Picking the Right Generator for Your RV - Experts Advice

Recreational vehicles are becoming a popular lifestyle in the west and undoubtedly there are plenty of reasons for this rising trend. Some RVer’s consider it a great opportunity to explore different places and many love the way RV life connects us to our family and other travelers. There are many who consider it as a cost-effective way to live a life full of adventure. However, staying on budget depends on a number of factors. One of the significant factors includes picking up an efficient power source for the electrical appliances inside your RV. 

If you have the right type of electric generator in your RV that is functioning well and you are using this power source wisely, you can live a comfortable life in your vehicle. For example, you can keep your food and beverages cool, lighten up the RV, and run various electric appliances including your AC. It is therefore very important that you choose something super reliable and durable.

If you don't know how to pick the right generator for your RV, don't worry. We have gathered some data from the experts and compiled it here for your help and guidance. 

Buying and Using an RV Generator

Buying an RV generator should not be a hasty decision and you need to develop sound knowledge about things prior to ordering one. For example, you should be able to make a comparison between various RV generators available out there in the market. You should also know which brand is the most reliable and which also falls in your budget. If you are in Canada and buying a generator online, you should know what is the most authentic online RV parts dealer to order from. All you have to do is to search for “generators for sale in Canada” and you can get a number of options in front of you. 

You also need to know how to run off the RV generator and other instructions associated with its usage. 

Types of RV Generators

You may come across various terms used with generators and these terms basically refer to the fuel type these generators use to run off. For example, some of these generator types are as follows

1. Propane Generators or natural gas generators. These generators use liquefied petroleum gas or propane for energy production. This type is considered the most efficient one amongst all. 

2. Diesel Generator  (Efficient for RV that runs on diesel)

3. Gasoline Generator

4. Thermoelectric Generator ( This is a type of solid-state device that converts heat into electricity or can change the electrical energy into thermal power mainly for the purpose of  heating or cooling)

How Big Of Generator Do I Need For My RV?

The size of the generator depends on the trailer size itself and our power needs. Don't forget to ensure that your chosen generator can physically fit into the RV you own. It is better to take the dimensions of your RV compartment for generators Canada so that you find something of a suitable size.

Your camping styling also matters a lot when it comes to estimating the size of generator you should have.

Usually, the size of the portable generator maybe somewhere between 2000-4000 watts. But large generators with 12000-watt capacity are also available. If you do not intend to run your RV ACs or microwave on the generator, a small generator of a 2000 watt unit may suffice. For example, a champion inverter generator or Ordinary Champion generators can be used in this case which is not only lightweight and compact but generates around 2,000 watts of power. 

However, if you want to use Air Vent for covers or your ACs as well, consider buying something of more than 3000 watts.  Bigger units are good in some unique conditions but they have certain disadvantages such as less fuel efficiency, and noise. But there are some tips using which you can reduce the use of your air conditioning unit and put less burden on your generators. One of such tips is using vent covers, that help in the airflow and avoid building heat inside the unit.  You can also save energy and pressure on your generator by cutting heating and cooling costs by using magnetic vent covers. 

Simply put, the larger-sized units are heavy on budget as well as on your vehicle itself. You can also consider a medium-sized generator if your power requirement keeps varying.

Can Generators be Used to run RV air conditioners? 

Yes, you can use generators to run RV air conditioners. An average air conditioner requires a generator that has a power capacity of between 2000-4000 watts. But not every AC requires 4000 watts generators to work. This means RV AC unit capacities also matter.

How To Calculate The Size Of Generator You Need?

Take the example of an RV that has a 30 amp electrical service. The power RV can draw is based on amperage and voltage. To determine the need, you can multiply the number of volts by the number of amps which is 120*30 =3600. This means that a 3,600-watt generator is the biggest you can use.

Tips for Choosing an RV Generator

• It should be able to meet your power requirement and support the appliances and electric appliances that you intend to use.

• It should be something that doesn't make intolerable noise. Some generators despite having large capacities can cause headaches and make the conversations with your partner a big deal because they are loud and noisy. One of the attributes of the best generator is certainly that it works the best while screaming the least.

• The best generator must have enough fuel capacity so that you can meet your needs when you are on the road for numerous days. If you are traveling to far-off places and there are no fuel stations nearby, you can be in real trouble.

• It should be something versatile and can be used in the campsite and forest equally best.

• The best RV generator is certainly something fuel-efficient

•  A quality RV generator should also be durable and strong. It shouldn't be something that is easily broken down after a little use. 

• It should come with a reasonable warranty. Warranty speaks about the manufacturer's own trust in the quality of its product so you can also rely on it. For example, a Yamaha Generator

• Sometimes the best means are easy to handle and install. A portable RV generator is all you need to fulfill certain camping needs,

• A best RV generator also means something that can be powered either by propane or gasoline.  Whatever fuel type is available, you can use your generator.

• Nowadays there are portable power stations available also. These stations can keep all your gadgets charged including smartphones, laptops and help run some appliances such as mini coolers, electric grills or coffee makers, etc. Many RVer also considers having these stations as a backup.

How To Choose The Best Generator For Your RV

Choosing the best generators means you are considering something that has the maximum set of qualities mentioned above. You can choose the best RV generator by making comparison amongst various available options, the budget you have, and the capacity that you want. Your preference for brands also matters a lot.

Currently, the top brand in terms of manufacturing the best RV generators includes;

1. Honda Generators are innovative and are considered perfect for camping, RVing, and more. Not only this, they are also great for home power backup.  Honda Inverter generators are also very popular for the reason that they give RV such portable power you can easily rely on.  

2. Yamaha Generators is a great choice for those looking for modern technology and design

3. Firman Generators such as 3300/3000 Watt Electric Start Gas Portable Generator cETL and CARB Certified, Black. A number of other Firman generators are also introduced by Costco Generators such as The FIRMAN T07571 is something with a 9400-watt trifecta with the ability to run off of gasoline, propane, and natural gas.

4. Cummins Generator such as 4000 Watt Gas Generator (Carb & EPA) and the Onan Generators made by Cummins are also very popular

5. Generac Generators are also an old and reliable RV generator manufacturing company which manufacturers Generac power systems are famous for producing the most durable, efficient, and environmentally-friendly generators 

You can see what are the latest models available in the market introduced by these brands. Then it depends on your size and capacity requirement along with the available budget to make a choice. You may not even have to visit any brick and mortar RV part seller and just search for “Generators For Sale Near Me”.  You can find out online stores have generators from these brands. One of such online stores ready to meet all your RV-related needs is the RV part shop.

Conclusion

If you are in Canada and love RVing, the good news is that Canadian generators are known as one of the highly reliable power generators and are also easily available. If you find the right one for you after reading this article, you will certainly have enough power to enjoy a comfortable RV trip. It is also important to mention here that by using the vent covers, you can save energy and your power generation cost. You can also buy these inexpensive dryer vent covers that will help you release moisture and hot air outside and put less burden on your generator to run fans and ACs unnecessarily.