The RV Generator - A Comprehensive Guide

RVs give us the opportunity to get away from it all, since it offers home comforts such as comfortable spaces, hot running water, and electricity. Although there are certain ways that you can provide power to your RV, one of the cost-effective and easiest ways to power up your rig is the RV generator.

Most RVers are using a Natural Gas Generator, however, there are a lot of types and options out there. If you have some questions about Canadian Generators or you need some information on what to consider when choosing the right generator, then this guide can help you.

How Do RV Generators Work? 

Generators Canada is devices that generate electricity. They could be solar panels on the roof, the engine of a vehicle, a wind turbine, as well as a fuel cell. All of these are examples of an Electric Generator. However, when it comes to an RV generator, it is a device driven by an engine. Fuel is used for running these devices so they can provide AC power just like the ones that are used in homes.

Some generators are built-in and particularly designed for RVs, while others are portable, however, they are just the same. Portable generators used as backup power in an RV can be used in a home and vice versa.    

What Are the Benefits of RV Generators?

When you’re camping unplugged, you may want to enjoy the comforts of home. For instance, holding tanks for sewer, water in the tanks, and electricity.

An electric start RV Generator can power up all your 120-volt plugs in the RV. In other words, your RV will feel just like your home. It can also charge the RV’s batteries, so whenever it shuts down, your RV’s 12-volt system is still running.  

RV generators convert heat and are also capable of operating larger appliances that utilize AC power such as a microwave and an air conditioner. Some RVers would run their RV generators for a few hours so they can operate larger appliances and charge batteries. Then, at night they will shut down the Firman Generator when not needed.

Camping without a generator is possible?

Absolutely! RVs are designed in such a way that their major systems can run on their 12V batteries. However, if you don’t have a generator, then you won’t be able to charge the batteries. Keep in mind that the RV will not function properly if the battery dies. Most RVers would use alternator chargers or solar power to charge batteries in case they do not have a generator. Although these are great alternatives to generators, many people would still choose to have a Honda Generator since it is the inexpensive and easiest way of getting guaranteed power.  

If you don’t have a generator and you can’t run your air conditioner, then you can install Air Vent Covers. You can open your Magnetic Vent Covers even if it is raining outside. Vent Covers do not impede airflow. A Dryer Vent Cover that has removable louvers allows you to easily clean and maintain your vent. 

Can an RV generator charge the batteries?

Definitely! Once the RV Yamaha Generator starts running, it can power up systems including your battery charger or 12V converter, which are similar when your RV is plugged into shore power. Your RV batteries can give power to your appliances, water pump, and lights. The battery system can help in running the essential things in your RV even if you do not have a Gas Generator running.   

When you are running a Generac Generator for charging batteries, it is recommended that you use a  battery monitor so you will know when they are already fully charged. Lead-acid batteries should be fully charged or they might get damaged. Having the batteries fully charged can extend the Propane Generator run time. However, if you are running lithium-ion batteries, then it won’t matter when you turn off the charger. 

RV Generators: What Are The Types?

Generally, there are several types of generators out there. There are some which are particularly designed for RV’s, while there are others that are not. Generally, the two major types of generators for RV’s are built-in and portable.

Other types of generators include Diesel generators, Thermoelectric generators, etc.

Portable RV Generators

Typically, portable Champion Generators are a favorite choice among RVers since they are inexpensive. Because most fifth-wheel RVs and travel trailers do not have the capacity to install a built-in generator, their only option is portable generators.

A power output panel can be seen on the side of a Portable Generator where a shore power cord can be plugged into. There are various types of portable generators and they are used in different applications such as camping. 

Contractor or Frame Generators

When it comes to the amount of power supplied, this type of Portable Power Station is probably the most cost-effective one. Commonly, contractor generators offer 3000 to 10000 watts of power. They have an open frame structure, which means that the generator and engine parts are exposed to the air to provide natural cooling. 

Also referred to as contractor generators since these generators are frequently used by construction contractors. When used for camping, this type of Power Generator tends to be much louder compared to other alternatives. Also, contractor generators must run at one constant RPM, hence, they are less efficient on fuel except if you are running extreme loads consistently. 

If you use this type of RV Generator for camping, then be wary that most RVers do not like these because of their noise. When you are camping near the others, then you should try to be considerate. Use a long cable and transfer your Onan Generator further from the campsite to lessen the noise.  

Inverter Generators

Compared to a contractor generator, an Inverter Generator is more expensive. Although they offer lower power outputs, they have a lot of camping benefits. This type of Champion Inverter Generator is completely enclosed and utilizes fans to cool the internals.

Usually, inverter Costco Generators are smaller compared to contractor types and you can choose various sizes ranging from 1000 watts to 5000 watts. The unique aspect of inverter generators is that inverter technology is used for running them. This means that they are more efficient and much quieter regardless of the size of the load.

There are also a few inverter Generators For Sale that can be connected in parallel, which means that you can connect two smaller units so you can have a larger generator. With this parallel connection, you are able to run larger appliances when required. However, when you are only using less power, then you can use a single unit so you can save fuel.

Due to these benefits, most RV travelers looking for Generators For Sale Near Me, prefer to choose a Honda Inverter Generator for portable generators.

Portable generators: pros and cons

Aside from their lower cost, portable generators are very easy to operate. To reduce noise, RVers can move them far away from the RV. Besides RVing, portable generators can also be used for other purposes such as backup power for your home. 

One of its downfalls is its portability since there is a higher risk for theft. Due to this, most people choose to lock them up while they are running. Also, since a portable Small Generator has smaller fuel tanks, you need to fill them with fuel more frequently.