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Keyholder's avatar
Keyholder
Explorer
May 18, 2020

Generator for Rving, any recommendation please?

Hi, I am planning to get a portable generator for camping, but not sure which one to get. I want a quiet one so that I can still enjoy nature whilst keeping our food and drink cold and powering our creature comforts. Yes, it is a bit glamping but that is the way we like it. I read here: Best Quiet Portable Generator for RV, Camping that the WEN 56200i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator is quiet and good, and that the Yamaha EF2000iSv2 is also quiet and good. Anyone here more of a glamper and take a generator with them camping or Rving or something like that and can provide me some first-hand experience of how quiet these generators actually are.
  • jdc1's avatar
    jdc1
    Explorer II
    https://www.amazon.com/Champion-3100-Watt-Portable-Inverter-Generator/dp/B00JZQUSAC/ref=sr_1_6?crid=ANK7T5T29N0Z&dchild=1&keywords=champion+generator&qid=1589818735&sprefix=champion+generator%2Caps%2C240&sr=8-6

    This will cover all your needs.
  • Your propane fridge will keep the food cold just fine for a few days on battery and propane.
    Have you camped off grid for a night or two as is?
  • " I want a quiet one so that I can still enjoy nature whilst keeping our food and drink cold and powering our creature comforts."

    You don't need a generator to keep food and drink cold, and the most quiet "generator" is a solar system (panels, controller and batteries)......with ZERO noise. Like bgum, I'm happy with my Westinghouse but it doesn't get used very much....A/C only. You can buy two good inverters for the price of one Honda. (and avoid any recalls LOL)
  • Honda & Yamaha are high quality but when you hear people talking about 10-15yr old generators, keep in mind, at that point, they were the only game in town for small inverter generators...so it's not really comparable to say the newer brands don't have comparable comments about old generators still kicking around.

    We have a Yamaha 2400. It does run the air/con but it struggles at times. I would want 2800-3000w unit at a minimum if we were buying again.

    You can buy a pair of 2000w units and hook them together to get 4000w. That's easier for moving around but you pay higher overall price for 2 units and more ongoing maintenance.

    While Honda/Yamaha are good, the newer brands are often 30-50% lower price and most have good reviews, so when we replace the Yahama, it will likely be a champion or other 2nd tier brand.
  • I agree to make an good recommendation we need more info on how you intend on using it.

    That being said, I have a Ryobi RYOBI Bluetooth 2,300 Starting Watt Super Quiet Gasoline Powered Digital Inverter Generator for under $600
  • The Honda & Yamaha seem to be the most popular by far. Honda is the most common sight around a CG.

    We do a bit of dry camping & have a Honda which has been flawless for 12 years save for a starter cord replacement.

    The method for us dry camping is to leave the fridge on propane & power the outlets for TVs, chargers etc. on an inverter. The genny gets run twice a day. At breakfast time to recharge from overnight inverter use plus toaster & coffee maker use then in the evening to top up the battery bank for the night.

    By this method a gallon of gas is good for 2-3 days easy.
  • We have two. Honda 3000i and Westinghouse 2000i. Both very dependable thus far. Honda is heavy. Westinghouse is more portable. If buying today. I would get a Westinghouse 2500i. That should start and run a 13500 btu AC and be fuel efficient as well as quite.
  • Many RVers carry generators.
    Honda and Yamaha are generally considered to be the best when it comes to quiet and quality. They're also probably the most expensive.

    Champion Generators have good reviews and a decent support/parts system.

    Depending on your needs, have you considered a larger battery bank and solar system? It doesn't get quieter than solar.

    Before you buy any generator, check for parts availability.
  • It is impossible to recommend a generator with out know what you are going to power with it ! You mention keeping food and drink cold, so that requires refrigeration, but what size ? A/C ? Are you going to want to run an electric heater ? Hair dryer ? Micro wave ? You can probably run any of the above, one at a time, but not any two.

    Honda and Yamaha have been making inverter generators the longest and have both proven to be very durable. After that, Champion and Harbor Freight Predator. Westinghouse iGen is becoming popular.

    Most people would avoid "new" brands (like Wen), until they have a proven track record.