“With a vast array of choices out there, how can I pick out the best inverter generators for RV?” – You might be wondering. Well, don’t fret, this ultimate buying guide will help you out. Let's start!
Here are the best inverter generators for RV (Nov 2024 Update):
- Best Overall: Champion 3400-Watt
- Quietest: Honda EU2200i
- Budget-Friendly Option: WEN 56125i
- Most Fuel Efficient: Westinghouse iGen4200
- Most Portable: Yamaha EF2000iSv2
| Best Inverter Generator For RV: Top 5 Picks | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Champion 3400-Watt | Read Our Review |
Quietest | Honda EU2200i | Read Our Review |
Budget-Friendly Option | WEN 56125i | Read Our Review |
Most Fuel Efficient | Westinghouse iGen4200 | Read Our Review |
Most Portable | Yamaha EF2000iSv2 | Read Our Review |
Best Overall: Champion 3400-Watt
Can run by variable fuel types for extra convenience
Easy to start and use
Can handle sensitive electronics like smartphones, laptops, and microwave
Too small fuel tank
First in my editor’s choice section is the versatile Champion 3400-watt that is loaded with power. With a full tank of 1.6 gallons, the generator delivers 3400 starting watts to ably operate a 15,000 BTU air conditioner and other appliances with ease.
Though I don’t mind much about fuel type, I must admit that the dual fuel function of this unit is pretty convenient.
You can use either gasoline or propane, whichever available around your campground. Take note that the runtime will be different between them. I prefer to use propane because it isn’t out of juice when I need the unit run all night long.
Also love the fact that it’s super-easy to start with the push of a button and really quieter than other RV generators in this field.
Champion 3400-Watt Specifications | |
Fuel Capacity | 1.6 gallons |
Run Time (25% Load) | 7.5 hours on gasoline 14.5 hours on propane |
Item Weight (lb.) | 95.7 |
AC Rated Output Running Watts | 3100 |
AC Maximum Output Starting Watts | 3400 |
Noise Level (dBA) | 59 |
Highlight Features | Dual fuel, Electric Start with 3-Position Ignition Switch, clean power |
For the best generator for RV, or camping, Champion 3400-watt is unequivocally worth a try.
Quietest: Honda EU2200i
User-friendly, lightweight, and compact
Easy and variable ways to start the unit
Run smoothly and quietly but not sacrifice power output
Can be used overnight or longer applications
Expensive
Running at 2200 starting watts, of course, Honda EU2200i can’t be as powerful as the previous counterpart to run a 15,000 BTU AC and other large appliances at once. Instead, it’s a good choice to power up a single air conditioner or other small electronics.
If you intend to run everything in your recreational vehicle at the same time, lucky enough that this generator is built with parallel capabilities.
I nearly rank it down because of the too small fuel tank, however, thanks to the Eco-Throttle toggle that allows switching over to fuel efficiency mode, that minus becomes minor.
At ¼ load, it can run continuously 8.1 hours while the noise level is remarkably silent - 48 to 57 dBA. From 23 feet away, I don’t hear it running outside of my RV. Compared to its competitor – Westinghouse Igen2200, I find that this model does have the upper hand.
The final feature is the clean power. If you have some sensitive electronics recharged, count on its reliable power.
Honda EU2200i Specifications | |
Fuel Capacity | 0.95 gal |
Run Time (25% Load) | 8.1 hours |
Item Weight (lb.) | 47 |
AC Rated Output Running Watts | 1800 |
AC Maximum Output Starting Watts | 2200 |
Noise Level (dBA) | 48 to 57 dBA |
Highlight Features | Reliable power, Eco-Throttle System, compact design, increased ventilation |
Boasting an incredibly low noise level – 48 dBA, Honda EU2200i is the quietest generator out there that I bet your neighbors really love if you choose it.
Budget-Friendly Option: WEN 56125i
Versatile outlets to able charge/operate variable appliances or electronics at once
Extremely safe and easy to use
Very affordable but powerful and quiet
Fuel is easily left in the carb if not manually used
A bit more difficult to start after letting it sit idle for a while
In my best for the money slot, it’s Wen 56125i – a generator that is powerful enough for small electronics in your RV without breaking the bank.
But what worth mentioning the most are its efficient motor, lightweight 31.6-pound total weight, and the ultra-quiet operation.
A big thank you to the 60cc engine functions that help with incredibly hushed 51 dBA. Moreover, the low-fuel and low-oil automatic shutdown with overload protection and indicator lights keep your unit from unwanted damage.
It also excels portability, safety usage, and versatility.
By limiting the total harmonic distortion to under 3%, its clean power is not only sure to be crowd-pleasing but also gets EPA III and CARB-Compliant to be used in many states in the USA.
WEN 56125i Specifications | |
Fuel Capacity | 31.6 |
Run Time (50% Load) | 5 hours |
Item Weight (lb.) | 31.6 |
AC Rated Output Running Watts | 1000 |
AC Maximum Output Starting Watts | 1250 |
Noise Level (dBA) | 51 |
Highlight Features | EPA III and CARB-Compliant 60cc OHV, produces clean power, includes two three-prong 120V receptacles and two 5V USB ports |
WEN 56125i is engineered to be one of the most budget-friendly and also the safest options out there to capably handle any sensitive electronics.
Most Fuel Efficient: Westinghouse iGen4200
Powerful, relatively lightweight, and fuel efficient
Run quietly compared to other counterparts in this field
Prevent overloading effectively
Easily power cell phones and other electronics
Can’t start the choke sticks when they get warm
Need a few times cranking to start this unit
Working at 4200 peak watts, Westinghouse iGEN4200 is the most powerful generator in this list. Stronger than the Champion 3400-watt, this can run a 15,000 BTU rooftop AC, a convection Microwave, and other large appliances at once.
Constructed with 2.6-gallon fuel tank, at half load, it can run stably within 18 hours with clean, solid, reliable energy current. Impressive numbers, huh?
While being the most fuel-efficient unit, iGEN4200 is also outstanding with its control panel that shows many indicators for easier tracking. Everybody prefers variable options to choose from and in this model, you can choose between propane and gasoline to refuel and run it.
I appreciate the handle remote start key fob on those nights my RV becomes too hot and diverse outlets provided that can operate multiple electronics at the same time.
Westinghouse iGen4200 Specifications | |
Fuel Capacity | 2.6 Gallons |
Run Time (Full Load) | 18 hours |
Item Weight (lb.) | 50 |
AC Rated Output Running Watts | 3500 |
AC Maximum Output Starting Watts | 4200 |
Noise Level (dBA) | 62 |
Highlight Features | Features a 5–20R 120V Duplex Household Outlet, an RV-Ready Tt-30 30 Amp Outlet and Two USB Outlets, quiet, long runtime, comes with everything you need |
Loaded with many industry-leading features including unbeatable runtime and powerful energy output, Westinghouse iGEN4200 is the most fuel efficient option for you.
Most Portable: Yamaha EF2000iSv2
Decently durable, portable, and heat isolating
Smooth and quiet operation with a comfortable handle and rubbery absorbing vibration feet
Equipped with multiple useful features for extra convenience
Easy access control panel
Not powerful enough for heavy-duty appliances
No LCD screen
Expensive
Unlike other inverter generators, Yamaha EF2000Sv2 is built with microprocessor. There’s an additional Pulse Width Modulation control to stabilize the frequency stability at 0.1 HZ and the voltage within 1%.
This combo helps to generate a pure sine wave that gives not only high-quality energy but also clean power for the most delicate appliances. For that reason, the unit is CARB-compliant and moreover, gets the USFS-approved spark arrestor for safely use in the wood.
EF2000Sv2 highlights a Smart Throttle, which can vary engine speeds due to different acquired loads, resulting in quiet performance (51.5 – 61 dBA) and fuel-efficiency.
Yamaha EF2000iSv2 Specifications | |
Fuel Capacity | 1.1 gallons |
Run Time (25% Load) | 10.5 hours |
Item Weight (lb.) | 44.1 |
AC Rated Output Running Watts | 1600 |
AC Maximum Output Starting Watts | 2000 |
Noise Level (dBA) | 51.5 - 61 |
Highlight Features | Super-quiet muffler with USFS-approved spark arrestor, Smart Throttle varies engine speed based on load, inverter system with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) control |
Yamaha EF2000iSv2, sizing 19.3 x 11.0 x 17.9 inches with 44.1 pounds weight, is the most portable generator for RV use – a perfect choice for those who concern about these factors.
How To Choose The Best Inverter Generators For RV?
Power output
- The power output of your RV generator will be influenced by the electronics and appliances that you’re going to run at the same time. To know exactly how much power it needs to produce, look around your RV for all things that utilize 120 volts and count them up.
- Take note of two indicators: Running watts and Starting watts.
- Watts = Volts x Amps
- House appliances like air conditioners have higher starting watts than another indicator, keep that in mind. The generator that you need should have enough power for the total amount of starting watts needed.
- In general, 1000-watt generators are a good backup for small electronics like smartphones, laptops, and lights.
- A 3000-watt model is ideal to fully power up your motorhome – those heavy-duty appliances like 15,000 BTU AC, electric grill, or fridge. A higher power-output generator should be considered for larger RVs.
Fuel Tank Capacity
This feature determines how long your generator can run. The bigger the fuel tank, the longer the generator’s runtime. But not always the bigger the better. You should consider how much power amount for your RV appliances and how long they are needed operating.
For instance, if you intend to run a fridge or AC at night, a bigger fuel tank is obviously better. If your power need is less and not frequent, smaller tanks should come into place. Why?
The biggest disadvantages of getting a generator with a big fuel tank are:
Bulkier silhouette
Higher price
Heavier -> Less transportable for camping or tailgating
It’d better that after figuring out the needed runtime, find a model that runs a bit longer than that. I mean, if you plan to run a generator for 8 hours, choose the model that offers runtime of 9-10 hours.
Noise level
A good thing when it comes to choosing an inverter generator is its lower noise level compared to the conventional units. In general, it’s under 60 dBA which is equal to a normal 2-people conversation or window ACs.
Try to find out your endurance, don’t look for the quietest if your power demand is high. It’s because the more power output of a generator, the louder it will be.
Extension power cords are another idea if you want to get a compromise between silence and greater power capacity. They help you place the unit far from your RV and neighbors, keeping everyone’s night sleep always good and peaceful.
Which Brands Make The best inverter generators for RV?
Champion
Champion is a worldwide market leader in the generator industry and their biggest strength lies in the innovation, resulting in legendary performance that hardly other brands can beat off.
Honda
The very first Japanese company in this list but I bet nobody doesn’t know about it. In generator aspects, Honda highlights the perfect compromise of a powerful engine and quiet performance. Plus, is a compact and lightweight design that no campers can’t resist.
WEN
Established in 1951, WEN is another long-standing brand in this spectrum. Their generators have been well-loved for years for sturdiness, built-in modern technology and importantly, affordable price. That’s why from rare campers to full-time RV-ers, they all love choosing this brand.
Westinghouse
Westinghouse is a good choice for those who want an economical choice in the long term since their generators are designed with fuel efficiency and safety in mind. If you’re a careful person with a tight budget, go for this.
Yamaha
Started with Yamaha Motor group with more than 50 years of experience, no strange that their generator lines are made with perfectionism. While super fuel efficiency and full of innovation, their incredible portability makes their reputation these days.
FAQs
Do you need an inverter generator for RV?
Despite the only weakness about costly price, I highly recommend inverter generators for RV-ers if your budget is allowed. They come with lots of improved features and superior performance:
Lighter, smaller but the same power output
Give clean power to handle sensitive electronics
Built with the parallel capability to double up the energy output when you need more power
Quieter when operating
Are inverter generators better?
Yes, it’s surely better than a conventional generator in terms of performance. If your budget is on the table, go for it.
Do inverter generators run on gas?
Not only run on gasoline, but some modern inverter generators are also designed to ably run on propane or even come with the dual-fuel feature that allows the unit to run both fuel types.
Why are inverter generators so quiet?
Due to the smaller design of inverter generators, which results in a smaller engine, it delivers quieter performance. Plus, this modern technology can adjust the energy output to afford different loads.
At lower load, it runs more quietly, not as loud-all-the-time as the conventional.
Can an inverter generator run a refrigerator?
If the starting wattages of your inverter generator is bigger than the acquired load of the fridge, it’s able to run this house appliance. Check this indicator in the generator’s description and make a small comparison.
Conclusion
There you have it – my ultimate buying guide to choose the best inverter generators for RV. Here is summary:
Consider how much power your generator needs to provide
Your budget and other extra features you might want to have
Choose from reliable brands
Don’t forget to keep following our site since I’ll update many other useful articles. Thanks for reading!
