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The best generators for RVs in 2024

Bring a generator along on your next camping trip

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If you are away at a campsite or spending some time off-grid, you should consider bringing along a generator for your camper. Generators can be used to run a variety of appliances and gadgets and are powered by gasoline or propane. Some of the RV appliances you can run on your generator are air conditioners, refrigerators, fans, TVs, laptops, cellphones, and more. Here are the best generators for RVs available on Amazon.

Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment 4650 Peak Watt Portable Generator - $369

$369 at Amazon

Key Features

  • Starting Watts: 4,650w
  • Running Watts: 3,600w
  • 120v 30a AC outlets
  • 212cc engine
  • Up to 14 hours of runtime
  • 3-year limited warranty

The Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment Portable Generator has a 4-stroke 212cc engine that supplies a  peak wattage of 4,650w and 3,600 running watts. There are two 120v 30a AC outlets and a 120v AC 20A outlet. It can reach up to 14 hours of runtime on a full fuel tank. It also comes with a 3-year limited warranty.


Champion Power Equipment 200954 4250-Watt RV Ready Open Frame Inverter Generator - $569

$569 at Amazon

Key Features

  • Starting Watts: 4,250w
  • Running Watts: 3,500w
  • Up to 22 hours of runtime
  • 4 mode intelligauge
  • 3 year limited warranty
  • Free lifetime technical support

This Champion Power Equipment RV Ready Open Frame Inverter Generator is powered by a four-stroke gas engine and reaches a maximum output of 4,250 starting watts and 3,500 running watts. It has a 120v 30A RV outlet, two 120V 20A household outlets and two USB ports. Free lifetime technical support and a 3-year limited warranty is included with your purchase.


DuroMax XP5500EH Electric Start-Camping & RV Ready Dual Fuel Portable Generator - $549 (15% off)

$549 at Amazon

Key Features

  • Starting Watts: 5,500w
  • Running Watts: 4,500w
  • Runs on propane or gas
  • Low oil sensor
  • 2 120v 20A outlets
  • 224cc engine

This DuroMax XP5500EH is a dual fuel RV Generator gives you the option to choose between gas or propane to power it. It packs a large amount of power with 5,500 starting watts and 4,500 running watts. It’s built to last as it has all copper wirings and a durable metal frame.


WEN 56380i Super Quiet 3800-Watt RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator - $730.99

$730.99 at Amazon

Key Features

  • Starting Watts: 3,800w
  • Running watts: 3,400w
  • Half-load runtime up to 8.5 hours
  • Three 120V receptacles
  • Quiet operation at 57 decibels
  • Low fuel shutoff
  • 2 year warranty

This WEN Super Quiet RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator has earned the “super quiet” label, as its sound levels are only 57dBA. Its engine supplies a maximum output of 3,800w and has a half-load runtime lasting up to 8 hours. It has two three-prong 120V outlets, one 120V NEMA TT-30R outlet, a 12V DC outlet and two USB ports. This generator also comes with a two-year warranty.


GENMAX Portable Inverter Generator - $489.99 (25% off)

$489.99 at Amazon

Key Features

  • Starting Watts: 3,200w
  • Running Watts: 2,800w
  • 120v 20a AC and 120v 30A AC outlets
  • 4-stroke 145cc engine
  • Low oil shutoff
  • 1-year warranty

The GENMAX Portable Inverter Generator has a 4-stroke 145cc engine and reaches up to 3,200 starting watts and 2,800 running watts. It has a 1 gallon gas tank with 8 hours of runtime when full and a low oil shutoff mode. It also has an economy to extend the engine running time of the generator. A 1-year warranty comes with the purchase of this product.


How to choose the right generator for your RV

When it comes to choosing the best portable power source for your motorhome, think about how many devices you need to operate. Also consider how long the trip is and how much time you will be spending in your RV. If you just take out your RV every now and then a small generator will suffice, but more serious motorhome owners should consider a larger generator.

Inverters vs generators

They may look the same and do a lot of the same things, but there are a few key differences between inverters and generators to take note of. Inverters are more compact, quieter, have better fuel efficiency and require less maintenance. Traditional generators are larger, heavier, require more maintenance but they have more power and are cheaper.

Starting watts vs running watts

For many generators, the wattage being advertised is the peak starting watts output while there is less emphasis on running watts which is just as important. According to LCEC, “Running, or rated watts are the continuous watts needed to keep items running. Starting watts are extra watts needed for two to three seconds to start motor-driven products like a refrigerator or circular saw, this is the maximum wattage the generator can produce.”

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