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Choosing The Best Portable Generators for RV

Looking for the best portable generator for RV? You have come to the right place. Here are 8 of the best ones available in the market today!


Portable generators are commonly used these days. These are basically machines that provide electricity by running a gas powered engine.

Portable generators are used primarily as backup equipment which provides electricity in times when there is a power outage or in places where electricity is not readily accessible. 

If you are one of many people who are in the market for the best portable generator for RV, there are a few things that you need to consider to ensure that you will be getting the one that works and will bring value to your money.

Here, I have listed some of the best options for a portable Generators for RV. Check which one of them do you think can satisfy your requirements. Let's get started now!

Camping with family

Product Name

Quality

Price

#1. Editor's PickAnker PowerHouse Generator

A+

#2. Runner Up/Alternative PickHonda EU2000i Portable Generator Inverter

A

A

A+

#5. DuroStar DS4000S Portable Generator – The Best Gas-Powered Portable Generator

A

#6. Briggs & Stratton Q6500 Inverter Generator - The Best Quiet Power Series Portable Generator for Home Backup

A

#7. Sportsman GEN4000DF Portable Generator – The Best Dual Fuel Powered Portable Generator

A

#8. Duromax XP4850EH Portable Generator - The Best Dual Fuel Electric Start Portable Generator

A

Review Of The Best Portable Generators

#1 The Editor’s Pick - Anker PowerHouse Generator

This portable is our best pick because it boasts many amazing features, top-of-the-line quality, and a very reasonable price.

Anker PowerHouse, Compact 400Wh / 120,000mAh Portable Outlet, Generator Alternative Rechargeable Power Source with Silent DC/AC Inverter, 12V Car/AC/USB Outputs for Camping, CPAP or Emergency Backup

The good thing about this portable generator is that it is remarkably compact. It could possibly be the smallest and lightest at 400Wh power supply.

It is equipped with a high-density lithium-ion battery which makes room for more compact build than the usual lead-acid power packs. It has a great performance with an off-grid power supply which can be used for camping and emergency back-up.

With this, it is capable of providing power for a variety of electronic devices such as lamps, cellular phones, laptops, TVs and mini fridges. . PowerHouse boasts triple output modes: a 12V car socket, an 110V AC outlet (for devices up to 120W) and 4 fast-charging USB ports.

It is guaranteed safe, with a Battery Management System (BMS) which undertakes voltage control, temperature control and advance safety operations, which ensures maximum protection for the customers and their devices.

They promise a full package with a welcome guide, a worry-free 18-month warranty and a responsive customer service. 

Pros

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    ​Definitely the ultimate portable power supply
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    ​The smallest and lightest 400Wh power supply
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    ​It can support a CPAP (Continuous positive airway pressure therapy) machine for three straight nights
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    ​Can power up lamps, phones, laptops, TVs, and mini fridges.
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    Plenty of power, all the different types of plugs you need 
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    Anker is helpful with troubleshooting the model of the portable generator
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    ​It's a good battery backup for people with minimal power requirements and/or reliable access to AC power to recharge
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    Comes with a high-density lithium-ion battery so it is more compact than lead-acid power packs.
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    It's lightweight, and easily portable
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    The USB ports work perfectly.

Cons

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    There is a problem with the internal construction.
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    There is a low max power input
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    It has no solar connections

#2. Runner Up/Alternative Pick - Honda EU2000i Portable Generator Inverter

If for some reasons you cannot buy our best pick, this Honda EU2000i is our recommended alternative. This portable generator also has great features and top-notched quality.

Honda EU2000I Super Quiet 2000 Watt Portable Generator with Inverter

Honda is very well known for its good reputation in the electronics and machinery industry. This portable generator is very handy and easy to carry, as it only has a dry weight of less than 46 lbs.

One of its good features is that it is fuel efficient, wherein 1 gallon of gas can run for up to approximately 8.1 hours. Its wattage size is 2000 watts with 120V.

It is geared with an inverter, which produces a stable power for computers and other electronic devices, plus receptacles which are 20A 125V Duplex.

Its starting system is made up of a recoil with a noise level of 59 dB(A) at rated load 53dB(A) at 1/4 load. It is one of our top picks since it is very ideal for TV/DVD, satellite, fridge, coffee pot and other know commonly used home appliances.

Pros

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    ​It is two pounds heavier and can produce 2000W for half an hour
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    ​Small, quiet and efficient
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    It has an eco mode, which makes it very quiet during its operation
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    ​Relatively lightweight, almost silent generator
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    ​You get what you pay for
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    It starts with just one pull

Cons

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    ​Some claim it to be louder than it was advertised.
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    It will cost you quite a lot more than its original price when you need to get it fixed.
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    Some oil leaked out of the exhaust
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    The sound scale is logarithmic, not linear
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    There is a concern with the engine's tendency to burble, or stumble

#3. Budget Pick - WEN 56200i, 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator

WEN 56200i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator, CARB Compliant

A lot of people would prefer using portable generators which are quiet as they are being used. WEN 56200i will surely keep the tone down. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, this machine’s extremely quiet operation is comparable to the sound of a normal conversation.

It is equipped with two three-prong 120V receptacles, one 12V DC receptacle and one 5V USB port. Its power production is clean, which is an assurance to its customers that it can safely operate and that it can prevent minor and major damages from sensitive electronic devices such as cellular phones, tablets, laptops, televisions and computers.

This is our best budget pick because despite being the cheapest among the other products in this list, it also boasts EPA III and CARB Compliant 79.7 cc 4-stroke OHV engine which provide 200 surge watts and 600 rated watts.

Another good thing about this is that it is noted for the great performance outdoors, such as for campgrounds, construction sites, tailgates and power outages.

Pros

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    ​Has a proven performance
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    ​Can run two full size refrigerators on one gallon of gas for over 10+ hours
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    ​Very quiet and reliable
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    ​Has an eco mode, wherein 1 gallon of gas can run for 12 to 14 hours
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    ​It is lightweight
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    ​The noise from this Wen is much muted, more of a dull drone, without any rattly metallic sounds.
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    The rpm is low when the demand is low
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    It is user friendly
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    Has a shut off is the oil level gets low, so as no issue with burning up your generator.

Cons

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    ​Some complained of gas leaks
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    The tech support is not responding to clients

#4. Upgrade Pick - Briggs & Stratton 30545 3000 Watt Inverter Generator

Model 30545 - If you are looking for the best product for the best price, this Briggs & Stratton inverter generator is the most excellent choice. This product comes with tons of outstanding features not commonly found in its cheaper competitions.

Briggs & Stratton 30545 P3000 PowerSmart 3000-Watt Inverter Generator with (4) 120-Volt AC Outlets & (1) 12-Volt DC Outlet

One notable feature of this product is its number of outlets. The more outlets there are in a portable generator, the better it is for the user. It has four household outlets with12-volt 30-amp locking outlet with RV adaptor DC charging outlet and a USB port.

It is quieter than a traditional camping generator, which has enough power to start up a standard RV air conditioner. A 1.5-gallon worth of fuel can last for approximately 10-hours of continuous operation.

The clean and instant power that it produces ensures that the customer’s appliances and other important electronic devices are supported. 

Pros

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    ​It has a really nice digital meter that shows the "load" the generator
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    ​It can be started immediately on the first pull
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    ​It works on low noise
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    ​Easy to setup, easy to start, easy to refuel, even in the pouring rain
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    ​This generator delivers power as advertised and comes with a 24 month warranty through authorized dealers
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    The design has a spill catcher

Cons

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    ​There are electrical problems which commonly leads to sudden stoppage
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    ​It is heavier than advertised, especially when fueled and when oiled is added
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    Nosier than advertised, especially when the eco mode is turned off
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    There is a tendency to overflow the fuel when refilling it, since there is no available fuel level monitor

#5. DuroStar DS4000S Portable Generator – The Best Gas-Powered Portable Generator

DuroStar DS4000S, 3300 Running Watts/4000 Starting Watts, Gas Powered Portable Generator

This portable generator comes with a heavy duty steel frame design with four-point fully isolated motor mounts for its smooth and quiet operation. It has an EZ-Pull recoil start and also automatic low oil shut off.

A 4 gallon gas inside the tank can run at an estimated time of 8 hours. It has a •4000 Watt Surge/3300 watt continuous. It’s power plug configuration includes a :(2)-120 Volt, 20 Amp, 60 Hz-NEMA 5-20R Outlets, (1)-120 Volt, 30 Amp, 60 Hz-NEMA L5-30 Outlet.

Another good feature included in this machine is its full power panel which is gear with oil warning light, a volt meter and a circuit breaker and power outlets. 

Pros

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    ​It is very affordable and user-friendly
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    ​Easy to start, runs great, provides plenty of power
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    ​Can power the A/C, lights, and microwave in the RV simultaneously

Cons

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    ​It needs a constant use of a stabilizer in order to prevent the unit from having a carbon build up
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    It is louder than how it was advertised
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    There is a tendency for the gas to leak

#6. Briggs & Stratton Q6500 Inverter Generator - The Best Quiet Power Series Portable Generator for Home Backup

Briggs & Stratton Q6500 Inverter Generator - 6500 Starting Watts QuietPower Series Portable Generator for Home Backup

This portable generator belongs to the Quiet Power Series inverter technology which has a noise-reducing shell that will give you a 60% quieter than the traditional generators.

This machine delivers 6,500 starting watts of reliable home backup power. It comes in a compact design of only 128 lbs than the standard portable generators.

One good feature in this unit is that it has a 4 outlets, 2 USB ports and 1 120V-240V locking outlet. Its highly-efficient integrated engine/alternator provides up to 14 hours of run time at 25% load.

Pros

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    ​It is very quiet compared to traditional generators
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    ​Great machine for the price
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    ​Starts on the first pull
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    ​Allows you to run full size fridge, TV, satellite, one generator and convection oven at one time
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    ​It's reasonably quiet and the Powersmart feature allows the generator to operate at lower RPM when power requirements are less

Cons

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    ​The product leaked gas and was not at all quite running
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    When put under load, it will flood out
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    It's not good for ham radio applications because it produces a lot of radio frequency interference when under load
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    Insurmountable radio frequency interference problem

#7. Sportsman GEN4000DF Portable Generator – The Best Dual Fuel Powered Portable Generator

Sportsman GEN4000DF, 3500 Running Watts/4000 Starting Watts, Dual Fuel Powered Portable Generator

The main feature of this portable generator is that it is dual fuel capable. It operates off Propane or Gasoline, 212cc OHV Engine and is also EPA approved.

On a full tank of gas (approximately 3.6 gallons) or propane tank at 50% load, it can run up to 10 hours. It has a recoil start and is lightweight at 90 lbs.

Its wattage specifications include 4,000 Watts Rated, 3,500 Starting Watts; Outlets: 4-120V outlets, 1-120V RV outlet, 1-12V DC outlet, with regulator hose kit The package comes with a 1 year limited warranty. 

Pros

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    ​There is a very clear owner’s manual that is both easy to read and detailed
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    ​It can be used in a remote location anytime since it is dual fuel
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    ​Fairly quiet and very reliable
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    ​No gas leaks noted
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    ​The dimensions are small enough to fit in the front door of the trailer and can easily be handled by two average to small sized adults

Cons

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    ​It is quite noisy during operation.
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    It uses too much oil

#8. Duromax XP4850EH Portable Generator - The Best Dual Fuel Electric Start Portable Generator

Duromax XP4850EH 3850 Running Watts/4850 Starting Watts Dual Fuel Electric Start Portable Generator

This portable generator is equipped with a full power panel. It has an advance oil warning light, key start switch, volt meter, circuit breaker, power outlets and a low oil Indicator lamp and shutoff.

It has a heavy duty frame with a four point fully isolated motor mounts which are made for a smooth and quiet operation. Its output ratings are 3,850 watts on the AC Output and 4,850 watts on the Max AC Output. It is EPA approved and has a dependable 7 HP air cooled DuroMax OHV engine.

Pros

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    ​The gasoline backup is a nice option
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    ​Amazingly lightweight and small
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    ​It is easy to set up
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    ​Worked just as advertised

Cons

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    ​Needs to re-drill the hole for the wheels
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    ​It is extremely difficult to start using the electric start in cold weather
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    Propane regulator leaks propane

​Best Portable Generator For RV Buying Guide

Here are three things which should be considered when buying a portable RV Generator:


1. TYPE OF FUEL

Different types of fuel are used for a variety of portable generators. They may be:

  • check
    Gasoline
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    Propane
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    Natural Gas
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    Diesel
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    Solar Energy

You should be knowledgeable about the type of fuel used by the portable generator that you wish to buy, so that you will be able to bear in mind the proper safety and precautionary measures necessary for using such energy. Each type of fuel has its own assets and setbacks.

Buying-a-generator-for-your-RV

​2. POWER OUTPUT

It is important that you know what you need. As a buyer, you should be familiar with how vital is the power input when it comes to portable generators. It is good to take into consideration the number of appliances or tools that it can support. Do your research and choose the best deal possible. 

3. PORTABILITY

How portable is the generator that you want to purchase? Some portable generators have wheels under them, which makes it easier to transport even if you are alone. Some portable generators do not have such features, which will now require the lifting of the equipment by at least 2-3 persons. 

4. MAINTENANCE

The varying care for portable generators is deemed to be very important as it will dictate the length of the generator’s operation. Some types of portable generators require a continuing care and maintenance. Read on the manual or do your personal research regarding the proper care for generators, like when is the right time to change the generator’s oil or if the manufacturer provides an actual service check for the machine itself.

5. NUMBER OF OUTLETS

​Look into the number of outlets the portable generator has. The number of outlets is the basis on how the portable generator spread’s the electricity load. If there are more number of outlets available, the better it is for the user.

6. NOISE LEVEL

​Almost all of the consumers prefer a quiet portable generator rather than a noisy one. Based on Honda’s research, a usual generator is said to operate between 49-60 decibels, which is not louder than a usual human speech. It is important to look into the minute facts and specifications of the machine before purchasing one.

Portable-Generators-for-RV

Product Name

Quality

Price

#1. Editor's PickAnker PowerHouse Generator

A+

#2. Runner Up/Alternative PickHonda EU2000i Portable Generator Inverter

A

A

A+

#5. DuroStar DS4000S Portable Generator – The Best Gas-Powered Portable Generator

A

#6. Briggs & Stratton Q6500 Inverter Generator - The Best Quiet Power Series Portable Generator for Home Backup

A

#7. Sportsman GEN4000DF Portable Generator – The Best Dual Fuel Powered Portable Generator

A

#8. Duromax XP4850EH Portable Generator - The Best Dual Fuel Electric Start Portable Generator

A

Final Verdict

    If you are still in the market for the best portable generator for RVs, we highly recommend the Anker PowerHouse Generator being the Ultimate Portable Generator in the market. It is very affordable and it boasts many amazing features. It is a product from our list that only have a few negative review. Best part, it is pretty cheap so it sure is the best deal for you!

    If you liked this article and would like to know more about portable generators for RVs, please leave your feedback in the comment box below. Until next time, enjoy!

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    Jordan
     

    Hi there! I’m Jordan, chief editor of Crush the Road and I’m a self-confessed automative fanatic. Cars or vehicles has always been a passion of mine and will always be my favorite pastime. Now that I am married and has one adorable son, I have the time to write and share my personal experiences with other automative enthusiasts like me. Welcome to my fantastic blog!

    Click Here to Leave a Comment Below 1 comments
    Avatar for Genma
    Genma - December 2, 2017

    These generators have amazing features. You can use it for different electronic devices of daily usage which is the best feature. It also gives you usb ports, car socket, AC & DC outlets and also prevent from minor & major damages from sensitive electronic devices.

    Reply

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