Never Be Without Power: Your Guide to RV Generators

Never Be Without Power: Your Guide to RV Generators

The open road calls, whispering promises of starry nights in remote locations, breathtaking views far from crowded campgrounds, and the freedom to chase the horizon. This is the allure of RVing. But even in the most pristine wilderness, a little bit of modern convenience goes a long way. What happens when you’re parked beside a secluded lake, miles from the nearest electrical hookup? That perfect off-grid moment can quickly lose its shine if you can’t run your lights, charge your phone, make coffee, or God forbid, power the air conditioner on a sweltering afternoon.

Enter the unsung hero of off-grid adventure: the RV generator. More than just a noisy box, a generator is your lifeline to comfort, safety, and the ability to truly be anywhere. It unlocks the full potential of your RV, transforming a parking spot into a home away from home, regardless of utility poles. This guide will walk you through the world of RV generators, helping you understand why you need one, the different types available, and how to choose the best fit for your nomadic lifestyle.

Why an RV Generator Matters: Powering Your Freedom

Think about everything in your RV that relies on electricity: the refrigerator (even propane fridges need 12V for the control panel), the furnace fan, lights, water pump, microwave, television, charging ports for your devices, and potentially crucial medical equipment. While your RV battery bank can handle some 12V needs for a while, it won’t run high-draw appliances like air conditioners, microwaves, or hair dryers, and it will eventually need recharging itself – which often requires a generator or shore power.

Having a generator means:

1. Uninterrupted Comfort: Run your air conditioning or heater fan, make popcorn in the microwave, use the coffee maker, watch a movie, or simply keep the lights on without worrying about draining your batteries or needing a hookup.
2. True Off-Grid Capability (Boondocking): Generators are essential for boondocking or dry camping. They allow you to stay in remote, undeveloped areas for extended periods, powering your essentials and recharging your batteries.
3. Battery Recharging: Generators are one of the most efficient ways to quickly recharge your RV’s house batteries, especially if solar isn’t an option due to weather or location.
4. Safety and Convenience: Power for lights in an emergency, charging communication devices, and running essential systems provides peace of mind.

Understanding the Types of RV Generators

RV generators primarily fall into two main categories: portable and built-in. Within these, there are further distinctions.

1. Portable Generators:

   • Conventional Generators: These are typically louder, produce "dirty" power (sine wave isn’t smooth), and run at a constant high RPM regardless of the load. They are often more affordable for their power output but less suitable for sensitive electronics and generally unwelcome in quiet settings due to noise.
   • Inverter Generators: The gold standard for RVing. They use advanced technology to produce clean, stable AC power (a pure sine wave), making them safe for sensitive electronics like laptops, phones, and complex RV appliances. They are significantly quieter than conventional generators, often feature variable throttles that adjust engine speed to match the load (saving fuel and reducing noise), and are more fuel-efficient. They are usually more expensive than conventional generators of comparable power.

2. Built-in Generators (Onan/Cummins is a common brand):

   • These generators are permanently installed in a dedicated compartment within the RV. They are designed for RV use, often integrating with the RV’s fuel system (gas or diesel) and control panel.
   • Pros: Convenience (start with a button inside the RV), fuel source shared with the RV, theft deterrence, generally quieter operation than conventional portables (though often louder than inverter portables), can be more powerful.
   • Cons: Higher initial cost, takes up permanent storage/basement space, maintenance requires access to the specific compartment, adds significant weight, tied to the RV’s fuel supply (if you run out of RV fuel, the generator stops).

Choosing the Right Generator for Your RV Lifestyle

Selecting the perfect generator involves considering several factors based on your RV type, power needs, budget, and where you plan to camp.

1. Determine Your Power Needs (Watts): This is the most critical step. List all the appliances you might want to run simultaneously. Find the wattage requirements for each (check appliance labels or manuals). Pay close attention to starting watts (surge watts needed to start appliances with motors, like ACs or microwaves) and running watts (continuous watts needed). Your generator needs to meet the total running watts of simultaneous devices and have enough surge capacity to handle the highest starting requirement. A typical RV AC unit might need 2000-3000+ starting watts but only 1500-2000 running watts. Most smaller RVs might get by with 2000-3500 watts, while larger rigs with multiple ACs might need 5000+ watts. Pro Tip: When in doubt, calculate generously or consult an RV electrician.

2. Consider Size and Weight: A 2000-watt inverter generator might weigh 50-70 lbs, easily lifted by one person. A 5000-watt conventional generator could weigh 150-250 lbs or more, requiring multiple people or a lift to move. Built-in generators are fixed weight. If you need portability, assess how much weight you can comfortably handle and where you’ll store/transport it.

3. Noise Level: Measured in decibels (dB). RV etiquette, especially in campgrounds (even dry camping sections) and dispersed camping areas, often dictates quiet operation. Inverter generators are significantly quieter (often 50-60 dB at 23 feet) than conventional ones (often 70-80+ dB). Check generator specifications and reviews regarding noise. Your fellow campers (and your own ears!) will thank you for choosing a quiet model.

4. Fuel Type:

   • Gasoline: Most common. Readily available. Portable generators often have small gas tanks. Built-in gas generators draw from the RV’s main fuel tank (usually won’t let you run the main tank completely dry).
   • Propane: Cleaner burning, easier to store safely (standard BBQ tanks). Propane generators are often dual-fuel (gas/propane) or propane-only. Less power output than gasoline for the same engine size, and consumes fuel faster than gas or diesel. Built-in propane generators draw from the RV’s propane tank.
   • Diesel: Most efficient fuel type. Quieter than gas conventional generators. Only found in diesel pusher RVs as built-in units drawing from the main diesel tank. Higher initial cost.

5. Budget: Generators range from a few hundred dollars for small conventional portables to several thousand for large, built-in diesel units or high-end inverter models. Define your needs first, then find the best generator within your budget. Remember to factor in fuel costs, maintenance, and potential accessories (cables, locks, covers).

6. Campground Rules: Many campgrounds have rules about generator run times and noise levels. Inverter generators are far more likely to meet noise requirements.

Operation and Safety: Powering Up Smartly

Operating an RV generator isn’t complicated, but it requires strict adherence to safety protocols:

• Carbon Monoxide (CO) is Lethal: Generators produce CO. NEVER run a generator inside an enclosed space (RV, tent, building). Always operate it outdoors, away from windows, doors, and vents. Point the exhaust away from your RV and your neighbors’. Install and test CO detectors in your RV.
• Ventilation: Built-in generators have specific exhaust systems. Ensure they are functioning correctly and not blocked. Portable generators need clear space around them for airflow.
• Proper Connection: Connect the generator to your RV using a proper RV power cord and adapter (if needed). Never backfeed power into an outlet.
• Grounding: Some generators require grounding, especially at construction sites, but for RV use connected via the main power cord, the generator is typically bonded neutral and relies on the RV’s ground connection to the plug. Consult your generator and RV manuals.
• Maintenance: Like any engine, generators need regular maintenance: oil changes, air filter cleaning/replacement, spark plug checks, and fuel system care (especially if storing for long periods). Follow the manufacturer’s schedule.
• Fuel Handling: Be careful when refueling, especially when the generator is hot. Store fuel safely in approved containers.
• Storage: Store portable generators securely when not in use, both for transport safety and theft prevention.

Pros and Cons: The Honest Look

• Pros: Freedom, comfort, off-grid capability, battery charging, essential appliance use, safety.
• Cons: Noise, initial cost, fuel consumption, maintenance, weight/space (for portables), potential for mechanical issues, CO risk if misused.

FAQ Section

• Q: What size generator do I need to run my RV air conditioner?

  • A: This depends on the AC unit’s size (BTUs). Most 13,500 BTU RV ACs require a generator capable of at least 2500-3000 starting watts and around 1500-2000 running watts. A 15,000 BTU AC needs even more power. Always check the specific AC unit’s specs and the generator’s surge capacity.

• Q: Are inverter generators really that much quieter?

  • A: Yes, significantly. While a conventional generator sounds like a lawnmower running constantly, an inverter generator sounds more like a low hum or drone, and often throttles down when the power demand is low, making it much less intrusive.

• Q: Can I run my sensitive electronics (laptops, phones) with any generator?

  • A: It’s highly recommended to use an inverter generator for sensitive electronics. They produce clean, stable power (pure sine wave) that won’t potentially damage delicate devices. Conventional generators produce "dirty" power that can be harmful.

• Q: How long can I run my generator?

  • A: Run time depends on the fuel tank size and the load. A small portable generator might run for 3-8 hours on a tank, while a large built-in unit drawing from the RV’s fuel might run for 8-12+ hours at half load. It’s often limited by fuel capacity and noise restrictions (many places prohibit nighttime generator use).

• Q: Is it okay to run a generator in the rain?

  • A: Portable generators should not be run in the rain or wet conditions unless they are specifically designed and rated for it, or you use a protective cover that still allows for proper ventilation and exhaust dispersal. Built-in generators are designed for outdoor use but their exhaust systems must remain clear.

• Q: How often do I need to service my generator?

  • A: Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule religiously. This typically involves oil changes every 50-200 hours of operation, air filter checks, and spark plug replacements. Regular service prevents breakdowns and extends the generator’s life.

Conclusion

An RV generator is far more than just a convenience; it’s a key piece of equipment that unlocks the true freedom and flexibility of RV travel. It empowers you to explore beyond the confines of full-hookup campgrounds, bringing the comforts of home with you to remote lakeshores, mountain vistas, or quiet desert landscapes.

Understanding your power needs, the different types of generators available, and prioritizing safety are crucial steps in choosing the right model. While there’s an initial cost and ongoing maintenance, the ability to "never be without power" when you need it most is an investment in your adventure. So, do your research, make your choice, and get ready to experience the world of RVing with the confidence that comes from knowing you control your own power supply. Your next great off-grid adventure awaits!