Choosing the right generator to power your RV’s air conditioning is important for your road trips or camping weekends. It’s important to have a dependable power source to ensure your RV remains cool and comfortable throughout your journey.
Primary Factors to Consider:
- Power Output: The maximum power output of a generator is essential for efficiently running your RV’s air conditioner. Typically, RV air conditioners require substantial power, ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 watts for effective operation. Therefore, it’s important to choose a generator with an output within this range to ensure optimal performance without overloading the generator.
- Fuel Efficiency: Fuel efficiency is vital, especially during long RV journeys with limited fuel access. Opt for generators to consume less fuel per hour to cut costs and minimize refueling stops. Look for advanced fuel management or inverter technology, adjusting fuel usage according to electrical load. Check the generator fuel type (gasoline, propane, or diesel) to match your RV’s fuel supply.
- Noise Levels: Generators incorporate noise-minimizing advancements like mufflers and insulated enclosures to limit operational sounds. When assessing generators, consider the decibel (dB) ratings from manufacturers. Quieter options usually emit 50 to 70 dB, with certain models operating even quieter in eco-mode or low-load situations.
Selecting the best generator for your RV’s air conditioning system requires careful consideration of these “Key Factors”, as well as your individual preferences and budget constraints.
Best Generator For RV Air Conditioner List
| Best Generator for RV Air Conditioner | Wattage | Voltage | Output Wattage | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DuroMax Dual Fuel Portable Generator | 3500 watts | 120 Volts | 4400 Watts | Check On Amazon |
| Generac Portable Inverter Generator | 3500 watts | 120 Volts | 3500 Watts | Check On Amazon |
| WEN Portable Generator | 3750 watts | --- | 4750 Watts | Check On Amazon |
| Honda Portable Inverter Generator | 2200 watts | 120 Volts | 2200 Watts | Check On Amazon |
| Champion Power Equipment Open Frame Inverter | 4000 watts | 120 Volts | 4000 Watts | Check On Amazon |
| GENMAX Generator for RV | 1200 watts | 120 Volts | 1000 Watts | Check On Amazon |
| Westinghouse Portable Generator | 6000 watts | 120 Volts | 7500 Watts | Check On Amazon |
Best Generator For RV Air Conditioner Reviews
1. DuroMax Dual Fuel Portable Generator
DuroMax is one of the most popular brands in portable generators for RV air containers.DuroMax introduced yet another generator that follows its motto of quality and reliable products.
DuroMax XP4400EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator is a user-friendly generator that comes with 4400 Watts of output wattage. This handles the starting high wattage an air conditioner needs. 3500 Watts of wattage ensures the running of the air conditioner and other appliances with constant power.
When it comes to fuel, the DuroMax XP4400EH generator supports gasoline as well as propane giving freedom to use any fuel. It also has an electrical outlet which operates on 120 as well as 240 Volts, which can be used as per your convenience. The output frequency matches the standard 60 Hz of the air conditioner.
Best Features:
- Running wattage of 3500 Watts
- Output wattage of 4400 Watts
- Powerful 210cc OHV engine
- Output frequency of 60 Hz
- Two 120V 20A outlets and one 120/240V 30A switchable outlet
- All-metal body structure.
Pros:
- Dual fuel support gives a variety of fuels to choose from
- 30-Days replacement warranty with a 1-year parts warranty
Cons:
- No remote connectivity
2. Generac Portable Inverter Generator
Generac is an older manufacturer of power products. They are pioneers in developing powerful, high-quality yet affordable generators for RVs. With reducing carbon footprint as their motto, Generac provides a good range of generators that follow their motto.
Generac 7127 iQ3500-3500 Watt Portable Inverter Generator follows the technology and design language of Generac products. 3500 Watts of output wattage help the generator handle the power surge created by the air conditioner. With 3500 Watts of running wattage, Generac 7127 IQ3500 supplies constant power to the connected air conditioning system and equipment.
The enclosed design helps reduce operational noise. Two engine speed modes are available to reduce or increase generator power response, fuel consumption, and noise as per requirement. Special USB ports are available for charging smartphones or similar devices.
Best Features:
- 3500 Watts of output/starting wattage
- 3500 Watts of running wattage
- Electric start/stop function
- USB ports to connect small devices
Pros:
- Compact enclosed design
- Quieter operational noise compared to the competitors
Cons:
- Outlets are less in number
3. WEN Portable Generator
WEN is another high-quality yet affordable generator manufacturer. Thanks to the 70+ years of experience and expertise, WEN keeps developing innovative generators for RV air conditioners.
WEN 56475 4750-Watt Portable Generator makes it to our list for various reasons. The output wattage of 4750 Watts works best to handle those power spikes caused by the air conditioner at the start. Running wattage of 4750 Watts supplies enough power to the air conditioner in the RV to keep it running uninterrupted.
The 223cc engine delivers enough power for the generator to provide the running wattage of 4750 Watts constantly. The engine also comes with low oil level detection which shuts down the engine at low levels. The output frequency matches 60Hz which is standard for RV air conditioners.
Best Features:
- 4750 Watts of running wattage
- 4750 Watts of outage wattage
- Wheel kit for easy transportation of the generator
- Automatic voltage regulation
- Powerful 223cc engine
- Two 120V outlets, one 30A outlet, and one 120V RV outlet
- 4 gallons capacity of the fuel tank
Pros:
- Longer runtime of over 10 hours
- Overload protection keeps the generator safe from overloading
Cons:
- Little noisy operation
4. Honda Portable Inverter Generator
Honda is not a new name in the power generation industry. The Japanese giant is one of the undisputed leaders when it comes to portable generators for RVs. With innovative products, Honda has been delivering products that cater to the customer’s needs.
Honda EU2200i 2200-Watt 120-Volt Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator is Honda’s answer as a generator for RV air conditioners. Being a part of Honda’s portable generators, Honda EU2200i packs an output wattage of 2200 Watts. This Is enough for the generator to handle the starting power surges of the air conditioner.
With 2200 Watts of running wattage, the generator provides enough power supply to run an air conditioner. It comes with a safety feature to detect carbon monoxide levels, which cuts off the engine when it reaches hazardous levels. All these features in a compact design make this generator easy to carry.
Best Features:
- 2200 Watts of output wattage
- 2200 Watts of running wattage
- Automatic detection of carbon monoxide levels
- App connectivity which allows remote operation of the generator
Pros:
- Compact design
- Lightweight body
- Safety features that stop the engine after sensing hazardous conditions
Cons:
- Smaller fuel tank
- Underpowered engine
5. Champion Power Equipment Open Frame Inverter
Champion Power Equipment is a well-known name in the portable generator for RV air conditioners. Designing efficient generators and working towards low carbon footprints, Champion Power Equipment has a wider range of generators that caters to the RV-ready usage experience.
Champion Power Equipment 100302 4000-Watt RV Ready Open Frame Inverter is an open frame inverter generator made for RVs. This generator has an outage wattage of over 4000 Watts which easily handles the air conditioner’s high wattage needs at the starting. 4000 Watts of running wattage supplies the air conditioner and other appliances running with ample power.
The 224cc 4-stroke OHV engine is powerful yet runs silently. The economy mode makes power consumption more efficient by tracking real-time load. Tot output frequency matches to 60Hz
Best Features:
- 4000 Watts of output wattage
- 4000 Watts of running wattage
- Eco mode for improved fuel economy
- One 120V 30A outlet, two outlets of 120V 20A, and one 12V Dc outlet
Pros:
- Operational noise is low
- High runtime of over 17 hours
- Lightweight construction
- Extended 3-year warranty
Cons:
- Single fuel option
6. GENMAX Generator for RV
The GENMAX Quiet Power Series Inverter Generator is tailored for RV enthusiasts. Featuring a robust 57cc 4-stroke OHV gas engine, it delivers 1200 starting watts and 1000 running watts. With a low Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of less than 3%, it’s ideal for powering delicate electronics such as TVs, lights, fans, and small tools without concern.
What sets it apart is its featherweight design. Weighing in at just 25.3 pounds, it’s among the lightest 1000W inverters on the market, ensuring effortless transport wherever power is needed. Whether you’re loading it into your RV or carrying it to your campsite, its durable handle ensures comfortable portability, even on extended journeys.
Best Features:
- Powerful 57cc 4-stroke OHV gas engine
- 1200 starting watts and 1000 running watts
- Ultra-lightweight design at 25.3 pounds
- Quiet operation with as low as 58 dBA noise output
- Up to 6.5 hours of runtime on a 0.7-gallon gas tank
- CO Detect shutdown sensor for added safety
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable
- Quiet operation
- Fuel-efficient
- Safe for sensitive electronics
Cons:
- Limited power output for larger appliances
7. Westinghouse Portable Generator
Westinghouse is one of the oldest organizations in the power generation sector. With over 130+ years of experience in this field, they developed several class-leading portable generators for RV air conditioners. Our next product is one of such offerings from Westinghouse.
With the launch of the Westinghouse WGen6000 Portable Generator, Westinghouse poured their experience into this product. With the best in category output wattage of 7000 Watts, this generator instantly becomes a favorite choice for RV air conditioners. Such a high output wattage handles a surge in wattage when starting the air conditioner.
Running wattage of 6000 Watts ensures continuous power delivery to the air conditioner and yet a big chunk of power will be available for other appliances. The 420cc 4-stroke OHV engine is a powerful engine with features like automatic oil shut down when the oil level gets low. The digital hour meter displays the necessary details like the runtime hours, voltage, and frequency output.
Best Features:
- 7000 Watts of output wattage
- 6000 Watts of running wattage
- Fuel tank capacity of over 6.6 Gallons
- Powerful 420cc engine
Pros:
- Longer runtime of over 13hrs
- Electric ignition system
- 5 power outlets help run more appliances at a time.
Cons:
- Transfer switch of only 30A
- No dual fuel option
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Generator
Selecting the appropriate generator for your RV’s air conditioning system is essential to ensure a pleasant travel experience. It’s vital to evaluate different aspects before making your decision.
1. Power Output Requirements
RV AC systems consume varying levels of electricity, typically ranging from 1,000 to 4,000 watts. Consult the specifications of your AC unit to determine its power requirements. Additionally, consider the cumulative power usage of other appliances such as lights, refrigerators, and electronics running simultaneously. Opting for higher wattage can accommodate unexpected power surges, ensuring seamless operation.
2. Fuel Type: Gasoline vs Propane
Generators operate using either gasoline or propane. Gasoline-powered ones are readily available and offer greater power output, albeit with increased noise levels and the need for frequent refueling. Conversely, propane generators are quieter, produce cleaner emissions, and can sustain longer operations, making them ideal for extended RV trips.
3. Noise Level Considerations
Considering noise levels is crucial, particularly if you value tranquility during travel. Seek generators with low decibel ratings, typically below 60 dB, to minimize noise disruption. Inverter generators are highly praised for their quiet performance, making them a preferred option among RV enthusiasts.
4. Portability and Size
Considering portability and size is crucial, particularly when storage space is restricted. Choosing a small and lightweight generator facilitates transportation and storage within your RV. Pay attention to the generator’s dimensions and weight, especially if you expect frequent movement or intend to transport it in your vehicle.
5. Budget Constraints
When choosing a generator, it’s crucial to consider your budget. While more expensive models generally deliver superior performance, reliability, and durability, there are also budget-friendly alternatives capable of supplying adequate power for RV air conditioning.
Generators For RV Air Conditioners – FAQs
Ans: The size of the generator you need depends on the BTU (British Thermal Units) rating of your RV air conditioner. As a general guideline, a generator with a minimum of 3,000 to 4,000 watts should be sufficient for most RV air conditioners.
Ans: Yes, you can run your RV air conditioner with a portable generator. Ensure that the generator has enough wattage and features like a stable power output to handle the starting and running power requirements of the air conditioner.
Ans: Inverter generators are often recommended for RV air conditioners. They provide clean and stable power, are fuel-efficient, and produce less noise compared to traditional generators.
Ans: Check the air conditioner’s manual or nameplate for the power requirements. You’ll need to consider both the starting (surge) wattage and the running (continuous) wattage. Choose a generator with a capacity slightly higher than the total required wattage.
Ans: It depends on the generator’s wattage capacity. Ensure the generator has sufficient wattage to handle the combined load of the air conditioner and other appliances. Be mindful not to exceed the generator’s rated capacity.
Conclusion
Selecting the appropriate generator for your RV’s air conditioning is essential. Factors such as power requirements, output, fuel type, noise level, portability, and budget should be taken into account. By prioritizing your needs, you can make a well-informed choice. A suitable generator, whether from reputable brands or budget-friendly alternatives, guarantees comfort and convenience on your journeys.
- The Westinghouse WGen6000 stands out as an excellent option for a robust generator capable of powering your air conditioner and large appliances. With a robust output exceeding 7500 Watts, it guarantees a stable power supply, accommodating multiple appliances simultaneously with its 6000 Watts running wattage. Its sizable 6.6-gallon fuel tank ensures uninterrupted operation for over 13 hours.
- The Champion Power Equipment 10032 Inverter Generator stands out as a premier option. Generating 4000 Watts for both regular usage and initial power bursts, it’s ideal for running air conditioners. Its eco mode enables a runtime of 17 hours while operating quietly. This generator delivers excellent value.
- The last product mentioned, the Honda EU2200i portable inverter generator, despite its small size, competes well, particularly in compact areas. With a 2200-watt output, it effectively powers devices such as air conditioners. Its compact design enhances convenience, enabling effortless transportation to cater to your power requirements on the move.
