Don’t Buy an RV Generator Until You Read This!

Don’t Buy an RV Generator Until You Read This!

The open road calls, the promise of freedom beckons, and your RV is your ticket to adventure. But whether you dream of boondocking under starlit skies or simply want reliable power for your creature comforts at a remote campsite, there’s one piece of equipment that often separates true off-grid independence from reliance on hookups: an RV generator.

Buying a generator might seem straightforward – just pick one that’s big enough, right? Wrong. Investing in the wrong generator can be a costly mistake, leading to frustration, noise complaints, wasted fuel, and even damage to your sensitive electronics. Before you hand over your hard-earned cash, take a deep breath and read this guide. It could save you headaches (and money) down the road.

Step 1: Understand Your Power Needs – What Will You Really Run?

This is the absolute foundation of your decision. Don’t guess. Think about your RV lifestyle and the appliances you plan to use off-grid.

• Minimalist Campers: Do you just need to charge phones, run a fan, and maybe power a few lights? Your power needs are relatively low.
• Comfort Seekers: Do you want to run a microwave, a coffee maker, potentially a hair dryer, and keep batteries topped up? Your needs are moderate.
• Four-Season Adventurers/AC Users: Do you plan to run your rooftop air conditioner, maybe an electric heater, and multiple high-draw appliances simultaneously? Your needs are significant.

Make a list of the appliances you envision using. Check their wattage requirements. Appliances often list running watts (what they need to operate continuously) and starting watts (a higher surge needed for a few seconds when they first turn on, especially motors like those in AC units or refrigerators).

• Add up the running watts of everything you might use at the same time. This gives you your baseline requirement.
• Identify the single appliance with the highest starting watts. Add this surge requirement to the total running watts of everything else that would be running simultaneously. This gives you the peak wattage your generator needs to handle for short bursts.

It’s always better to have a little extra capacity than not enough. An overloaded generator will struggle, potentially shut down, and wear out faster.

Step 2: Conventional vs. Inverter Generators – Know the Crucial Difference

This is perhaps the most critical distinction for RVers.

• Conventional Generators: These use an engine connected directly to an alternator to produce power at a fixed speed (usually 3600 RPM) to generate 60Hz AC power.

  • Pros: Often cheaper upfront, readily available.
  • Cons: Noisy, less fuel-efficient (always run at high speed), and produce "dirty" power (less stable sine wave). This unstable power can potentially harm sensitive electronics like laptops, smart TVs, and some modern RV appliances.

• Inverter Generators: These have a more advanced system. They generate AC power, convert it to DC, and then "invert" it back to clean AC power using sophisticated electronics. They can also vary engine speed based on load, making them much more fuel-efficient and quieter.

  • Pros: Much quieter, highly fuel-efficient, produce "clean" power (stable sine wave) safe for all electronics, often lighter and more portable for their output.
  • Cons: More expensive upfront.

For the vast majority of RVers, especially those powering modern electronics, an inverter generator is the superior choice. The quieter operation alone is often worth the cost difference, improving your experience and maintaining peace with campground neighbors.

Step 3: Fuel Type – What’s Your RV’s Primary Energy Source?

RV generators typically run on one of three fuel types:

• Gasoline: The most common.

  • Pros: Widely available, higher energy density than propane (meaning less fuel needed for the same power).
  • Cons: Fumes, less safe to store in or near the RV, requires separate fuel cans, fuel goes stale, less environmentally friendly.

• Propane: Often connected directly to your RV’s existing propane tanks.

  • Pros: Clean burning, easily stored (built into RV), doesn’t go stale, no separate fuel cans needed.
  • Cons: Less fuel efficient than gas (burns faster per gallon), power output can decrease slightly in cold weather or at high altitudes, connecting/disconnecting can be a minor hassle if using separate tanks.

• Diesel: Typically only found in large, integrated generators on diesel pusher RVs.

  • Pros: Highly fuel-efficient, uses the same fuel as the RV engine (simplifying refills), robust and long-lasting.
  • Cons: Much more expensive, louder and smellier than gas or propane generators, heavier.

Consider which fuel type is most convenient for you. If your RV already has large propane tanks, a propane generator (or a dual-fuel model) might be very practical. If you have a diesel RV, a diesel generator is the obvious choice. If you have a gas RV and only plan to use the generator occasionally, gasoline is fine, but manage fuel storage carefully.

Step 4: Noise Level – Peace for You and Your Neighbors

Generator noise is measured in decibels (dB). The lower the number, the quieter the generator. Noise levels are usually measured at a distance of 7 meters (about 23 feet) at 25% load.

• Conventional generators often operate in the 70-80 dB range – think loud vacuum cleaner or busy street traffic.
• Inverter generators typically run between 50-65 dB – comparable to a normal conversation or an air conditioner unit.

Many campgrounds and national parks have strict generator hours and noise limits (often around 60 dB). An overly loud generator isn’t just annoying; it can get you kicked out. Prioritize lower decibel ratings, especially if you plan to use your generator in populated camping areas. Read reviews and check manufacturer specs carefully.

Step 5: Portability vs. Built-in – Where Will It Live?

• Portable Generators:

  • Pros: More affordable, flexible (can be used elsewhere), easier to maintain or repair, can be placed further from the RV to reduce noise/fumes.
  • Cons: Heavy (especially larger units), require storage space in the RV or tow vehicle, need to be set up and secured each time, can be targets for theft.

• Built-in Generators:

  • Pros: Ultimate convenience (start with a button inside the RV), integrated with the RV’s fuel system, secured against theft, often quieter due to specialized enclosures and exhaust systems.
  • Cons: Much more expensive, difficult to repair or replace, takes up valuable storage space in the RV chassis, specific to RV type (gas, diesel).

For smaller RVs, trailers, or those who value flexibility and budget, a portable generator is usually the go-to. For larger Class A or C motorhomes, a built-in generator offers unparalleled convenience.

Step 6: Consider Key Features and Safety

Don’t overlook these details:

• Electric Start: A lifesaver compared to pull-starts, especially on larger units. Remote start is even better!
• Parallel Capability: Some inverter generators can be linked together to double the power output if you occasionally need more wattage.
• Fuel Gauge: Essential for monitoring run time.
• Multiple Outlets: Ensure it has the types (120V, 30A RV outlet) and number of outlets you need.
• Safety Features: Look for low-oil shutoff, overload protection, and carbon monoxide (CO) detection (though you should always use a separate CO detector in your RV).

Safety is Paramount: Never run a generator inside your RV or enclosed spaces. Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent deadly carbon monoxide buildup. Position the generator downwind and away from windows or doors. Use a proper grounding rod if required by the manual or local regulations.

Conclusion: Do Your Homework, Buy Right

Buying an RV generator is a significant investment in your comfort and freedom. It’s not a decision to rush. By understanding your true power needs, appreciating the benefits of inverter technology, considering fuel types, prioritizing noise levels, and evaluating portability versus built-in options, you can make an informed choice.

Read reviews, compare specific models, and don’t be afraid to spend a little more upfront for a generator that is quieter, more fuel-efficient, and produces clean power safe for your electronics. The right generator will silently (or near-silently) provide reliable power for years of memorable RV adventures. Don’t buy one until you’ve considered these factors – your future self (and your camping neighbors) will thank you.

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RV Generator FAQs

Q1: How much wattage do I really need?
A1: Calculate the total running watts of all appliances you expect to use simultaneously. Add the starting watts of the highest surge appliance (like your AC or microwave) to the running watts of everything else that would be on at that moment. This gives you your peak requirement. It’s wise to get a generator slightly larger than this peak number for a buffer.

Q2: Are quiet (inverter) generators worth the extra cost?
A2: For most RVers, absolutely yes. The reduced noise significantly improves your camping experience and is often required by campgrounds. The clean power also protects your valuable electronics, and the fuel efficiency saves money over time.

Q3: Can I run my RV’s air conditioner with a generator?
A3: Yes, but it requires a generator with sufficient starting wattage. AC units have high startup surges. Check your AC’s specifications and ensure the generator’s peak or starting watts rating exceeds it. Some newer RV ACs and inverter generators are designed to work together more efficiently.

Q4: What’s the best fuel type?
A4: There’s no single "best."

• Gasoline: Most power per gallon, widely available. Good if you already carry gas for toys or only use the generator occasionally.
• Propane: Clean, easy to store (uses RV tanks), doesn’t go stale. Great for convenience if you use propane heavily or don’t want to handle separate gas cans.
• Diesel: Most fuel-efficient, convenient if you have a diesel RV. Best for large, integrated units.
  Consider which aligns best with your RV setup and usage patterns.

Q5: Do I need an inverter generator for my RV?
A5: While not strictly necessary to power all RV appliances (older conventional units can run basic items), an inverter generator is highly recommended if you plan to use any sensitive electronics (laptops, TVs, charging phones/tablets) or if quiet operation is important to you. The clean, stable power is safer for modern devices.

Q6: Where should I store/run a portable RV generator?
A6: Store it securely outside the RV when not in use due to fuel and fume risks. When running, place it on a level surface outdoors, away from windows, doors, and vents to prevent carbon monoxide from entering the RV. Ensure good ventilation around the generator. Many RVers use generator trays on hitches or truck beds, or dedicated generator compartments. Never run it under your awning or inside an enclosed space.

Q7: How often do I need to maintain an RV generator?
A7: Consult your owner’s manual, but typical maintenance includes regular oil changes (especially after the first few hours of use), air filter checks/cleaning, spark plug checks, and fuel system maintenance (like running it dry or using fuel stabilizer if stored for long periods). Proper maintenance ensures longevity and reliability.