Ahhhh! There’s nothing like being able to rest in a serene, relaxing environment.
Yes, we’re talking about camping, and that’s not all! People also prefer camping to ‘get off the grid’ or even to discover new and exciting places. Whether they’re in a car or an RV – a tent or a camper – campers love to immerse themselves in nature. Some even say that it replenishes their soul!
Even though this is the case, we hesitate to leave the comforts of modern society behind COMPLETELY. Don’t know what we’re going on about? We’re talking about POWER!
That said, the best generator for 30 Amp RVs can really come in handy, wouldn’t you say?
There’s a lot to know before one can make an educated decision when picking the best generator for 30 Amp RVs. How much are they going to cost? Can’t we just use a construction generator instead? Which decibel level is going to work best? Will I need an adapter? How will I plug my new generator to my RV? How do you use a generator???
Those are a lot of questions! And before we can answer all of your questions, let’s first introduce you to our best generator for 30 Amp RVs and brief reviews of our four runner-ups. If you don’t really understand how to compare these products, then you can scroll on further to our Best generator for 30 Amp RV: Buyer’s Guide.
If you know all of the important features to look out for, then you should get straight to shopping! Check out our picks below:
Products Reviewed in This Article
Last update on 2023-03-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Our Top 3 Best Generator for 30 Amp RV Compared
Last update on 2023-03-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Generator for 30 Amp RV Reviews
Our Top Pick Champion 3,400 Watt Dual Fuel Inverter Generator
Now we’re going to dive a little deeper into our best generator for 30 Amp RVs. Right off the bat, our ‘Champion’ offers you similar features as some of the most expensive products in the market but for roughly half the price!
The biggest difference between this product and a generator made by a name brand like Honda is that this brand is still young and has been around since 2003. Even though this is the case, you’re going to come across a lot of knowledgeable consumers who prefer Champion over any Honda generator. This is because of the company’s solid reputation for dependability and quality.
This particular generator comes with an automatic electric start, and you will have the option to choose between a propane or gas running. Depending on the load, a full tank of gas will be able to deliver a minimum of 8 hours of power! Also, the ‘Dual Fuel’ option is quite rare in such products.
This inverter generator comes packed with a starting power of 3400 watts, and the running power stands at a whopping 3100 watts! If you didn’t already know, this is enough to run most kinds of 13,500 BTU AC units. Lastly, the Smart Economy Mode feature has the ability to regulate your supply of power, which allows you to use your energy more efficiently.
Your generator will be able to run for a long time while saving fuel automatically, and it also extends the useful life of your new generator! Also, you should know that Champion is already capable of producing clean power – something Honda has been working on for quite some time now!
PROS
- A clean source of power for all sensitive electronics
- Operates at 59 dBA making it perfect for tailgating
- The electric start feature is ultra-convenient
- Also features a 3-position ignition switch
- Dual Fuel is super rare
CONS
- The generator may weigh a little more than advertised
Honda Handi EU 3,000 Watt Inverter Generator
See why we brought up Honda in our comparison? Even though Champion is our best generator for 30 Amp RVs, this might be a great option if the former is out of your budget. We’ve already mentioned that Honda has more experience than our top pick’s brand. This is why you’ll be picking a longer efficiency track record with this product.
The Honda Handi Inverter Generator has a running power of 2800 watts and a starting power of 3000 watts. Also, this thing is made up of enough power to run about 99.9% of all trailers and RV campers, which include their AC units as well!
This product stands a little on the heavier class of generators (at 80 lbs), but you will find that it is the lightest in the 3,000-watt category. To solve your problem, Honda added the super convenient two wheels and folding handle. As a result, moving this bad boy around is a walk in the park.
Honda also tried to catch up with their competition by adding a feature that isn’t really a necessity but makes life so much easier. We’re talking about its electric start option. Even though this should be enough, you will also have the option to purchase its aftermarket kit, which can turn your generator into a completely wireless generator!
Since we give importance to generators with quiet operation, you should know that this product is also ultra-quiet. This product operates at a steady 57-65 decibels and wouldn’t give you a headache in the midst of your epic RV adventure.
PROS
- The product packs enough power to light up any recreational vehicle
- It is the most compact and lightest 3,000-watt product in the market
- The foldable handle and two wheels make it exceptionally portable
- Your neighbors will actually thank you for using it at home as its operation is ultra-quiet
- Right-out-of-the-box operation
CONS
- Honda disconnects this product’s electric start wire for safety during shipping
Yamaha EF3000iSEB 3500 Watt Portable Generator
Just like Honda, this is another name that has had consumers stick around for quite some time. Yamaha has quite an outstanding reputation for dependability and quality, especially in the case of generators with small engines.
Yamaha’s 3500-watt portable generator is no exception! For one, this generator has been built with a material that actually reduces sound. They’ve added this material in all the key places, which is why this generator is among the quietest in the market, working anywhere around 52 and 60 decibels. In simple terms, you aren’t going to be scaring off wildlife, let alone annoying your neighbors.
The 3rd best generator for 30 Amp RVs on our list comes with both a pull and an electric start. With a full tank of gas, it can operate up to an astonishing 9 hours. Now, this may seem like a marketing stunt, but there are actual Amazon reviews where this statement has been backed up by satisfied consumers!
The next crucial feature we were impressed by was its energy boost. The ‘EB’ at the end of its manufacturer numbers suggests that your 13,500 BTU AC unit can work without interruption with this generator’s little extra kick. The extra boost only lasts for about 10 seconds but is always enough to add on an extra 500 watts for a smooth operation.
PROS
- Feature a Boost Control Unit (BCU) for extra power whenever the need arises
- The material used in its construction absorbs any trace of sound
- Greater noise reduction with great fuel efficiency
- Can operate continuously for about 19 hours
- Features both pull and electric start
CONS
- This generator weighs 150 pounds and doesn’t feature any handles for portability
Champion 2000 Watt Stackable Portable Inverter Generator
Since most products on our list of the best generator for 30 Amp RVs are better than their league of competitor products, this is yet another smaller watt generator that is unrivaled. Well, there’s no doubt about this fact because its manufacturer is none other than the ‘Champion’ underdog.
This particular product made it to our list primarily because of its stackable capabilities along with its quality deliverability in exchange for its price. This product has been rated at 2,000 starting watts and 1,700 running watts. When it is run parallel with another unit, however, all of this is doubled with the running watts standing at 3,400 and starting watts standing at 4,000!
For roughly the same price, you could have more wattage than any other product on our list! This Champion product is also super quiet as it works at only 53 decibels, which makes it a beautiful option for boondockers looking for some peace and quiet.
You’ll practically find every feature a larger generator has in this unit. We’re talking about it being a clean source of power for your electronics, a mode for economy operation that reduces the electric load. It even gives you a very long running time on a full tank of gas. For the most part, you should expect an average of 9.5 hours of operation on a single tank.
The cherry on top is that this product from Champion weighs a minuscule 48 pounds. This makes the portable inverter generator a cinch to carry, and it even conveniently stacks up with Champion’s stackable generators. This also makes it a great space saver in your RV!
PROS
- Features a patented stackable and space-saving design
- Delivers a 53 dBA Ultra-Quiet Operation
- Provides clean power for all your sensitive electronics
- Smart Economy Mode reduces your overall electric load
- Includes a 3-year limited warranty
CONS
- The only thing this generator lacks is any kind of power boost technology
WEN 3100 Watt RV-Ready Portable Inverter Generator
Even though this product is at last place, there is no reason why it can’t be your pick from this list of the best generator for 30 Amp RVs. Even the price of this product should make it live up to your high expectations. Some users even reviewed this product by saying that it is a true clone of all Yamaha products – which is definitely a good thing!
This model from WEN comes ready with a starting power of 3,100 watts and a running power of 2,800 watts. As is the case with most inverter generators out there, this product is also a safe source of power for your phone charger, TV, laptop, etc.
The WEN 3100 Watt Portable Inverter Generator also comes ready with an added 30 amp socket that will help you run your standard 13,500 BTU AC units. While doing so, this product will be operating at just 57 decibels (at a quarter load), which is super quiet. When you switch to its Eco-Mode feature, you will be able to experience super fuel efficiency.
With a full tank of gas, you should expect anywhere up to 7.5 hours of running at a half-load capacity. Lastly, this generator may not be the lightest product in its category; standing at 81 lbs, it is definitely also not the heaviest. To make up for its weight, though, WEN has added the highly convenient wheels and a folding handle that only some of the best manufacturers provide.
Since we found this to be an important feature, we’d also like to add that this portable generator is also ‘parallel capable.’ The only let down, according to both consumers and experts, is that it missed out on energy boost capabilities and an electric start. It does, however, have over 500 reviews on Amazon, so we know that many consumers are interested and satisfied.
PROS
- An extremely quiet operation at 57 decibels (quarter load)
- Produce clean power for your most sensitive electronics, like smartphones
- Features 2 three-pronged receptacles – 1 RV plug and one DC receptacle.
- The OHV engine has been rated at 212 cc
- This engine is also rated at 2,800 watts but can produce as much as 3,100 surge watts
CONS
- No energy boost capabilities or electric start options
Best Generator for 30 Amp RV Buyers Guide
If you plan on full-time RVing or are going to be on a campground for a significant period of time, a truck or camper isn’t the only thing you need. Now there are other sources of power on campgrounds too, but since batteries and solar panels aren’t always available, you need the best generator for 30 Amp RVs.
Important Considerations Before Making this Investment?
Boost Power
If possible, try to get yourself a generator that has this feature. Boost power, as mentioned before, signifies the ‘extra push’ your generator provides to start power tools, AC units, and the likes. With the help of this feature, you will have put very little stress on your generator’s motors, which, in turn, also increases its overall life expectancy.
Economy Mode
The best generator for 30 Amp RVs should have this feature because it could mean the difference between a machine that runs efficiently and one that wastes energy. This feature works in a manner that it first determines how much power you require at any given point of time and varies the engine’s performance accordingly.
Due to this feature, the total load of electricity is reduced, and the engine automatically allows for a quieter operation as well as a high fuel economy.
Fuel Economy
Almost all portable generators have this feature. Fuel economy simply means how much gas your machine saves, and a great way of determining this is by comparing the running times of machines. The last thing you would want in your camping adventure is to step out in freezing temperatures at 4 a.m., only to refill your tank.
Generator Cover
Sadly, this is an underrated feature that consumers generally look-over. A cover, however, is highly recommended by most experts because most people prefer to keep their generators in the open. If you do decide to buy a cover, just do yourself a favor and don’t go for those brand name products. You don’t want to learn the hard way that these brand name covers are just going to attract thieves who want to make a quick buck.
RV Outlet Plug
If you want to save yourself from wasting money and frustration, you should buy only those generators that are already equipped with a 30 Amp RV outlet (possibly a travel-ready one). If this is not the case with your choice of the best generator for 30 Amp RVs, then you will have to waste some more money on an adapter.
Parallel Capability
Let’s suppose that you already have a parallel-ready 2,000-watt generator but need an extra 1000-watts for the AC in your new trailer. There will be no need to spend so much when you could just buy another 2,000-watt generator at about half the price. Now, you have 4,000 watts of power at a great price, and all that’s left to do is get yourself a parallel kit for your inverter generator.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Why Should You Always Choose Inverter Generators?
We’re going to try and not get too technical to keep things simple for you. According to experts, the biggest reason to opt for inverter generators is because of the fact that they are super quiet as opposed to standard generators. You may have noticed that all the products on our list are inverter generators, which is also why you need to steer clear of those conventional generators.
The reduced silence of these products is because of the fact they combine inverters with an engine of a single-unit generator. These inverters also allow for alternators to maintain their output voltages, and it wouldn’t matter what load they are operating at. In simple terms, with an inverter generator, you will not only get a product that is super quiet but also very fuel-efficient!
Furthermore, these types of generators also have the capability to produce clean energy. We’re talking about energy that is clean enough to power all modern devices such as video game consoles, TVs, computers, and expensive smartphones.
Lastly, inverter generators almost always have the ability to provide both Direct Current (DC) and Alternating Current (AC) power. Considering all of the above, your choice of the best generator for 30 Amp RVs should definitely be an inverter generator.
What’s the Right Size of Generator?
Now that we’ve figured out what kind of generator you need, the next question remains, “what size of generator will be able to run a 30 amp RV effectively?”
Now, it is a fact that most 30 amp RVs out there have a 13,500 AC unit. If you ask any expert, they will advise you to use a 3,000-watt generator for these AC units, and you aren’t going to be able to power anything more. With these products, you could probably take it one step further and power a microwave oven and maybe even a portable television.
Why can’t you just get a generator with larger watts? If you do, you will have traded off the portability factor offered by inverter generators. What if you purchase two small generators? This could definitely work with a parallel cable, but why would you buy two when just one could do the job?
Think of it this way, if you pair a 3,000-watt generator (such as the one from Champion) with a 2,000-watt unit that weighs about 48.5 lbs, you have quite a lot of weight on your hands. With one of these products, you will have a cumulative 50 lbs (average) generator, which is much easier to move around as opposed to something that is twice as heavy!
Another example can be if you are planning on camping in a tent and leaving your RV at home. Think about it – would one 2,000 watt unit cut it, or will a large generator be more manageable? The former option is obviously a smarter choice.
The only viable reason to go for a dual generator combo would be when their price per watts is justifiable. For approximately the same price as the best generator for 30 Amp RVs, you can get two smaller generators that deliver a little more power than just one 3000 watt generator.
Will These Generators Run Smoothly At High Altitudes?
If you plan to do most of your camping in the Sunshine State, then you’ll find that this question is quite applicable.
Well, the simple answer is – yes, they will.
The bad news, however, is that you will have to take your generator to a technician or a service shop to have an expert adjust the product’s fuel to oxygen ratio. Why? Well, you probably already know that there is less oxygen at higher altitudes? Since the air is less dense, this will result in less fuel being burnt in the generator’s compression cycle. When the carburetor is adjusted, the generator will run lean, which is a necessity for those high elevations.
If, however, you plan on staying lower than about 4,000 ft above sea level, then you have absolutely nothing to worry about. If you plan on going any higher than 4,000 ft, then you should really think about making these adjustments.
Conclusion
We’re sure that we’ve forgotten to add a ton of stuff, but the information provided here should be enough for a really educated purchase decision. The rest will come to you naturally with experience, and maybe, your next purchase will be a much easier decision. For now, however, it’s time for you to get back to the list of the best generator for 30 Amp RVs, so you better put your reading glasses back on.
Don’t worry, though. You can’t go wrong with any of the above-mentioned products. The only question you need to ask yourself now is, “which generator is perfect for your particular needs?”
Here’s a reminder of our top pick which is the Champion 3,400 Watt Dual Fuel Inverter Generator. More POWER to you!
- Dual Fuel – Operate your 3400-watt portable generator right out of the box on either gasoline or propane, plus the unit holds 0.6-quarts of oil (recommended 10W-30) and has a low oil shut-off sensor
- Convenient Electric Start with 3-Position Ignition Switch – Battery included, plus Quick Touch Panel allows you to access all your controls in one spot.Noise Level :59 dBA at 23 feet. Frequency 60 Hz
- Ultra-Quiet Operation – 59 dBA is perfect for RVs, tailgating, your next project or backup power for your home, featuring 3400 starting watts and 3100 running watts with up to 7.5 hours run time on gasoline
- Clean Power for Sensitive Electronics – RV Ready with a 120V 30A RV, plus two 120V 20A household outlets with clean electricity (less than 3% THD) and 12V DC outlet with dual USB adapter
- Champion Support – Includes 3-year limited warranty with FREE lifetime technical support from dedicated experts
Last update on 2023-03-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
