8 Best Generators For RV (Review) in 2020

You have a lot to consider. Features, factors, scenarios, extended use and reliability. We’ve written a thorough, comprehensive guide to RV generators, including just about every question you could every think up. We aim to make the process as simple or as in-depth as you want it to be. Without further ado, let’s delve into it.

Things to Consider When Buying an RV Generator

Fuel Type - Gas, solar, and propane are going to be the only ones you’ll really see. Each of these have their ups and downs: gas is more reliable and readily available, propane can cost more and generally provides less power, and solar is a wildcard (more on this later). Now that we mentioned solar, make sure to check put list of best solar chargers.

Emission Ratings - There are two different certifications for emissions ratings, which we’ll cover in a little while in this guide. They almost exclusively apply to residents of California, who have increased restrictions as opposed to the rest of the country.

Runtime - After a certain point, you have to cool these things down. For most units, you’ll get a bare bones minimum of five hours of use, with some lasting up to a full twenty-four hours. While you could refuel your unit and continue past the runtime expectations, these are set in place to prevent damaging your unit, while maintaining the results you purchased your generator for.

Power Starting / Running - This is the energy rating you’ll see in most item titles, and among the most prominent details. This tells you how much it needs to generate to start up, and how much it will generate while running. This is vital to understand exactly what you can plug into your portable RV generator, but keep in mind, it’s best to hang about 10% below the maximum running threshold to maintain efficiency and prevent surges or failures.

Weight - You’re hauling it, and half the time (or more), you know you’re not going to have any help doing it. Try to purchase as lightweight as possible without compromising on quality.

Eco-Mode - Eco-Mode is only so good, but it’s something you need to be on the lookout for. When you’re running this for short bursts, Eco-Mode can be a Godsend of energy-saving prowess. Longer stretches, and it can actually mess with your system. Be on the lookout.

Dimensions - You’ll have to store these in your RV while moving, but you’re packing more than just a generator. Take the dimensions (and overall size) into account before planning to stash this in the back.

Solar Adaptable - Solar panels are everywhere; there’s no denying it. We’ve even done a guide on portable solar panels for smaller use. If you’re going to spend a few days out in the great outdoors, having additional power sources through solar panels might not be such a bad idea.

Warranty Information - This isn’t some simple off-the-shelves purchase; warranties are the saving grace that everyone needs if you’re to encounter unexpected issues. No manufacturing or assembly process is ironclad, leaving small, but viable, margins of error. The right warranty will also protect you against a recall and the havoc it may have wreaked on other sections of your system.

Safety Protocol When Using an RV Generator

There’s a few things to keep in mind. You’re going to be using your RV generator when you don’t have access to a charging station for your central electrical system, However, you’re still dealing with vast volumes of electricity and a combustible engine, and as such, there’s safety protocol that needs to be in place.

The 20 Foot Rule - The decibel measurement rating is actually a measurement when put 18-21 feet away from an RV. If your unit says that it produces 51 db of noise, that’s the volume when it’s already away from your RV. For the sake of hearing the conversations you’re having with friends/family, keeping your RV generator at a good distance is essential. Apart from that,

Q: What Drains my Generator the Fastest?

A: You’re going to have to take a look at individual energy consumption on each product, as you should always do, but we don’t want to leave you high and dry without a solid answer. The top items on average, ranging from most energy consumption to least, are as follows:

1. Refrigerator
2. Television
3. Game Console
4. Air Conditioner (May be higher depending on your BTUs)
5. Electric Stove
6. Blender or Countertop Appliance
7. Cabin Lights

Q: How Much Power do I Need for My RV/Camping?

A: That is all going to depend on what you like to do, and how many items you’ll have running at once. Your family size (and their dependency on technology being right in their face) is going to either be a blessing, or totally taxing on your energy usage and cost evaluation. If you’re a solo goer, you can get by on a 2,000 / 1,600 generator for most of your necessities, allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors without relying too heavily on your electronics. It’s best to find out what each of your items use for energy, and make a plan before hitting the road. Be certain to see our brief list of the most energy-sucking items that most RV users have.

Q: What is an Onboard Generator?

A: As you very well may imagine, it’s an RV generator that rests in your RV instead of being placed outside. However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Onboard generators are noisy as hell (especially when it’s bouncing around inside that little cabin), and produce heat, which is counterintuitive if you plan on running the AC.

In short, they’re not worth their weight in gold. The main purpose we see is if you go to an RV park or camp that has frequent - and rather close - visitors, and you’re trying not to disturb them during the night. Portable RV generators are the choice of full-time RVers for multiple reasons, including cost and maintenance versus an onboard generator.

Q: How Many Watts Will I Be Running for my AC?

A: There’s no simple answer here, because we don’t intimately know your RV or its system. Instead, we’ve listed a helpful chart here to let you know.

7,000 BTU RV Air Conditioner - 1,500 to 1,700 watts starting / 600 running

10,000 BTU RV Air Conditions - 1,800 to 2,000 watts starting / 700 running

13,500 BTU RV Air Conditioner - 2,500 to 2,750 watts starting / 1,250 running

15,000 BTU RV Air Conditioner - 3,300 to 3,500 watts starting / 1,500 running

These are based off of averages from different brands of RV air conditioners, including built-in AC units that come with certain RV brands. It’s always best to look at your RV manual for specifics so you don’t risk a power surge.

Q: What is a Considerate Sound Level for RV Generators?

A: You’re going to see these machines measured in decibels, or db, as they’re more commonly referred to. Most generators are going to run anywhere from 45 to 70db, mimicking the sounds of a moderate suburb, or a semi-loud slew of conversations in a restaurant. These generators aren’t thunderous and peace disturbing as everyone would think. When you go with an inverter generator, you actually produce even less noise than traditional mechanical RV genertors.

Q: What is an Inverter Generator?

A: Inverter generators are a step-up from standard mechanical generators. Your normal generator would utilize fuel, and convert that to AC power through an alternator. With an inverter generator, you’re focusing on more than just simple energy transference. Inverter generators have a higher amount of electronic components, making them a bit more expensive, but ultimately better pieces of equipment.

An inverter generator takes that AC power, turns it into DC power, and back into AC power once again. It sounds like a tedious process, but it’s actually far more efficient than standard mechanical generators. Apart from them, they also come a lot lighter than mechanical generators, and offer various speed settings to preserve fuel, and only utilize the level of electricity that you actually need. It’s a bigger investment, but it cuts down on unnecessary fuel consumption and additional costs along the way.

Q: How Long Will an RV Generator Run For?

A: If you’re going for runtime in a single use, you’re going to want to consult the specific manual/guide that came with your unit. However, if you’re talking about a total runtime over the course of its life, that’s going to depend on a few things.

As a rule of thumb, especially if you want to increase the life of your RV generator, you should stop it within thirty minutes of the maximum allowed runtime. This is going to preserve it for future use. Certain Honda RV generator users have had their models for over eleven years, and counting. If you take care of them, they’ll last you for absolutely ages.

Q: Can I Hook Up Multiple RV Generators at Once?

A: Yes, you absolutely can. If you’re travelling with a big party, or you have a big family, you’re going to go through a lot of power. Buying a few smaller generators along the way can be better than committing to a large-scale purchase, but can also save you in fuel efficiency costs in the long haul, depending on the circumstances and model types.

There are benefits to going with smaller generators: you can use a single one when you solo trip out on the road, cutting down on overall usage, and saving fuel plus money. Also, if one unit runs into mechanical issues, you’re not up the creek without a paddle. You’ve still got your single use unit to generate electricity for the necessities.

Q: What Are EPA and CARB Compliance Certificates?

A: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) both sign-off on the fuel efficiency, and overall environmental impact of RV generators. Air emissions are created when combustible engines produce electrical energy, and as such, their interference is heavily regarded.

Not every generator is going to meet their standards, but it also doesn’t make them illegal. It’s going to make them available to all fifty states (more on this later), and also notify the purchaser that they may not be getting the best device to fit the needs of the environment.

Q: How do I Replace Oil Filters?

A: Unlike air filters, you can’t simply clean these and just toss them back in. These endure so much duress that they simply need to be replaced. Much like the air filter being located near the fan, you’re going to find your oil filter located right near the fuel tank. Each model is different, so it’s best to consult the user manual to quickly locate the exact location of the oil filter.

Ensure you dispose of it properly. Oil filters can run a bit more of an initial cost than air filters, so it’s important to understand exactly when you should replace them. This is going to help cut down on costs and waste at the same time. The rule of thumb for oil filter replacement is after every one-hundred hours of use. If you can remember, put a small clipboard or micro legal pad near the generator, and essentially sign-in and sign-out each time it’s put into use, and powered down for the day. This will give you a realistic expectation of how often you have to change it, depending on your frequency of use.

Q: How do I Replace/Clean Air Filters?

A: Air filters are extremely critical to your RV generator performance. We’re going to run through the cleaning process now, and if you need to replace it, you can simply stop after step one, and pop-in a new filter, then call it a day.

1. Locate the fan, which will be directly adjacent to the air filter. You may find a small rectangular plate, which you can usually remove with a Phillips head screwdriver. Standard generators come with either two or four screws.
2. Ready your cleaning solution. We recommend simple Dawn dishwashing gel, since you’re going to see a fairly nasty mix of debris, dust, and oily grime in that air filter after just one to two months. Soak it for 1-2 minutes, and gently scrub.
3. Air dry. Don’t pat dry, don’t use a blowdryer - you have to do it properly. Air drying evenly returns the filter to a usable state. You should never put a cleaned air filter back if it has the slightest hint of moisture about it. While the risk is minimal, it’s important to remember that water and electricity don’t mix.

Notice to Residents of California

Just because a generator doesn’t come with EPA certification and CARB compliance information doesn’t mean you can’t buy them. However, if you’re living in the great state of California, that means that they’d might as well be illegal to you. Due to emission laws governing the sale and use of certain items, you’re limited in your choices. While most RV generators will come with EPA/CARB certificates, you’ll be surprised at some of the biggest brand names in the business when you see that they aren’t all compliant. For updated information and localized intel, you should check back to your local municipality databases/websites, as well as the official California government page.

Sources

1. Explaining CARB Compliant Generators, Absolute Generators
2. Basic Information about the Emission Standards Reference Guide for On-road and Nonroad Vehicles and Engines, EPA Official Website
3. How to Use RV Generators, Trails.com
4. RV Generators 101, RV University
5. BTU Energy Explained, US Energy Information Administration Official Website
6. Wattage Worksheet, LCEC Official Website
7. Study Provides Details on Portable Generator Emissions and Carbon Monoxide Exposure, National Institute of Standards and Technology Official Website
8. Comparative Examples of Noise Levels, Industrial Noise Control