Best RV Generators Review Guide For 2022-2023

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Supplying electricity to an RV means camping in more developed areas, often in crowded campgrounds wired for AC power (called “shore power”).

That’s a problem when the adventure calls for more nature and seclusion—or when all the campsites with shore power are already taken. An RV generator solves that problem.

An RV can be a great option to go on road trips and camping along with your family or friends, as it is essentially a house on wheels.

But if you want to power all of your electric devices in an RV, you will need to buy a generator. Available in a wide range of output wattage and several fuels, there’s a solution for every need.

So, in this review, we present to you some of the Best RV Generators you can buy online.

Before taking a look at the RV Generators we shortlisted for you, consider the following factors before buying an RV Generator.

• Power Output: You can check the power output of a given RV generator to check its total electric power output that is important to ensure that all of your electric devices can run on it. It includes options like 3000W or 4500W, where the highest rating is the better one.
• Engine Capacity: Since these RV generators use a gas engine for generating electricity, the capacity of this engine is quite important. This is due to a simple reason that a 400 CC gas engine will perform much better than a 200 CC one.
• Engine Power: Apart from the engine capacity, you can even check the engine power rating to get an idea about its performance. It includes options like 7 HP or 10 HP, where the highest 10 HP power rating is the better one.

You can find some of the best RV generators in this review, along with their major features and options that can be quite handy to differentiate between them.

We have mentioned a detailed “Buying Guide” that will allow you to buy the perfect RV generator after following this review until the end. To see our choices keep reading Best RV Generators Review Guide For 2022-2023.

Duromax RV Generator

DuroMax is known for making highly powerful RV generators in terms of their power output, making them an ideal option for large-sized RVs where you might want to power multiple things.

The DuroMax XP12000EH RV Generator is the 1st product in this article and it is the most powerful RV generator present in this article.

It offers the highest power output rating of 12000W that is much higher than all other options making it a great option for heavy-duty usage.

You get such a high power output due to its large engine capacity of 457 CC. Apart from being powerful; this engine is also quite reliable since you get a 3-year warranty. Since this engine is approved in a total of 50 states, you can use it almost anywhere.

Highlights:

• Power output rating of 12000W
• Engine capacity rating of 457 CC
• 3-year long warranty
• Approved in 50 states for safety

Specs:

• Brand DuroMax
• Wattage 12000 watts
• Item Dimensions LxWxH 30 x 29 x 26 inches
• Item Weight 224 Pounds
• Color Black and Blue
• Voltage 240 Volts
• Engine Type 4 Stroke
• Engine Displacement 457 Cubic Centimeters
• Frequency 60 Hz
• Runtime 8 hours

About this item:

• Powerful DuroMax Engine: the XP12000EH is powered by a DuroMax, 457cc OHV engine.
• Dual fuel technology: the ability to run on propane or gasoline allows the freedom and flexibility of fuel choice. Protects your investment by automatically shutting the generator off when it senses that the oil is low
• Plenty of power: with 12,000 starting watts and 9, 500 running watts, This unit can handle heavy loads from lights and a refrigerator to a home air conditioner and high amperage power tools.
• Maximum power: with DuroMax MX2 technology, get the maximum power from each of the 120 volt receptacle. Choose between operating the generator at both 120 V and 240 V Simultaneously, or at 120 only with full power.
• Powering everyone anywhere: like all DuroMax generators, the XP12000EH is EPA and CARB approved For use in all 50 States.
• Engine Type: 4-Stroke

Pros:

• Most powerful RV generator mentioned in this article
• Large engine capacity for high power output
• Offers long warranty for peace of mind

Cons:

• Quite an expensive RV generator for most users

Champion Power Equipment RV Generator

You can find multiple RV generator options from Champion that generally offer a high user rating because of the various features and options you get with them.

This Champion Dual Fuel RV Generator is the 2nd product in this article and it can be a great portable generator. Just per the name, it can use two different types of fuels for functioning, giving you flexibility. You even get an inverter function in this RV generator for ease of use.

Since this RV generator comes with a 196 CC gas engine, you get a corresponding power output rating of 3400W. As Champion is quite popular when it comes to RV generators, it offers a 3-year warranty to the user that adds to its reliability.

Highlights:

• Power output rating of 3400W
• Engine capacity rating of 196 CC
• 3-year long warranty
• Includes electric start to save time

Specs:

• Brand Champion Power Equipment
• Wattage 3400 watts
• Item Dimensions LxWxH 25.1 x 17.3 x 18.3 inches
• Item Weight 95.7 Pounds
• Color Yellow/Black
• Voltage 120 Volts
• Frequency 60 Hz
• Runtime 7 hours
• Output Wattage 3400 Watts
• Fuel Type Dual Fuel

About this item:

• Dual Fuel – Operate your 3400-watt portable generator right out of the box on either gasoline or propane, plus the unit holds 0.6-quarts of oil (recommended 10W-30) and has a low oil shut-off sensor
• Convenient Electric Start with 3-Position Ignition Switch – Battery included, plus Quick Touch Panel allows you to access all your controls in one spot.Noise Level :59 dBA at 23 feet. Frequency 60 Hz
• Ultra-Quiet Operation – 59 dBA is perfect for RVs, tailgating, your next project or backup power for your home, featuring 3400 starting watts and 3100 running watts with up to 7.5 hours run time on gasoline
• Clean Power for Sensitive Electronics – RV Ready with a 120V 30A RV, plus two 120V 20A household outlets with clean electricity (less than 3% THD) and 12V DC outlet with dual USB adapter
• Champion Support – Includes 3-year limited warranty with FREE lifetime technical support from dedicated experts

Pros:

• Comes with inverter and electric start functionality
• Includes multiple ports for flexibility
• Runs on two different fuel types as per your needs

Cons:

• Not the highest power output rating

DuroStar RV Generator

DuroStar is a sub-brand of DuroMax that makes affordable and value for money RV generators instead of powerful ones offered by DuroMax.

This DuroStar DS4000S RV Generator is the 3rd product in this article and it is the cheapest option mentioned here. Despite having a budget price tag for users looking for an affordable option, you get a pretty decent 4000W power output rating.

Just like DuroMax, DuroStar also offers a 3-year warranty to its users. That being said, the build quality could have been slightly better compared to other options.

But since you are getting all of this at a budget price tag, you get a high value for money with this RV generator.

Highlights:

• Power output rating of 4000W
• Engine capacity rating of 208 CC
• 3-year long warranty
• Approved in 50 states for safety

Specs:

• Brand DuroStar
• Wattage 4000 watts
• Item Dimensions LxWxH 23 x 17 x 18 inches
• Item Weight 94 Pounds
• Color Yellow/Black
• Voltage 120 Volts
• Engine Type 4 Stroke
• Engine Displacement 208 Cubic Centimeters
• Frequency 60 Hz
• Runtime 8 hours

About this item:

• Plenty of Power – With 4,000 peak watts and 3,300 running watts, this unit can handle heavy loads, from lights and a refrigerator to a home air conditioner and high amperage power tools
• Powerful Engine – The DuroStar 208cc OHV engine is a workhorse that provides plenty of power to handle multiple jobs, from powering high voltage appliances to heavy duty power tools
• Low Oil Shutoff – Protects your investment by automatically shutting the generator off when it senses that the oil is low
• Power Panel – The power panel includes a selection of outlets for maximum compatibility in your applications including: 2 120V household outlets and 1 120V 30A twist lock outlet. The panel also includes a voltmeter for measuring voltage output
• Complies with Emissions Standards – All DuroStar generators are both approved by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and CARB (California Air Resources Board) and follow strict guidelines to ensure our generators are as environmentally friendly as possible

Pros:

• Includes recoil start method for starting generator
• Affordable price tag for users on a budget
• High power output for a high value for money

Cons:

• Build quality could have been slightly better

Wen RV Generator

WEN is known for mostly including multiple features and options in its electric power tools that can also be seen with its RV generator offering mentioned here.

The WEN 56380i RV Generator can be a great option for a lot of users out there who want a silent generator for using in the countryside.

Even though this generator is quite silent, you get a power output rating of 3800W that is quite decent for most users. You get this along with an electric start feature for saving time.

WEN offers a 2-year warranty to its users that is quite decent combined with its great build quality that means that it can last for a long time. You also get multiple ports on this RV generator so that you can connect a lot of appliances at once with ease.

Highlights:

• Power output rating of 3800W
• Engine capacity rating of 212 CC
• 2-year long warranty
• Includes electric start and fuel shut off features

Specs:

• Brand WEN
• Wattage 3800 watts
• Item Dimensions LxWxH 23.2 x 18 x 20.1 inches
• Item Weight 99.2 Pounds
• Color Orange/Black
• Voltage 120 Volts
• Engine Type 4 Stroke
• Engine Displacement 212 Cubic Centimeters
• Output Wattage 3800 Watts
• Fuel Type Gasoline

About this item:

• Dimensions: 23.2″ L x 18″ W x 20.1″ H | Weight: 99.2 lb
• EPA III and CARB Compliant
• 212cc 4-stroke OHV engine produces 3800 surge watts and 3400 rated watts with a half-load runtime of up to 8.5 hours
• Fuel shutoff maximizes the generator’s lifespan by using up the remaining fuel in the carburetor before shutting down
• Produces clean power to prevent damage to sensitive electronics such as smart phones, tablets and laptops
• Includes two three-prong 120V receptacles, one AC 120V NEMA TT-30R RV receptacle, one 12V DC receptacle, one 5V USB port, a digital load and fuel display

Pros:

• Comes with various output ports
• Silent generator for peace of mind while using it
• Offers a decent warranty duration and build quality

Cons:

• Slightly expensive RV generator for the given power rating

Westinghouse RV Generator

In comparison to other brands mentioned in this article till now, Westinghouse is a much smaller brand of RV generators. Still, it is able to offer a highly powerful option to its buyers.

The Westinghouse iGen4500 RV Generator can be a great pick for many users out there who are looking for one made for heavy-duty usage.

As you can tell by its model name, it includes a 4500W power output rating that is pretty high. It is able to offer this while being CARB compliant for extra safety while using it.

As Westinghouse is a pretty big brand of RV generator, you get a 3-year warranty with it that is the same as most other options out there.

You even get a silent engine in this RV generator, along with an electric start that is quite similar to the previous WEN option.

Highlights:

• Power output rating of 4500W
• Engine capacity rating of 224 CC
• 3-year long warranty
• CARB compliant RV generator model

Specs:

• Brand Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment
• Wattage 4500 watts
• Item Dimensions LxWxH 24.5 x 17.5 x 20 inches
• Item Weight 104.7 Pounds
• Color Electric Start, RV Ready, CARB Compliant
• Voltage 120 Volts
• Total Power Outlets 5
• Frequency 60 Hz
• Runtime 18 hours
• Output Wattage 4500 Watts

About this item:

• 3700 Rated Watts and 4500 Peak Watts at Less Than 3% THD – Telescoping Handle – Gas Powered – Remote Start With Included Key Fob, Electric and Recoil Start
• Features a 5–20R 120V Duplex Household Outlet, an RV-Ready Tt-30R 30 Amp Outlet and Two USB Outlets – Great Choice for Travel Trailers or Home Use – Strong Enough to Run All Your Essentials
• Led Data Center: Rotating Digital Display Shows Fuel Level, Power Output, Remaining Run Time, Voltage Output, and Lifetime Hours
• Extremely Quiet, Extremely Fuel Efficient: as Low as 52 dBA Noise Output and Up to 18 Hour Run Time on a 3. 4 Gallon Gas Tank – Features “Economy Mode” for Maximum Fuel Efficiency
• All Westinghouse Portable Generators are Functionally Tested in the Factory and May Contain Minimum Residual Oil and/or Fuel Odor; EPA and CARB Compliant; Backed By 3-Year Limited Service, Labor, and Parts Coverage and Nationwide Customer Service Network

Pros:

• Great option for heavy-duty usage with high power output
• Silent engine along with electric start option
• Offers multiple output ports for flexibility

Cons:

• Not the most portable RV generator option

Generac RV Generator

Generac RV generators are usually highly efficient in terms of their power output that is quite high for the given engine capacity rating.

This Generac GP3000i RV Generator is the most efficient option present in this article that can help you to save a lot of gas for the generator.

It is able to offer a decent power output of 3000W while having a pretty small gas engine with a capacity of just 80 CC that is much lower than all other RV generators out there.

Apart from being highly efficient, you even get a 3-year warranty with this gas engine that is always great to have.

Its small and compact body construction makes it one of the most portable options out there. In fact, you even get a handle on the top for easily carrying it from one place to another.

Highlights:

• Power output rating of 3000W
• Engine capacity rating of 80 CC
• 3-year long warranty
• Offers USB outlets for charging mobile devices

Specs:

• Brand Generac
• Wattage 3 watts
• Item Dimensions LxWxH 22.2 x 13.3 x 18.4 inches
• Item Weight 59.5 Pounds
• Voltage 120 Volts
• Frequency 60 Hz

About this item:

• PowerRUSH Technology – Delivers over 50% more starting capacity-allowing you to do more with less
• Quiet inverter power – reduces sound emissions and provides optimal performance
• Easy to carry – compact & lightweight with built-in handle
• Truepower – clean power for sensitive electronics. ItemWeight: 59.5 pounds
• USB outlets and parallel ready – connect 2 units together for double the power

Pros:

• Highly efficient RV generator with a low engine capacity
• Small and compact form factor for portable usage
• Includes multiple ports on the front for connecting multiple devices

Cons:

• Not the most ideal option for heavy-duty usage

Best RV Generators Buying Guide For 2022-2023

While an RV generator functions just like a normal generator, it offers some extra features to the user that can be handy while using it with an RV.

You can learn more about these features after going through the best RV generators mentioned up above in this article as we have provided all of their details.

But if that is not enough and you want to learn more, we are here with a detailed buying guide just for you. You can find a lot of the important factors regarding RV generator that will allow you to buy the perfect one after following this buying guide until the end:

Power Output:

As you would expect, an RV generator is used for making electricity for the different electric appliances inside your RV. Due to this, the most important thing to check while buying an RV generator is its power output. It simply tells you about the maximum electric load it can take.

This includes power output options like 3000W or 4500W depending on the model that you buy. Out of these two, the highest power output of 4500W is the better option since you can easily power a lot of devices at once.

Engine Capacity:

These RV generators use a gas engine to turn the alternator for making electricity for your electric appliances. Since this engine is important for electricity production, its engine capacity can be a great way to get an idea about performance and efficiency.

Just like a vehicle, this engine capacity rating is given in CC and includes options like 200 CC or 400 CC gas engines in different RV generators out there. And as you would expect, the higher 400 CC engine capacity offers better performance to the user.

Engine Power:

Apart from checking the engine capacity, you can also check the engine power to get an idea about the performance of a given RV generator.

This engine power rating is given in HP and includes options like 10 HP or 15 HP that varies from model to model while buying an RV generator.

When compared with each other, the higher engine power rating of 15 HP is the better one in terms of performance.

A great RV generator is supposed to offer a higher engine power rating while having a lower engine capacity for maximum efficiency.

Output Ports:

Once you have ensured that your RV generator is producing enough electricity for your RV, you have to make sure that all of your electric appliances can connect to it.

And just like the power outlets in your home, this has to be done using the output ports present in a given RV generator.

In most cases, a higher number of output ports is considered to be the better option as you can easily connect a lot of devices at once.

It includes port options like regular household ports, RV ports, transfer switches, USB ports, and various other options. An RV generator with multiple ports of different varieties can be highly practical and useful.

Durability and Reliability:

If you use your RV generator quite a lot, it can face a lot of wear and tear over time. In some cases, you might even start facing issues with a given RV generator. Thankfully, you can get rid of this issue by simply buying an RV generator that is durable and reliable.

You should look for the build quality of an RV generator before buying one. Apart from the build quality, the warranty offered by your RV generator is also quite important.

While most of the options out there offer a 3-year long warranty, others might be rated with a 2-year long warranty, both of which are quite good for peace of mind.

Such a warranty can be quite handy as you can get your RV generator easily if you happen to face any issues with it.

Q&A:

Q: What size generator do I need to run my RV?
A: That depends on the size of the RV and the number of electrical devices and appliances involved. Also consider whether multiple devices and appliances might be in use at the same time. Microwave ovens and HVAC systems are a big draw. Many generator buyers underestimate the demand these place on a generator.

Q: Are RV generators loud?
A: Yes, but manufacturers are finding quiet operation to be a selling point. Nobody likes escaping to the wilderness only to hear the constant hum of one or more RV generators. The worst ones produce about 80 decibels worth of noise.

The Centers for Disease Control says a normal conversation is about 60 decibels. There are generators that operate at or below that level. Solar generators make no noise at all.

Q: How often should you run your RV generator?
A: Like any engine, sitting for long periods without running is bad for an RV generator. Even when you’re not camping, you should run it for five or ten minutes a month.

That will keep essential parts lubricated, prevent fuel from stagnating in the tank and serve as a test so problems can be spotted before a trip.

Q: Is it okay to run an RV generator all night?
A: If the RV’s windows and doors are closed, then there is no safety risk from carbon monoxide from a generator outside and a safe distance from the RV.

Q: How long do RV generators last?
A: That varies widely, depending on the type of generator, its fuel tank size and any automatic energy-saving features that reduce consumption when demand is reduced. In general, the range of all generators seems to be from about eight to 20 hours.

Conclusion:

There are many electric appliances in most RVs out there, all of which need power before you can start using them. Generally, this power requirement can be fulfilled with the help of an RV generator.

Thus, we have mentioned some of the best RV generators in this article. You can also find their major features and options as well as a detailed buying guide. All of these things can be quite handy to buy the perfect RV generator.

Although, if you have not decided yet, you can pick one from the following recommendations:

The DuroMax RV generator is the most powerful RV generator present in this article. You get a pretty high power output of up to 12000W that is much higher than any other option here.

This is possible due to its 457 CC gas engine that is backed by a 3-year long warranty.

You should check out the Generac RV generator as it is the most efficient RV generator in this article. Despite having an engine capacity of 80 CC, you get a very decent power output of 3000W along with a 3-year long warranty for peace of mind.

Those of you who are on a budget can simply go with the DuroStar RV generator as it is the cheapest option in this article. Even though it has a pretty low price tag, you get a power output rating of 4000W from it that is possible due to its 208 CC gas engine unit.

Thanks for taking the time to read our Best RV Generators Review Guide For 2022-2023.