The 5 Best Portable Generators for RV Camping

5 Best Portable Generators for RV Camping in 2018

One of the best ways of enjoying the outdoors is by camping out in the open in a recreational vehicle. Family moments in the wilderness somewhere are to die for, and RV camping allows you to take your home with you wherever you decide to go.

Recreational vehicles are the perfect mobile homes to decorate in your style and include all necessary home appliances, electronics, and mobile gadgets to accentuate your personal style.

Getting comfortable in the camping ground is assured, especially if you’ve sorted out the small issue of energy. All modern mobile gadgets, full-sized electronics, and home appliances need power and proper lighting. A quality, well-rated portable generator for RV camping is a perfect way to power up your RV camping and enjoy nature without worrying too much about power.

In America at any given time are about 40.5 million campers unwinding in diverse locations across the nation, of which 14.7 million are RV campers averaging 12.3 days for every participant according to Coleman Company Inc. and the Outdoor Foundation.

Camping is a national treat across the nation; children and teenagers makeup 26 percent and young adult participants about 11.2 percent with over $1.69 billion being spent on all types of camping equipment from hydration equipment, dive watches, multi-tools to quality tents.

In recent years, portable generators for RV camping have become very popular especially after dramatic makeovers that have boosted their efficiency and performance.

Here are 5 of the best portable generators for RV camping you can select from to take your recreational vehicle camping to another level or just make spending time in the outdoors in the starry summer nights an unforgettable experience every time.

1. Westinghouse WGen7500 Portable Generator for RV Camping

Westinghouse WGen7500 Portable Generator
$1,001.68
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02/14/2023 09:19 am GMT

When thinking about RV camping you’ve got in mind a portable generator with the right features. Westinghouse WGen7500 ranks very well in that regard.

It includes an electric start at the push of a button. Battery charging port makes maximizing the battery life so easy and to start the engine right away whenever you need the power. A remote key fob start makes starting the portable generator stress-free even from 100 yards away.

It comes with a transfer switch programmed to readily and conveniently tie the portable generator to your RV and power up all camping appliances and electronics as needed.

A 25 liters (6.6 gallons) fuel tank gives you up to 18 hours of service. It’s also the easiest to maintain considering an inbuilt fuel gauge and automated low-oil shutoff.  Taking it around is easy with never-flat quality wheels and a foam inbuilt grip handle for effortless maneuverability.

WGen 7500 also supports standard 120V to 240V outlets perfect for RVs and homes and features water resistance courtesy of GFCI outlets and an inbuilt control panel.

With peak watts of 9,500 and 7,500 watts running power, the portable RV camping generator is also protected by a solid steel frame. A sleeve wrought from cast iron protects the gas tank and the unit. The fuel tank is large enough that you can get ten hours out of the WGen 7500 at half fuel load.

It’s also well-rated for top fuel efficiency and has no problem starting fast at very low temperatures. With the low oil type of shutdown, you’re assured of automatic shutdown in case of oil overheating or too low level of oil to protect the engine from eventual impairment.

Pros

Cons

Hits 9,500 peak watts assuring powerful performance

Hardly the quietest RV camping portable generator out there

Unit well protected by a firm steel frame

Relatively heavier to carry than other portable generators.

6.6 large gallon tank

 

Electric start button for rapid engine start

 

Large engine means it can run up to 16-18 hours

 

2. Champion 3400 Dual Fuel Portable Generator for RV Camping

Champion 3400-Watt Portable Inverter
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When the Champion brand is mentioned, durability, dependability, and experience come to mind in the engineering of diverse products.

The Champion 3400 portable generator for RV camping features an electric start and dual fuel. It means you can actually fire up the 192cc engine either on propane or gasoline. On Propane Champion 3400 can run up to 14.5 hours while gasoline gets you 7.5 hours. The four-stroke, air-cooled single cylinder generator is quiet at 59 decibels.

Its outlets are GFCI protected with a touch start for an electric start at the push of a simple button. It operates in 120/240V household outlets meaning you can use it in your RV camping escapades to power typical appliances and electrical gadgets.

Champion 3400 also features an inlet for propane and gasoline with the fuel tank holding 22.9 liters or 6 gallons of gasoline every time. A unique fuel selector type of button adds much-needed safety, and a U-shaped portable folding handle allows you to hold it firmly. Never flat wheels make it so easy to move the generator about.

It’s conveniently versatile to help you power a project, your recreational outings, or even at home. A quick start in very low temperatures is assured courtesy of a cold start tech feature and a battery. The inverter from Champion releases clean power with a safety design and a low shut-off oil sensor to keep you and the engine safe from damage and overheating.

Switching to either propane or gasoline is done smoothly via a fuel dial selector with the gasoline choice producing 3400 peak watts and 3100 consistent running watts with only a quarter load getting you 7.5 hours of assured service. A propane tank of 20 pounds gets you 2790 running watts and starting watts of 3060 at 25 percent load and up to 14.5 hours.

Economy Mode is an included smart tech on the Champion portable generator capable of reducing the electric load for tranquil operation with enhanced fuel economy. The 59dB noise level means Champion 3400-watt is just as loud as typical conversations among people. It’s also CARB compliant, and EPA certified.

Pros

Cons

Dual fuel feature allowing you to run it on propane or gasoline

Quite heavy at 95.7 lbs.

Includes fuel selector safety switch

No remote starter on this particular model

Comes with a propane hose

Cheaper options elsewhere for the same wattage

Outlets GFCI protected

 

Never-flat wheels and folding handle for easier portability

 

Recoil and electric start

 

Durability assured courtesy of cast iron sleeve

 

3.Honda EU2000I-2000 Watt Portable Generator for RV Camping with Inverter

Honda EU2200iTAN 2200-Watt 120-Volt Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
$1,089.00
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01/31/2024 01:08 pm GMT

When you want to power up a fridge, satellite, coffee pot, DVD, and television among other appliances and electronics while RV camping, you need a portable generator capable of doing exactly that. The Honda EU20001 is a top-rated choice, easy to move about and very quiet making it ideal for those special moments in a recreational vehicle.

This Honda inverter generator offers peak power of 2,000 watts and 1,600 running watts always readily available. GX100 large engine is a sure feature handling big loads without any problem. Honda EU2000I [/easyazon_link] eases through peak loads without issues efficiently and hardly trips its shielding circuitry.

Fuel efficiency is critical in a quality inverter generator and Honda EU20001 doesn’t disappoint. Eco-throttle feature guarantees heightened total fuel efficiency while supplying much-needed stability and clean power. You can safely run all sensitive appliances and electronics whenever you want.

At 53 to 59 dB the Honda EU20001 promises quiet operation. The fuel tank is a bit smaller holding a little bit over one gallon which might not get you the 8 hours promised to run at full load.

Pros

Cons

Excellent and reliable performance

Fuel tank rather small

Less trouble with large loads courtesy of a GX100 engine

A bit expensive

Peak loads capably handled

Not very suitable for powering certain heavy-duty appliances

Eco-throttle guarantees high fuel efficiency and noise management

 

Stable and clean power supplied

 

Dependable, quiet and easy to start

 

4. Atima Inverter AY2000i 2000 watts Portable Generator for RV Camping Powered by Yamaha

Atima Inverter Generator 2000 watts
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Featuring a top Japanese award-winning make, Atima Inverter AY2000i  is a plug-and-go portable generator courtesy of a compact design. Its compact, lightweight construction makes the Yamaha engine-powered generator perfect as an emergency power backup and superb for RV camping, homes among others.

Having clean top-quality power in your recreational vehicle camping adventures is assured with the AY2000i. The Yamaha-powered generator has been rated highly for durability by both CARB and EPA.

It includes a complex tech muffler from Yamaha with a spark USFS approved arrestor guaranteeing quietness during operation with noise levels of 51.5 decibels to 61 decibels. One of the strengths of the Atima AY2000i is its compactness and portability. It’s 30 percent more compact than typical portable RV generators and 30 percent lighter.

Smart Throttle feature enhances the generator’s fuel efficiency through RPM load-sensing control. Atima AY2000i takes a liter of gasoline or 3.8 liters with a maximum of 10.3 hours running time at 25% load to 4.2 hours at peak load. It’s the perfect choice to run a freezer, refrigerator, fans, mobile devices and TV among others plugged full-time while camping. Another feature worth noting is its accessible and ergonomic design delightful to use.

It’s made with simplicity of use in mind; once up and running standard electrical outlets will be ready with power in no time. Atima AY2000i features both PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) and inverter technology.  Due to the inverter’s ability to offer 2.5x startup output, it actually covers lots of diverse electronics than similar portable RV camping generators in the market.

It powers different accessories typical in any home or a recreational vehicle such as two-way radios, hairdryers, blenders, computers, slow cookers, DVD/TVs, portable fans, energy star freezers and refrigerators, microwave ovens to incandescent lights among others you definitely need out there while enjoying nature with family or friends.

Pros

Cons

Powers lots of RV home accessories

Doesn’t run some air-conditioners

Guarantees constant supply of power and high starting load

Customer support service isn’t ideal

Simple to operate

A bit on the pricier side compared to other similar models

Smart Throttle technology guarantees safety

 

Easily parallels with other generators to maximize output benefits

 

5. DuroStar DS4000S Portable Gas Powered RV Camping Generator

Durostar DS4000S Portable Generator
$399.00
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02/14/2023 10:29 am GMT

One of the obvious things you observe with the DuroStar DS4000S  is the unit’s portability and inexpensiveness; a perfect combination for those who want the proper power to run their recreational vehicle accessories.

In the wilderness, you need to supply your family with familiar home conveniences and DuroStar doesn’t disappoint with a running watt power of largely 3,300 and starting watt of 4,000.

The generator is a pull start manual design with a muffler system though noise levels are a bit louder than normal conversations at 69dB. With a reasonable weight, it’s a unit you won’t be throwing around easily though highly fuel-efficient.

The major strength of the DuroStar DS4000S is its powerful power output that can be used in diverse scenarios apart from camping, such as construction sites and households as a backup. It comes with a seven-horsepower air-cooled engine that’s highly fuel-efficient. In-built air cooling systems lower the risks of damage from overheating.

By operating it at 50% maximum rated load, you can actually get eight hours from the DuroStar DS4000S. The fuel gauge is very simple to read allowing for easier monitoring of gas levels.  It also features a solid steel frame to support the unit and enhanced with four motor mounts.

The most challenging part of DS4000S is adding oil. To avoid tips and oil spills make the most of a funnel while adding oil. DuroStar DS4000S stands out due to its compact design and great easy to grasp features, inexpensive cost, and remarkable performance and power.

Pros

Cons

Quit quiet in contrast with most gas portable generators

Without the use of a funnel, oil spills are almost expected

Air cooling system prevents overheating and damage

Relatively short warranty (only 1 year)

Offers a sensible fuel efficiency

Doesn’t include an amp or watt meter

Promises maximum 4,000 watt power

 

The five portable generators for RV camping at a glance

 

Warranty

Weight

Starting Wattage

Run Time

Type of Fuel

Westinghouse WGen7500

3 Years

192lbs.

9500 Watts

Up to 16 Hours

Gasoline only

Champion 3400

3 Years

95/7 lbs.

3400 Watts

Propane: Up to 14.5 Hours Gasoline: 7.5 Hours

Propane(LPG) and Gasoline

Honda EU2000I

3 Years

45.6 lbs.

2000 Watts

Up to 8.1 hours

Gasoline

Atima Inverter AY2000i

2 Years

50.7lbs.

2000 Watts

Approx. 10.3 hours

Gasoline

DuroStar DS4000S

1 Year

90 lbs.

4,000 Watts

About 8 hours

Gas

Watts needed for your RV camping

While there’re so many factors to look into while shopping for the best portable generator for RV camping, you’ll probably be fine if you can find out the wattage you need. It’s not easy, but it depends on the amount of power you require to run your RV accessories without a problem.

Calculations aren’t really for everyone, but you can easily find out the wattage that you need and the RV camping portable generator that will work for you.

Simply ask yourself whether you’ll need your air conditioner up and running while camping. If you don’t need it, then a 2000 Watt portable generator should be fine. If an air conditioner is a must in your camping escapades then a highly powerful generator will do, or two quiet portable ones.

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