Over 75 million Americans are likely to go camping this year. And most of them would prefer the comfort and security of sleeping in an RV instead of a tent on the cold hard ground.
The problem with RVs is that they need hookups to be fully functional. The only way to get electricity to run your air conditioner or water to run your shower is if the campground you are standing at offers RV hookups.
Not all campgrounds have them. And if you want to camp in remote locations, you definitely won’t have hookups. Luckily, RV portable generators exist for that exact reason. With the right generator, you can supply power for RV lights and appliances wherever you are.
So how do you choose the right electrical generator? Keep reading below to find out now.
Important Features of RV Portable Generators
Everyone will have different needs when it comes to choosing an RV generator. The most important is providing enough power to your RV to keep you safe and comfortable.
For folks with a larger RV, this might mean powering a refrigerator and air conditioner constantly, which uses a lot of power. Or for those with a small camper van, it might mean a lamp, a fan, and a port to charge a computer and cell phone. Also, the generator needs to be as quiet as possible. Gas and diesel generators are known to be quite loud. They sound like a lawnmower or small car.
This is a problem when camping around other people. Many campgrounds even set restrictions on generator use. Make sure to choose a generator that can provide the power you need without generating excess noise.
Diesel Portable Generator
Diesel is safe, easy to buy, and very effective. It’s also ideal if your RV already runs on diesel, that way you can kill two birds with one stone. It generates more power than other fuel sources, so it’s ideal for those running a full-size RV. You’ll be able to power things like a fridge, cooking appliances, lights, and an air conditioner with no problems.
Gas
Most of the time, gasoline is a cheap fuel source. It’s easy to acquire anywhere in the country, making it ideal for remote campers. It’s not quite as efficient, so you’ll burn through fuel faster. And it has a shorter shelf life, though it shouldn’t be much of an issue since you’ll use it quickly.
Propane
Propane is a great option as it’s also easy to acquire. Plus, it releases cleaner emissions, making it more eco-friendly than the previous options.
It’s not as powerful of a fuel source, so it’s great for smaller RVs or those who don’t use a ton of power when off the grid.
Solar Power
Lastly, you have the solar generator. These are the most eco-friendly option. But they aren’t the most powerful option. Solar generators usually have the option to charge them with a power outlet at home before you leave, so that your battery is topped up. When out on the road, you can connect your solar panels to recharge them.
These are intended to provide power to things like electronics. They don’t really power an entire RV when off the grid. But they are an essential backup power source that you should always have with you.
1. Champion 3800wh Portable Generator
This generator is a beast. It can run on either gas or fuel, making it versatile to meet your needs. On one tank of gas, you can run it up to 14 hours. It weighs more than a hundred pounds, but it does have wheels, so you can move it around with ease.
It’s a loud generator, and it takes up quite a bit of space. But if you have a large RV with all the appliances that need power, this is an unbeatable option.
2. Maxoak Bluetti EB240 Portable Solar Generator 2400wh/1000w
The Bluetti 2400wh solar generator is a great option for someone looking at a budget-friendly solar battery. It’s not the cheapest by any means, but it packs a lot into the package.
It has 8 power outputs, allowing you to plug in multiple devices at once. And it can provide 1000Wh of continuous power.
To put that into perspective, you can run a refrigerator for about 2.5 hours. That’s not too much. But you can recharge a laptop 32 times or run a 12w fan for 170 hours or longer.
Of course, if you’re parked and have the solar panels plugged in while using the generator then you can provide more power. It’s a great battery to buy for your RV and doubles as a backup power source for your home in case of emergencies.
3. WEN Quiet Inverter Generator
The WEN Super Quiet Generator provides 2,250 watts and is powered by gasoline. It features a low decibel rating, keeping the noise down. And it’s lightweight (just under 50 lbs) and is easy to carry and store.
It can run up to six hours at a time on a 1-gallon tank. And you can plug in electronics directly to the generator since it adjusts power output depending on what is plugged in.
4. Generac GP3500iO Open Frame RV
The Generac GP3500iO Open Frame RV is designed for RV use. With the right cord, you can plug your RV directly into this generator, powering your RV like you were at a campsite with hookups.
It can handle air conditioners and other heavy-duty appliances. You get 3,500 watts at half the noise levels of other leading generators. And it’s relatively lightweight, but it doesn’t have any wheels. You can also buy two and connect them, providing an ultra-dynamic power source.
5. Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV
Another solid option from Champion is the 3400-watt dual fuel RV generator gives you the option to use propane or gasoline. More than 7 hours of usage with gas and more than 14 hours of usage with propane are available.
Use it to power both sensitive electronics and high-consumption air conditioners. It’s quiet, but not light. Luckily, it has wheels.
Stay Connected Anywhere and Everywhere
If you’re heading out on the open road, whether in a small camper van or a full-sized motorhome, you’ll want to invest in RV portable generators to keep you powered up and comfortable anywhere you set up camp.
This might be a National Park campground with few features, or it might be deep in the wilderness with nothing but a starry night sky and some solitude.
Get the best that nature has to offer without sacrificing comfort. Looking for more tips like this? Visit our blog today to keep reading.
