While you definitely want to be sure you can run your air, your appliances…even your coffeemaker while you’re traveling, you don’t want to do it at the expense of your sanity. A noisy generator running all evening long can make a pleasant, serene trip into one giant headache (and not just for you – your neighbors won’t appreciate it, either!). So while you do want a generator for your RV, what you really want is a quiet generator for RV.
What Kind of Quiet RV Generator Do I Want?
There are several decisions to make about your RV generator. Let’s start with how it’s powered. Generators can be powered three different ways – by gasoline, by diesel, and by liquid propane. You may want a diesel generator if your RV already runs on diesel. That way you don’t need to carry two different types of fuel. Gas-powered generators are the most popular, but liquid propane has a good shelf life, and you can start your generator up after having it sit for a year.
You can also choose how your quiet RV generator starts. Some quiet generators for RV start like lawnmowers – with a pull start. Others just require the turn of a key. There are even remote start generators, so you don’t need to walk out of your RV in the middle of the night to turn yours on or off.
Different Kinds of Quiet RV Generators For Sale
RV generators run quieter and are more reliable (but also more expensive!) than standard generators. There are a few companies that specialize in RV generators, and the best one for you is going to be the one that provides the power you need at a noise level you’re comfortable with.
Things to Think About When Buying an RV Generator
Here are a few questions to ask when you’re looking for the quietest RV generator:
- Does it have its own enclosure?
- Does it have parallel jacks?
- How much fuel will I need for it? A smaller tank on a generator means it won’t be able to run as long before needing to be refilled.
- What safety features does it have? Does it come with accessories like mufflers or adapters or cords?
Not all of those questions and features are going to be important to everyone. Think about what’s important to you, and make sure those are the things you look for first.
The Best quietest Generators For RV
Here are a few RV generators that are highly rated and known for being quiet:
- The Yamaha EF2400iSHC Gas-powered Portable Inverterhas a noise level at 25% load of 53 db. It’s expensive, but has a long run-time and comes with a three-year warranty
- The Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel Ready Portable Inverter Generator with Electric Start is heavier, and has a slightly lounder noise level – 59 db. It’s less expensive than the Yamaha, but still on the higher end
- The Generac 7117 GP2200i is a lower price point, but still runs quietly and for 10.75 hours without refilling.
- The Westinghouse iGen1200 Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator is even cheaper. It has a low decibel level and is very lightweight.
- The Briggs & Stratton 30545 P3000 PowerSmart Series Portable 3000-Watt Inverter Generator is a good mid-range quiet RV generator as well
Maintaining Your RV Quiet Generator
If left unused, the fuel in your generator (unless it’s propane) will degrade and get gummy, which could cause damage. Run your generator every two weeks or so for a few hours. If you have access to electricity, plug in your RV generator and let it run a while. Also, be sure never to run an RV generator without installing a working carbon monoxide detector first.
With a little research beforehand and some work to maintain your quiet RV generator, you can ensure that it will last you through many of your travels – providing cool air, TV entertainment, and fresh-brewed coffee in the mornings whenever you wish!
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Looking for more info on generators? Check out this guide on how to select the best RV generator for your RV.
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