Depending on just how off-the-grid you want to go on your next trip, you may need plenty of power to tide you through. This is one reason why you have to be extra choosy with which campervan generator you intend to use to handle this responsibility.
This can be a rather great undertaking as picking the right campervan generator set for you isn’t as straightforward as choosing standard generators.
You don’t have to stress too much about this, you just need to know the right place to get the data to help you make a more informed decision.
And that’s why we’re here!
So, whether you have your eye out for CARB-Compliant, continuous power sources or you’re only after an emergency power source for your off-road living, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most important factors to consider when choosing campervan generators.
We’ve also scoured the long list of popular generators available to campers, tested them, and have chosen the best ones to suit your various needs.
Keep reading to see what they are!
1. Goal Zero Yeti 3000X Portable Inverter Generator
To start with, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to the number of ways you can charge this campervan portable gen.
You can charge it via a wall socket before you head out and, once you’ve gotten to your campsite, you can recharge as needed with your van’s battery or with solar panels! That makes this portable inverter generator one of the best electrical power supply outlets you can have with you on the go.
Also, this amazing generator dispenses with LED status lights in favor of a more detailed and interactive screen and a mobile app. So, not only do you have a very accurate deep-cycle battery monitor at your disposal but you can troubleshoot with greater ease if something goes wrong!
This clean energy power source also makes charging all your domestic appliances a breeze as it comes with enough outlets for your extension cord and gadgets.
For people who want access to sufficient electrical energy and zero noise levels without having to worry about the extra cost of fuel or the resulting environmental impact of burning different fuel types, the Goal Zero Yeti 3000X is, without a doubt, the ideal camping generator for you!
Pros
- It has a compact design.
- It’s remarkably easy to use.
- It has a quiet operation.
- It produces clean power.
- It’s one of the most durable generators on the market at the moment.
- It can be charged with multiple power sources.
- These portable generators carry strong and long-lasting lithium-ion batteries.
- It’s a product of Goal Zero, one of the leading generator manufacturers at the moment.
Cons
- The generators are heavy, mainly because of the lithium-ion batteries.
- While the generator itself is portable, you may have to make extra room in your van if you’re getting the solar panels.
- The portable inverter generator doesn’t come with weatherproof housing.
2. Westinghouse iGen 2200 RV Generator with 2200 Peak Power
Let’s start with the fact that this backup RV mini generator is truly portable in every sense of the word. This means that it not only features a compact design, but the 46-pound dry weight of the 1800-watt generator means that you won’t have any real difficulty moving it about, even with a full tank of gas.
Campers have an unspoken rule of caring for each other’s well-being, which is why running standard generators can be an inconvenience because of the loud noise levels they’re known to emit.
However, you won’t have to worry about that when you opt for the Westinghouse iGen 2200 as your campervan generator.
With an engine noise level that never goes above 52 dB, you’ll be able to get all the mechanical energy you need without busting your eardrums or bugging your fellow campers.
You may be thinking, sure, this backup RV mini generator for camping stacks up well in terms of comfort and convenience. But what about fuel efficiency?
Well, you’ll be happy to know that these gas generators come with an impressive fuel injection rate into the combustion engines. This gives you more than 10 hours of dedicated power supply on just one (1) gallon of fuel (on the Eco-mode feature).
Fuel-efficient, right?
We certainly think so!
In addition to supplying campers with power output, this campervan and RV generator boasts a ton of extra features that further enhances the use of these generator models.
For example, the mini-size generator comes with overload protection. It also triggers a safe fuel shutoff and shutdown feature when the generator oil levels fall below the ideal range.
It’s not perfect but, as far as 2200 Peak Power-Watt portable generators go, it’s certainly one of the best you could get!
Pros
- It’s very lightweight.
- It supplies a boost of power enough to carry smaller and larger appliances with ease.
- These gasoline generators are more fuel-efficient.
- You can increase the power supply of the RV generator by simply pairing it with another Westinghouse generator.
- It comes with decent warranty coverage.
- iGen 2200 models are super-quiet generators.
Cons
- The LED status lights can be challenging to interpret.
- The user manual could be more detailed.
- It could benefit from a better housing design as it’s easier to spill engine oil when trying to empty the oil tank.
3. Honda EU2200ITAN1 2200-Peak Power Water Portable Inverter Generator
The level and consistency of electrical power supply that these CARB-compliant (legal for sale and use) devices offer make them the ideal camping generator for campers with power output needs for domestic appliances.
While it won’t be able to power air conditioning units, you’ll be able to easily use it to run virtually every other thing, from your television to your microwave.
These gas generators come with a fuel tank capacity of 0.85 gallons. However, even with this, their fuel-efficient nature ensures that you get 8 hours of supply, regardless!
In addition to this, the operation of this portable power station won’t disrupt normal conversation as it runs silently.
Outside its decent maximum AC output, we especially like the fact that these generator models place a high emphasis on safety. The most important of which is its carbon monoxide detectors.
The carbon monoxide detectors automatically switch the generator off once it detects dangerous levels of CO around it. This means that you’ll never have to worry about an incident of carbon monoxide poisoning with this power source!
This fuel-type gasoline generator keeps you safe and comfortable – everything a camper wants on the road!
Pros
- It’s fuel efficient.
- These portable models of RV generator sets are easy to move around.
- It comes with extra features like service reminders and an app that serves as a control panel for remotely monitoring and using the gas generator.
- It comes with CO detectors that actively prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- It’s easy to maintain.
- It uses commercial-grade combustion engines that deliver a constant energy speed.
Cons
- It has a less than 1-gallon fuel tank capacity.
- Moving the portable inverter generator can be challenging when it’s full. It can also be difficult for people with back pain to move around easily.
4. DuroMax XP2300iH Dual Fuel Generators
As such, campers who invest in gasoline or diesel generators and then run out of fuel in areas with a short supply of either resource may find themselves unable to power their mobile phones, watch TV, or use coffee makers and air conditioning units in their van.
People who don’t want to invest in a portable RV solar panel and inverter setup can trust the DuroMax XP2300iH.
How is it different from the other standard gasoline and propane generators?
Because it helps you use BOTH fuel types to power it!
These dual-fuel generators give you a level of freedom and flexibility that even a built-in camper van generator can’t. Because you can power it on with gas or propane, you can always go for the more accessible and affordable choice and save on an extra fuel cost!
This continuous output generator complements its dual-fuel feature perfectly with a digital control panel that you can use to monitor everything from how much fuel you have left to the load level on the device.
Also, its high-tech inverter tech ensures that the electrical energy the generator supplies is just right for even the most sensitive devices and appliances in your campervan.
Coupled with sensors that shut off automatically to prevent damage if oil levels drop below normal, this motorhome generator gives you the resources you need to go off-grid confidently.
Pros
- It features dual-fuel technology.
- It’s remarkably fuel-efficient.
- It has a well-balanced and evenly-distributed weight which makes it easy to move around.
- It has a reduced cost of operation.
- It offers a cleaner burn.
- It offers five (5) available outlets for maximum power supply.
Cons
- The wheels of the generator aren’t that sturdy on hard pavement.
- The instruction manual could be more descriptive.
5. Top Solar 480000mAh Portable Power Station with 12V Cigarette Lighter
This simple yet elegant portable generator is the ideal choice for campers who want a low-powered and clean energy power source they can easily lug around.
For us, the most attractive feature of this top solar product is that it’s super-lightweight. Weighing only 44 pounds, you’ll be able to position your energy power source as you please.
We also love the fact that you have 6 different power output sources you can use to charge your mobile phone, laptop, and other small gadgets while on the move.
And, you can replenish the primary and secondary battery of the device using a 110V wall socket, solar panels, or your van battery, so you never have to worry about losing power on the road.
Also, thanks to its LCD control panel and display, you have a reliable battery monitor and an interface you can use to track the operation of the engine!
Pros
- It’s easy to move around.
- The campervan portable power station supplies enough energy to carry most small domestic appliances.
- It uses solar energy so it has a minimal environmental impact.
- Its LED status lights are easy to follow.
- It emits low noise levels while it operates.
- It comes with many extra accessories like an AC charger and a user manual.
- It has a two-year warranty.
Cons
- It can’t power larger appliances like air conditioning units.
- It can be challenging to maintain.
How to Pick the Perfect Campervan Generator for You
Picking the most ideal campervan generator for you can be challenging due to the complex nature of these gadgets. However, you can better identify the best options when you know just what to look for.
Factors to Consider When Looking for a Campervan Generator
The most important variables to consider when looking for the best mobile camping generator include:
The Generator Type
This is, without a doubt, the biggest decision you have to make. There are different types of campervan portable generators. These range from:
Solar Generators
A relatively new addition to the camping world, these gadgets have quickly made a name for themselves thanks to how sustainable and environmentally friendly they are. They’re also quite powerful too.
However, you can’t rely on these motorhome generator sets completely because you may have to go without electricity once it’s rainy or cloudy. Of course, a good set of extra batteries may alleviate this concern to an extent but this will raise the initial cost of this power source.
Gas Generators
This is the traditional go-to choice for most campers and it has mostly retained this position. Depending on the size and capacity you buy, they do offer a decent power capacity as well.
The standing issue with these devices is that they have a more prominent environmental impact and there’s always the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning. They can also be quite noisy, too, especially as the unit gets older.
Propane Generators
These types of backup RV mini generators are remarkably similar to gas generators. However, unlike diesel, it isn’t toxic and can be quite harmless in its natural state. Also, the emissions of propane generators aren’t as toxic, nor do they persist in the environment.
But, you might rack up quite the bill if you intend to run your propane generator for extended periods.
Dual-Fuel Generators
These types of generators allow you to use fuel types like propane and gas with their engines. This offers you extra convenience and can help you save on costs.
But, many of these units are usually expensive and can be more technical to operate.
Maximum Wattage or Peak Power Output
This variable doesn’t matter as much if all you intend to power is your mobile phone and one or two other small gadgets.
But, you have to pay attention to the peak output power of any generator you plan to buy if you intend to use larger appliances like air conditioning units, microwaves, coffee makers, and other heavy equipment.
While doing this, make sure to consider the starting and running watts of each of these big appliances.
Level of Fuel Efficiency
This refers to how much energy you can get from the fuel consumption of your generator. Fuel efficiency for your propane or gas engine is vital because it influences how much extra cost you’ll incur on fuel.
Estimating the same variable for solar panels and generator setups is more complex but is no less important.
FAQs
How Long Does a Portable Generator Last?
For gas and propane generators, this can be anywhere from 10 to 20 years. Solar generators can last between 4 to 15 years.
The intensity of use and level of maintenance can influence the longevity of the machine considerably as well.
Can I Run My Portable Generator Overnight?
Yes, you can.
However, we don’t recommend you do so.
This is because the fuel tank capacity that most of these devices feature limits their runtime to 4 to 10 hours. As such, there’s a high chance the generator will go off as a result of an empty tank before morning.
Also, if you aren’t using a solar generator or a silent generator, there’s a chance you could disturb your neighbors with loud engine noises.
How Do I Know the Right Generator Size for My Campervan?
This depends on how many appliances you want to run.
But, in most cases, a 2,000 to 3,000 watt generator should be sufficient for you.
Conclusion
In addition to finding the best campervan generator for you, don’t forget that proper care and maintenance are also essential.
If you’d like to find even more helpful resources for your next adventure, visit us here!
