- It has a LED data center that rotates automatically to show you the runtime, remaining fuel, load/output, volts, and lifetime hours.
- It has a low oil and carbon monoxide shutdown feature that protects the engine and your safety.
- It has a built-in handle and wheels for easy portability.
Some of the drawbacks of this generator are:
- It is relatively heavy and bulky compared to other inverter generators.
- It is more expensive than some of the other models on the list.
- It does not have a dual fuel option.
Champion 4250-Watt Open Frame Inverter Generator
This generator is a compact and powerful design that features an open frame for improved cooling and durability. It has a dual fuel option that allows you to run it on either gasoline or propane, giving you more flexibility and convenience. It also has an intelligauge that monitors the voltage, frequency, and operating hours with ease.
Some of the advantages of this generator are:
- It is 50% quieter and 20% lighter than a traditional 3500-watt generator, making it more suitable for camping and tailgating.
- It has a parallel ready feature that enables you to connect it with another compatible inverter generator to double your power output.
- It has a long run time of up to 22 hours on gasoline or 14.5 hours on propane at 25% load, saving you repeated trips to the gas station.
Some of the drawbacks of this generator are:
- It does not have a remote start or electric start option, only a recoil start.
- It does not have a CO sensor or shutdown feature, which may pose a risk if you use it in an enclosed space.
- It does not have USB ports for charging your mobile devices.
Westinghouse 4650 Peak Watt Portable Generator
This generator is a versatile and efficient power source that can run on either gasoline or propane with a CO sensor that detects and shuts down the generator if carbon monoxide levels become unsafe. It has a large fuel tank that provides a long run time of up to 14 hours on gasoline or 11 hours on propane at 25% load. It also has a low noise level that ranges from 57 dBA to 68 dBA depending on the load.
Some of the advantages of this generator are:
- It has a dual fuel option that gives you more choices and convenience when fueling your generator.
- It has a CO sensor that protects you and your family from carbon monoxide poisoning.
- It has two 120V household outlets, one RV-ready outlet, and one twist-lock outlet, all with rubber covers for added safety.
Some of the drawbacks of this generator are:
- It does not have an inverter technology that provides clean and stable power for sensitive electronics.
- It does not have a remote start or electric start option, only a recoil start.
- It does not have an economy mode that adjusts the engine speed according to the electrical load.
GENMAX 3200W Portable Inverter Generator
This generator is a lightweight and ultra-quiet power solution that uses a high-speed gas engine and inverter technology to provide clean and stable power for your appliances and devices. It has an economy mode that maximizes fuel efficiency and extends engine life by reducing the engine speed when the electrical load is low. It also has a CO detect feature that shuts down the generator if carbon monoxide levels become dangerous.
Some of the advantages of this generator are:
- It is one of the lightest and quietest inverter generators on the market, weighing only 47.3 pounds and producing as low as 52 dBA of noise.
- It has a CO detect feature that ensures your safety and prevents carbon monoxide poisoning.
- It has two USB ports that allow you to charge your phone, laptop, or other devices.
Some of the drawbacks of this generator are:
- It has a small fuel tank that holds only one gallon of gas, limiting its run time to up to 8 hours at economy mode.
- It does not have a remote start or electric start option, only a recoil start.
- It does not have a parallel ready feature that enables you to connect it with another compatible inverter generator to increase your power output.
Westinghouse 4500 Peak Watt Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
This generator is a premium power solution that offers remote electric start, quiet technology, RV ready outlet, and LED display. It has a powerful engine that produces clean and stable power for sensitive electronics and appliances. It also has an economy mode that saves fuel and extends engine life by adjusting the engine speed according to the electrical load.
Some of the advantages of this generator are:
- It has a remote electric start and auto choke that make it easy and convenient to start and stop the generator from up to 109 yards away.
- It has a quiet technology that reduces the noise level to as low as 52 dBA, making it ideal for camping, tailgating, or home backup.
- It has a LED display that shows you the runtime, remaining fuel, load/output, volts, frequency, lifetime hours, and maintenance information.
Some of the drawbacks of this generator are:
- It is relatively heavy and bulky compared to other inverter generators.
- It is more expensive than some of the other models on the list.
- It does not have a dual fuel option.
How to choose Generator for RV camping
Choosing a generator for RV camping can be a bit tricky, as there are many factors to consider, such as:
- The size and power of your RV and the appliances you want to run
- The type and availability of fuel for the generator
- The noise level and portability of the generator
- The cost and maintenance of the generator
Here are some tips to help you narrow down your options and find the best generator for RV camping:
- First, determine how much power you need for your RV. You can do this by adding up the wattage of all the appliances and devices you want to use at the same time. For example, if you have a 30-amp RV with a 13,500 BTU air conditioner, a microwave, a refrigerator, a TV, and a laptop, you may need around 3,500 watts of power. You can also use online calculators or tools like
search_web("rv generator wattage calculator")to estimate your power needs. - Second, decide what type of fuel you prefer for your generator. There are three main types of fuel for RV generators: gasoline, propane, and diesel. Each has its pros and cons, such as:
- Gasoline is widely available and cheap, but it has a short shelf life and can be flammable and toxic.
- Propane is clean-burning and long-lasting, but it has less power output and can be harder to find.
- Diesel is efficient and powerful, but it is more expensive and noisy.
Some generators can run on dual fuel, meaning they can switch between gasoline and propane. This can give you more flexibility and backup options in case one fuel type is unavailable or more expensive.
- Third, consider the noise level and portability of the generator. You don’t want to disturb your neighbors or wildlife with a loud generator, nor do you want to struggle with moving a heavy generator around. Look for generators that have low noise ratings (below 60 decibels) and lightweight designs (below 100 pounds). Some generators also have features like wheels, handles, or remote start that make them easier to transport and operate.
- Fourth, compare the cost and maintenance of the generator. You want to get a generator that fits your budget and offers good value for money. You also want to check the warranty and customer service of the generator brand, as well as the availability of parts and accessories. Additionally, you want to follow the proper maintenance procedures for your generator, such as changing the oil, filters, spark plugs, etc., to ensure its longevity and performance.
FAQ about Generator for RV camping
Here are some common questions and answers about RV generators:
What size generator is recommended for an RV?
The size of the generator you need for your RV depends on the power requirements of your RV and the appliances you want to run. In general, a 3,000-watt generator should be sufficient for a 30-amp RV, while a 4,000-watt generator should be enough for a 50-amp RV. However, these are only rough estimates, and you should always check the specific wattage of your appliances before buying a generator.
What generator to use for RV?
The best generator to use for RV depends on your personal preferences and needs. However, some of the most popular and recommended models are:
search_web("Westinghouse iGen4500 Super Quiet Generator For RV"): This generator has a high power output of 4,500 watts peak and 3,700 watts running. It also has a remote start feature and an LED display that shows the power output, fuel level, voltage, run time, etc. It runs on gasoline and has an RV-ready outlet.1search_web("Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter"): This generator can run on either gasoline or propane, giving you more flexibility and backup options. It has a low noise level of 59 decibels and a long run time of up to 14.5 hours on propane or 7.5 hours on gasoline. It also has parallel capability that allows you to connect two generators together for more power.2search_web("WEN 56200i Portable Inverter Generator"): This generator is lightweight (48 pounds) and eco-friendly. It produces clean power that is safe for sensitive electronics. It has multiple outlets (two AC outlets, one DC outlet, two USB ports) that allow you to plug in various devices. It runs on gasoline and has a run time of up to six hours at half load.3
What size generator do I need for a 30 ft RV?
The size of the generator you need for a 30 ft RV depends on the power consumption of your appliances and devices. However, a general rule of thumb is that you need at least 3,000 watts of power for a 30 ft RV, especially if you want to run an air conditioner and a microwave at the same time. You can also use online tools like search_web("rv generator wattage calculator") to get a more accurate estimate of your power needs.
Which inverter generator is best for RV?
An inverter generator is a type of generator that produces clean and stable power that is suitable for sensitive electronics. It also has a lower noise level and better fuel efficiency than a conventional generator. Some of the best inverter generators for RV are:
search_web("Generac 7127 iQ3500 Portable Inverter Generator"): This generator is powerful (3,500 watts peak and 3,000 watts running) and quiet (40 decibels at 25% load). It has a digital smart LCD that displays the power output, fuel level, run time, voltage, etc. It runs on gasoline and has an electric start feature.4search_web("DuroStar DS4 Generator For RV"): This generator is efficient and durable. It has a dual fuel feature that allows it to run on either gasoline or propane. It has a run time of up to 20 hours on propane or eight hours on gasoline. It also has a low oil shutoff feature that protects the engine from damage.5search_web("Honda EU2200i Generator"): This generator is portable (46.5 pounds) and reliable. It has a run time of up to 8.1 hours on one gallon of gasoline. It also has parallel capability that allows you to connect two generators together for more power. It runs on gasoline and has an eco-throttle feature that adjusts the engine speed according to the load.6
