If you are in a hurry and want to find out the best RV Generator, we recommend the Champion 4000-Watt RV Ready Digital Hybrid Open Frame Inverter.
For those who are buying an RV the first time, or looking to replace your old generator with up-to-date technology, there are some amazing options available in the market.
A few of these cost much less than generators of years past. Moreover, several have modern features like USB outlets and cleaner energy for modern devices.
Best RV Generator 2019 Reviews
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1. The WEN 56200i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Generator
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Having a convenient carrying handle, a direct USB port, low-oil shutdown to guard the unit, and an affordable price, it is obvious how this underdog racked up a lot of five-star reviews.
This particular generator generates 2000 surge watts and 1600 rated watts. The WEN 56200i generator restricts harmonic distortion below 0.3 percent. This makes it secure to operate your cellphones, tablets, laptops and other delicate electronics.
This particular device runs for a lot less than the major brand names, however, has features like eco-mode.
Though it has a pull cord start, for the overall ratings and excellent price, that’s a small sacrifice.
This inverter measures about 18 x 11 x 18 inches and is lightweight weighing 48 pounds.
What We Like:
- Clean sine wave energy.
- Eco-mode.
- Only 48 pounds.
- Low-oil shutdown.
- Safe for delicate electronics.
- Very quiet.
- Consists of two three-prong 120-volt receptacles.
- Has one 12-volt DC receptacle.
- A 3100-watt model is also available.
- HAs a 5V direct USB port.
What We Don’t Like:
- Stopped working for a few customers quickly.
- Not a respectable brand name.
2. Honda EU2200i 2200-Watt 120-Volt Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
This particular generator is costlier than some competitors. However, having some customer ratings this generator is perfect for those who don’t want to be concerned about replacing their generator under a year.
If you’d like quality in the first place, this is a great option. This 2200-watt generator includes a Honda GXR120 engine. It has a big spout and oil draining gutter, so those changes are manageable and cleaner.
Changing the oil in your generator is probably the most annoying tasks, whatever makes it much simpler will make you happier with the decision.
This light-weight inverter has a carrying handle for convenience. Honda has a two-pack of these machines having essentially free parallel cables if you’d like this model but also have an air conditioner.
The Honda EU2200i Generator measures 20 x 11.4 x 16.7 inches and weighs about 47 pounds.
What We Like:
- Great fuel efficiency.
- Superior brand name and warranty.
- With proper care, can last years.
- Very quiet at 48 to 57 decibels.
- Runs 4 to 9.6 hours on one tank of gas (will depend on energy load).
- Weighs just 47 pounds.
- Available in a two-pack along with compliant cables.
What We Don’t Like:
- Higher in price than some competitors.
- Require two if you need to power an air conditioner.
3. Champion 3500-Watt RV Ready Portable Generator With Wheel Kit
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It appears to be a trusted and cost-effective unit for the majority of customers. Champion manufactures a model having a push-button start. However, this particular one features a recoil pull-chain start.
On testing it, the unit took only one pull to get started. So, in my opinion, this isn’t a drawback considering it starts off easy. This particular inverter is louder than WEN and also the Honda models, so keep that in your mind as well.
The Champion 3500-watt unit features a 120-volt 30A locking outlet, a 120-volt 30A RV outlet, and also a 120-volt 20A household outlet. Because of this, there is excellent versatility between RV and your home if you require it for small power needs in an outage.
For the price tag, this is a model I would personally give some thinking if you are looking for something within the 3500-watt range.
What We Like:
- Fantastic reviews.
- Excellent price for a generator.
- Low oil shut-off sensor.
- Simple to get started.
- Volt guard to safeguard sensitive electronics.
- Strong enough to run RV refrigerator.
What We Don’t Like:
- Oil changes to be done more frequently.
- Not CARB compliant-Champion model 46533 is CARB compliant model.
4. Champion 4000-Watt RV Ready Digital Hybrid Open Frame Inverter
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Indeed, it did seem significantly quieter to me. The reviews on this model are excellent. It has a (limited) three-year warranty, so as long as you handle it properly, you can be sure you’ll have a functioning generator for at least the initial few years.
This unit, like the 3500-watt, has a recoil pull start but gets operating smoothly. It also has a “cold-start technology” to make it easier to start-up during RV trips in winter.
It is possible to increase the power output on this machine by connecting up to two 2800-watt or higher inverters since this device is parallel cord ready.
This model features outlets of 120-volt 30A for RVs, as well as two 120-volt 20A household outlets, along with a 12-volt DC outlet having a dual USB adapter.
This unit can be handy for your household in emergency outages for the basic energy needs.
This unit measures 20.5 x 17.9 x 17.7 inches and has a weight of 81.6 pounds.
What We Like:
- Features eco-mode.
- Less noisy at only 64 decibels.
- Can function for up to 17 hours for every tank of gas (based on energy use).
- Clean electricity for touchy gadgets.
- Cold-start technology for startups in cold weather.
- Features RV and household outlets.
- Direct USB converter.
What We Don’t Like:
- Weightier than smaller-wattage models.
- Costs a couple hundred over the 3500-watt model.
5. Westinghouse WGen3600 RV Ready Portable Generator
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It has approximately a 12-hour run time at 50 percent power load, and as much as 18 hours at a 25 percent load, making it usable for overnight usage. Almost all ratings on this generator are unequivocally five stars, and I can see why with all the features this portable generator has got.
First of all, the price is excellent for the wattage on this machine. It is also CARB compliant if you reside in regions like California, which is a clear bonus in that region.
Small design features like the rubberized covers for the outlets as well as the steel frame roll bar caught attention for an excellent touch for additional safety.
This generator operates via a 212 cc Westinghouse 4-Stroke OHV engine having a four-gallon fuel tank.
Additionally, it comes along with oil, an oil funnel, and obviously, the manual to get started quickly (so long as you have fuel on hand).
This is the heaviest RV generator in the lineup here, weighing at 107 pounds. It measures 23.23 x 22.83 x 21.56 inches.
What We Like:
- Great price.
- CSA, EPA, and CARB compliant.
- All outlets have rubberized covers.
- Low oil shutdown.
- 3 year (limited) warranty.
- Longer run time.
- Can power the majority of RV air conditioning units.
- The wheel kit is provided.
What We Don’t Like:
- Primary complaints are with customer support.
- Heavy at over 107 pounds.
Things To Consider In An RV Generator
If you have never purchased a generator for the RV before, it is very important to consider a few key specifications.
You may initially think the more watts, the better. However, this isn’t true, specifically if you start considering generators that go up to the 7000-watt range.
I can confirm this from blowing out a mobile phone connect with an improperly-working converter while I was on a tour abroad, too much of power supply can have negative impact on your electronics.
The two important things to consider when selecting the best RV generator are the type of the generator and power in Watts. Other than that, brand, weight, price, and design features come into play as well.
Inverter Generators
When you are camping, you require an inverter type of generator and not the construction site type generator.
Though the latter type of generator is cheaper and also has more power, the extreme loudness of the generator will not only disturb the accompanying campers but also the wildlife.
Inverters have sine wave energy which allows electronics like hair dryers or microwave to work in an RV with low distortion.
Wattage Needs
In general, you will require wattage in the range of 2000-watts for an RV if you are using only minimal electric devices. However, you will not be able to use an RV air conditioner with a 2000-watt inverter generator.
Running an air conditioning unit will require at least wattage in the range of 3000 to 4000-watts.
2000 Or 3000 Watts
Cables are available if you intend to use two 2000-watt generators rather than purchasing a 3000-watt inverter.
Two 2000-watt units are usually cheaper to buy than purchasing a single 3000-watt generator. They are also lightweight which is an advantage to select two 2000 watt units over the 3000-watt generator.
Also with 2 units, you will have a backup unit for all your essential units even if one of your generators stops functioning.
However, if you believe that you will be using an air conditioner in your RV, selecting one 3000-watt generator units has its own conveniences.
When you purchase two 2000-watt generators, you should also take into account the change of oils and air filters for the two units.
Also, 2 generator units will produce more sound than having a single unit. As 2000 watts’ unit is lightweight and easier to move around, it is prone to theft as well.
Features
Several generators will provide additional features like a boost for additional power output when required, for instance when using an air conditioner.
Other things to consider are eco-mode for saving power and fuel efficiency if it has a key turn or push-button start, or does it have an “old school” pull chain start similar to a lawnmower, and also the noise level.
Weights and wheels might be significant for you to think about if you have difficulty lifting or shifting bulky items.
What Brand to Buy
The top brands for quite some time now in camping generators are Yamaha and Honda. They’ve got excellent reputations. They’re high-quality, have many repair centers, and have a tendency to last for a long time. But, these brands usually are expensive to buy and repair.
A few manufacturers building a reputable name for themselves in the recent years are Champion Generators, Honeywell generators, and Westinghouse. You can also find more generic brands at affordable prices.
These come with fewer features. A few of these “off brand” units are showing that they can keep up with the competition with outstanding customer ratings.
However, if you buy an off-brand, you might not have a warranty if it stops working.
So, What is my Final Choice?
Naturally, the power needs plus the budget that you have in your mind will make a difference in your decision.
All the generators listed here are excellent options for an RV and they are well-reviewed models.
So, you must consider what’s most crucial to you and how much power you will need.
For those who have a little more wiggle room for the amount you are willing to spend, I really like the Honda EU2200i 2200-Watt generator mainly for its quality engine and reliability.
There are many service centers for the Honda model than several of the lesser known brands.
Additionally, the reduced noise level and parallel cord capability make this an excellent model to add for more power. I would choose the Honda for smaller energy demands but extreme reliability.
If you don’t wish to shell out that much money, but still need something which will work well, which has decent power behind it whilst remaining quiet, and also has excellent ratings, the Champion 4000-Watt is my other favorite inverter listed here in this article.
You will get more power straight up using this generator compared to Honda, for half the price.
Neither of these is the overall cheapest of the bunch, but at times spending slightly extra outright can help you save money in the long-run.
For those who don’t use an RV often, or have just the most basic, minimal power needs, some of the less expensive options are indeed worth considering.
With good care and maintenance, they may also have longevity and power up your small devices for just a few hundred dollars.
Considering several generators cost you a couple thousand, that’s a very small investment for RV electricity.