Heading out to a campground or RV park for the weekend is great fun. But if you’re ready for a bigger challenge, you may want to consider boondocking – camping in the wilderness without any hookups. In this case, you’ll need an RV generator.
Of course, this means doing some research and shopping around to find the best generator for your RV camping needs. In this article, we’ll show you how to begin shopping for an RV generator.
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The Best RV Generators Overall
There are a number of excellent RV generator options out there, and there is absolutely no way we could talk about every good option on the market. That said, we did manage to pick a few of the best ones. These were chosen based on info gleaned from user reviews. We looked for factories such as dependability, noise level, ease of use, and portability to make our final decisions.
Our top RV generator picks are:
- Yamaha EF2000iSv2 – Best Overall 2000 Watt Unit
- Generac GP3000i – Best Overall 3000 Watt Unit
- WEN 56203i – Best Quiet Generator
- Predator 3500 – Best Budget Generator
- Kipor Power Systems KDE5000TA Powered Portable Generator – Best Diesel Generator
- Any Cummins Onan Product – Best Onboard Generator
Each of these was chosen because it’s an all-around good quality unit. Choose from this list and you really can’t go wrong.
Types of Generators
Wondering what types of RV generators are available to you? In this section we will discuss just that.
Diesel Generators
Diesel RV generators can be useful when you’re already driving a diesel-powered rig, but that’s not the only reason to consider these!
Some of the pros of diesel generators include:
- A cleaner burn
- More power, less engine – compared to gas engines of the same size, diesels have more power for their size.
- Like any other diesel power machine (including engines), diesel generators are well known for their durability and their low maintenance.
These perks do all come with a cost, however. Diesel is going to cost more than gas, and you’ll want to factor that increase in when making your decision.
Propane Generators
Liquid propane generators for RVs produce about 10% less power than gas or diesel, but propane has a longer shelf life. This makes a propane generator a good option for someone who won’t use their generator often.
Gasoline Generators
Filling your RV generator fuel tank with regular unleaded gasoline is the easiest option. Gasoline is readily available and comes at a lower cost than diesel. Additionally, some gas-powered generators can pull fuel directly from a motorhome gas tank.
Top RV Generator Brands
There are a number of excellent generator brands on the market. All of the generators mentioned above are wonderful, meaning all of the brands mentioned put out quality products. That said, out top three RV generator manufacturer picks would have to be the following:
Generator Operation and Safety
Now that you have your generator, it’s time to go over some basic safety information and brief you on how to use the unit.
RV Generator Safety
Make sure you stay safe while using your generator by using the tips below.
- First, make sure your rig is equipped with a carbon monoxide detector. As generators burn fuel, they emit carbon monoxide, which is highly poisonous but odorless. You’ll want to know if that is blowing into your rig.
- For the same reason, don’t run your generator in closed garages or anywhere there’s not good ventilation.
- When using a portable generator, make sure to keep an eye on the weather and conditions. Don’t let your generator get wet or run it in rain or snow.
- On the other hand, if you’re dry camping in the desert or a dry forest, be careful of where you place it, as heat or sparks could start a wildfire.
- You’ll also want to safely store your generator when traveling so it won’t tip over. Generators need to be stored upright, so make sure you have a secure location where it won’t slide around or fall over while you’re driving.
Generator Etiquette
You don’t want to be the rude neighbor. Make sure you understand RV generator etiquette!
- Be thoughtful about where and when you use your generator. Running a generator all night in a busy campground will leave you with angry neighbors.
- If you must run a generator in a crowded space, consider finding a way to quiet the unit as much as possible.
- Always check rules before running a generator anywhere. Some spots have rules against them or only allow them during certain times of day.
How to Use a Generator
RV generators are all a little different, but we’re going to give you a general guide on how to use them. For all specifics on operating and troubleshooting your generator, turn to that user manual!
How to Operate an Onboard Generator
Using an onboard generator is typically pretty easy.
- Most RVs will have a “Start/Stop” switch on the control panel that will allow you to turn it on and off.
- Depending on the rig and generator, you might have a “Prime” button that will prime the generator before it turns on, or you might have to hold the “Stop” switch to prime the generator.
- Check your user manual to see how exactly to prime and start your particular generator and how long it needs to be primed.
- Once it’s primed, hold the start button for a few seconds until you hear the generator kick on.
How to Operate a Portable Generator
Portable generators take a few more steps to operate, which is why it’s incredibly important to read the user’s manual to know exactly how to operate it.
- First, you’ll need to unload the generator and place it at least 5-10 feet away from your rig.
- You’ll also want to make sure the exhaust output is facing away from your rig to avoid fumes getting inside.
- Depending on where you’re camping and how loud the generator is, you might want to put it farther away from your trailer so it won’t be so loud.
- Check the oil and fuel supply levels to make sure you have enough for how long you’ll be running it.
- With everything in the trailer off, plug your shore power cable into the power supply port on the side of your rig.
- Next up it’s time to prime the generator. Check your owner’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to prime and start your particular generator model.
- Once it’s primed and started, give it a minute or two to warm up.
- Once the generator is warmed up and running, plug the other end of the rig’s power cable into the generator.
- Depending on the type of generator, you might have to use a dogbone adapter to connect the cable. And there you go, your rig now has 120-volt power!
RV Generator Maintenance
Of course, you’ll need to maintain your RV generator. You’ll want to keep up with all of the following, making sure to follow the instructions in your user manual.
- Oil changes
- Air filter replacement
- Fuel filter replacement
- Spark plug changes
Fuel System Cleaning
If you notice the generator is running rough, you might need to clean the fuel system. To do this, run Sea Foam motor treatment through the lines. Add one ounce of Sea Foam for every gallon of fuel in your generator tank or RV gas tank (depending on where the generator pulls fuel from). After adding the product, run the generator for several hours.
Winterizing Your RV Generator
Just like your RV water system, your generator also needs to be winterized. This will help ensure the unit is working well when camping season comes back around.
To winterize your RV generator, you will need to:
- Run the unit until the fuel tank is low.
- Fill the fuel tank to the top with quality fuel (winter grade fuel must be used for diesel generators).
- Add fuel stabilizer to the fuel tank.
- Run the generator for an hour or so before storing the rig.
Running the Generator Monthly
Finally, we need to bring up the importance of running your generator often. Generally speaking, it is good to run the unit at least once a month for at least an hour at a time, making sure you put a load of some sort on the generator while it is running.
RV Generator Troubleshooting
Even the best maintained units will have problems occasionally. The first step in fixing RV generators is troubleshooting.
- Begin by checking the fuel level. Many generators pull fuel from the motorhome tank through a tube. Often, this tube is not quite long enough to pull fuel through once the tank is below ¼ tank.
- If filling your tank doesn’t help, be sure to check your generator’s oil level. Some generators for RVs have a “low oil” shutoff that could be causing problems.
- Other things to try include replacing the spark plugs and filters, running carb cleaner through the system, replacing the voltage regulator slip rings, and checking the circuit breaker on the back of the unit.
- Checking inside the housing for rodents and bugs is always a good idea.
- You may also want to check that the ground wire is still firmly connected on both ends.
It’s also worth mentioning that many newer models of RV generators also have fault codes that appear on the display of the unit. If this is the case with your model, you can find the meaning of the code your display is showing by checking your RV generator user manual.
RV Generator FAQs
Last but not least, let’s answer some frequently asked questions about RV generators.
How does an RV generator work?
An RV generator uses fuel to create enough power to run major appliances like your air conditioner and microwave. It also charges your RV’s battery systems.
Conventional vs Inverter Generator?
You’ll need to decide whether to purchase a louder, heavier, conventional style of generator, or something lighter and quieter, but more expensive. Conventional generators are also prone to power surges. Generally speaking, we highly recommend the inverter style of camper generator, even if it does mean spending a few extra bucks.
All of the options listed in this article are inverter generators.
What power output do I need from my RV Generator?
Most RV generators put out between 2000 and 4000 watts of electricity. You’ll want to know what you’re looking for before going shopping for one.
- Do you have a smaller trailer and limited power needs? A 2000-watt unit should be plenty for you.
- If you wish to run the air conditioner or microwave, you’ll need something offering 3000 watts—and in some cases, even more.
Consider what you want your generator to run, and check those appliances to see what kind of output you need. Keep in mind that a unit with higher output won’t damage a smaller or less power-hungry rig, but it will be bigger and heavier.
How long does an RV generator last?
Like any other engine, your RV generator has a limited lifespan and is more likely to encounter mechanical failures and breakdowns as it ages. It’s important to check the running hours when you’re considering purchasing a used RV generator unit. Just like the odometer in a car, the hours on your generator can help you get a sense of how much life to expect out of the unit.
Can I drive my RV with the generator on and running?
Yes! Many RVers run their generator while driving in order to use the coach air conditioning to cool the inside of the motorhome. This is especially important if they’re traveling with pets or passengers. Just ensure that your RV generator is installed correctly so as to avoid any safety hazards on the road. Portable generators are NOT safe to use while driving.
What should I consider before purchasing a generator?
Here are a few questions to ask before adding to your cart:
- 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 run as long before needing a refill.
- What safety features does it have? Does it come with accessories like mufflers, adapters, or cords?
Not all of those questions and features are going to apply to everyone. Think about what’s important to you, and make sure those are the things you look for first.
How important is fuel efficiency?
Last but not least, you will want to find a fuel-efficient generator for your RV or trailer. The more efficient your unit, the longer it will run off a tank of gas, making trips into town fewer and giving you more time to have fun.
There you go; everything you need to know about RV generators. Now that you know how to use your generator, why not head out on your first boondocking adventure?
