The best generator for RV is relatively small, portable, and quiet.
If you need a generator to use at home when the electricity goes out, you’ll be looking for something a lot more powerful.
Best RV Generators
1. A-iPower SUA2000iV Portable Inverter Generator
A-iPower provides a multitude of innovative power solutions for use at home, on the road, or at work.
They have over 30 years of experience in supplying cost-effective power solutions built to last and perform, when and where you need it.
Product Highlights
The first generator we picked for our best RV generator list is a compact and lightweight model with a built-in handle that provides great portability.
- Size and Weight
The A-iPower SUA2000iV Portable Inverter Generator measures 22 x 13 x 20 inches and weighs just about 46 pounds.
That means most people should be able to lift and move it around on their own.
Such features make it ideal for camping and travel.
- Price
This is a pretty basic generator available at a bargain price.
As the most budget-friendly generator on our list, this is an ideal choice for you if you don’t have huge power needs or a budget.
The entry-level price allows you to enjoy many home comforts while living "off the grid".
- Power
It has a 79cc engine offering 2,000 watts starting power, with 1,600 watts running power, which should be plenty to cover a small water pump, fridge, and lights.
It would also run your coffee maker, cooker, and microwave, but you might want to limit their usage and try not to use them at the same time.
Being an inverter generator, you can safely charge and run sensitive electronics off it, which is very handy in today’s world.
Many people navigate using smartphone GPS, so it’s great to charge your device safely whenever you need to.
- Noise Level
The A-iPower SUA2000iV Portable Inverter Generator has a pretty quiet operation,
This is important if you plan on visiting unpowered campgrounds where you might have nearby neighbors.
The generator emits 58dB of noise, so you should have no problems running it in the evenings.
- Fuel Efficiency
Although this generator is at the budget end of things, it’s nice to see that it still features A-iPower’s “Low Idle” technology.
It helps save gas and extend the runtime of the generator.
It will switch into power-saving mode when it can.
- Other Features
The generator has one household outlet and one DC outlet, but many people don’t need more than that.
It also features a pull start motor and a built-in fuel gauge, which takes the guesswork out of refueling.
You can easily see how much fuel you have used, how much you have left, as well as how soon you’ll need to refill it.
It also features indicator lights to warn you if the generator is overloaded or if the oil is running low.
The Good
We love the budget-friendly price of this solidly-performing generator, as well as the “Low Idle” technology that is built into it, to help save money on gas.
The Bad
There really isn’t anything wrong with this generator, unless you’re looking for more power.
That said, it would be better if A-iPower offered some sort of warranty on this generator.
Many other manufacturers offer warranties on their generators, which provides great peace of mind when making this sort of high-level purchase.
Pros:
- Least expensive generator on this list
- Quiet operation
- Lightweight and compact
- Fuel-Saving
- Safe to use with sensitive electronics
Cons:
- Power output may not be high enough for some RVs
- No warranty
2. Rainier R2200i Portable Inverter Generator
Rainier offers a range of inverter and traditional generators with careful attention to detail.
Their main goal is to provide you with reliable and convenient portable power.
Their peak performance units are offered at fantastic prices.
Product Highlights
The next generator we picked to feature on this list is another superbly compact and portable generator.
- Weight and Size
The Rainier R2200i Portable Inverter Generator measures just 20 x 12.5 x 18 inches, meaning you can store it easily.
It weighs just around 43 pounds, so you can move it around easily.
- Price
This generator is also extremely reasonably priced at the lower end of the budget margin.
- Power
This generator runs off a 79cc OHV four-stroke engine, but produces more power than the A-iPower model.
Its peak starting power output is 2,200 watts, with a running power of 1,800 watts.
That means it has the ability to run more appliances simultaneously.
This generator can even power a small air conditioning unit (11,000 BTU), which smaller outputs wouldn’t handle.
It is also an inverter generator, so you can safely power all your sensitive electronics. It’s EPA and CARB compliant.
- Fuel Efficiency
The Rainier R2200i Portable Inverter Generator has a 1.3-gallon fuel tank.
Thanks to the “Eco Mode” function, this generator will conserve energy, offering a longer running time of up to 13 hours.
- Noise Level
The Rainier R2200i offers fairly quiet operation, but it does sound louder than the 52dB advertised by the company.
- Other Features
The control panel includes a low oil and overload indicator and two household outlets and one DC outlet.
It’s also back with a three-year limited warranty.
If anything should go wrong with the generator, at no fault of your own, you can get it repaired or replaced for free.
The Good
We love this generator because it’s so small, but packs so much power.
We also really like that it comes with a warranty and three long years' worth of coverage is pretty decent.
The Bad
We feel that this generator can be noisier than some, but it’s probably because it produces more power.
When you're running the unit on economy mode, you can't tell the difference.
Pros:
- Really compact and lightweight
- Very reasonably priced
- High power output
- EPA and CARB compliant
- Larger fuel tank than most generators of this size
- Fuel-saving
- Risk-free purchase
Cons:
- Seems noisier than the A-iPower generator
- Not a well-known brand
3. WEN 56200i Portable Inverter Generator
WEN is a well-known and respected manufacturer.
They have been designing and distributing high-quality power tools for decades.
Product Highlights
The WEN 56200i Portable Inverter Generator is one the two most compact on our list.
- Size and Weight
This generator measures just 18 x 11 x 18 inches and weighs around 48 pounds.
- Price
The WEN 56200i Portable Inverter Generator is also one of the most budget-friendly options available.
- Noise Level
This generator operates at around 53dB, roughly the same as the noise of a normal conversation.
This makes it quiet enough for use on a campground in the daytime and evenings.
- Power
It is EPA III and CARB compliant with a 79.7cc four-stroke motor that produces 2,000 watts of peak power, or 1,600 watts of running power.
As another inverter generator, it produces clean energy.
It's suitable for charging and powering laptops, smartphones, televisions, and other sensitive electronic equipment.
- Other Features
The control panel includes two, three-prong 120V plug-ins, one 12V DC plug-in, and a 5V USB port.
It also shows you when the power is overloaded and when you need to refill the oil, similar to the previous two models.
- Fuel Efficiency
It’s such a compact unit but still manages to hold a full gallon of fuel.
The runtime is approximately 9.4 hours on a quarter load.
The special eco-mode feature, when switched on, will allow the motor to adjust the fuel consumption automatically.
Having a feature like this is important if you are keen to save money on running costs.
- Other Features
The parallel connection allows you to hook it up to another WEN generator, should you need more power.
This generator is also backed up with a two-year warranty and a friendly customer service team.
The Good
Although it’s not the cheapest option on our list, this generator from WEN isn’t far off.
It also comes with the bonus of a two-year warranty.
The Bad
This portable generator has a maximum power output of 2,000W surge or 1,600 running watts.
As such, it isn’t powerful enough to power an aircon unit.
You’d have to buy a second generator and hook them up together if you wanted to use your RV’s aircon.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight
- Two household plug-ins available
- Reputable brand
- Quiet operation
- Fuel efficient
- EPA III and CARB compliant
- Risk-free purchase
Con:
- Not powerful enough to run A/C
4. Briggs & Stratton P2200 Power Smart Series Generator
Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Briggs & Stratton is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of gas-powered engines.
They have over 110 years of experience in this market and are backed by the industry's largest service network.
Product Highlights
The final two generators we decided to feature in our list represent the slightly higher end of the market.
Representing the best you can expect from a portable generator if you invest a little more cash.
The main selling feature of the Briggs & Stratton generator is the brand name itself.
When you buy Briggs & Stratton, you know you’re getting one of the finest, most reliable generators that money can buy.
- Size and Weight
It’s a little heftier than the other models too, weighing in at 54.6lbs, so it’s a good thing it features an innovative H-shaped handle.
The H-shape allows the generator to be comfortably carried by either one or two people, allowing even weight distribution either way.
- Power
This Briggs and Stratton generator features a 111cc motor that delivers 2,200 watts of starting power combined with 1,700 watts of running power.
The starting power is impressive for such a small generator, but the running power is lacking compared to the lesser-known Rainier model.
It creates clean energy, so you can use it with all your sensitive electronics. It also offers a really quiet operation.
- Fuel Efficiency
The Briggs & Stratton P2200 can hold a full gallon of gas.
It will run for around eight hours at a 25% power load, which unfortunately isn't as fuel-efficient as other models.
- Other Features
As expected from such a reputable brand, this product comes with a two-year limited warranty and a fantastic customer service team.
The Good
We like this generator for its trusted brand name, decent warranty that provides two years coverage, and an innovative H-shaped carrying handle.
The Bad
For the extra money, you’d hope that it would deliver more power, but unfortunately, it doesn’t.
It’s also heavier than the other models we featured on our list, so it looks like much of the cost is tied up in the brand name.
Pros:
- Compact and fairly lightweight
- Innovative carrying handle
- Quiet operation
- Risk-free purchase
- Good customer service
Cons:
- Not very fuel-efficient compared with other models
- No economy mode
- Considerably more expensive for the brand name
5. Generac 7117 GP2200i Portable Generator
Generac has been providing quality power solutions for over 60 years.
They're the first to provide homeowners with affordable standby generators.
Leading the way in generator power from industrial to recreational use, Generac generators deliver on their promises and are built to last.
Product Highlights
The final model to make it our list is the Generac 7117.
- Size and Weight
The Generac 7117 measures 19 x 11 x 17, making it one of the two smallest generators on this list.
The fact that it weighs just 46 pounds makes this as one of the most compact and lightweight generators on the market.
- Power
The generator delivers 2,200 watts of peak power and 1,700 watts of running power, which will meet all your power needs, including a small A/C unit.
- Fuel Efficiency and Noise Level
The 1.2-gallon fuel tank is impressive for the Generac 7117 generator's size.
The same goes for fuel-efficiency. It offers 10.75 hours runtime on a 25% power load.
The economy mode will save you a lot of money on gas. It also makes the generator a lot quieter to run.
This Generac generator offers fantastically quiet operation against many other models on the market, so you can be sure you won’t be annoying your neighbors.
- Other Features
This generator is also parallel ready. As such, if you upgrade your RV in the future and decide you need even more power, you can buy a second matching generator.
It also comes with a two-year warranty to provide great peace of mind with every purchase.
The Good
We love the fact that this model is so quiet. In fact, it’s probably one of the quietest on our list.
We also love this model's fuel efficiency and feel that this could be a good way to justify the price.
The Bad
The only negative thing to say about this generator is its price.
It's a fair bit more expensive than the first three generators on this list, so it may not be within everyone’s budget.
Pros:
- Most compact and lightweight model
- Whisper-quiet operation
- Very fuel-efficient
- Risk-free purchase
- Well-known and respected brand
- Can power a small A/C unit
Con:
- Most expensive generator on this list
Buyers Guide
Before you decide which is the best generator for RV for you, have a quick read through our buyer’s guide below.
We’ve highlighted six factors that you should consider before making this kind of purchase and explained each one's importance.
1. Fuel Type
Choosing a generator based on fuel type will make a lot more sense when you’re out on the road and filling it up every few days.
Choosing the more economical fuel option for where you live is recommended, but you should also give some consideration to the locations you hope to travel to.
2. Size
The size of your future generator should also be considered so that it fits well in your RV.
Take measurements of the space inside your RV, where you plan on keeping it.
Also, make sure that it will fit in that spot before you make your final purchase.
3. Power Output
You can calculate the power output you need by adding up the starting power needed for all of the RV appliances that you wish to run off it simultaneously.
If you want to run lights, a coffee machine, a microwave, the water pump, and the aircon, then you’ll need to make sure your generator can handle it.
A/C, if you have it, will be the highest requirement, so knowing the number of A/C units in your RV is crucial to working out how much power you need.
We also recommend that you add about 20% to your final figure and buy the generator in the upper range so that it’s not working at max output all the time.
You don’t want to go for anything bigger than you need since larger generators will also be noisier.
4. Convention vs Inverter
Choosing between a convention or inverter generator will depend on what you will be using it for.
The first thing to consider is that convention generators are louder.
They produce a fluctuating power output that is not safe for certain electronics.
Inverters are a safer choice for charging sensitive electronics such as smartphones and laptops.
5. Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is also important since if you invest in an older, less-fuel efficient generator, you may actually end up spending way more money on keeping it powered.
If you plan on using this generator a reasonable amount, then the fuel efficiency it offers should be carefully evaluated.
6. Quietness
Depending on what you plan on using your RV for, it will affect how quiet you need your generator to be.
If you’re living in your RV out in the middle of nowhere, then it’ll just be you that’s putting up with the noise.
But if you plan on using your RV for camping, you’ll need a generator that has a noise level of 60dB or less.
Otherwise, you run the risk of annoying your neighbors.
You may find yourself in a situation when you want to run your A/C at night, but can’t because your generator is getting complaints from other disgruntled campers.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you plug an RV into a generator?
Yes, you can plug your RV into a generator, but you should always ensure that the generator has enough power to cope with the load you plan on using.
You may often be limited to using a certain number of appliances or A/C units simultaneously unless you’re plugged into a campground electrical source.
2. What size generator do I need for my RV?
You can work out which size generator you will need by noting all of your potential electrical uses while staying in your RV.
Appliances often need to draw more power when starting up, so you’ll need to find out their starting power or surge power, as well as their running power.
Consider which appliances you’ll need to run simultaneously and make sure the generator you buy can handle this power output.
It can also be hard-wearing on the generator to run at full power constantly.
For this reason, you should look for a generator that can handle around 20% more power than you expect to need.
3. Is it bad to leave your RV plugged in all the time?
Leaving your RV plugged in all the time can drain your wet-cell batteries’ water level.
So, while you can leave your RV plugged in, keep an eye on your batteries’ charge level periodically.
Letting your batteries run too low will affect their lifespan.
4. When should I use my RV generator?
You can use your RV generator while you’re driving, camping, or when no other external power source is available.
Hooking up to external power in a campground will usually be more available than running a generator.
5. How long does an RV generator last?
An RV generator will last a long time, as long as you take good care of it and by following the manufacturer’s guidelines and instructions.
Many generators can be expected to last for as long as, if not longer than your RV.
With many owners enjoying upwards of 15 to 20 years of use before replacing them.
Best Generator for RV: Our Recommendation
Our overall winner for the best generator for RV is the Rainier R2200i Portable Generator.
Not only does it deliver the most running power of all the generators featured here, but it does so at a fraction of the cost of the others.
Rainier aren’t as well-known as some of the other brands featured, but they offer the longest period of cover for their warranty, so you have peace of mind with the purchase.
It’s compact, lightweight, capable of running most, if not all, of your power needs, even a small A/C unit, and it’s incredibly budget-friendly.