Best RV Generator – Reviews and Guide 2024

Whether you are on a road trip or out camping in your RV, you expect comfort similar to what you have at home. The power supply is one of the vital requirements in your motorhome because you will need it to power your electronic devices. Many recent RVs don’t come with generators because buyers have their preferences. So even though there are several RV generators on the market, research which is the best RV generator for you before you buy.

From charging your phone to playing the radio, you need to ensure that the generator you have going for will provide power for a long time. On your road trip or camping trip, you are most likely to use your phone and camera to capture the moments.

The more you use these devices, the more they will need charging, not forgetting other appliances like the coffee maker. As part of your research, you will need to find out the best or most affordable and efficient kind of fuel. Typically, RV generators can be powered by either diesel, gasoline, or liquid propane. It is also crucial that you get the right accessories needed to make operating your generator much more manageable. Other than the kind of fuel, you will need to consider other additional features if there are any. Some modern RV generators can be operated using a remote control, making them more convenient.

5 Best RV Generators Reviewed

As mentioned, there are several kinds of RV generators in the market you could buy. However, there are some that move faster from stores, mostly because of their useful features. These are the same generators that have also received positive reviews from other users, and they recommend them to anyone looking for an RV generator. They include:

Honda EU2000i Generator

This is one of the earliest RV generators in the market until their production was stopped and replaced with the Honda EU2200i. However, the portable nature of the Honda EU2000i is one of the main reasons why many owners like it. That is because it is easy to move around. That means you can easily take it out and use it for an outdoor activity without breaking a sweat.

Another benefit of a small RV generator like the EU2000i is that they are easy to clean and service if need be plus; they have small tanks hence cost-efficient. This inverter generator boasts high quality and design since it is a product of one of the most dominant companies when it comes to generator production. The Honda EU2000i assures optimal performance and will make your trip more enjoyable since it will save you from the headache-causing generator noise. To add to these great features, the Honda EU2000i is economical and will reduce your fuel expenditure.

Cummins Onan Generator

The Cummins Onan can be said to be the best RV generator in the market. That is because it is equipped with features that make it a top choice for many campers and owners. The Cummins Onan RV generator is light and compact, making it easy to move around more so if you want to have outdoor activity. Additionally, it has a low fuel consumption rate making it more convenient for your pockets. Since it’s small, this generator is easy to maintain, plus it comes with a three-year warranty. Part of maintenance should include cleaning and checking if the pieces are in good condition.

Keeping out dirt will improve the performance of your RV generator by preventing it from heating. This top-performance RV generator produces 2500w of power, which should be enough to power up your electric devices. Another critical feature to note about this generator is that it is quieter. That is because its muffler is enclosed. This should make your trip more peaceful and tolerable. The Cummins Onan has a microprocessor control with diagnostics that will help you detect any problem with your generator.

Champion 3400 Dual Fuel Generator

The champion 3400 duel fuel can be said to be one of the most convenient RV generators you can find in the market. That is because it can be powered by both gasoline and liquid propane gas (LPG). This dual-fuel inverter generator is economical, and on a full tank, which is 1.6 gallons, it can power up your rig for more than 10 hours; 11 hours and 30 minutes with gasoline, and 14 hours and 30 minutes with LPG to be precise.

Operating the champion 3400 dual-fuel generator is easy because it has an electric start button that you only need to push to get it running. It also has an auto shutdown system in case the oil gets low. Another feature that makes it the best generator for camper activities is that it is quiet at only 59 dB. Because it is portable, the design of this generator makes it even easier to move around because it comes with two sturdy wheels and a handle for pulling. This makes it more convenient for outdoor camping activities.

Energizer eZV2000P Generator

The Energizer eZV2000P is designed to be durable and efficient. This RV generator comes with an inverter dual-wave technology that protects your appliances from any electrical damage. It’s one of the most powerful generators in the market today with 2000 peak watts and 1600 running watts. As for noise, you should expect none with the Ezv2000P. This makes it the best option more so if you are going for a camping trip to avoid disrupting the wildlife. When it comes to running time, it is safe to say that this generator for RV has one of the most extended recordings at 4.2 hours when running a full load.

On a full tank, it can provide power for 11.5 hours. In order to enhance portability, this generator is designed with a favorable size to make it easy to hold and carry, plus it weighs only 44 pounds. Another commendable feature of the Ezv2000P the right choice is the eco-mode that enables it to throttle so that it can meet the on-demand load. When using the generator for the first time, you will need to ensure that the oil is full to break it in properly.

Westinghouse iGen2000 Generator (Gas Fuel)

Many RV owners and campers have found the Westinghouse iGen2000 to be the best portable power inverter because of its useful features. With two 5V DC USB output, you can charge your phone and other devices directly on the generator. Powered by gasoline, this generator produces running watts of 1800 and has peak watts of 2200, making it qualify as one of the most powerful portable generators in the market.

Weighing only 46lbs, Westinghouse iGen2000 is not a heavy load and to make it easier; it is designed with a comfortable handle. Another essential feature of this generator is that it has three indicator lights for you to monitor how the generator is functioning efficiently. The lights notify you if the oil is low, there is an overload for output readiness. The Westinghouse iGen2000 is also economical when it comes to consumption, and it is capable of providing power for 11.5 hours, with only 1.2 gallons of gasoline.

Best Advantages of Using Generator Power

While on a road trip or camping with family or friends, the power supply is vital. Remember that the first reason why you decide to go for such trips with your rig is that you would like to enjoy comfort similar to what you have at home. With a portable generator onboard, you get to have power, which is vital more so if you have to charge your phone, laptop, or camera. Unlike the conventional campers, today, you get to carry technology with you because they come in handy in various situations.

Portable Energy

With power in your motorhome, you get to use various appliances like the AC, which can be vital on a hot day. Also, you will get to operate appliances like toasters and even television and radio if you have them. However, you will need to be cautious about how you balance so that you don’t overload the generator. The same way you need to use electricity at home is what you expect when on a trip with your RV. With power, you also get to stay connected to the world through your chargeable mobile devices like laptops and mobile phones.

Survive Longer Off-Grid

Another benefit of having a portable charger for your rig is that it can allow you to pack enough food for your trip using a fridge. Refreshments, vegetables, and fast-perishing foods last longer when refrigerated. This is important for your trip because you never know how far the next civilization is, and without food and refreshments, you can end up starving on the way.

How does an RV Generator Work

If you are familiar with how generators work, then it is nothing different from what you will find in a portable RV generator. To understand better how a portable generator works, you can break it down into four parts.

1. Fueled mechanical motor

A mechanical motor can be driven by either gasoline or diesel to keep the crankshaft rotating. There are various kinds of mechanical engines with some simple and others more complex. The role of the mechanical motor in your portable generator is to get the right parts moving for energy production.

2. Fuel system

As mentioned, a portable generator for camping can use either gasoline or diesel. Regardless of the kind of fuel that you use, it is vital to ensure that the fuel system is clean since it has filters that can prohibit the proper flow of fuel hence, poor performance. The carbonator and spark plugs are parts of the fuel system and need regular check-ups and proper maintenance. Don’t forget that the fuel system is responsible for transporting fuel to the right destination for combustion into energy.

3. Electric starter motor

The starter motor is responsible for kick-starting your generator before it gets into automatic mode. Therefore, the electric starter motor needs to be well connected to ensure adequate transfer of the start-up energy pulse. In many RVs, portable generators draw a significant amount of power from the batteries of your RV to kick start. Always listen that no funny noise is produced when the generator is being started.

4. Electric power generator

This is the actual point where the energy is produced inside your generator. There is a lot of physics going on here that a deeper understanding of physics is required to comprehend.

Types of RV Generators

When distinguishing the types of RV generators, the right criteria to use is the type of fuel used. Note that generators are not different in the way they function across any machinery because they combust fuel to produce energy. What matters is the size of the engine and the power output.

The typical three types of portable RV generators are fueled by gasoline, diesel, and propane. These are easily accessible and affordable as well, but there is a difference in the power produced. That is because some fuels like gasoline combust more rapidly and thoroughly to deliver maximum energy.

Tip: keep in mind that when using fuel type as a criteria for differentiating RV generators, look for one that is affordable and more accessible depending with your location. Also ensure that you have enough back up supply of the same at all times regardless of whether you are having a trip or not. Reserve fuel will always come in handy.

What to look for when buying an RV Generator

Since everyone has a different feeling when it comes to the best portable RV generator, you can use the following guide to help you decide quickly;

1. Conventional vs. Inverter Generator – conventional generators are the standard noisy ones that you have seen around while inverter generators are more innovative and have an inbuilt inverter to convert DC to AC at a higher frequency
2. Power output – this refers to the amount of electricity in volts or watts that the generator can produce. If you have more appliances, you will need a generator with a higher output, but some generators are designed for light activities.
3. Portable vs. permanent – you should decide if you need your generator to be permanently installed in your rig or if you would like to move it around. Some RVs come installed with permanent generators. This decision should be influenced by the kind of activities you plan to have during the trip.
4. Noise – the best kind of RV generator is one that is quiet since you don’t want to be the noisemaker, especially at night. While RV generators are generally quiet, some of them seem to be louder than others. You will want to confirm the dB level.
5. Fuel consumption – you will want a generator that does not consume a lot of fuel since it can end up to e expensive. While still on fuel use, try to find out how long the generator can run when the tank is fuel: the longer, the better, and vice versa.
6. Portability – this will be important if you want to use your generator for other activities, or it is a little noisy, and you prefer using it while it is a few distances away from your motorhome. Portability is also essential when it comes to maintenance.
7. Overall construction – this includes the shape, materials used for building the generator, and even its color. To make the best overall construction decision, you will have to consider you’re the size and shape of your motorhome, not forgetting the available space for storage.

Check out this comparison table for example:

Generator	Length of warranty	BTUs	Fuel type
Cummins Onan	1year	15,000	Gas
Honda 2000i	2years	13,500	Gas
Champion 3400 dual fuel	3years limited	15,000	Gas or propane
Energizer eZV2000p	3years limited	N/A	Gas
Westinghouse iGen2000	3years plus unlimited life support	15,000	Gas

Recommendation: because it is impossible to tell apart an original generator and counterfeits, it is required that you conduct a cross check to ensure that you are getting your moneys’ wort. You can do this by checking for scan-able QR codes or by confirming the serial numbers through the claimed manufacturer.

RV Generator FAQs

Best RV Generator Conclusions

Buying a generator is easy if you know what you need. Therefore, you will need to take advantage of the internet for your research. You will also want to avoid counterfeit portable RV generators in the market.