Rollin' With the Right Juice: Choosing the Perfect RV Generator
Navigate your RV journeys with ease using top-notch power solutions.
Getting away from the hustle and bustle of city life is fantastic, but sometimes you crave the comforts of home while on the road. Recreational vehicles lack a built-in power supply, and you never know when you'll encounter an electrical outlet in the wild.
Enter the trusty RV generator! These bad boys provide a reliable power source, so you never have to worry about being left in the dark. While they can be big and bulky, they're worth the space for the convenience they offer. Most generators run on fuel to produce AC power, which you then plug into your trusty RV. (Note: Generators don't store electricity, so if you need a power bank, consider other devices.)
If you're in the market for an RV generator, the silky-smooth and lightweight Champion Power Equipment Open Frame Inverter RV Generator is a solid choice.
Things to Know Before You Get Powered Up
Do You Really Need a Generator?
Before you jump on the generator bandwagon, consider whether you genuinely need one. While traveling RVers may have generators, they might be meeting specific needs. Like a 12-volt battery installed in most RVs for primary systems, you can use that battery for your electrical appliances and charge phones. However, if that battery croaks, you're out of luck. Many opt for solar panels or alternator chargers to keep the jucies flowing rather than a generator.
Types of RV Generators
Generators might all look similar, but there are four main types available:
- Portable generators are the go-to option for campers and RVers without a built-in generator. They're easy to use, as the generator connects directly to your RV via an outlet socket.
- Contractor or frame generators deliver a lot of power but can be noisy.
- Inverter generators are quieter but produce less power and are pricier.
- Built-in generators are a luxury built into your RV's frame. However, they come at a hefty cost and are usually part of an RV upgrade.
Fuel Up for the Journey
While gas is the typical fuel for generators, some operate on diesel or propane. Built-in generators use the same fuel as the RV. If you're willing to spend a bit more, solar power is another option. It produces less power than a gas generator, but with enough panels and the proper circuitry, you can achieve self-sufficient camping trips.
Criteria for a Kick-Ass RV Generator
Output Power Matters
The output power of a generator is essential. It should produce more power than you draw, and the output capacity is measured in watts. A high-quality RV generator will churn out around 4,000 watts of electricity.
The devices you can operate depend on the output capacity of the generator. For example, an electric kettle requires 1,200 watts when in use, and a microwave guzzles 1,000 watts. If you have a 2,000-watt generator, running both appliances simultaneously will trip the power.
Fuel Up for the Run
The fuel capacity of a generator determines how long it can run. At steady revolutions per minute (RPM), portable generators operate. On the other hand, inverter generators fluctuate the RPM depending on the load. In both cases, it affects how much fuel is consumed. A good-quality generator will have a large enough fuel tank to run steadily for a few hours.
Quiet as a Mouse (Sorta)
The noise levels of a generator can vary significantly between types. Frame or construction generators are the loudest, kicking out around 80 decibels, roughly the volume of heavy traffic on a freeway. In contrast, inverter generators are much quieter, producing around 60 decibels of noise, which is about the same as a normal conversation.
Buckle Up and Prepare to Spend
The cost of an RV generator mainly depends on the output capacity and any additional features. A portable generator sets you back between $300 and $900, while a built-in generator can run you $2,000 to $3,000, depending on the installer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I connect two generators to double my power?
Answer: Yes, but only if the generators are compatible. Some generators require an upgrade kit or adapter for parallel connections.
Top Choices for RV Generators
A Champion Among Generators
Champion Power Equipment Open Frame Inverter RV Generator
Why You'll Love It: Producing 4,250 watts of electricity, this portable inverter generator boasts a 2.3-gallon gasoline tank. It runs a 224 cc, four-stroke engine that can run for around 22 hours.
What to Watch Out For: While it's an inverter, the noise level at 23 feet is a tick louder than a regular conversation.
Top Value for Your Buck
WEN 3600-Watt Portable Inverter Generator
Why You'll Love It: This 3600-watt generator offers great performance and plenty of features at an affordable price.
What to Watch Out For: This generator is not as powerful as some, so be sure it meets your power needs.
Worth a Second Look
Champion Power Equipment 4500-Watt RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator
Why You'll Love It: This portable inverter generator cranks out 4,500 watts of electricity and comes with a remote to start or stop it from 80 feet away.
What to Watch Out For: While it's an inverter, its noise level is comparable to a normal conversation. However, if you opt to buy an optional parallel kit, you can double your output by connecting two generators together.
- When considering additional power sources for RVs, the average consumer might find the Champion Power Equipment Open Frame Inverter RV Generator a best review-rated solution, generating 4,250 watts of electricity and running for around 22 hours with its 2.3-gallon gasoline tank.
- For those with specific requirements and budget constraints, the WEN 3600-Watt Portable Inverter Generator could be an ideal choice, offering excellent performance and a range of features at an affordable price.
- Gadget enthusiasts searching for technology-driven generator options may be intrigued by the Champion Power Equipment 4500-Watt RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator, which boasts a remote to start or stop it from 80 feet away and an optional parallel kit to double output power when combined with another compatible generator.
