We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more ›
The open road calls, and setting off for destinations unknown in a recreational vehicle (RV), unplugging from everything, is more important than ever to escape our world’s day-to-day craziness. Buy you may need air conditioning, depending on your destination. Also, you should charge your mobile devices in case of an emergency, just to be safe. And maybe you should bring a small TV to binge watch your favorite show. OK, you’re going to need a refrigerator for food and drinks.
Perhaps “unplug” was the wrong word as you’re going to need to get yourself a generator, my friend! There are hundreds to choose from, so how do you pick the one that will fit your RV needs the best? Fear not, we are here with this guide to the best generators for RV use. Happy RVing!
Summary List
- Best Overall: Champion 3800-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Generator
- Best Value: WEN Super Quiet Inverter Generator
- Best Portable: Honda 2200-Watt 120-Volt Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator with CO-Minder
- Best Plug-and-Play: Westinghouse 3600v Portable Generator
- Best Well-Rounded: Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator
Our Methodology
We researched dozens of generators and carefully weighed user feedback on each product to find the right options for RVs. We weighed the owner assessments against our own expertise, which includes nearly 20 years of experience seeking out the best generators for supplying power in the middle of nowhere. We also prioritized well-known, high-quality generator brands and user reports that spoke to construction quality, ease of use, and durability.
Our product selections, rankings, and awards for this story are based on research. While we haven’t conducted real-world testing on all of these products yet, we’ve looked at consumer testimonials and data, tutorials, and general discussions on social media and in forums. We also consider price and specification in the context of the segment. And, of course, we rely on our institutional knowledge of the automotive landscape to weed out weak products.
Best Generators for RVs: Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall: Champion 3800-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Generator
Pros
- Dual fuel feature provides on-the-go flexibility
- Relatively lightweight and maneuverable
- Easy electric starting mechanism
Cons
- Some buyers actually report louder decibel ratings
- Handles may not be ideally placed
- Additional reports of power button malfunctions
This 3,800-watt generator from Champion operates on either gasoline or propane, making it a versatile option for RV owners. It has a low-oil shut-off function and an electric start that gets the 224cc engine running. And it comes with a propane hose, a 4.7-gallon gasoline fuel tank, and can run up to 14 hours on a full tank of gas or 10.5 hours on propane. It also has a 68 dBA noise level from 23 feet away.
The unit weighs 119 pounds but has a folding handle and never-flat tires for portability, and the Intelligauge allows users to see voltage, hertz, and run time. It has one 120V 30A RV outlet, a 120V 30A locking outlet, and two 120V 20A household outlets. The generator also comes with a built-in surge protector and a three-year limited warranty with free lifetime technical support.
Best Value: WEN Super Quiet Inverter Generator
Pros
- Extremely portable compared to most generators
- Low decibel rating claimed by manufacturer
- Lightweight and maneuverable
Cons
- Only a 1-gallon fuel tank
- Owners report short service life and questionable customer care
- Side panel reportedly not high quality
This 2,250-watt gas-powered portable RV generator is very lightweight, making it easy to move around on the go. The fuel shut-off increases its lifespan by using all the fuel in the carburetor and it is reportedly quiet, only producing 53 decibels of noise. The generator also has several connection ports including two three-prong 15A 120V receptacles and two 5V USB ports for added versatility.
This unit is designed to work with sensitive electronics, including computers and smartphones. It generates power without voltage drops or spikes and automatically adjusts the fuel consumption based on how many items you plug into it. The generator comes with a two-year warranty.
Best Portable: Honda 2200-Watt 120-Volt Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator with CO-Minder
Pros
- One of the quietest on our list
- Small and lightweight for easy portability
- Honda’s smartphone app offers remote operation and monitoring
Cons
- Not cheap for the size
- Some challenges with bluetooth pairing
- Only one outlet — a 20A 125V duplex
- Only powerful enough for smaller RV use
The Honda EU2200ITAG 2200-Watt 120-Volt is rated for up to 2,200 watts, while keeping things simple with a single 20A 125V duplex outlet. At just 54 pounds, the small Honda is one of the most portable on our list as well as the quietest, with a 48 to 57 dBA range, making it perfect for outdoor get-togethers, tailgating, or whatever else you want to throw at it.
It also features the Honda “CO-MINDER” function, which continuously monitors carbon monoxide (CO) levels and automatically shuts down the generator if levels get too high. Perhaps the coolest feature of this generator is that it works with Honda’s “My Generator” smartphone app. From your phone, you can wirelessly monitor and stop the generator’s operation. Honda provides a three-year residential and commercial warranty.
Best Plug-and-Play: Westinghouse 3600v Portable Generator
Pros
- RV plug and play connections included
- Low claimed decibel rating
- Good run time means more campsite fun
Cons
- Buyers have reported damage during shipping
- No wheels makes portability challenging
- Manual recoil start vs. electric
The Westinghouse WGen3600v Portable Generator is rated for 3,600 watts and peak output tops 4,650 watts. The generator has a 30-amp, 120-volt outlet to power an RV or travel trailer, and no additional adapters are required. Weighing 99 pounds, this compact machine is also designed for camping, home use, and as an emergency backup. It’s constructed of hardened steel with roll bars and durable rubber outlet covers.
According to the manufacturer, the WGen3600v is one of the quietest portable generators available, measuring just 68 decibels when on. It has a four-gallon gas tank that will provide up to 13.5 hours of power and features a recoil start, an automatic low oil shutoff function, and a built-in fuel gauge.
Also included in the box are oil, an oil funnel, a tool kit, and a user’s manual. Westinghouse backs its product with three-year limited service, labor, and parts coverage.
Best Well-Rounded: Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator
Pros
- Dual fuel feature provides on-the-go flexibility
- Relatively lightweight and maneuverable
- Claimed low decibel rating great for campsites
- Easy electric starting mechanism
Cons
- Fuel tank is on the smalls side
- Lack of a run timer
- Battery needs to be recharged if you don’t use it regularly
The Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator features an electric start and runs on gasoline or propane. On gasoline, it provides up to 7.5 hours of run time and up to 14.5 hours on propane. It features a nice variety of connections including a 120-volt, 30-amp RV outlet, two 120-volt, 30-amp household outlets, and a 12-volt DC outlet with a dual USB adapter.
The generator has a low oil shut-off sensor, a three-position ignition switch, and a quick-touch panel. With a manufacturer-claimed 59 dBA rating, it operates pretty quietly for a generator and provides clean power for sensitive electronics. It has the ability to power an RV’s air conditioner, plus the electric start makes it easy to get going, and the handle and wheels make it easy to move around.
The manufacturer also provides free lifetime technical support.
Our Verdict on the Best Generators for RVs
Our pick for the best generator for an RV goes to the Champion 3800-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Generator. It uses two different fuel types and has a lot of great features for the cash.
For a more affordable option, try the WEN Super Quiet Inverter Generator.
Types of Generators for RVs
Diesel
Diesel generators are best if your recreational vehicle runs on diesel fuel. This enables you to use a single fuel source for both your generator and your camper. The best diesel generator for RVs also produces more power than propane and is safer to store because it’s nonexplosive.
Liquid Propane
The main benefit of a liquid propane generator is that it is environmentally friendly. The best propane generator for RVs produces cleaner emissions and has a longer shelf life than other types of generators. However, the run time of the generator is dictated by the size of your propane tank. Also, it doesn’t have as much power output compared to gas or diesel generators.
Gasoline
The third type of generator is gasoline powered. Some RVers like them because gasoline is easy to procure, and it’s not (usually) very expensive. But there are several drawbacks. First, gasoline is highly flammable, so you need to take special care when handling it. Also, gasoline’s shelf life isn’t as long as other fuel sources, and it burns a lot faster than diesel, so fuel efficiency is an issue.
What to Consider When Buying an RV Generator
Power Output
One of the most important features to consider is a generator’s power output. It needs to have the ability to power all your electronics and appliances. Make sure to estimate the amount of power you think you will need to run a variety of items. For example, the best generator to power an RV air conditioner will have enough wattage to accommodate your particular needs.
Size and Portability
Look for a generator that is large enough to provide the power that you require but isn’t too bulky. A running generator should generally be placed at least 10 feet away from sleeping quarters to reduce carbon monoxide risks, so portability is critical in the RV generator world. While on the go, measure your camper to make sure it can be stored in the allotted space. Smaller units are more portable and easier to move from one area to another. The best portable generators for RVs are very versatile and can be used for RVing as well as tailgating, or if you have a power outage at home.
Noise Level
Look for the quietest generator you can find. Some RV generators are noisier than others, so pay attention to the decibel ratings from the manufacturer, but always read user reports for confirmation. You want a camping generator that does the job but doesn’t keep you up at night because it’s too loud. Many companies specifically produce generators that can run in a quiet mode when in operation. This is important because many national parks and private campgrounds have noise regulations.
Fuel Consumption
Think about how often you need to add fuel to the generator. The best RV generator should last for several hours without refueling. Some products have an eco-mode that reduces the amount of fuel that is burned. Plus, you have to consider the type of fuel it uses and whether it’s available in your location or along your route.
Generators for RVs Pricing
They aren’t cheap. You’re going to be spending between $500 and $3,000 in some cases. Choose accordingly.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
There are many options available, including gasoline, diesel, propane, and natural gas, and they all have advantages and disadvantages. Gasoline is widely available but doesn’t last long in storage. Diesel generators are efficient but can also be expensive. Propane doesn’t degrade when it is stored and is a bit cleaner than gasoline and diesel, but like a lot of fuels, storage can be dangerous if you aren’t careful.
Different RVs have different power requirements. Some appliances, like air conditioners, use more energy than others, such as TVs. It’s best to get the maximum wattage ratings of the generator and compare it to the total requirements for your particular RV.
It’s best to consult the service manual for your particular generator. Generally, they should run for at least an hour every month, and the oil should be checked regularly. The filter, oil, and air cleaner will also need to be changed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
