– A modern Inverter Generator for RV is the real deal for fuel and power efficieny.
As RV adventurers, we enjoy RVing a lot. Boondocking in far-off lands is always thrilling. But we can not imagine doing so without ensuring adequate power supply to our RVs. You will not always find a campground to directly power your batteries.
This is where RV generators come to the rescue. They allow you to run your equipment even when you are off-grid. However there are some hacks to avoid a generator but those can only work once in a while.
In this blog, you will find everything you need to know about inverter generators. Also, I will review some of the top models to help you choose your best inverter generator for RV.
What are RV generators?
If we go back to the typical high school definition, generators are devices that convert mechanical or chemical energy into electrical energy. Put simply; generators combust fuel to provide electricity so that you can power your RV even when you are off-grid.
Generators may work on gasoline, diesel, propane, or all.
Types of RV generators
Broadly speaking, there are two varieties of RV generators in the market: conventional and inverter generators. Both use external fuel to provide electricity but differ in the way they produce it.
- Conventional generators: These devices use a mechanical alternator that runs on fuel to provide ready-to-use AC power.
- Inverter generators: Just like the conventional ones, they also use an alternator to produce AC current, which is soon converted to DC and then back to AC again. This three-phase form of power production is more efficient, reliable, and safer than conventional procedures.
Is An Inverter Generator For RV any Good?
RV Inverter generators beat their conventional counterparts on many fronts. I would choose an inverter generator over a conventional one any day.
They are more efficient, easier to handle, and less noisy. Let’s discuss the perks of having a portable inverter generator for RV over a traditional one.
Efficiency
Inverter generators can run at variable speeds depending on the power demand. With inbuilt microprocessors, inverter generators can fluctuate their throttle and supply power as required. This makes inverter generators more fuel efficient and durable than traditional generators.
Moreover, with many new features coming up in inverter generators, like eco-mode, low fuel alert, etc, they vastly outperform conventional generators.
Portability
Inverter generators make the best choice for a portable RV generator. They are compact, lightweight, and easy to handle.
Conventional generators are often bulkier and cumbersome to manage. Not to ignore the space that inverter generators save because of their small size, which makes them all the more essential.
Noise
Besides being portable and efficient, inverter generators are quiet too. The noise they produce is comparable to speech levels. Especially in the case of RVs, where we often camp in confined places, a quieter environment is a must.
Moreover, many campsites have now put noise limits, restricting the use of loud conventional generators altogether.
Power Quality
Some modern-day devices might be sensitive to the current produced by conventional generators and may malfunction.
On the other hand, inverter generators work on a three-phase mechanism. The power delivered is similar to what you get from a grid. It makes them safer compared to conventional generators.
The electronics which might be sensitive to crude AC current produced by generators include smartphones, laptops, gaming systems, televisions, computers, etc. Since these are day-to-day electronics of extreme importance, we should not take any chances.
Coming to prices, I agree inverter generators can be costlier. But due to their durability, efficiency, portability, and quiet nature, they turn out to be a far better option than their traditional counterparts.
There is a lot of buzz for an Inverter generator for RV in the RV manufacturing world. Some of the top makers like Cummins can go as high as $4000 to $10000.
If affordability is a key parameter then check our below where we have reviewed some of the inverter generators for RV. These are the best and will not leave a hole in your pocket.
Top Portable RV Generators
Briggs & Stratton P2400 PowerSmart Series Inverter Generator
This compact, easy-to-handle, and durable device by Briggs & Stratton grabs the first spot in the best inverter generator for RV list. It is a favorite of many RV users.
First things first, we can’t get over the fact of how lightweight it is for a generator. It weighs just over 1 pound, making it perfectly portable for adults of all ages.
Additionally, the inverter generator has a convenient monitoring system that features LED lights for overload and low oil alerts.
Another great thing about this device is its CO guard carbon monoxide shutdown technology. The system saves you and your family from the harmful carbon monoxide gas by shutting down the generator automatically when the levels become toxic.
Moreover, since it’s an inverter generator for RV specifically, its three-phase current production protects your sensitive appliances. Electronics like laptops, phones, and gaming systems often require smoother power, and this one is specially crafted for them.
The P2400 PowerSmart inverter generator supplies 2400 starting watts and 1800 running watts. You can run most of your RV appliances with this amount of power.
If you want to power heavier electronics like your RV AC, there is always an option to connect multiple generators parallelly. The parallel connector kit for this generator is sold separately.
All in all, if a lightweight, compact, easy-to-handle, and portable inverter generator for RV is what you were seeking, this Briggs & Stratton device is perfect for you.
Champion Power Equipment 4250-Watt Inverter Generator
If the first one was a little too light for you, here comes the heavy-duty power-packed camper inverter generator for RV. It is a heavy-duty but mobile, powerful but versatile, and portable generator.
This mighty machine supplies 4250 starting watts and 3500 running watts, comfortable enough to power all your RV appliances.
I really liked the cool features the generator comes with. It has an economy mode, which saves fuel and extends engine life.
Besides that, given how high performing the equipment is, it is surprisingly quiet. Even while running at its maximum, the noise it produces is comparable to speech level 64 dBA, which is perfect for RVs.
Another plus about the product is that it comes with dual fuel technology. This means that you can run the generator on both gasoline and propane.
You can connect the inverter generator to your RV’s built-in propane tank and be free from worrying about power. Besides that, the generator has an impressive 22-hour run time with gasoline.
Although the starting 4250 watts are enough to power most equipment in your RV, the device comes with an option to connect parallel generators. This way, you get the extra power output generated with the parallel combination of generators.
This Champion Power inverter generator for RV also comes with a three-year warranty and free lifetime technical support.
Moreover, the variety of power outlets to choose from is great. You get a 120V, 30A supply for RV, two 120V, 20A supplies for household operations, and a 12V DC outlet with a dual USB adapter to cater to your needs.
Champion Power Equipment is a reliable and trusted firm in the field of inverter generators. Although this one might seem a little pricey, it is undoubtedly a reliable option to go with.
Westinghouse iGen2200 Portable Inverter Generator
After a tough and robust device, let’s ease off the list with another lightweight and portable camping inverter generator for RV. This Westinghouse product is compact but efficient, a perfect combination you need in a mobile generator device.
Weighing just over 46 pounds, it is about half the weight of our previous item on the list. It runs on propane and provides two 120V, 20A outlets, and two USB channels.
Besides that, it supplies 2200 starting watts and 1800 running watts, which is enough to power most electronics in your RV.
Like other generators on our list, Westinghouse iGen2200 doesn’t fail to provide a parallel connection. If the 1800 watts of running power doesn’t fit, you can always upgrade by connecting multiple generators with the parallel connect kit.
The noise-limiting features in the generator are unique. It only emits 52 dBA of sound, which is remarkably quiet. Moreover, the economy mode in the device allows you to save fuel and extend the engine life.
Another thing that caught my eye is that all Westinghouse products (as the company claims) are functionally tested in factories. The company warns about residual oil or fuel odor from their products because of all the testing. It’s a great relief to be assured about the functionality of our product.
Besides all the trials and checks, the inverter generator for RV comes with a 3-Year limited service, parts coverage, and a nationwide customer service network.
To sum it all up, Westinghouse iGen2200 is a compact, easy-to-handle but reliable and robust choice. It’s a small generator for RV and will fit well with your RV rig. Besides that, its excellent features, including noise control, will amaze you.
WEN 56225i 2250-Watt Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator
Another quality, portable and handy inverter generator for RV is WEN’s 56225i. The item is lightweight, weighing not more than 48.5 pounds. Its modern-day features and quiet working won’t disappoint you at all.
Its noise-free operation is the prime feature that sets it apart from other generators. It hardly emits sound beyond 53 dBA level, which is safe enough to have a peaceful environment around you. Besides that, it’s compact in size, making it easily fit in your RV compartment.
Besides the noise control and compact nature, this generator features fuel shutoff technology. It allows the generator to use the remaining fuel in the carburetor, resulting in better efficiency and engine life. We find this feature the most amazing one!
As discussed, inverter generators provide safer power, so you can also operate sensitive devices like laptops and phones. This WEN generator is no different. The current delivery is safe for all electronics, including tablets, smartphones, computers, televisions, etc.
Speaking of current, you get two 120V outlets, one 12DC receptacle, and one 5V USB port. Moreover, this inverter generator for RV specifically – operates on 2000 starting watts and 1600 running watts, which is enough to power most electronics in your RV rig.
Just like the other devices mentioned in the list, this product allows you to connect multiple parallel generators as well, allowing you to have extra power in case one generator isn’t enough. You will need a WEN parallel connect kit, which is sold separately.
So the bottom line is that this inverter generator by WEN is an amazing product. Its low fuel automatic shut and eco-mode features make it ultra-efficient and durable. If a high-quality, high-performance and quiet inverter generator is what you need, this device is for you.
YAMAHA EF2000iSv2 Gas Powered Portable Inverter
Our last one on the inverter generator for RV list is the famously branded Yamaha’s EF2000iSv2. But rating it last doesn’t mean that the product is in any way inferior.
YAMAHA EF2000iSv2 is an elegant and efficient inverter generator. Its small size and blue design give it a stylish and fancy look. A generator that will enhance the overall outlook of your rig.
Besides its classy looks, the YAMAHA generator supplies 2000-watt starting power and 1600-watt running power. It is lightweight, weighing just over 44 pounds. Moreover, its compact nature (2.2 cu. ft.) makes it easy to store and highly convenient to transport.
Even though small in size, the product is resilient and durable. This inverter generator for RV is power packed with advanced programming, which makes it a multipurpose device.
Additionally, the generator is equipped with a USFS-approved spark arrestor, making it extremely quiet. Even when running at its full throttle, you might not notice it is even there.
Another great feature of the generator is its fuel efficiency. The device can run up to 10.5 hours at ¼ rated load on a gas tank. Its smark throttle varies the engine speed per the requirements, improving fuel economy, reducing noise, and prolonging engine life.
In addition, the auto decompression system in the generator reduces compression, helping in easier starting. Moreover, the auto warmup feature increases the engine speed during cold starts to manage appliances demanding high power.
Not to ignore the twin tech parallel connect operation in this futuristic inverter generator for RV, through which you can generate extra power if the current generated by one generator doesn’t seem enough.
Besides that, the generator’s oil watch warning system is also praiseworthy. It looks for low fuel and warns the user beforehand. This way, you can avoid costly repairs and extend your device’s life.
So these are the top five picks for camp trailer generators. We tried covering all the crucial aspects, from the generator’s running watt to efficiency, from noise emitted to portability. Now it’s time for you to choose and see which one fits the best with your rig.
And in case we missed on any crucial element which needs to be addressed in an inverter generator for RV, then kindly notify us. We will edit the post to make it more beneficial for RV users.
Remember, buying an RV portable generator is a one-time investment, and being stingy won’t help! Factor in all the points and pick the generator that corresponds best with your budget.
Below we have covered the most basic factors via questions, which you need to address before buying an inverter generator for RV.
What size inverter generator do I need for my RV?
The size of the inverter generator you need will depend upon the load you want to put it through. Broadly speaking, most RV appliances run fine with 2000-4000 watt generators.
On the other hand, if you are looking to run multiple AC units, you might need generators heavier than 4000 watts. In such cases, installing a “soft start” will help bring down the starting power required to power your AC.
Moreover, if your inverter generator is small and you need extra power, you can always link multiple generators by using parallel connect ports.
The only downside of making parallel connections is that you will need to invest in multiple generators. This may not be budget-friendly for many RV users.
What’s better for an RV, an inverter or a generator?
Both devices have their own important functions. An inverter is required to extract the DC power stored in your batteries and supply AC to run your appliances. On the other hand, generators produce AC current directly from the combustion of external fuel.
Ideally, you should get both of them. An inverter generator is the best choice to go with. But if you can sustain yourself from batteries alone and you are sure that a generator is not required, then an inverter will be enough.
Can an inverter generator power an RV?
Yes, an inverter generator can certainly power an RV. As discussed, most RV electronics will run fine with power ranging from 2000 watts to 4000 watts. You can even run your RV AC with an inverter generator if you find the rightly powered device.
So this ends our blog providing information about RV portable generators for sale. Thanks for sticking till the end and I hope you found our efforts informative. Keep hustling and keep RV-ing!
