Hello guys, today we will be discussing about the best generator for RV. The things that we will cover are what exactly RV is, the history of RV, and we will also going to discuss about which RV generator is the best based on the level of noise produced, the power consumption, the weight of the generator, remote control and RV outlet availability.
Table of Contents
What Exactly is RV?
RV actually stands for recreational vehicle which is a type of motor vehicle or trailer that has a living space which is designed for accommodations. It is suitable to be used for entertainment, leisure, and outdoor activities such as camping without the need to have a camp itself.
A typical RV has a kitchen, bathroom, and some space for one or more than one sleeping bed, Some RV are meant to only be used for sleeping and cooking and it usually only has a few sleeping quarters and basic cooking tools and appliances with a kitchen in the RV. The first country to introduce the concept of RV is Japan. The coverage for RV is wide as there is no strict scope for it.
Which is The Best RV Generator?
An RV generator is absolutely necessary for a full time RVers because you may not know where you will be camping next. Different types of RV generators requires a different types of fuels so it’s important for you to know what type of RV generator that you use so that you will be able to use the correct types of fuel for your RV generator. Currently, there are three types of generator which runs on different kinds of fuel.
- Gasoline RV Generator – This type of generator is considered to be the favorite type of generator among the RVers due to the fact that gasoline is cheap and is widely available. However, you may also need to consider the fact that gasoline is highly flammable and therefore burns at a faster rate than other fuel such as diesel.
- Liquid Propane RV Generator – This type of generator produces approximately 10% less power if we were to compare it to the Gasoline RV Generator. However, propane has a longer shelf life than gasoline and diesel so this generator is best if you want to use it for power backup instead.
- Diesel RV Generator – This type of generator burns cleaner than that of Gasoline RV Generator and produces more power than that of Liquid Propane RV Generator. Buy a dialed generator if your RV use a diesel fuel.
An ideal RV generator will be able to be determined by analyzing a few factors. The first factor that we are going to look at is the level of noise produced by the RV generator.
# Level of Noise
It’s important to know the level of noise produced by the generator that you plan to use. This is because a high noise level will affect the tranquility of the surrounding environment as well as affecting your sleep quality which in turn will decreases your performance to perform tasks on a daily basis.
It is important to note that the level of noise that is more than 50 decibel is detrimental to your health as it can disturb your rest and sleep quality. On top of that, a lot of National Parks and even private campground has limit the noise level to 60 decibel at 50 feet.
Therefore, it’s best not to buy a generator that produce a noise level that is more than 50 decibel. The best type of generator is the one that can supply you with the power you need but at the same time is able to minimize the noise level produced by the generator.
# Power Consumption
The first thing that you need to ask yourself is that what are the appliances that may need to be powered up? It’s highly recommended that you prioritize the appliances that are important for the comfort of you and your family members or friends in the RV.
After that, first thing first, you will need to calculate the amount of power that you need based on the appliances that you have consider to be important. Usually, the electrical appliances have a sticker on it which notes its power consumption so you should consider to take the data from there. In most cases, air conditioner will consume most of the power as it has a high starting and running wattage requirement.
Some important things to take note here is that never refuel your generator while it is running and never run the generators indoor as this actions tend to damage your generator.
# Weight of the Generator
Weight plays an important role in determining the best RV generator as the RV generator which is lighter tends to be easier to be carry around and hence has a high portability.
It is highly recommended for you to look for an RV generator which has a lightweight design so that it’s easier for you to carry the generator around without much effort. A lot of people tend to choose a portable unit due to its high level of versatility that they offer.
This is because not only that it can power up the essential appliances in your RV, it can also be used for a whole wide range of other applications such as barbecue, tailgating or power outages during a certain time caused by external factors such as storms. The bigger the generator is, the heavier the generator will be and the higher the amount of power that you can get from it.
# Remote Control
The things that you would also may have to consider before buying a certain RV generator is the availability of a remote control. The remote control can be used to switch your RV generator on and off.
In this case, you don’t have to trouble yourself to get up in the middle of the night just to switch the RV generator on or off. Always buy an RV generator that has a remote control for the sake of convenience in the future. The best RV generator would be very convenient to use and the availability of a remote control for your RV generator makes your life much easier.
Otherwise, just imagine all the inconvenience that you had to face just because you didn’t buy an RV generator with a remote control. Besides, who doesn’t want an RV generator with a remote control with it? A little bit of convenience doesn’t hurt!
# RV Outlets
It’s actually pretty important to have a basic understanding about the electrical system of RV and how some of the core part of an RV work if you plan to use your RV on a daily basis and especially if you are going to live in your RV.
Your RV has a lot of the modern tools or conveniences that you have probably get used to or familiar with. Whether you are in your home or your RV, you will have access to an infinite amount of electrical power. Choosing a portable generator with an RV outlet is the most important thing to guarantee that you will be able to have power no matter where your getaway takes you.
However, you will also need to have a safety precautions especially when it comes to electricity. It’s a pretty good idea to actually test the hook up by using a polarity tester so that you will be able to know that the wiring of the campground is in a pretty good shape for you.
Best Generator for RV Reviews
# Quiet RV Generator (Champion 4000-Watt RV Generator)
- Voltage: 120V AC and 12V DC
- Start Type: Manual
- Engine: 224cc Champion OHV
- Fuel: Gasoline
- Parallel Ready
- RV Ready
This generator has an advanced Open Frame Inverter design which makes this generator 50% more quiet and 20% lighter compare to that of a traditional Champion 3500-Watt Generator. On top of that, the Economy Mode in this generator are able to save the fuel and extends the life of engine so that you will be able to use the generator for a longer period of time.
It can run for about up to 17 hours of run time on a gasoline fuel. This generator provides a clean electricity for highly sensitive electronics. It basically is RV ready with a 120 V 30 A RV, with a two 120 V 20 A household outlets with a clean power and a 12 V DC outlet with dual USB adapter. The Champion 4000-Watt RV Generator is also parallel ready so you may increase your power output by connecting for up to two 2800-watt or higher inverter or a digital hybrid with the optional parallel kit which is included together with the generator.
Besides that, the quick touch panels allows you to handle all the controls in just one panels so that it’s easy for you to use all the functionality. There is also a Champion Support which offers a free technical supports from a group of experts who are dedicated to solve your technical problems and there is also a 3 year limited warranty just in case something really bad happen to you during that period of time so you could just redeem the warranty right away to get a new one.
# Best Generator for RV Travel Trailer (Westinghouse iGen 4500)
- Very Quiet: Operates As Low As 53 dBA
- Up To 18 Hour Run Time (3.4 Gal Fuel Tank)
- TT-30R Outlet Provides 30 Amp Service Ideal for Recreational Vehicles (RVs)
The Westinghouse iGen 4500 has a 3700 rated watts as well as 4500 peak watts at less than 3% THD (Telescoping Handle). This generator is powered by gas and it is remote start with included key fob, electric as well as recoil start. It also features a 5 to 20 R 120 V duplex household outlet. It is RV-ready and has a 30 amp outlet with another two USB outlets.
Next, this generator also has a LED data center and a rotating digital display which shows the level of fuel available, the power output, the remaining time left for it to run, the output of the voltage, as well as the lifetime hours.
This generator is extremely quiet and is actually extremely efficient in burning the fuel. It also has a noise output of about 52 decibel and has a run time of up to 18 hours on a 3.4 gallon gas tank. There is an “efficiency mode” which you can turn on to ensure a maximum fuel efficiency. This generator also comes with a free technical support at 1-855-944-3571 from their technical experts which can help to solve all of the technical difficulties that you may have in the future.
The Westinghouse iGen 4500 also has a button for you to press so that you could start the generator as it features an electric start which is very convenient. This ensures that anyone could start the generator without having to put too much effort to even start the generator. This is one of the features that is great about this generator. The electricity supplied by this generator is perfectly safe for sensitive electronics as the Westinghouse iGen 4500 provides a clean and stable power which is ideal for highly sensitive electronics such as laptops, smartphones, and televisions.
# Best Generator for RV Air Conditioner (Pulsar G2319N)
- Quiet Operation (59 dB)
- 2,300 Peak Watts/ 1,800 Running Watts
- Capable of up to 6 Hours of Operation
- Weighing Less than 47 lbs for Easy Handling
Pulsar G2319N generator is the ultimate choice for your RV air conditioner as it has a 2300 peak watts and 1800 running watts. Besides that, this generator is also capable of handling for up to 6 hours of operation at half the load on 1.18 gallons of fuel. This will ensures that you will have a stable air conditioning at half the cost of the fuel.
Next, the generator also has a compact suitcase design and weighing less than 47 lbs which increases the portability of the generator so you can move or even carry the generator around without having to sacrifice too much energy.
The generator also features a quiet operation which operates at 59 decibel and hence makes it virtually silent from only 10 feet away. On top of that, the generator also has a stable sine wave technology which in turn provides a perfectly pure and safe electrical power for powering up your sensitive electronics such as laptops, smartphone or any other sensitive electronics that you may have.
You can save half of the fuel to be used later on for the next 6 hours so you will always use the fuel efficiently. The generator also features a two AC 120 V 13 A outlets, one 12 V DC 8 A outlet and one 5 V DC USB outlet so you can power up and charge multiple devices at the same time. The things that are included together with the generator are 12 V charging cable, a spark plug wrench, 350 ml of oil bottle and a funnel. This is the best generator for RV compared to others.
# Tent Camping Generator with 2 AC Outlets (Prymax Portable Generator)
- 231Wh Large Capacity Battery
- 2* AC 200W output ports(pure sine wave)
- Easily Three Ways Rechargeable
- The Lastest Design—Touch-Screen Button&Color-gradient Mood Lighting
The Prymax Portable Generator has the latest design as it has a touch screen button and a color gradient mood lighting. Replacing the old traditional physical buttons, the new touch screen button give the battery generator a more stability.
The special mood lighting provides an absolutely wonderful surrounding atmosphere for outdoor camping or even an indoor parties. The color of the light can be change at a certain period of time or even be fixed at one color ranging from white, red, yellow, green, blue, and more.
Besides that, the generator also has a large battery capacity of 231 Wh which is powerful enough to power up a smartphone for up to 40 times, laptops 7 to 8 times, and 32 inch television and mini refrigerator for up to 5 hours.
This solar generator is also very handy to be place in your RV, used for camping and can also be used as a backup power source during a power outrage. On top of that, the generator is also compatible with multiple devices so you don’t have to worry about the compatibility of your electronic devices that much.
The Prymax Portable Generator is also equipped with a lot of output ports compare to other generator including two AC 200 W output ports (pure sine wave), two DC output ports, three 5 V 3.1 A USB quick charging ports, one 5 V 3.1 A type C port, and one cigarette lighter port.
Moving on to the next point, the generator has a Pure Sine Wave technology which guarantee a safer charge for all of your sensitive devices like laptops and smartphones and provides a clean power supply for your appliances. The built-in smart and silent cooling fan will automatically enabled when the temperature of the unit is higher to maintain so the fan will not always be used constantly which in turn makes it the best generator for RV that you could possibly get.
# Best Portable Generator for RV Camping (Honda Power Equipment eu2000i)
This popular model can operate a wide variety of appliances, which makes it perfect for RV camping. A reliable power is now at your fingertips with Honda’s Inverted Generators.
This makes it ideal for RV camping and prevents you from attracting any unwanted guests from joining you in your RV. If you still need a higher power, you may add a second eu2000i for additional power as you will be able to combine both of your generators to provide you with more power.
The eco-throttle system ensures a fuel efficiency which makes the generator able to run from 4 to 9,6 hours on a single fuel tank, depending on the amount of load available. This makes the eu2000i the best generator for RV for all night power or for a long time applications like powering up your air conditioner and refrigerator.
This makes it the perfect choice for you ensure that your air conditioner or your mini refrigerator are always working during your camping activities with your loved ones. The Honda’s inverter technology simply means that you will get a stable and clean power in a much lighter package which increase the portability of the generator.
You may carry the generator around without having to put too much effort on it. It has a lightweight design which makes it easier for you to carry it around. The Honda eu2000i also has a user friendly design that incorporates color-coded startup points to start the generator and increase the ventilation for airflow which then results in a better cooling key components. The Honda’s inverter technology guarantee that you will get the power that are as reliable as that which you get from your outlets back in your home.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, the best generator for RV needs to have a low level of noise, a low rate of power consumption, high level of power output, can be easily carry around without having to sacrifice much effort, and have a remote control which you can use to turn the generator on or off as well as have a power outlet included with the generator.
The best generator for RV is entirely depends on the needs of the people that are going to use the generator. If you want a generator that could power up air conditioner for a long time, then it’s best for you to buy the Pulsar G2319N, if you want a generator that doesn’t produce too much noise then it’s best to buy the Champion 4000-watt RV Generator, and if you want a generator that is best to use for tent camping then it’s highly recommended to buy the Prymax Portable Generator. It all depends on the needs of the people who are going to buy it.
I hope you guys enjoy reading this and I really hope that you guys get a tons of valuable information which you could use to determine which generator is best for you. I wish you the best in making a good decision before you buy a generator.