Traveling in the United States in an RV is one of the best ways to travel. You can see so much of what makes the United States a wonderful country and do so from the comfort of your traveling home. A portable generator can make your experience even more amazing, as it allows you to stay where you do not have to plug your RV all the time, and it is very handy in an emergency.
Portable generators can keep your RV running in the middle of a forest or desert without you needing to find a way to plug into a power source. For the best portable generators, you need to consider a lot of things, such as size, fuel source, and capacity. All of these things can make your RV a comfortable, secure place to live and travel, but what are the best generators, and why are they the best?
What are the Best Generators on the Market for RVs?
1. Honda Super Quiet Gasoline Portable Generator
The Honda Super Quiet Gasoline Portable Generator is a quiet operation generator with only a maximum noise production of fifty-eight decibels of sound. The Honda generator is a powerful gas-powered generator that produces up to thirteen thousand five hundred BTUs of operating power. That is enough power to run most regular appliances such as your refrigerator, microwave, and television.
The generator uses advanced inverter technology to run other types of electronics safely, so you can use those electronics that require stable, clean electricity to run safely, such as your computer or your Smartphone. In case there are problems, built-in safety features helping prevent your technology from taking damage, such as low oil shut off.
Main Features:
- Running Watts: 3,000 watts
- Fuel Source: Gasoline
- Fuel Efficiency: twenty hours on 3.4 gallons
- Quiet Operation: Maximum fifty-eight decibels
Final Verdict: The Honda Super Quiet Gasoline Portable Generator is a good generator for a lot of people needing an efficient generator that runs smoothly and quietly every time. It is a heavier generator, so it might be difficult for some RV travelers to move frequently.
Pros
- You can run the generator efficiently for up to twenty hours on 3.4 gallons of gasoline.
- The generator is a quiet operation generator that produces a maximum of fifty-eight decibels of sound.
- A built-in inverter lets you charge sensitive electronics like computers and Smartphones.
Cons
- The generator is heavy at one hundred forty-four pounds.
- A remote start does not come with the generator.
2. Yamaha EF2000iSv2, 1600 Running Watts/2000 Starting Watts, Gas Powered Portable Inverter
The Yamaha EF2000iSv2, 1600 Running Watts/2000 Starting Watts, Gas Powered Portable Inverter produces sixteen hundred running watts of power at 13.3 amps at one hundred twenty volts of power. The generator is very quiet when running at a forth of a load, producing only 51.5 decibels of sound.
All of the power and sound dampening together combine with a smart throttle that lets you vary the speed of the engine to match the load power you require to run certain appliances. The smart throttle helps you with fuel economy, as well as reduces the amount of noise the generator produces. Built-in Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) control produces clear sine waves to keep your frequencies stable and clean while in use.
Main Features:
- Running Watts: 1,600 Watts
- Fuel Source: Gasoline
- Fuel Efficiency: ten and a half hours on a quarter of a tank
- Quiet Operation: 51.5 decibels at quarter load
Final Verdict: The Yamaha EF2000iSv2, 1600 Running Watts/2000 Starting Watts, Gas Powered Portable Inverter is an excellent choice as a portable generator. It is lightweight at only 44.1 pounds, and it is easy to store and move to where you need to run it. The long-term usability of the generator can be problematic as it uses a lot of oil to remain operational.
Pros
- Pure Sinewave operation helps the generator run clean.
- You can do two parallel generator operations to get extra power when needed.
- A smart throttle lets you control the amount of power the generator produces.
Cons
- The control modulator can go bad after a couple of years of use.
- The generator uses a lot of oil to remain fully operational.
3. Generac 7117 GP2200i 2200 Watt Portable Inverter Generator
The Generac 7117 GP2200i 2200 Watt Portable Inverter Generator is compact and easy to use. Rated for seventeen hundred running watts, the generator produces a clean, strong power clean enough to run sensitive equipment such as your laptop or your Smartphone. Parallel-ready, the generator lets you connect two generators to produce more power, as you need.
A convenient carry handle comes on top of the generator, making it easy to put in your RV storage or the back of a pickup truck. A built-in off/run/choke knob helps make starting the generator simple and efficient. You can also activate the economy mode to provide improved fuel economy and reduce noise during operation, with LED lights letting your know the status of the generator.
Main Features:
- Running Watts: 1,700 watts
- Fuel Source: gasoline
- Fuel Efficiency: 10.75 hours of operation on 1.2 gallons
- Quiet Operation: N/A
Final Verdict: The Generac 7117 GP2200i 2200 Watt Portable Inverter Generator is a good choice if you need extra power to run multiple appliances. The ability to parallel your generator with another inverter generator makes this an excellent choice for RV travelers running heavy-duty appliances that pull a lot of electricity, such as air conditioning.
Pros
- A built-in economy mode reduces noise and provides fuel economy.
- The generator comes with a low-oil alert to automatically shut down operation for safety.
- 12V DC outlets and USB outlets let you charge devices and batteries.
Cons
- The generator is not quiet operation when running a lot of appliances.
- The generator can be difficult to start after a couple of years of use.
4. Champion 3100-Watt RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator
The Champion 3100-Watt RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator comes ready to use. The generator has a quick-touch panel built into the side of the generator so you can access all your possible hookups and controls in one place. Wheels installed on the back end of the generator help you move it from place to place easy to make using it and moving it convenient.
The generator is a quiet-operation generator with fifty-eight decibels of sound, which makes it perfect for use in the woods or in RV parks, where you do not want to disturb your neighbor or the animals of the forest. Clean power-producing, the Champion generator produces a steady stream of power to run sensitive electronics safely.
Main Features:
- Running Watts: 2,800 watts
- Fuel Source: gasoline
- Fuel Efficiency: eight hours at a quarter load
- Quiet Operation: fifty-eight decibels
Final Verdict: The Champion 3100-Watt RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator is a powerful generator for regular use and work. It is efficient in its operation and capable of producing a lot of power.
Pros
- The generator comes with a fold-away U-shaped handle to help with easy storage.
- You can charge your laptop and Smartphone safely with built-in hookups.
- The generator meets CARB compliance.
Cons
- The generator can go bad after a couple of years of use.
- The motherboard can go bad in the master control unit.
5. Westinghouse iGen2200 Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
The Westinghouse iGen2200 Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator is a lightweight, powerful generator. With eight hundred rated watts along with two one hundred twenty volt outlets, your RV will be ready to power anything. Powerful and sensitive, the Westinghouse generator can provide power for heavy-duty power-consuming appliances like air conditioning units or laptops.
The generator is a quiet-operation generator that runs efficiently, producing only fifty decibels of noise for ten hours. A built-in efficiency mode also helps reduce gasoline consumption and muffle what noise it produces. Capable of parallel connections, you can connect two Westinghouse generators to increase power and performance.
Main Features:
- Running Watts: 1,800 watts
- Fuel Source: Gasoline
- Fuel Efficiency: nine hours on 0.8 gallons of gasoline
- Quiet Operation: fifty-two decibels
Final Verdict: The Westinghouse iGen2200 Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator is very good if you need a cost-effective generator. While very efficient when it is running, there do seem to be problems maintaining operating quality and efficiency over time.
Pros
- You can run the generator up to nine hours on 0.8 gallons of gasoline.
- The generator is a quiet operation generator, producing only fifty-two decibels of noise.
- The generator comes with a master operating panel to make it easy for you to run, choke, or turn off the system.
Cons
- The generator can leak gasoline.
- The built-in safety features can break.
6. WEN 56200i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator
The WEN 56200i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator is a cost-effective way to produce a lot of power. Rated for sixteen hundred watts of power, you can use your RV appliances as well as sensitive equipment such as your laptop or Smartphone. Two built-in one hundred-volt outlets, one twelve-volt outlet, and five USB ports mean you are ready to charge anything and everything.
The WEN generator is a clean-energy producing generator that meets EPA III and CARB compliant guidelines with a powerful four-stroke engine. On a quarter of a load of fuel, you can run the generator up to almost nine and a half hours uninterrupted. The generator runs quietly during operation producing only fifty-three decibels at a quarter of a load.
Main Features:
- Running Watts: 1,600 Watts
- Fuel Source: Gasoline
- Fuel Efficiency: 9.4 hours on a quarter of a load
- Quiet Operation: fifty-three decibels at a quarter of a load.
Final Verdict: The WEN 56200i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator is a cost-effective way to have power for your RV and other activities. There are long-term operating problems for some users if the generator is not properly cared for while not in use.
Pros
- You can charge your devices as well as run your appliances safely with built-in safety features.
- The generator can run parallel with another generator to boost power production.
- The generator is compact and lightweight in design.
Cons
- The generator can be hard to start after repeated use.
- The generator can easily overload when charging or using heavy-load products.
7. Yamaha EF2400iSHC, 2000 Running Watts/2400 Starting Watts, Gas Powered Portable Inverter
The Yamaha EF2400iSHC, 2000 Running Watts/2400 Starting Watts, Gas Powered Portable Inverter provides you with clean power to run the specified load. The inverter motor comes with increased fuel efficiency that is reliable and quiet. Built to be long-lasting, the generator has a cast iron cylinder liner to help the engine run smoothly for multiple uses.
The generator will run heavy electrical use appliances for your RV, like your air conditioning unit and your microwave. The generator can run at least 8.6 hours on a quarter load of fuel. Small and portable, the generator is easy to store in your storage, without taking up too much room.
Main Features:
- Running Watts: 2,000 watts
- Fuel Source: Gasoline
- Fuel Efficiency: 8.6 hours on a quarter load
- Quiet Operation: N/A
Final Verdict: The Yamaha EF2400iSHC, 2000 Running Watts/2400 Starting Watts, Gas Powered Portable Inverter is a generator you buy for the long-term. Quality construction, combined with over thirteen thousand BTUs of power, means you can do what you want with the generator.
Pros
- Built-in safety features include an automatic shut off for low oil.
- The generator has 13,500 BTUs of power to run power tools and air conditioning units.
- The motor of the generator has a cast iron cylinder liner to provide an extra-long lifespan.
Cons
- The generator could be more lightweight at seventy-five pounds.
- The generator is not cost-effective.
8. Honda EU2200i 2200-Watt 120-Volt Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
The Honda EU2200i 2200-Watt 120-Volt Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator produces a source of clean power. You can charge computers and Smartphones along with running appliances if you are traveling. With up to forty-four hundred watts of power, you have a lot of options for keeping your activities going.
The generator is a quiet-operation generator, producing up to fifty-seven decibels of sound, you will not disturb your neighbors or your traveling companions with it running. You can run the generator over nine and a half hours on a single tank of gas with moderate to light loads.
Main Features:
- Running Watts: 2,200 watts
- Fuel Source: Gasoline
- Fuel Efficiency: 9.6 hours on one tank of gas
- Quiet Operation: Fifty-seven decibels
Final Verdict: The Honda EU2200i 2200-Watt 120-Volt Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator is a good cost-effective way to have a portable generator. The Honda generator is not as expensive as other generators and not as cheap as low-end generators. With your new Honda, you will have a way to keep yourself on the road and enjoy life wherever you choose to go.
Pros
- The design of the generator helps it be portable, with a large handle on top and a weight of only forty pounds.
- The generator produces up to fifty-seven decibels of sound while running.
- You can run the generator for over nine and a half hours on a single tank of gas.
Cons
- It is not easy to change the oil in the generator.
- The generator is not quiet during heavy use
9. Westinghouse WGen2000 Portable Generator
The Westinghouse WGen2000 Portable Generator has two thousand running watts of power to work with and a large gas tank. The gas tank can hold four gallons of gas to provide up to twenty hours of running time, per gallon. A 212 cc Westinghouse four-stroke OHV engine in a cast iron sleeve comes with the generator to help promote longevity and safety.
The cast iron sleeve has an automatic shutdown programmed into the generator to turn off the generator if it receives a low oil indication to prevent damage to the generator. The generator also meets EPA and CARB compliance standards, making the generator environmentally friendly.
Main Features:
- Running Watts: 2,000 watts
- Fuel Source: Gasoline
- Fuel Efficiency: twenty hours every tank of gas
- Quiet Operation: N/A
Final Verdict: The Westinghouse WGen2000 Portable Generator is a good choice if you need a generator in a hurry. While the generator is a powerhouse once it is started, it is not easy to get assembled and to maintain it.
Pros
- The generator comes with a tool kit and oil to get the generator started right.
- The generator can run for up to twenty hours on a single tank of gas.
- A low oil shutdown comes built into the system.
Cons
- The generator does not always start.
- The generator can be difficult to maintain
10. Westinghouse iGen2500 Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
The Westinghouse iGen2500 Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator is a powerful little generator. Rated for twenty-two hundred running watts and weighing only forty-eight pounds, the generator fits perfectly into RV or home storage. It comes with two one hundred twenty volt outlets and two USB outlets, which will charge most of your electronics in no time.
The generator is extremely quiet to run, producing as low fifty-two decibels of sound. It also has a run time of ten outs, only a single tank of gas. An efficiency mode also helps you to get the most out of every gallon you put in. A digital display keeps you updated about the status of the generator for fuel level and the amount of voltage output.
Main Features:
- Running Watts: 2,200 watts
- Fuel Source: gasoline
- Fuel Efficiency: ten hours on one tank of gas
- Quiet Operation: minimum of fifty-two watts
Final Verdict: The Westinghouse iGen2500 Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator is a very cost-effective way to stay charged up and active on the road or in your home. There are problems with the generator in terms of longevity. The part appear to start to wear quickly after a couple of years.
Pros
- The generator has a data center to keep you informed about the status of the generator.
- The generator has a ten-hour run time on a single tank of gas.
- You can charge your sensitive electronics using two one hundred twenty volt outlets of two USB ports.
Cons
- The generator can start to surge after several uses.
- The generator can leak gas.
What should you look for in a good RV generator?
There are main things you need to consider when choosing your next generator. They can mean the difference between a very functional and useful generator and one that will be a hassle to return.
Number of Uses
The first thing you need to consider when purchasing a new generator is the number of things you will either need to charge and to run. Some generators purely charge your batteries and are an excellent choice for keeping your RV up and running on the road. Other types of generators, called inverter-generators, can give you power back to use in other ways as well.
An inverter-generator can help you charge your devices as well as keep your RV or home going during a blackout. They come with the latest technology, most often sinewave, that can help charge your devices safely without surging or causing damages. A regular generator will keep your batteries going and is a good option if you already have a way to charge your devices inside your home or RV.
Fuel Source
There are different types of fuel you can use in your generator depending on the make, model and style. It is often good to purchase a duel-fuel generator, especially if you are traveling as gasoline is cheaper in some parts of the country, while propane is cheaper in others.
Gas
Gasoline is the primary fuel source for a lot of generators. The engines come with multiple efficiencies, and there are gasoline pumps everywhere, so you can always find fuel for your generator. Just remember that gasoline can go bad if you let it sit too long, so keep your fuel fresh and ready for every occasion.
Propane
LP or Propane is a good choice to have for cooking and heating your home if you have a propane heater. The fuel never goes bad, so it is a good choice to store for years or carry and forget about. The tanks can cause damage to your vehicles or poison you if the tank gets punctured or the knob is not tight, so use and carry responsibly.
Hybrid
A hybrid generator is one that uses both fuel types gasoline and propane. It is up to you which one you choose to use with the generator. Having multiple fuel types can be a good financial choice for when prices for gasoline are high, like during the peak season or when you are in an area that has more cost-effective propane. The choice is up to you.
Watts
There are running watts and peak watts. Every time you turn on your generator, it will be running at its peak watts, which are higher than the running watts. It will shift into its running watts after a time of running at its peak and hold a steady charge to your batteries or devices. The higher the running watts, the more capable you are of running appliances and electronics that draw a lot of electricity, such as your air conditioner or your computer.
Size
The size of your generator is a factor for storage and transport. The larger the generator, the harder it is to move if you need to pull it out of any kind of storage. Make sure the generator you select is one you can consistently move if you need to.
Final Thoughts
Owning a generator is a good choice when you travel in an RV. You can always have a source of power, which enables you to explore areas outside of RV parks like the national forests. A lot of places do not have hookups, which can make carrying a generator a good choice for being able to choose where you park and expand the options outside of regular RV parks.