What is the Best Portable Camping Generator?
4 min read
Are you looking to go camping, but want to keep some comforts of the modern world with you?* A solid 54% of campers don’t receive electrical hook-ups in their campsite. If you are a modern camper, this won’t do. Sure, being one with nature has many perks, but you still need all those creature comforts. This is why you need a camping generator. The question is, which one?
- Yamaha EF2000ISV2
Yamaha generators are among the best generators for RVs, and for good reason. It’s one of the lightest and least noisy options and provides high-level performance.
Yamaha packs revolutionary technology into the EF2000ISV2. It runs with a starting 2000W, and 1600W sustained power. This RV generator, at 44lbs, is among the lightest in its class.
The air-cooled 4-stroke durable engine provides good heat isolation. It can run up to 10.5 hours on a quarter load, using a one-gallon tank with a fuel gauge.
If there are any downsides to the Yamaha EF2000ISV2, it’s the lack of tracking system. It has no LCD panel, so you don’t know any input and output. You can buy one as a separate accessory. If you’re looking for a solid unit which can fit as the best generator for a travel trailer, the Yamaha EF2000ISV2 is the right one.
- WEN 56200i
The WEN brand are making a big splash with its low-cost, high-efficiency portable generators. Going neck and neck with RV generator giants Yamaha and Honda, the WEN 56200i is one of the top choices out there. Weighing in at 48 lbs, the 56200i runs at 1600 watts and surges at 2000W, it’s quiet and lightweight. It’s as good as the EF2000ISV2 in performance at less than half the price.
The WEN 56200i has the hallmarks of a solid portable unit, with only a few small downsides. For one, it doesn’t have the same stellar performance history as either Yamaha or Honda. Internal parts are not top quality, so you’re sacrificing longevity for the price. It also only has 6 hours on 50% load time.
If you’re on a budget and looking for the best RV generator for your price range, the WEN 56200i is the right one for you. You can even go to Able Sales if you’re in Australia.
- Honda EU3000iS
The Honda name speaks for itself when it comes to quality and reliability. The EU3000iS is impressive for the 3000-watt range. The Honda EU3000iS is the quietest at between 49 dB to 58 dB. It can run a full 20 hours at quarter load, with an optional wheel kit for extra mobility.
A common problem with this model, however, is its weight and price. At 144 lbs, it’s a massive genny with a 3000-watt surge and 2800-watt rated energy. The EU3000iS is among the more expensive RV generators out there for its range. If you’re buying a Honda, you’re paying for reliability and long-term quality.
- Champion RV Ready 100263
The Champion RV Ready 100263 is a great dual fuel portable generator and it’s convenient in more ways than one. For starters, it has a 3400-watt surge with a 3100-watt running power, which is more than most brands out there.
The energy the RV Ready generates is clean, making it safe for gadgets and smartphones. It can run over 7 hours at 59 dB. The reason it’s one of the best generators for camping is its easy access economy mode. It also has a control panel allowing you to control everything that’s happening in your portable generator.
The issue with the Champion RV Ready is the brand. Champion is not a household name. It is on the lighter side of 3000-watt units, running at 97 lbs. This is still heavy for portable generators, and it doesn’t help that the handle is on the flimsy side.
- Briggs & Stratton 30651 P2200 PowerSmart
The Briggs & Stratton PowerSmart is among the more powerful and versatile options on this list. It’s light enough for easy transport and operates long-enough for it to be useful.
The PowerSmart weighs 55lb and has a carry handle. At 25% load, it’s good for up to 8 hrs of operation on a single gallon. Its power is also clean, which makes it perfect for small gadgets and portable electronics.
The problem for the P2200 PowerSmart, however, is the noise. It goes at 59 dB and can be noisier according to some reviews. It’s also unreliable, with reports of failure on the first few months of use for some buyers.
If space is a premium in your new motorhome and you need the best RV generator for its size range, the Briggs & Stratton 30651 P2200 PowerSmart is the choice for you.
*This is a sponsored post
