The 5 Best RV Generators for More POWER-Ful Adventures (Buyer's Guide + Reviews)

Hey, motor-homie. Is your RV’s generator running?

What’s that? You don’t have a generator installed in your RV? Well…

Lucky you found this seasoned roadster’s breakdown of the 5 BEST RV generators on the market!

Electronics and plumbing. Those are the two areas of RV life where I don’t like to mess about. Messing up either of these components of your rig can be seriously costly. Worst-case scenario, it might cost you your whole damn road trip!

So don’t mess around. Instead, I’ve hand-selected the 5 best portable generators on the market for RV camping.

Do you want gas or electric? A quiet contender or performance-driven powerhouse?? A feature-packed one-stop-energy-shop, or something small and simple to stow in your front compartment for emergencies???

We’re not just covering the best generators here… We’re covering everything YOU need to know so YOU can find the perfect generator for YOUR nomadic needs!

So, motor-homie—are you ready? I’ll ask one more time: is your RV’s generator running?

‘Cause we better go catch it!

The Best RV Generators: Our Top 5 Picks

1. Best Overall: Champion Power Equipment 4500W Wireless Start Inverter Generator → Jump to Review
2. Best Premium Buy: EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra → Jump to Review
3. Best Budget Choice: Genkins GK2300i Portable Inverter Generator → Jump to Review
4. Best for Solar Setups: Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro → Jump to Review
5. Most Reliable and Quiet: Honda EU2200i 2200W Portable Generator → Jump to Review

What to Consider Before Buying a Generator for RVing

Not all RV generators are built the same. However, not all RVers need the same thing from their generator. So that just means there’s a match made for everybody!

Before you even start looking at various rundowns of generators and their specs, you first need to consider how you’ll use the thing:

• Is this a casual weekend warrior’s system or one meant for full-term, long-term living?
• What type of travel do you do? (RV parks, dry camping, off-roading, etc.?)
• Do you need a larger generator with enough power to function as a primary source?
• Or a compact, secondary power source for your rig alongside its onboard RV-grade battery system?

Picture your camping season in full swing… Consider these questions as dreams of placid, lakeside fishing holes dance through your mind’s eye… Weigh it all up against the following key factors…

 And you will find the best generator for your RV life.

Rated Wattage (and Associated Terms)

It all starts with Watts. ’Wattage’ tells you how much power your generator can produce. It tells you exactly how many hair dryers and coffee makers your rig can be armed with.

For RVers, understanding this information isn’t just helpful. It’s essential. It’s not just about how well you glam your RV out with various haircare gadgets…

It’s about avoiding gnarly blowouts, power outages, and unexpected maintenance on the road.

When considering a generator’s output, your primary concern is its ‘Rated Capacity/Wattage’. This number, direct from the manufacturer, benchmarks the safest load your generator can handle. If nowhere else, it will always be found in your unit’s owner’s manual.

Rated Wattage is the key stat to observe when considering a generator’s total output. But, just so you’re not left wondering “Watt’s that mean?”, here are some other common wattage-related terms to remember:

• Running Watts: The continuous power your generator can supply over time. It’s kind of like your generator’s “cruising speed”.
• Starting Watts: The extra power the generator needs to start high-draw appliances, e.g., air conditioners or bigger full-size RV fridges.
• Peak/Surge Watts: These two are often used interchangeably. It means the maximum output your generator can handle for a short burst or during surges.

Fuel System

Fuel types and systems… We’ll cover fuel types further down. However, let’s first take a step back and consider your entire fuel system. And how to measure if that system fits your style of RVing.

For example, boondockers have very different needs from regular RV park-lifers. Generators used intermittently also have different needs versus those being used year-round.

Before you even consider fuel type, first examine…

• Fuel efficiency, e.g., for dry campers.
• Tank sizes, and corresponding run times.
• Storage safety, e.g., propane degrades much slower than gas.
• Cold-weather performance, e.g., for my all-seasonal RVing winter warriors, diesel tends to perform better in frigid conditions.

Then find the FULL fuel system that fits your travel rhythm.

Fuel Efficiency

But for Ford’s sake, make your system efficient! Resource management is lord of the RV realm.

Fuel-efficient generators save cash AND stress. The more efficient your system, the fewer fuel top-ups you make. That’s less weight you pack in your rig carrying gasoline too. And all that is just time enjoying the drive not stressing about gas!

It’s not cheap: it’s frugal.

Most portable generators are rated in gallons per hour (GPH). Alternatively, they might give a benchmark for their run time at 25% or 50% load. So what’s a good rule of thumb for efficiency?

Look for generators that offer 8–10 hours of operations at 50% load. Or use the unit’s GPH to roughly calculate a similar metric. That’s a good baseline for long overnight use, particularly if you’re running a space heater in your RV or numerous other appliances.

Overall Portability

Now, are you buying an RV generator? Or are you buying a portable generator to be used in an RV? 

Cause that’s an important distinction!

If your generator lives in a dedicated area, like stored outside your rig or beneath its front compartment, go hard! Provided the dimensions fit its intended spot, you can sacrifice some portability for a low-movement system.

But if this is a generator that will be hauled in and out of storage bays a lot, set up and packed down frequently, or used for a variety of other non-RVing tasks, you want something with the portability to match.

Think about the weight, dimensions, and shape of the generator. Compare that to the unit’s intended storage space in or outside your RV. Things like generators with wheels, handles, or mounting frames can also help the purchase fit into your RV life better.

It’s gotta be a rhythm AND a fit that fits!

Ports (AC / DC / Etc.)

Let’s run through ports quickly. The ports on your generator determine what you can actually plug in. Hairdryers need their full-voltage Alternating Current (AC) action, y’know?

Run through all the gear and appliances you’ll actually be hooking up to your prospective generator. Ensure the prospective generator has the ports for the job. Additionally, if you aren’t using a reliable inverter unit in your RV’s electrical system, make sure the generator has sufficient AC outlets and enough power to manage all your gizmos.

Here’s a breakdown of common port types to look out for:

• AC Outlets (120V/240V) – I.e., standard household plugs.
• 30A RV Outlet – A specialized AC outlet for directly powering your RV’s electrical system without adapters. It delivers more juice (typically up to 3,600 watts), making it ideal for running multiple onboard systems.
• 20A Outlets – These are more standard AC ports. They deliver less wattage than 30A slots (usually up to 2,400 watts) and are better for small appliances and basic power needs.
• DC Output (12V) – For direct charging of batteries or running DC-powered gear.
• Anderson Ports – Found on some solar panels and system so double-check your setup and generator for compatibility(!!!).
• USB-A / USB-C Ports – Handy for directly charging phones, tablets, etc.
• Car Port (12V cigarette-style) – Great for inflating air mattresses or running small automotive gear.

Durability

Generators aren’t cheap. Get one that’ll take a beating and keep on humming!

Of course, it’s better if it doesn’t take the beating at all. But on the bumpy rides of road-life, the beatings do happen.

Metal or reinforced plastic housings can help a generator withstand these dings and drops. Back that up with weatherproofing and covered outlets and you’ll be bad weather-ready, grime and all.

Additionally, seek out safety features that protect you as well as the health of your system. Overload protection and low-oil or fuel shutoff are gold standard mechanisms of generators built to last.

It never hurts to go big and hard on construction. However, also find a portable generator with clever design choices that ensure longevity and reliability for your entire camper setup.

Different Types of Generators

Back on fuel and system types, let’s now look at what’s available. From fuel source to technical specs, each generator type has its own pros, cons, and ideal use cases. 

It’s not just about what goes in the generator’s fuel tank! It’s how it uses it that counts. 😉

So let’s find the best generator, per fuel and type, for your… ahem… needs.

Diesel Generators

Diesel generators are the trustworthy workhorses of the RV power world.

They’re tough, powerful, and built for long-term, heavy use. While they also tend to be bigger and heavier than more contemporary generators, you just can’t beat the old-school, rugged reliability of a diesel fuel tank.

Anybody parking up for long spells of RV camping will make good use of a diesel generator’s long-life prowess. And if you drive a diesel-based rig or motorhome, you can consolidate to one fuel type. No mixing, no jug, and no hassle!

Just make sure you’re equipped to lug around a big diesel system.

Propane Generators

Propane generators are the clean-burning, low-maintenance option. Propane is a great alternative for RVers who don’t need diesel’s dominance. Plus, much like consolidating diesel, if you’re cooking with propane, using a propane-based tankless water heating system, or using it as fuel heaters and AC units, you can streamline your resources!

Propane doesn’t degrade over time like gasoline. It’s also a much cleaner power than diesel, functioning as a lower-maintenance option that produces much less carbon monoxide. For RVers part-timing, putting their generator in regular storage, or simply using it as a backup power source, propane is a top choice of fuel.

Gasoline Generators

Gasoline generators are the most common and most affordable type out there. They’re easy to find and easy to fuel, even rurally. And they come in a wide array of units—from powerhouses to pocket rockets—with something for every kind of use case.

I wouldn’t say gasoline makes the best generator fuel for more luxury rigs. However, they’re a solid match for casual RVers, smaller setups, and tighter budgets. All that said, gasoline doesn’t hold up nearly as well as diesel or propane in long-term storage, so keep that in mind.

Battery-Powered Generators (Portable Power Stations)

Quiet and efficient—portable power stations are the true plug-and-play solution. These all-electric powerhouses eschew fuel, instead storing power in high-capacity lithium batteries for later delivery via their built-in inverters.

As such, unless you have the solar system to support it, I wouldn’t say they’re the go-to choice for constant operations like powering refrigeration and climate control without shore power. However, given that power stations are easily charged, they ARE a great pick for RVers who connect to hookups a lot. Between charges, they’re a top-notch solution for quickly providing an electric start to AC-based appliances or charging everything up on the go.

Stealth campers will also particularly dig their noise-free, solar-heavy operations. Meanwhile, remote-working nomads can savor having a stable energy-focused system that doesn’t require burning fossil fuels just to charge their laptop!

Dual-Fuel Generators

Dual-fuel generators give you the flexibility to run on either gasoline or propane. If one is more convenient or preferable mid-trip, you can make the switch on the fly!

For example, start the road trip on gas and save your cleaner-burning propane for when you’re long-staying somewhere beautiful. Then, once you’re trucking around again, switch back to the widely available gasoline for quick top-ups and high-burst needs.

The downside to dual-fuel systems is that more choice means more costs. Dual-fuel generators are often heavier, more expensive, and you’re carrying more fuel around as a result. While there are a lot of benefits to going dual-fuel, make sure you’re the type of RVer to really capitalize on this versatility and overshadow the negatives.

Inverter Generators

Inverter generators are the tech-savvy contemporary cousins of traditional portable generators. They’re just as easy to install and pull power from… only with a modern twist!

Instead of running full throttle all the time, inverter generators adjust their engine speed based on power demand. Consequently, they produce cleaner, quieter, more stable electricity that’s much safer for all those whizzbang RVing gadgets and sensitive electronics we love to charge so much.

The downside is that inverter generators generally cost more per watt for a lower overall output. Luxury motorhomes with a lot of high-draw appliances will still need something more heavy-duty than a compact and streamlined inverter generator. 

But if your top priority is safe, stable, clean energy for all your gizmos and mid-tier appliances, inverter generators are 100% the way to go.

The 5 Best Portable Generators for RVs Reviewed

Now you know what you’re looking for. The next step is to go deeper and closely examine the best generators on the market for RVing!

Skip the laborious research phase. Jump right to the answers. Find the best portable generator for your RV lifestyle! 

Starting with our top pick…

Best Overall

1. Champion Power Equipment 4500W Wireless Start Inverter Generator

• Type: Gasoline (Inverter)​
• Wattage: 4500W (starting)​ / 3500W​ (running)
• Dimensions: 23.2” x 17.7” x 20.1”​
• Weight: 101 lbs​
• Ports: 1 × 120V 30A / 2 × 120V 20A / 1 x 12V DC (with included dual USB-A adapter)

The Champion Power Equipment 4500W cinches our top spot, and it’s not hard to see why! Merging value and performance with premium-level features, the Champion stands as the crowning victor of portable generators. It’s equally built for the normie and RV life alike.

On its RV readiness, this unit houses a built-in 120V 30A RV outlet. This enables instant compatibility with most RV electrical systems. You can just plug in and play WITHOUT the guesswork or adapter.

But there’s another big win for nomads on the move. The Champion features wireless remote start functionality. With the included key fob, you can remotely start and control the generator from up to 80 feet away! Yet despite all these features and its high-end performance, the Champion still maintains its quiet generator status, running operations at about 61 dBA.

But though a quiet warrior, it’s still a big one. Admittedly, all this ultra-performance does hurt the unit’s portability. This is a cumbersome system, rivaling the weight of full-size portable power stations BEFORE you’ve even topped it up with gas. The Champion takes up a lot of cargo space and even then, except maybe for the smallest and most compact Class As, it’s unlikely to have the capacity to single-handedly power big rigs.

But if you need more juice for that, there’s a solution! Champion even has an available add-on parallel kit to link with other Champion-brand 2800-watt-plus generators. That will cover most RVers’ electrical needs. And for everyone else, whether it’s as an emergency power source or as the primary generator in a mid-demand setup, this unit is an absolute beast.

Winner winner, chicken dinner.

Best Premium Buy

2. EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra

• Type: Battery (LiFePO₄)​
• Wattage: 7200W​ (expandable)
• Dimensions: 27.2” x 18.9” x 20.6”​ (approximation for stacked unit)
• Weight: 185 lbs​
• Ports: 1 × 120/240V 30A / 1 × 120V 30A / 4 × 120V 20A / 1 x 12V DC / 2× USB-A / 2× USB-C

Let’s talk premium and clean. As far as final form portable power stations go, it doesn’t get much more top-shelf than the EcoFlow. This thing isn’t just a generator: it’s a fully customizable power ecosystem built for serious off-grid living.

With a jaw-dropping 7,200W continuous output, it can handle power-hungry appliances with ease. Microwaves, heaters, and home theatres all make your circuit breakers giggle with glee. Even a setup with multiple top-quality RV air conditioner units is a breeze to manage with the EcoFlow!

Functionally speaking, it’s still a standard portable power station. You can charge the EcoFlow via solar (up to 5.6 kW input), AC/shore power, a gas generator, or even an EV charging station. You’ll need the juice too cause the EcoFlow kicks off with 6 kWh of battery capacity, ultimately expandable up to an absolutely insane 90 kWh. (That’s more than some home backup systems!)

So what’s the downside? The price. The EcoFlow is higher-capacity than most home systems, but it costs a helluva lot more too. In fact, most of its branding positions the EcoFlow as a home solution, and thus it isn’t designed as immediately RV-ready as the Champion.

Realistically, though, this pick isn’t for designing a traditional way of RV life. The Delta Pro Ultra is to develop an RV that feels like a luxury condo on wheels. Travelers who want a more old-school, performance-heavy system built for any adventure might want to check out more traditional fuel-based generators like the Champion.

But if you want unparalleled clean, renewable, stable, silent energy, pay more to get more. For all my tech junkies, the EcoFlow is the generator for Tony Stark-ifying your ride!

Best Budget Choice

3. Genkins GK2300i Portable Inverter Generator

• Type: Gasoline (Inverter)​
• Wattage: 2300W​ (starting) / 1900W​ (running)
• Dimensions: 21” x 11” x 19”​
• Weight: 51 lbs​
• Ports: 1 × 120V 20A / 2× USB-A / Includes RV-ready 30A adapter

Dipping to the complete opposite end of the spectrum, we now find our pick for the best budget portable generator for RV camping. It might only have roughly half the output of the Champion, but it’s less than half the price too!

To begin, the Genkins GK2300i does NOT slack on performance. Despite its much leaner budget, this unit is still powered by a 79cc 4-stroke OHV engine. This leaves it with a 1900W running capacity that’s more than equipped for most basic power and lighting needs. If not, the Genkins also has its own optional parallel kit function to enable multi-generator hookups.

In further comparison to the Champion, the Genkins is also quieter and smaller. It’s rated at about 53 dBA in volume, and about half the weight too.

Smaller capacity aside, the real downside to taking the budget road is what you’d expect: cut corners. The Genkins admittedly has the weakest port game of any generator on our list. Moreover, compared to the Champion’s glowing reputation for fortitude, Genkins just doesn’t have the same brand reliability. (Beyond their cheaper prices as a budget brand.)

If you need an RV generator to take over the bulk of your power needs, the Genkins probably isn’t the right fit. However, as either a backup unit or a budget on-board emergency power source, this very portable generator is just the right build and price.

Best for Solar Setups

4. Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro

• Type: Battery (Li-ion + Solar-ready)​
• Wattage: 3000W​ (continuous) / 6000W​ (surge)
• Dimensions: 18.6” x 14.1” x 14.7”​
• Weight: 102 lbs​
• Ports: 1 × 125V 25A / 4 × 120V 20A AC outlets / 1 × 12V DC / 2 × USB-A / 2× USB-C

For renegade RVers of the off-grid boondocking lifestyle (or just any tired of hunting for hookups), let’s look at the solar-friendly option. The Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro is hands-down the best pick for all truly self-sufficient road-warriors and their solar-powered RV and trailer setups. Generally speaking, Jackery is a leader in the portable power station space. Other brands struggle to deliver this much value in this particular niche at this good a price tag!

In terms of output, the Jackery 3000 Pro is similar to the Champion, just with a higher peak rating. This sets it above the smaller suitcase-style inverter portable generators on this list, e.g., the Genkins. Unless you’re cruising in a fully decked-out luxury motorhome, the Jackery should handle most appliances in off-grid scenarios.

However, what really ties this unit to the hookup-less life is its solar-ready capabilities. If you keep it in the family and pair this generator with the Jackery SolarSaga panels, you’re looking at a ridiculous full recharge time of 3–4 hours in good sun.

The port game on this unit system is strong, again much closer to the Champion than the Genkins. Pricing-wise, it’s expensive, but not when you consider what you’re getting and how much more digestible the final total is compared to the EcoFlow. Really, my biggest gripe is how heavy this generator is for a solar-based unit that moves around a lot.

Still, for all your repositioning needs, the Jackery comes with rough terrain-ready wheels and a telescoping handle. Suitcase this station around on all your off-chart adventures! The glammest of RVs might prefer a portable power station more on the EcoFlow’s level…

But for dirty, off-roading vagrants, you need a generator tailored to the lifestyle.

Most Reliable and Quiet

5. Honda EU2200i 2200W Portable Generator

• Type: Gasoline (Inverter)​
• Wattage: 2200W​ (starting) / 1800W​ (running)
• Dimensions: 22” x 13” x 18”​
• Weight: 47 lbs​
• Ports: 1 x 125V 30A (parallel link-friendly) / 1 x 125V 20A

Let’s talk about the unwavering reliability of Honda. If quiet confidence came in generator form, it would be the Honda EU2200i. Through the timeless consistency in engineering excellence that is Honda’s signature power move, this entry on our list is for the long-game

At the literal heart of the EU2200i is Honda’s GXR120 Commercial Series engine—a powerhouse motor originally designed for tough construction gear. And it’s this heart that translates to Honda’s bulletproof reliability for smooth operations.

Despite this, however, Honda has managed to still proudly demonstrate the quiet operations their generators are famous for. Outranking both the Champion and Genkins with a minimum rating of 48 dBA, the EU2200i is only outclassed by its near-silent power station cousins in noise-factor.

Now, size and capacity-wise, the Honda is very similar to the Genkins. (Albeit, just at a higher price.) And though, unlike the Genkins, it houses a dedicated RV-ready 30A port, it still has a an overall weaker array of ports than competitors otherwise.

But you’re not here to cover all your bases with one generator. That’s what parallel linking generators is for! No, you’re here for legendary quietude and reliability topped off with ultra-efficient operations.

If you need more, link up for more. But if all your rig needs is a little extra juice, the Honda EU2200i is the compact shot in the arm it needs! There’s a good chance you’ll still be juicing this thing in many years to come.

FAQs About RV Generators

Motorhome or travel trailer, it doesn’t matter! A home on the road needs its joules.

Whether it’s for your hair dryer or microwave or toilet light, make sure you have somewhere to plug in your niceties AND essentials while you’re out camping. Know your generators.

How long can I continuously run my RV’s generator?

That all depends on the generator’s type, capacity, manufacturer guidelines, etcetera. On a full tank of gas (or electricity), most portable generators can run anywhere from 8 to 20 hours. However, even the current condition of your generator affects that. Run regular maintenance checks on your system, keep its oil levels high, and ensure healthy ventilation—a well-managed generator will manage for longer!

Where should I put my generator when I set it up outside?

First, always place your generator at least 5 to 10 feet away from your RV, any windows, or other structures. Above all, you MUST prevent a toxic buildup of carbon monoxide by ensuring sufficient ventilation for your generator (and NEVER setting one up in an enclosed space).

Ideally, a generator should be set up on dry, level ground—a lot of towable RV campers even utilize their trailer bed for this. You can also use a generator mat to catch fuel or oil drips if needed, or even a generator tent that’s designed to operate it safely while keeping rain and prying hands off your new toy.

Can I run an RV generator in the rain?

Technically, yes, many generators can operate in light rain. However, it’s not recommended without protection; water exposure can damage your generator’s internal components or pose safety risks. If rain’s a-coming, use a generator cover, tent, or canopy that’s designed to provide it with airflow while shielding it against moisture. Always elevate the generator off wet ground too, and NEVER cover it with something that restricts ventilation (e.g., a tarp).

What power output do I need from a generator for RVing?

How much power you’ll need to pull from a generator really comes down to your rig and how you camp:

• Powering lights, a fan, and charging electronics? Go for a 2,000–2,500W generator.
• Running an air conditioner unit, microwave, and other high-draw gear? Try a 3,000–4,500W generator.
• Or enjoying the lap of luxury with dual AC units, multiple water heaters, and a high-fidelity AV setup? Then upwards of 5,000+ watts is a safer bet.

Always check the total starting and running wattage of your appliances, then add a buffer of 10–20%. It’s much better to slightly overshoot your needs than risk underpowering your camper’s entire setup.

Our Verdict: What’s the Best RV Generator for Your Money?

Why, the one that matches your rhythm, of course!

Choosing a generator is about precision. Not just any system is necessarily going to be the best RV generator for the way YOU travel.

Personally, as the choice for the all-around, broadest possible use case, I’d say the Champion Power Equipment 4500W Generator is the way to go. It manages to combine beasty performance with premium features (like remote starting) while still keeping the price in the three-digit range.

Alternatively, I would actually recommend considering a solar-based portable power station. Their clean, noise-free operations alongside their fuel-free self-sufficient operations make them very appealing purchases, particularly if used alongside built-in RV electrical or solar systems. In this case, Jackery’s Solar Generator 3000 Pro is a high bar to beat.

Either way, it’s just about finding the right match for you and getting that sucker installed! Fill that fuel tank, ventilate that carbon, and cruise on to better days.

Sure, there’s something romantic about the idea of powerless nomadic life. Making fires, sleeping under the stars, surrendering control to the whims of nature.

But after week three of cold bucket washes and no Spotify, you’ll soon realize… Even the simplest of lives get better with just a bit of power.

It’s ok to have a little luxury in life. 🙂