Best Portable Generator For RV – 2023 Reviews & Buyers Guide

Electricity is something we often take for granted when living in a stationary home or in an RV on a campground.

When camping in remote areas, however, a portable generator might at times be your only source of power.

There are a lot of choices, but the best portable generator for RVs is one that meets these criteria: it provides enough power for your needs, it’s quiet, and it’s portable. What each of these means will change depending on your personal needs, though, so let’s look at the several factors that can help you choose.

The portable inverter generator comparison chart below will give you a birds eye view so you can quickly see which motorhome generator is the right fit for you.

Our Picks: Best RV Generators

Scroll down to read individual reviews of each generator..

Types Of Generators

You should probably avoid just going and picking up any nice-looking conventional generator you can find. While they are cheaper and provide a lot of power, the racket they kick up won’t make you any friends—and many campsites won’t even allow generators that are past a certain decibel level. They also tend to be bulky, heavy, less fuel-efficient, and poor choices for charging sensitive electronics.

Inverter generators are the answer to most of those problems. Specifically designed to be quiet, these generators are often smaller and lighter than their conventional counterparts—though you can get a heavy-duty one if you want to. You’ll also get more mileage out of your fuel, as many of them automatically adjust how much power they produce based on how much you're using. Conventional generators, on the other hand, just run at the same level all the time, often producing more than you need.

A final perk: inverter generators produce better-quality power, meaning that they generate a smooth current with less than 3% “total harmonic distortion” (THD), which is important for modern electronics. Charging your devices with uneven power can damage them, so if you routinely use a laptop, smartphone, or smart TV, an inverter is essential.

Fuel Types

Gasoline is the most popular fuel type for RV generators, as it is a very common fuel. You need to be careful about transporting it--maybe don’t store it in your RV, as even gasoline fumes can be combustible—but with proper precautions, you can bring along as much as you need.

Propane is bulkier and harder to find, but it is definitely safer to transport since it is stored in metal tanks. Not as many generators are designed to run on this, but it’s environmentally friendly and lasts longer, so it’s a good choice for infrequent travelers who don’t anticipate needing many refills.

What size generator do I need for my RV?

This is the first question you should ask. If you don’t know the answer, don’t worry! You’ll just need to read a few labels and do some addition to figure it out.

Typical inverter generators produce between 1,000 and 4,000 watts, with 1,000 being enough to power some lights and small appliances, and 4,000 being enough to run just about everything. To see how much you need, just check the wattage of the things you plan to run and add the numbers up. Some appliances measure their power consumption using volts and amps instead of watts, but you can easily convert it using this equation: volts x amps = watts.

The first thing you’ll want to look at is the air conditioner—usually an RVs biggest power drain. A typical 12,000 BTU unit (mid-size for an air conditioner) will draw around 2,000 or more watts to start and will need 900 or more watts to stay running. Make sure you look at both the starting and the running wattage, because if your generator isn’t powerful enough to start it you’ll be out of luck.

While you should examine your own appliances to figure out your needs, here are some rough numbers to give you an idea of where you stand. Microwaves can be a bit power-hungry, clocking in at about 1,000 watts. A fridge might draw about 100-400 watts, while charging a laptop is around 50 watts. Fortunately for TV-lovers, the average screen takes less than 200 watts. For lights, just look at the wattages written on the bulbs—household bulbs average around 40-60W, though the LED lights found in modern RVs draw much less, usually around 5W

If you find yourself needing more than 4,000 watts of power, don’t worry—most inverter generators can be hooked up to work in parallel, meaning that they can be wired together to make one generator. Generally, however, they need to be the same model or brand.

What does it mean if a generator isn’t RV Ready?

Some of the generators we review here will need an additional adapter to be able to connect to your RVs hookup. Both the Honda and Yamaha options on this page come with a regular 120-volt 15 amp outlet, just like the one's you'll find in your home or inside your RV.

You will need to purchase a 30 or 50 amp adapter cord. So how do you know which adapter cord you need? Easy, if your RV hookup cord has 3 prongs, it's a 30-amp, if it has 4 prongs, it's a 50 amp.

If you decide to go for one of the generators that require an adapter, you can pick up our recommended adapters below.

Noise emissions

With modern inverter generators this typically is not much of a problem, but if you are planning on being around other campers you should look for generators that are rated 60 decibels or below. That measurement is usually done from a distance with the generator running at a 25-50% load, so it doesn’t really indicate maximum noise potential, but it does give you a good way to compare noise levels between generators.

Almost all inverter generators, especially those meant for RV use, are below this threshold. By comparison, the bigger conventional generators typically put out 65-85 decibels. 85 dB is getting pretty close to rock-concert levels.

Portability

Depending on how frequently you move and/or how much you think you can lift, this can be an issue. Generators definitely aren’t light—they range from 30 pounds at the very lightest up to 150 pounds, with the average being around 85 pounds. Many of them have wheels built in, but you still have to load and unload it.

Price

This is where inverter generators start to look less attractive. A midrange 3,000-watt generator costs an average of about $900, with lower-end models costing as little as $500 and high-end ones hitting $5,000. Don’t be tempted to cheap out, though—a generator is an investment that can keep going for a long time. You’ll save yourself time and money by buying one that has a good reputation for reliability as opposed to a cheap one you’ll have to replace eventually.

Each one of the factors above may need to be considered before you decide on what is the best generator for RV use and your particular setup.

For an overview of the technology and some real-life examples of inverter generators, check out this video:

3. Yamaha EF2000iSv2 - Most Quiet RV Generator

4. Champion Power Equipment 100263 - Dual Fuel - RV Propane Generator That Can Also Run On Gasoline

5. Westinghouse iGen4500 - Westinghouse Portable Inverter Generator

6. Briggs & Stratton 30545 3000-Watt Inverter Generator 

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Briggs & Stratton 30545 P3000 is a portable inverter generator from the PowerSmart Series of the brand. There are two variants of the model. One is 2200W and the other is 3000W. The generator comes with four 120V AC outlets and one 12V DC outlet. It operates on 21.7A. The bestselling generator from Briggs & Stratton operates quietly. It is an energy efficient model that reduces fuel consumption and has lower emissions than its counterparts in the same class. 

The inverter generator can power all small to medium appliances in a house, including lawnmowers. It can also power a standard air conditioner used in recreational vehicles. It is ideal for camping as it is conveniently portable. The generator has a fuel tank with capacity of one and a half gallons. It can run for ten hours continuously if the load is a quarter of its maximum capacity. The engine displacement is 171cc. There is a USB port, four household outlets and one for the RV adaptor. Briggs & Stratton is offering two years limited warranty for the product.  

Briggs & Stratton has a plethora of inverter generators and this one is for small scale use. It is utilitarian for tailgating, do it yourself projects and camping. The generator is light and quiet. It is capable enough to meet energy requirements for short power outages. There is a StatStation LCD display with all important metrics. The telescoping handle, similar to the one you find on your luggage, along with the six inches wheels make transportation a breeze. Quiet Power Technology of Briggs & Stratton keeps the noise in check, at around 58dB. The information displayed on the screen includes quantum of power in use, unit hours and reminders for maintenance including air filter, oil and the spark plug. There is a parallel port enabling connectivity with two other inverter generators in the same series. 

7. WEN 56310i-RV Super Quiet 3100-Watt RV-Ready Portable Inverter Generator

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WEN 56310i RV is a 3100-Watt inverter generator. It is portable and RV ready, which makes it suitable for camping. The product is CARB compliant. WEN markets it as a super quiet generator. The listed price is $637. There is free shipping. Financing is available as well.

The inverter generator from WEN is in compliance with standards of CARB and EPA III. The manufacturer claims the noise level is at around 57dB. This is quieter than a normal conversation but the noise can get louder when there is sufficient load. The generator has a 212cc four-stroke engine that can produce surge wattage of 3100 and rated wattage of 2800. The generator is primarily for recreational vehicles, tailgating, campgrounds and the country or during obvious power outages. 

The inverter generator is truly portable. It has enough power to bring alive smart phones, laptops and tablets. The power is clean so such electronics and other electrical appliances will not suffer any damage. The box contains two three-prong receptacles of 120V each, one 12V DC receptacle, one 30A  RV plug of AC 120V and two USB ports (5V). There is a two years warranty. The generator has an eco mode that maximizes energy efficiency. This mode adjusts the fuel consumption by the motor automatically and this prolongs the runtime and also the life of the engine. There is a parallel connection setup enabling users to link two or more generators in the same series or compatible models. The kit must be purchased separately. 

WEN 3100 is a light and portable generator that can be handy for do it yourself enthusiasts and those working outdoors with no access to power. The generator runs for around seven and a half hours if the load is half of its maximum capacity. 

8. Generac 6866 iQ2000 Super Quiet 1600 Running Watts/2000 Starting Watts Gas Powered Inverter Generator

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Generac 6866 iQ2000 is an inverter generator powered by gas. It is CARB compliant. The generator is capable of producing 1600W of running power and 2000W of surge or starting power. Generac has designed and manufactured the iQ2000 for use in outdoor settings such as parks, backyards and campsites. It is suitable for tailgating and also for temporary power requirements during an outage. 

The generator is portable and quiet. As the manufacturer, there are third party tests and assessments inferring that the model is quieter than others in the same class. The generator converts DC power to AC and is hence suitable for sensitive electronics and electrical appliances. There are some functions in this model that are no found in models of the same class. Convenient features such as start, stop and run aside, there is a PowerDial that helps users regulate modes such as standard, economy and turbo. Fuel consumption and noise can be easily regulated using this dial. The model is compatible with others from the brand so parallel connectivity is not an issue. The parallel connection kit should be purchased separately. 

The dashboard is neat. There are LED displays. All important information is available in real time. There are status indicators for low oil, low fuel, overheating and overload. The smart and portable inverter generator from Generac can run for almost six hours if the load is half of its maximum capacity. The fuel capacity is just over one gallon. The AC output running wattage is 1600. If the load is a quarter of maximum capacity then the generator runs for almost eight hours. The engine displacement is 80cc. 

9. DuroStar DS4000S, 4000 Starting Watts, Gas Powered Portable Generator

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DuroStar DS4000S is a bestseller. It is among the highest rated portable generators online. The generator runs on gas and can produce up to 4000W. The running wattage is 3300. The product has been around for a few years. It is one of the most reasonably priced portable generators. 

The generator comes with DuroStar 7.0 horsepower engine. The engine has a low oil shutoff feature and is air cooled. The starting and running wattages of 4,000 and 3,300 respectively make the generator a workhorse. It can be used at jobsites, sporting events and outdoor settings for various purposes. It can easily power small to medium appliances. It can also support high voltage equipments. Using heavy duty tools is not a challenge for the DS4000S. 

The generation has a power panel. There are several outlets to maximize compatibility. There are two standard 120V household outlets. There is one 120V twist lock outlet for 30A. The model is CARB and EPA compliant and hence is approved for sale and use in all fifty states. The range of running and peak wattages is sufficient to handle substantially heavier loads than models in its class. This is one of the main reasons why it remains a bestseller and has also received so many positive reviews. 

The generator can run an air conditioner at home and the refrigerator. The lights and other fixtures are a cakewalk. The low oil shutoff feature is useful. It protects the generator by automatically turning off if the oil dips below requisite levels. The voltmeter and power panel are useful features too. The full metal body, surge arrest, extended runtime of as many as eight hours and affordability make the DS4000S a worthwhile investment. 

10. Champion 3800-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Generator

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Champion 3800W is a dual fuel portable generator. It is RV-ready and comes with an electric start. The manufacturer is known for dependable power products that stand the test of time. This model is aimed at those who might need portable power in their home, at campsites or jobsites and for sporting events. 

This is a bestselling product from Champion Power Equipment. It outscores most other generators in its class as per the reviews available online.  The 3800W generator can run on propane or gas. It is ready to be cranked up out of its box. The portable generator has a four stroke engine with a pair of eight inches wheels. The starting wattage is 4750 and the running wattage is 3800. The runtime is a maximum of nine hours when one starts with a full tank of gas. The runtime increases to over ten hours with a twenty pounds propane tank. 

The 224cc engine has a push button start powered by battery. The battery is included in the box. The generator can deliver varying amperes depending on whether it is gas or propane being used. The voltage remains the same at 120. The amperes vary, from 28.5 to 31.7, 35.6 to 39.6. The generator can be plugged into 120V 30A outlets. Appliances are shielded from power surge by Volt Guard. There is free lifetime support for technical issues and three years limited warranty

11. Duromax XP4850EH Dual Fuel Electric Start Portable Generator

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Duromax XP4850EH is a dual fuel generator. The portable generator with running wattage of 3850 can run on gas or propane. Gas is used widely but propane is more affordable and can last much longer. Propane does not cause any damage to the carburetor when stored for long periods of time. Propane is also more efficient than gasoline. So the XP4850EH is a fitting choice for those who can use either propane or gas. 

The model is named XP4850EH due to the starting wattage. The generator starts at 4850W but maintains a running wattage of 3850.  The portable generator has a 7 horsepower, 212cc engine. It can power a typical air conditioner at home or a standard refrigerator. Lights and other small fixtures or medium appliances are not an issue at all. 

The generator has a useful feature that ensures maximum power is delivered from every 120V receptacle. This MX2 tech feature sin many DuroMax generators. Users can also toggle from 120V to 240V or choose both. The XP4850EH is CARB and EPA compliant. It is approved for sale and use in all fifty states. So those camping beyond the state borders or traveling interstate have one less thing to worry about. There are many standard features in the model, such as shutoff sensor for low oil level and air cooling for the engine. The wattage can surge to 4400 but can easily maintain a constant 3500. 

The cast iron sleeve and heavy duty frame make the generator sturdy and durable. The motor does not make much noise as it is properly isolated. Other features include voltmeter, key start switch, oil warning indicator, circuit breaker, low oil shut off and relevant power outlets. The capacity of the fuel tank is four gallons.

Conclusion

Though each of these generators has something different to offer, my favorite for all-around RV usage at a good price is probably the Champion Power Equipment 75537i. It supplies enough power to fill most of your needs, comes bundled with some neat features (remote start is really handy to have), and is reported to be quite reliable by most of its users.