Choosing the right RV generator matters. Here are our recommendations based on power output, noise level and quality.
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These Are the Best Portable & Quiet Generators for Your RV, Camper or Travel Trailer
Updated on Sep. 30, 2024
Generators can be loud or quiet, efficient or wasteful, powerful or small. “Generators are rated by wattage output, so it is important to know how many appliances you will be using in your RV,” says Bill Stewart, Director of Education at the RV Technical Institute. Choosing the ideal model for your RV lifestyle depends on how much you want to spend, what kind of maximum electrical wattage output you need, how heavy of a generator you’re willing and able to handle and how important low noise and high efficiency are to you.
Generally speaking, inverter generators are the quietest and most fuel-efficient of all. At the other end of the spectrum, inexpensive open-frame non-inverter generators are the loudest and use the most fuel for a given electrical output. Hybrid generators fit somewhere in between, as you’ll see with the specific model recommendations coming up.
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Best Value Dual-Fuel Generator Over 10,000 Watts
DuroMax XP12000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator 12,000 Watt Generator
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Best Hybrid Inverter Generator
Champion 100302 4000 Watt Open Frame Digital Hybrid Inverter
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Best Parallel-Capable Inverter Generator
Ryobi 2300 Watt Digital Inverter Parallel Combo Kit
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On Sale
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Best Inverter Generator Over 5,000 Watts
Honda EU7000is Inverter
I’ve owned this generator for more than five years, and can tell you it’s a powerful, ultra-quiet model that’s extremely efficient on fuel. One reason for that: The Honda EU7000is is an inverter generator. This means the unit produces clean power, free from voltage surges or power fluctuations that can damage sensitive electronics. The inverter design also allows engine speed to vary automatically from slow to fast, depending on the wattage of electricity demanded. The ability of an inverter to slow itself down as less electricity is required is one reason this model burns fuel so economically.
High cost (about $4,500) and hefty weight (262 lbs) are the drawbacks of the EU7000is. But for the RV owner who wants lots of quiet, clean power, this is the ultimate machine. It can sustain a 5,500 watt output continuously, and as much as 7,000 watts for short bursts.
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Best Compact Generator
Honda EU1000i Inverter
This is one of the smallest, lightest and quietest generators anyone would want to consider for an RV. Delivering 900 watts of continuous clean power and up to 1,000 watts for a few seconds, the EU1000i doesn’t supply enough power for a kettle or toaster oven. So why would anyone want this model? Because it powers small electrical items in a portable package. It weighs less than 30 pounds, and the EU1000i can run from four to eight hours on a single gallon of gasoline, depending on the load.
Some RV owners have a larger generator for everyday use, then rely a small model like this as a frugal, ultra-quiet backup to charge a phone, run a propane heater or power some lights.
On Sale
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Best Mid-Size Inverter Generator
WEN 56225i 2,250 Watt Inverter with Fuel Shut-Off
This 56225i model is small and light (48-1/2 lbs.), but the 1,800-watt continuous-power-output rating is large enough to handle a kettle, microwave or toaster oven, plus a few lights. The 2,250-watt peak output is enough to handle the surge of current when most RV air conditioners start up.
One other plus: The 56225i uses up all the leftover fuel in the carburetor after shutting off the ignition. This leaves the carburetor dry for storage, and resistant to developing gum and harmful deposits that can hinder starting after several months of storage. A dry-stored carburetor is much more likely to work properly when you move to switch on the fuel and fire up the engine.
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Best Value Dual-Fuel Generator Over 10,000 Watts
DuroMax XP12000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator 12,000 Watt Generator
This large, open-frame generator (not an inverter) can provide most of the power to run a regular home, so there will be no shortage of electricity for an RV. Not as quiet or economical as an inverter, this model delivers 9,500 watts of continuous power with up to 12,000 watts of surge power available for starting items like air conditioners and water pumps. Any electrical appliance that uses a motor demands much more electricity than usual for several seconds during startup. The XP12000EH runs on gasoline or propane. This bargain-priced generator is not as refined as more expensive models, but it does offer excellent value and high output.
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Best Hybrid Inverter Generator
Champion 100302 4000 Watt Open Frame Digital Hybrid Inverter
Get the quiet, efficient operation of an inverter, with the lower cost and design of an open-frame model. The Champion 100302 delivers 3,500 watts of power continuously, and can handle short-term surges of power up to 4,000 watts. That’s not a lot of power, but the optional parallel connection kit allows two Champion generators to be connected together, delivering 7,000 watts of continuous power to a standard 50-amp RV outlet.
Best Parallel-Capable Inverter Generator
Ryobi 2300 Watt Digital Inverter Parallel Combo Kit
In the world of power tools, Ryobi has a reputation for delivering excellent performance at reasonable prices. This generator continues the legacy. It delivers 1,800 watts of continuous power and 2,300 peak power for short periods of surge demand. This model is specially designed to operate as a single unit or connected with an identical model to deliver twice the wattage. Ryobi is a brand that’s been around for decades and it offers the added advantage of being widely available in brick-and-mortar stores.
What to Look for When Shopping for an RV Generator
Wattage and Capacity
Generators are rated by wattage output, but what you need depends on how many appliances you use in your RV. “Generally speaking, in a 30-amp RV, a 2,000- to 2,500-watt generator will run everything but an A/C unit,” says Stewart. “Consider a 3,000-watt or higher-powered generator if running your A/C unit is essential when you’re dry camping, especially in the summer.” If your RV is larger, like a 50-amp, it requires more power—a 4,000- to 5,500-watt generator is recommended.
Fuel Types
Generator engines operate on various fuels, including diesel, gasoline and propane (in liquefied or gaseous form). Smaller engines favor gasoline, liquid propane and propane gas, whereas larger engines run on diesel.
Portability
It’s vital to know your RV’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC). Once you know these figures, you can check them against the weight of a generator to determine if your RV is suited to a particular model. Distributing cargo throughout the rig equally helps balance the vehicle (especially important during travel).
Furthermore, there are two popular generator options for RV owners: portable and fixed-mount RV generators. Portable generators aren’t built into the RV and simplify maintenance, but they tend to be smaller, less powerful (1,000 to 10,000 watts) and should not be operated while in motion. Fixed-mount generators come installed in the vehicle, allow for push-button and auto-start functionality, generally provide higher power outputs (usually 2,500 to 12,500 watts), can share fuel with the RV motor and can be used in motion, but they’re harder to access for maintenance.
Durability/Long-Lastingness
If you keep your RV generator regularly maintained and properly cared for, it should last 15-20 years. Diesel generators have a longer engine life than gasoline or LP generators and consume less fuel. “Many diesel RV generators dramatically lower noise, vibration and harshness levels, too,” adds Stewart.
Traditional Generator vs. Inverter
“In a traditional generator, the power produced by the alternator is fed (more or less) straight to the control panel,” says Stewart, going on to say that traditional generators have a higher Total Harmonic Distortion (THD, for short, is a measure of how “clean” power is).
Stewart continues, “An inverter generator works differently. The alternating current (AC) power produced by the alternator is sent to a rectifier, which is a device that converts the AC power to direct current (DC). This DC power is then inverted back to AC power by the computer inside the generator before it is sent to the control panel,” which is where the name “inverter” comes from. “Because the computer controls the power to the control panel, inverter generators offer much lower THD than standard generators,” he continues.
THD is an important consideration for sensitive devices—like smartphones, tablets, computers and televisions—as they can be damaged if they receive high-THD power. Inverter generators are much safer for these devices, as they limit THD power to a minimum. Still, they are less convenient overall, requiring more parts to function at the same level as a traditional generator.
Why You Should Trust Us
Steve Maxwell is an award-winning writer, photographer and videographer who has used his experience as a carpenter, builder, stone mason, cabinetmaker and homesteader to create content for Family Handyman, Reader’s Digest, Mother Earth News, Cottage Life, Canadian Contractor, Canadian Home Workshop and more. His expertise in carpentry and construction helped inform his experience with heavy machinery, making him the ideal candidate to speak on the subject (including things like RV generators).
We consulted with Bill Stewart, Director of Education at the RV Technical Institute, to produce this article. In addition to his 32 years of automotive and RV experience, he is a Level 4 Certified RV technician and holds certifications from Cummins, Grand Design, Heartland, Mercury Marine and ASE automotive and light-duty trucks.
Sean Tirman, Content Updates Editor at Family Handyman, updated and contributed research to this piece. Sean has written shopping guides since 2016 and is a former associate editor at Gear Patrol.
How We Found the Best RV Generators
In our search for RV generators, we started by ensuring we understood the unique challenges and needs of the Recreational Vehicle space—including researching the types of generators available, fuel types, RV sizes and much more. From there, we garnered a better understanding of the overall space, including trustworthy brands, expert testimony and customer reviews. Then, we narrowed our search to specific models and carved out the list you see before you, complete with various options based on capabilities, budgets, durability, long-lastingness and more.
FAQ
How big of a generator do I need to run my RV?
Numerous factors must be considered when deciding on this, including the size of your RV, the amount of power you intend to use, how often you plan to use your generator and more. On average, however, a 2,000- to 2,500-watt generator usually runs everything but an A/C unit.
Can you run an RV generator 24/7?
While running a generator 24/7 with a proper exhaust system is safe, consider the noise it makes. Many campgrounds designate specific quiet hours and specify a campground generator noise limit, normally around 60 dB.
“To put this into context, 60 decibels is the sound of a normal human conversation,” says Stewart. “While there is no official definition of ‘quiet’ when it comes to RV generators, an important measure is the National Park Service’s sound level requirements: 60 decibels at 50 feet.” To meet those requirements, your RV generator must measure a noise level of around 70 dB or less at 10 feet.
Can you sleep in an RV with a generator running?
Yes, but you need to be careful of the exhaust fumes. Exhaust fumes emitted by a generator are like exhaust from any other diesel, gasoline or LP engine and contain highly toxic chemicals that must be properly managed. Installing an adequate exhaust system to dispose of the exhaust gases is essential. Thankfully, all new RVs have carbon monoxide detectors (although you’ll want to ensure yours are in working order).
Can I run my RV generator while driving?
You can run your permanently mounted generator in a motorhome as you drive. It is more efficient to run the generator while driving and use it to operate your air conditioners, which cool the RV better than using your dash air conditioner.
Is it better to buy a generator or inverter?
This depends on the amount of wattage that you would like to use. You can use solar panels, a bank of batteries and a large inverter to perform the same tasks as a generator, but that might not be as convenient as just using a generator. It really depends on your own savvy, preferences, etc.
