Best RV Generator for the Open Road: Rated & Reviewed 2024

First up, we have the EU2200i by Honda, who produce some of the highest quality and best-researched generators in the world. They also happen to be some of the most expensive. However, they are well worth every dollar and all of their generators come with a 3-year warranty.

This particular model is very small weighing only 47 pounds and measuring 20.2 x 11.4 x 16.7 inches. It’s starting watts is 2,200, and rated watts 1,800. To top it off, it’s quieter than most of the competition with a noise level ranging from 48-57 dBA.

We do wish that it had a few more outlets (it only has one single 120-volt outlet and one 3-prong locking plug) as well as slightly more running watts for the price, but overall this is an excellent option with a level of quality that can’t be beaten.

This is another compact model that has many similarities with the Honda EU2200i. It weighs only 48 pounds and measures 19.8 x 17.4 x 17.9 inches, so it’s easy to handle. It uses gasoline, has a recoil starter, and is also an inverter generator, just like the EU22001.

One thing we like about this option is the higher wattage. It handles up to 2,400 starting watts and 2,200 rated watts. It also has many more outlets so you can run multiple appliances at once.

So why would you choose one over the other? Well, mainly because the Westinghouse is about half the price of the Honda. However, you do sacrifice a few features and a bit of sturdiness/durability with the Westinghouse, so it’s a matter of deciding what’s more relevant to you.

The WEN 56200i is an impressive model that produces just enough power for folks who like to keep things simple. It has 2,000 starting watts and 1,600 running watts, ideal for small air conditioners and one or two other appliances. If you happen to need more power, these small camp generators have multiple models with increasing levels of wattage (as well as rising prices).

There are a generous number of outlets; two 120-volt standard outlets, a USB outlet, and a DC outlet. While this is convenient, it’s a bit of a mismatch for the number of watts that the generator provides. As long as you don’t have any appliances with high wattage ratings, you should be able to use all the outlets simultaneously.

This Westinghouse WG2000 is a level up from the iGen500. Built for heavy-duty use, this model features 2,500 starting watts and 2,000 rated watts. It has four 120-volt standard outlets and holds up to four gallons of gas. This provides up to 26 hours of runtime at a 25 percent load.

Our favorite feature of the WG2000 is the steel frame and rolled steel bars that protect the gas tank. These steel bars also allow more than one person to carry it at a time, important since it weighs 91 pounds. This model measures 23.5 x 17.5 x 24 inches. It’s not compact, but it will run your appliances like a champ.

This is an excellent RV generator for people who need a high level of wattage. With 3,100 starting watts and 2,800 rated watts, you’ll be able to power most of the sensitive electronics in your RV, including a fair-sized AC unit. With dimensions of 24.8 x 19.3 x 20.1 inches and a weight of 83 pounds, it’s not compact, but we appreciate the fact that it’s on high-quality wheels and has a large handle.

This model has a fair amount of outlets. It has two 120-volt standard outlets, an RV-ready outlet, and a 12-volt DC outlet. We like the location of the recoil-start handle, it’s located near the control panel on the front, so you don’t have to pull in awkward positions to get it started.

The champion 3100, enjoy 8 hours of run time on a 1.6-gallon fuel tank using eco mode (25 percent load). It has a well-thought-out design and is a superb investment with a 3-year warranty.

If you thought the last Champion offering was a hot product, you’ll fall in love with this one. The Champion 3500 is a real workhorse. It’s generally built the same as the Champion 3100 watt generator and has the same warranty. The differences appear in the performance and in a few other minor details.

At 4,000 starting watts and 3,500 running watts, you can power up a high-BTU AC unit with no issues. It still comes with the same amount and type of outlets as the previous models, so you can’t run more appliances, but you can run higher-powered appliances with ease. It has a 3.8-gallon fuel tank and when using economy mode can run for up to 12 hours at a 25 percent load.

The real gem here is the wireless remote start. If you don’t feel like fumbling with the recoil-start handle (and who does?) press a button on the additional wireless key fob, and your generator starts right up. This makes the extra 12 pounds worth it.

If you need a budget option, the DuroStar DS4000S is an excellent choice. Although it’s evident that it wasn’t built with the most heavy-duty of parts, it still runs exceptionally well for the price. If taken good care of it will last a long time, however for peace of mind, it does come with a 3-year limited warranty.

We love how easy this generator is to startup, starting on the first pull. It has an average run time with around 8 hours at half load. Since it is a budget option, there are a few quality concerns to be expected, but nothing that’s a dealbreaker. For example, the handle to pull it with looks sort of like a cane that has been nailed on as an afterthought.

The DuroStar has 4,000 starting watts and 3,300 rated watts to keep your appliances running. It measures 24 x 17 x 17 inches and weighs 94 pounds. The open frame allows two people to be able to pick it up easily, or you can purchase a separate wheel kit that can attach to the steel frame. Overall, if you want to save money, this is an excellent choice because it’s going to do precisely what you need it to.

Here is another budget option that will give you a little more power than the previous DuroStar model. At 4,400 starting watts and 3,500 rated watts, you’ll easily be able to power up your appliances in your RV. It has two 120-volt standard outlets and one 240-volt twist-lock outlet.

The measurements are 24 x 17 x 17 inches, and it weighs 94 pounds. It’s a beast in size, and although has a reliable power output, also has high noise levels at around 69 dBa. 

What sets the DuroMax XP440E apart from other RV generators is the ability to choose between running it at 120 volts only, or at 120 volts and 240 volts simultaneously. This means that it can be used to power international appliances. However, do keep in mind that running both voltages will reduce the output power of each outlet.

If you like options, then this is a great choice. This Champion model is the top of the line for the Champion generators for RVs on this list. Not only does it offer superior performance, but it is dual fuel powered, meaning you can use gas or propane to run it. Do keep in mind though that using propane instead of gasoline does lower the starting watts from 4,750 to 4,225, and the rated watts from 3,800 to 3,420. Overall however, this probably won’t make too much of a difference.

We do however have a bone to pick with this generator. With this much power, we would like to have seen a few extra outlets, having the same number and type of outlets as previous models. However, we can let this go in lieu of the option to use a recoil-start or the electrical starter.