Top 5 Generators for RV and Camper [2024 Guide]

RV living in a campground or a remote location is undoubtedly an exciting experience until the direct sun's rays start heating up the space, and you start wondering how to charge the RV AC to keep the interior cool. Generators for RVs and campers are ideal for those planning to camp in the wilderness without any electrical hookups. They come in different sizes and are powered by gas, wind, or solar energy.

If you're looking for the best solar generators for RVs to keep essentials charged, you may consider the Jackery Solar Generators. They are powerful enough to keep multiple RV appliances running but portable enough to pack — and, if necessary, move in and out of the RV door. This ultimate guide will help you determine the size of generator required for an RV or camper and provide some of the best options available.

Understanding Your Power Needs

30 amps and 50 amps are two common electrical service capacities used in RVs. Typically, a 50-amp service can handle more electric power than a 30-amp service because the former can handle a higher volume of electrons. The size of the RV generator will depend on the exact power requirements of the appliances being used in the RV and for how long.

So, what size generator is needed for a 30-amp RV? Well, an RV with a 30-amp shore power connection operating at 120V can safely handle a maximum of 3600W. A camping generator anywhere between 3000W and 3500W would work great to charge most appliances in a 30-amp RV. A 2500-2800W is a good minimum threshold for a 30-amp RV with ACs.

Now, let's calculate what size generator is required for a 50-amp RV with 2 ACs. A 50-amp RV shore power connection has two separate 50-amp feeds. It can handle 12,000 watts of electric power, so a generator of around 12,000 - 12,500 watts could be a top-end choice. Here's a table that reveals the generators required for different sizes of RVs with AC units:

Types of Generators for RV

Many campgrounds are equipped with on-site power sources, but if you are planning to travel to remote locations or get closer to nature, you would need an RV generator to power the appliances. However, RV generators are categorized based on the concept of their fuel. Let's check out the different types of generators for RV and campers depending on the fuel type:

Solar Generator for RV

Solar generators are considered to be one of the best choices for RV trips and camping. They do not emit toxic fumes or gases, making them ideal for indoor use. You can move the generator in and out of the RV door to charge most appliances required during the camping trip. They use pollution-free solar energy to produce electricity and charge RV appliances.

Propane Generator for RV

Propane generators for RVs are quieter and more eco-friendly charging solutions than gasoline and diesel generators. They are easy to store and run well in cold weather, so they can start up and provide power anywhere. However, they have low efficiency and a short life cycle, which makes them a rare choice in RVs.

Inverter Generator for RV

Inverter generators for RVs create clean energy, which eventually creates a more stable output than other standard generators. They are quieter, more fuel-efficient, and safer for powering sensitive electronics like phones or laptops. They are available in a variety of sizes and can power an entire home.

Diesel Generator for RV

Many RV generators run on diesel or gasoline, which is readily available at gas stations. Diesel generators typically last longer than gasoline generators but might be more difficult to start in cold weather. You can choose the fuel type depending on the RV.

Wind Generator for RV

Wind turbine generators can be mounted on top of an RV. The fan blades rotate with the help of wind and start generating electricity, which is stored in the RV battery. Wind generators for RVs are used in conjunction with inverters and typically power 12-volt systems. However, they are a popular choice for many because of the complex installation process.

Best 5 Generators for RVs

RV generators are available in different shapes and sizes, and the choice will vary depending on the wattage requirements of the appliances used. Jackery is a well-known manufacturer of solar generators, portable power stations, and camping solar panels built with high-quality materials that can last long. We have picked the top 5 best generators for RVs and campers designed to meet the power needs of the vehicles.

Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro

The rock-solid Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro is a large-capacity RV generator designed to charge up to 99% of RV appliances for hours, including air conditioners. It's surprisingly quiet and operates by emitting 30dB of noise, about the same volume as a refrigerator's hum. It also has built-in double wheels and a pull rod, which makes the RV generator portable despite its large capacity. The generator's compact size ensures it can be packed easily in small sizes and charge appliances whenever needed.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is another option for RV owners that offers a lot of capacity without completely sacrificing mobility. The integrated double wheels and retractable handle make it easy to move around. There's even a Jackery smart app that lets you monitor the power levels and output using your smartphone. It's expandable by nature, which lets you expand the battery capacity from 2kWh to 24kWh with additional battery packs if you need more power.