10 Best RV Generators For A Motorhome
20 Min Read
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Summary
- 1. WEN Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator
- 2. Champion 3400-Watt Portable Inverter Generator
- 3. Westinghouse iGen2200 Portable Inverter Generator
- 4. Generac 7117 GP2200i 2200 Watt Portable Inverter Generator
- 5. Briggs & Stratton P2200 Power Smart Series Inverter Generator
- 6. Honda EU2200i 2200-Watt Portable Inverter Generator
- 7. Yamaha EF1000iS Portable Inverter
- 8. Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer
- 9. A-iPower SUA2000iV 2000 Watt Portable Inverter Generator
- 10. Rainier R2200i Super Quiet Portable Power Station Outdoor Inverter
- What To Look When Buying A Generator For A Motorhome?
- How To Choose The Right Generator Fuel Type?
Taking a trip in the motorhome (RV) with the family can be an exciting time for us all, and having a reliable power source aka (generator) for the motorhome is crucial, especially if the campsite your plan to visit has no power.
So it’s always wise to have a backup generator just in case. Now trying to find the best generators for a motorhome can be challenging with so many on offer it can be very time-consuming, searching shops, and reading all customer reviews.
However, There’s some good news! “We have done the hard work for you” and after doing some endless research looking at all the best brands and customer reviews for which are the best generators for a motorhome
We have found not one “but” 10 generators that are not only reliable “but” very quiet, perfect for camping in a motorhome.
10 Best Generators For A Motorhome
1. WEN Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator
When using certain generators they can be “quite loud” and the last thing you want when camping is a noisy generator, especially in a busy campsite.
This is where the Wen Portable Inverter Generator comes in. It runs on a 79cc 4-stroke OHV engine that’s extremely quiet and operates at only 51 decibels at quarter load, and as a result, won’t upset any of your fellow neighbors.
This portable generator has a one-gallon tank that provides over 7 hours of half-load run time and is equipped with two three-prong 120V 14A NEMA 5-20R receptacles, one 12V 8.3A DC receptacle, and two 5V USB ports.
This generator can power a wide range of items including televisions, laptops, and of course smartphones everything you need for a camping trip.
One of the benefits is the Eco-mode switch this allows the generator’s engine to automatically adjust its fuel consumption as items are plugged and unplugged from the panel, this prevents any unnecessary usage of gasoline.
This generator also has a proactive feature that automatically shuts down when oil and fuel get too low with the built-in overload protection to safeguard both the generator and your electronics from any damage.
| Surge Wattage | 2000W |
| Fuel Tank Size | 1 Gallon |
| Engine Displacement | 79.7cc |
| Volume Level | 51 dBA |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline, Propane |
Pros +
- Fuel efficiency
- Extremely quiet
- Eco-throttle Switch
- Overload protection
- Two-year warranty
Cons -
- High In Price
2. Champion 3400-Watt Portable Inverter Generator
A great addition to this list is the champion 3400- watts portable inverter generator which has a 192 cc engine that runs on either gasoline or propane.
It’s very easy to switch between the fuels by simply turning the fuel selector dial and is very quiet to run at only 59 dBA perfect for camping in the motorhome.
This generator can run for 7.5 hours on a full tank of gasoline or 14.5 hours when using a propane tank which is more than enough to last the night.
It also has an electric start with cold start technology to ensure a quick start in cold weather.
There’s an economy mode that can reduce the electrical load and as a result, providing quieter operation, “Perfect For Camping” this also extends the engine life and gives a better fuel economy.
It’s packed with other features including a 120V 30A RV (TT-30R), two 120V 20A household outlets (5-20R), a 12V DC automotive-style outlet with a dual USB adapter, plus a propane hose with a built-in regulator.
This is a nice generator to have and is perfect for those outdoor camping trips. However, unfortunately, it does come with a hefty price.
If you’re looking for a generator that’s quiet, packed with features and supplies clean electricity for powering electronics and you don’t mind the steep price then we recommend this one.
| Surge Wattage | 3400W |
| Fuel Tank Size | 1.6 |
| Engine Displacement | 192cc |
| Volume Level | 59.0 dBA |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline, Propane (LPG) |
Pros +
- Very Quiet
- Economy Mode
- Low Oil Shut-Off
- Electric and Recoil Start
- Includes a 3-year limited warranty
- FREE lifetime technical support
Cons -
- Very Expensive
3. Westinghouse iGen2200 Portable Inverter Generator
The Westinghouse iGen 2200 Portable Inverter Generator really is a great example of a generator that does all the basics and is half the price of the two above minus some features of course.
Not only that but this Westinghouse iGen is incredibly quiet, running at only 52 dBA great for a motorhome but is also equipped with two 120-volts outlets and two standard USB sockets for linking an I phone, Laptop, or any other electronics you might have.
When running this generator it can produce up to 18.3 amps at 120 volts and 15 amps which is more than enough to power electronics like plasma / LCD televisions or even refrigerators.
This iGen 2200 model has a 79 cc 4-stroke Over-Head-Valve engine and can run for 12 hours on a 1. 2-gallon gas tank and also has built-in safety features including low oil shutdown and overload protection.
There’s an automatic voltage regulator to ensure the voltage distortion stays below 3%.
However, if you’re looking for a generator with more power the good news is this Westinghouse iGen does come in 8 different styles from 1200W all the way up to 2500W depending on how much power you need.
| Surge Wattage | 1000W |
| Fuel Tank Size | 1.2 Gallon |
| Engine Displacement | 54cc |
| Volume Level | 52 dBA |
| Fuel Type | Gas |
Pros +
- 3-Year Limited Service, Labor, and Parts Coverage
- Powerful enough for all camping essentials
- Has two standard USB sockets
- Incredibly quiet
Cons -
- Recoil start only
4. Generac 7117 GP2200i 2200 Watt Portable Inverter Generator
The Generac’s GP2200i inverter generator provides stable power without disturbing any of the neighbors or wildlife while camping.
This generator houses an 80 cc OHV 4-stroke engine and has a 1.2-gallon fuel tank allowing 10.75 hours of run time at 25% load.
There’s also an economy mode that provides excellent fuel economy and noise reduction making it ideal for a camping trip and is equipped with LED status lights for power, overload, and to alert you when the oil is low.
There’s also a 12 volts DC outlet and a standard USB port on the panel for charging phones, laptops, and other electronics. But what really makes this generator special is its parallel capability.
This allows you to connect two units together to power your Motorhome (RV) air conditioner, lights, phone (via USB port), and other appliances at the same time.
| Surge Wattage | 2200W |
| Fuel Tank Size | 1.2 gallon |
| Engine Displacement | 80 cc |
| Volume Level | 60 dBA |
| Item Weight | 46.00 lbs |
Pros +
- Excellent fuel economy
- Parallel connector port
- Low Oil Level Shutdown
- Up to 10.75 hours of run time
Cons -
- Slightly high in price
- Only one USB adapter
5. Briggs & Stratton P2200 Power Smart Series Inverter Generator
This Briggs & Stratton Smart Series Inverter Generator is another great example of a generator that does all the basics yet is half the price of other premium type generators out there.
Running on a 111 cc OHV engine that produces 2,200 starting watts and 1700 running watts that’s quiet at only 59 dBA, fuel-efficient, and with a 1-gallon fuel tank can run up to 6.5 hours of continuous operation at 25% perfect for those outdoor camping trips.
This generator is also equipped with a Parallel connector port that allows connection between 2 units if more power is required.
On the front panel, there are two 120 V Outlets a 12V-5A, DC Outlet with USB Adapter, that produces less than 3% total harmonic distortion making it safe for laptops, phones, etc and one parallel port just in case you need extra power.
It’s lightweight with an H-handle making it easier to transport and move around and is available in 2 styles 2200W and 3000W.
| Surge Wattage | 2200W |
| Fuel Tank Size | 1 gallon |
| Engine Displacement | 111 cc |
| Volume Level | 59 dBA |
| Fuel Type | Gas |
Pros +
- 2 year limited consumer warranty
- H-handle for easy transportation
- Two Outlet with USB Adapter
- Quiet perfect for camping
- Parallel connector port
Cons -
- Recoil start only
- Only one USB adapter
6. Honda EU2200i 2200-Watt Portable Inverter Generator
The Honda 2200-Watt Portable Generator is a very nice design and can operate a wide range of appliances, perfect for when camping out or supplemental power for the motorhome (RV).
This generator runs on a Honda GXR120 engine and has an Eco-Throttle System. The EU2200i offers great fuel efficiency and can run up to 4.0 to 9.6 hours on a full 0.95 gal tank, and is very quiet when running at only 48 to 57 dBA keeping the neighbors happy.
The EU2200i also has additional user-friendly features including a fuel shut off valve that allows the engine to run with the fuel supply off, helping prevent issues related to stale fuel.
The front panel is equipped with two 120V AC outlet 15 amp receptacles, LED lights to notify you of a low oil level or an overload and has a Parallel connector port for additional power.
To start the generator there’s a single control switch and a recoil pull cable which is very easy to use even if you’re a beginner.
| Surge Wattage | 2200W |
| Fuel Tank Size | 0.95 gallon |
| Engine Displacement | 120cc |
| Volume Level | 47-57 dBA |
| Fuel Type | Gas Powered |
Pros +
- Parallel connector port for extra power
- Extremely quiet perfect for camping
- Eco-Throttle System
- Very Easy To use
- 2 year warranty
Cons -
- High in price
- No fuel gauge
7. Yamaha EF1000iS Portable Inverter
The Yamaha Portable Inverter generator supplies clean, high-quality power and runs on a Yamaha EF1000iS, engine that generates 900W Running Watts and 1,000 Starting Watts and can run up to 12 hours continuously without refueling that uses premium technologies to maximize fuel efficiency.
The Smart Throttle varies engine speed based on the load that improves fuel economy and can run up to 10.5 hours at ¼ rated load on a full tank of gas.
This generator is very quiet and this is mainly due to the super-quiet muffler with a USFS-approved spark arrestor that runs at 51.5 dBA at 1/4 load.
The EF2000iSv2 features a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) so voltage stability is within 1%, and frequency stability is 0.1 HZ and can be connected in parallel with an earlier model Yamaha EF2000iS for additional power.
This generator is very easy to move around weighing only 45 pounds, making it easy to transport to and from the motorhome (RV).
It’s also equipped with a fuel gauge and the gasoline petcock lets you shut off the gas to run the carb dry for storage and helps prevent stale gas problems, this generator is very stylish and is great for a backup power source.
| Surge Wattage | 1000 watts |
| Fuel Tank Size | 1.1 gallons |
| Engine Displacement | 79cc |
| Volume Level | 51.5 - 61 dBA |
| Fuel Type | Gas |
Pros +
- Parallel connector port for extra power
- Smart Throttle technology
- Can run up to 10.5 hours
- Super-quiet muffler
Cons -
Slightly high in price
8. Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer
The Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer Generator is an outstanding piece of technology and is highly recommended for anyone who is looking for a generator that’s more for camping that’s cheap, quiet, Eco-friendly, and provides clean power.
It can be fully charged under the sun in 7 hours with the all-new solar-charging feature. The recommended solar panel to use for charging is the Jackery SolarSaga 60W, which are sold separately.
However, you can use your own solar panel if you already have one just make sure the output voltage of your solar panel is between 12-30V so it’s compatible with this jackery generator.
The Jackery Explorer 240 is equipped with a 240 watt-hour (16.8Ah, 14.4V) lithium-ion battery pack, with no fuel or gasoline needed and can charge laptops, mini-coolers, phones, and other outdoor electronics.
It features 1 AC outlet (110V 200W 400W Peak), 2 USB-A ports, and 1 DC carport, power everything you need when on a camping trip in a motorhome (RV).
This generator is also designed with a solid handle for easy transportation and comes with a user guide to help you get started. Now, this may not be like a traditional generator.
However, it can still charge all your camping essentials without costing you money for fuel or gas and is great for the environment.
| Wattage | 200W |
| Voltage | 110 volts |
| Jackery SolarSaga (sold separately) | 60W |
| Charging | Solar panel |
| Battery Type | 67000mAh Lithium-ion Battery |
Pros +
- No fuel or gasoline needed
- Great for the environment
- Quiet, and Eco-friendly
- 2 USB-A ports
- Low in price
Cons -
- Solar panel is sold separately
9. A-iPower SUA2000iV 2000 Watt Portable Inverter Generator
The A-iPower SUA2000i portable inverter generator produces 2000 starting watts with 1600 running watts of running power, which is ideal for camping, and motorhome (RV) use.
It’s reasonably quiet coming in at 58-decibel noise level, not as quiet as some other generators, However, the noise level is still within normal conversation range.
To start the generator there’s a single recoil pull cable that is very easy to use and is designed with a solid handle and weighs only 46 pounds, making it easy for transport.
This generator provides clean safer power and can charge phones, televisions, laptops, and other electronics and has low idle” technology for extended run time.
The front panel is equipped with 3 LCD lights, a Parallel connector port for additional power, one 120V AC 20A outlet, one 5V USB port, and a start choke lever. Read more user reviews at Amazon.
| Surge Wattage | 2000W |
| Fuel Tank Size | 1 gallon |
| Engine Displacement | 79cc |
| Volume Level | 58 dBA |
| Fuel Type | Gas |
Pros +
- Quiet at only 58 decibels
- Designed with a solid handle
- Parallel connector port for extra power
- Low idle technology for an extended run time
Cons -
- Recoil start only
10. Rainier R2200i Super Quiet Portable Power Station Outdoor Inverter
The Rainier R2200i Super Quiet Portable Power Station Outdoor Inverter runs on a 79cc OHV 4 Stroke Engine and produces 1800 rated Watts and 2200 peak Watts with 13 Hours of running time on a full 1.3 Gallon gas tank.
It’s super quiet at only 52 dBA perfect for camping and can power smartphones, Tablets, Televisions, and other camping accessories. The control Panel Includes Low Oil Alarm, an Overload Alarm, and an Output Indicator.
There are two 5-20R 120V 20 AMP household outlets; one 12V 15 AMP DC outlet and one neutral floating grounding port and features an Economy Mode to match the current demand of the load and for maximum fuel efficiency.
This generator is lightweight at only (44 Lbs) and also has a built-In handle making it easier to move. It a great generator to have and is packed with all the accessories you need for camping or RV.
| Surge Wattage | 2200W |
| Fuel Tank Size | 1.3 Gallon |
| Engine Displacement | 79cc |
| Volume Level | 52dBA |
| Fuel Type | Gas |
Pros +
- 3-Year Limited Warranty
- Up to 13 Hours of Run Time
- Equipped with Built-In Handle
- Low Oil Alarm, Overload Alarm
- Extremely quiet perfect for camping
Cons -
- Recoil start only
What To Look When Buying A Generator For A Motorhome?
When looking at generators for your Motorhome (RV) there are some important things you need to consider before you make your purchase.
The last thing you want is a generator that doesn’t provide enough power or hasn’t got the connectors you need for your camping equipment.
You may find that the generator is just too loud for your surroundings, or consuming too much fuel, by checking these things first you will save yourself a lot of hassle and money later on down the road.
Power Needs
It’s very important to know what appliances in your motorhome (RV) need power, this will determine how much power is needed from your generator.
You want it to be compatible with your RV electronics, laptops, smartphones, etc, or at least has a Parallel Connector Port so you always have that option to add extra power to your generator if needed.
Noise Level
One of the most important things to consider when reviewing a generator is the noise level. A lot of camping sites have regulations on the amount of noise that’s produced from a generator.
The last thing you want is to be upsetting your fellow camping neighbors or the warden so it’s always best to check the dBA ratings.
Fuel Consumption
You want to get the most out of the fuel you add to your generator and of course, having a generator that costs you little to no money to keep it running is something you want.
Generators that provide an Eco-Mode Feature are the best option, this feature basically determines how much power is need from your generator.
How To Choose The Right Generator Fuel Type?
Diesel-powered
Diesel generators are usually noisier than gas or propane, However, because diesel burns much richer than other fuel-type generators you can get more use out of a single tank.
Gas-powered
One of the most common kinds of fuel for a motorhome is gas generators. But unfortunately there not the cheapest to run. However, most modern generators do have a dual fuel option and can run off gas or propane if needed.
Propane-powered
Propane generators generally require less maintenance which means more reliability and longer-lasting performance than other fuel-type generators and are clean-burning fuel, making it much better for the environment.
connecting a generator to A Motorhome (RV)
Most motorhomes (RVs) come equipped with a generator to give electricity for lights and electronic devices, However, some do not, but lucky enough you can link up a portable generator to your motorhome without any problems.
To connect the generator to your motorhome is very simple, the plug cable on your motorhome is a large three-prong, heavy-duty 30 Amp all you do is simply plug this cable into the portable generator and you’re ready to go.
This can vary depending on what model motorhome (RV) you have, However, most generators come a detailed guide on how to connect your unit.
Conclusion
So there you have it that’s our top 10 best generators for a motorhome (RV) but just remember to fully check the specs of the unit before making a purchase.
You want a generator that’s not only quiet but provides stable power and has the Eco-Mode Feature making it more fuel-efficient and saving you money.
If you want even more details about any of the generations listed above or want to read customer reviews simply click on any of the links and you’re being taken over to Amazon, where you can get a more in-depth look into each generator.
