If you’re looking for a propane RV generator, look no further. We have compiled a list of the five best propane generators for RVs on the market today so that you can find one that fits your needs and budget.
Propane generators are perfect for RV owners who want to power their appliances without relying on an external source of electricity. They also come in handy during emergencies when there is no power or someone wants to go camping with their RV but doesn’t want to run out of gas while they sleep at night.
We have included some great options below, whether you need them for emergencies or just because you like being prepared! You will be able to find something within your budget and requirements, so don’t wait any longer – read our review now!
The Importance of a Propane Generator for RVs
The importance of a propane generator for RVs is simple, especially for recreational vehicles that are not power homes. While many people use generators to provide electricity, they lose during a disaster or weather event. It is also helpful to do the other bare necessities, like pumping water to your tanks and cleaning the RV.
Provide Electricity When Needed
One of the most important reasons to have a propane generator for RVs is the ability to provide electricity when you need it. While many recreational vehicles come with their system, they might not always work after a storm or other disaster has taken place. It might be as simple as a downed power line that makes your available resources go offline.
The great thing about propane generators is that they are pretty versatile. Not only can you use them to power up the necessary appliances, but you can also use them to keep your freezer and refrigerator running to prevent any food from spoiling.
It is even possible for some people to hook their generator up to their RVs water system, so they have clean water from the faucet.
Cleaning Your RV
Before RVs became a mainstay for camping and traveling, people had to worry about many challenging things. With a propane generator for RVs, it is possible to keep your home clean without the need for an electrical outlet. You can run your vacuum cleaner, washing machine, and other common appliances necessary for keeping your RV clean.
Hauling Water with Your Generator
While most people already have water in their RVs, it is possible to use your generator with the garden hose or internal system when needed. You can attach a longer hose so you can reach more areas without the need to worry about finding an electrical outlet.
Some people hook up a water-filling station to have clean water on demand, but having a longer hose is also helpful if you will be away from your RV for a long time.
Propane generators are the best option since they require no engine oil or gasoline. The only thing you need to worry about is getting your propane tank filled up. You can use a 20-pound (9.07-kilogram) tank for around 12 hours or a 100-pound (45.36-kilogram) tank if you plan on keeping your generator going all day long.
Propane vs. Diesel Generator – The Difference
If you have never owned a recreational vehicle before, it is easy to confuse the propane generator with the diesel generator. These are vastly different and do not provide the same features or uses.
The most significant difference most people find between a propane generator for RVs versus a diesel one is the noise level. Most diesel generator models are quiet, but propane generators for RVs can be pretty loud. It is possible to purchase a noise-canceling model so you do not disturb your neighbors while camping in an RV park or public campgrounds.
However, the most critical difference between the two is starting each one up. A propane generator for RVs will start up almost immediately, but you have to wait around five minutes for a diesel generator to warm up. This means if the power is out for only a few seconds, there is no reason to use diesel or propane.
If your camping trip runs into the dark hours of the night, then you must have a propane generator for RVs. Unless you plan to sleep through the night, there is no reason to use a diesel generator. The propane one can be used as long as you have fresh propane bottles available to refill it during nighttime.
Your RV Propane Generator Shopping Guide
The whole point of having an RV is that you can take it out on the road and set up camp wherever you like. Our RV propane generator shopping guide will help you find the perfect product for your needs. Below are factors to consider before buying a propane generator:
Cost
This is the first thing you need to decide on. How much do you want to spend? Do you have a maximum price in mind? Decide this before you read further, and it will make your buying process go much smoother.
You can buy propane generator RVs for an affordable or higher price because their costs vary. If you don’t have enough money to buy a suitable generator, wait until you do. However, remember that this is not something worth going into debt over.
Power Requirements
What do you need the generator to power? How much electricity does everything combined use? How long will the propane last if you have a refrigerator, TV, AC, and microwave all running simultaneously? You might want to get a bigger propane tank.
You can get one that’s up to 100 pounds (45.34 kilograms) tanks. But be careful; the bigger the propane tank, the heavier it gets!
Portability
Do you need to transport the RV generator to your campsite? If so, how are you going to be transporting it? How big is the generator, and how much does it weigh? Is it worth hauling, or should you look into a smaller model?
It might be worth investing in a wheel kit if it doesn’t come with one. And if you’re going to put a new propane generator in an RV’s underside compartment, you shouldn’t worry too much about mobility.
There’s no need to fret: If you have a generator with the appropriate size compartment, all you have to do is verify that it fits in there. But, of course, you’ll also want to make sure the container can handle the generator’s weight.
Fuel and Emissions
Does the generator have a small carbon footprint? Is it environmentally friendly? This is important if you want to take care of the land you camp on. Also, what kind of fuel does the generator run on?
Some generators run on white gas (camping stove), propane cylinders (smaller ones that can be refilled and larger ones with a hose to a propane tank), gasoline, kerosene, and diesel.
Noise Factor
Some generators are very noisy and may interfere with your camping experience. So, you should look for a generator that runs quietly.
Wattage Ratings
How much electricity will your RV require to maintain its essential systems? The first step in choosing the correct generator is to figure out how much power you’ll need. Next, how much power does the generator put out? This is measured in watts. The more watts it has, the more things you can run with it at once.
Consider the equipment and devices you’ll need to run if you only have access to a generator. Refrigerator, water pump, central heating system, water heater, air conditioning unit, fans, and anything else you consider necessary in your RV are all examples of equipment.
The wattage ratings for all of your RV’s appliances should be listed in the handbook/manual. Look more closely at the highest starting or peak wattages of the devices that consume the most electricity after you’ve discovered these ratings.
You can calculate the wattage requirements of your two or three most significant appliances by adding up their starting wattages. Remember that even if you get a generator capable of operating all of your devices simultaneously, you should probably not do so.
Versatility
When it comes to generators, you should always inquire about the different uses they may be utilized for. Features like dual-fuel capability, mobility, and the ability to provide many diverse power connections are essential considerations.
Some generators come with a 3- amp and a 50-amp power connection. This may be beneficial if you have a 30-amp RV but wish to upgrade to a larger RV with a 50-amp connection in the future.
A smaller propane RV generator may be more flexible for anyone planning to downsize their RV in the future since you’ll be able to use it for a broader range of functions beyond just powering your RV.
You could utilize it for tailgating, hunting, or providing extra power to your backyard party. Make sure the generator you choose is versatile enough to meet all of your requirements before you make a decision.
You know better than anybody else what those essential requirements are (and they’re likely to change!), yet it’s still worth considering how your generator will and may adapt to your needs.
Maintenance
Another thing to consider before buying a generator is how easy it is to maintain.
How much does it cost to operate? Does it need oil? What type of maintenance is required? Will you be able to do the work yourself, or will you have to take it into a shop for repairs? This also matters if you are away from big cities. You might want to pick something easy to maintain.
While you should take excellent care of your generator to prevent significant repair problems, there will always be regular maintenance that can help extend its life. Portable generators are always the simplest to maintain because they’re the simplest to move, and you’ll have access to all sides. If problems arise, this makes it simple to troubleshoot and fix them.
However, if you put a generator in your RV’s lower compartment, upkeep might be more challenging. That’s why there are special generators built for this sort of installation. These generators are intended to allow you to access all critical areas for maintenance from a single panel.
The Best Propane Generators for RVs at a Glance
- Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment WGen3600DF (Best Overall Propane Generator for RVs).
- Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment iGen4500DF (Best Powerful Propane Generator for RVs).
- DuroMax XP4850EH Generator-4850 (Best Durable Propane Generator for RVs).
- A-iPower SUA2000iD 2000-watt (Best Portable Propane Generator for RVs).
- Durostar DS4850EH Dual Fuel (Best Peak Wattage Propane Generator for RVs).
The Best Propane RV Generators Reviewed
Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment WGen3600DF (Best Overall Propane Generator for RVs)
Key Features
- Brand: Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment
- Weight: 109 pounds (44.44 kilograms)
- Dimensions: 23.3 x 22.8 x 21.3 inches (59.18 x 57.91 x 54.10 centimeters)
- Color: Blue and Black
- Wattage: 3600 watts
- Engine type: OHV 4 stroke
- Voltage: 120 volts
When you need reliable power, the powerful WGen3600DF from Westinghouse is one of the best propane generators for RV that is portable and will deliver it when you need it most, whether at home or on the road. This generator works with either gas or propane (LPG) and produces up to 4 650 peak watts and 3600 running watts when fueled with propane.
A fuel capacity of up to 7.5 gallons (28.39 liters) of gas or a 4.5-gallon (17.03-liters) propane tank makes a long run time a reality with this reliable gas-sound generator attenuated for quieter operation and runs on standard 15-amp outlets and120/240-volt AC power.
Pros
- It powers most RVs and small trailers with ease.
- It runs quietly and has less pollution due to the use of propane over gasoline.
Cons
- Less power with gas.
Why We Like It
This generator puts 4650 watts of power (gasoline) at peak and 3600 running watts for reliable electricity to keep you living the life you love. With a gas or propane option, this powerful portable generator keeps your outdoor fun going, whatever comes its way.
The 7.5-gallon (28.39-liter) gas tank with the powerful 4650 peak watts delivers hours of use even in emergencies.
All Westinghouse Portable Generators are put through a functional test in the factory. This may result in minimum residual oil or fuel odor. The generators are EPA and CARB compliant. They are also backed by a 3-year limited service, labor, and parts warranty, as well as a nationwide customer service network.
Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment iGen4500DF (Best Powerful Propane Generator for RVs)
Key Features
- Brand: Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment
- Weight: 104.7 pounds (47.49 kilograms)
- Color: Blue
- Wattage: 4500 watts
- Dimension: 24.5 x 17.5 x 20 inches (62.10 x 44.45 x 50.8 centimeters)
- Engine type: 4 Stroke
- Voltage: 120 volts
- Fuel type: Gasoline, liquefied petroleum gas
- Amazon choice awards: In Outdoor Generators by Westinghouse Outdoor
The Westinghouse iGen4500DF Dual Fuel propane inverter generator for RV serves as a premium power supply for when you need it on the move. This generator includes two 20-amp household outlets with a built-in USB port and a TT-30R RV Ready Outlet for recreational activities or as an emergency backup source.
It’s designed for maximum fuel efficiency with variable engine speed, which allows it to run for up to 18 hours on a 3.4-gallon (12.87-liter) gas tank while using only the power you need at any moment.
Pros
- Delivers quiet power for RV use.
- Variable engine speed allows you to regulate the amount of power, so it never puts out more than is needed.
Cons
- Pricey.
Why We Like It
RVers need equipment that they can depend on, and we love that this quiet propane generator delivers the power you need when you need it.
The quiet operation of an inverter system is essential for RVers and campers alike to keep the peace in quiet camping areas and homesteads while delivering up to 3600 watts of quiet power for whole-house use.
All Westinghouse Portable Generators are put through a functional test in the factory. This may result in minimum residual oil or fuel odor. The generators are EPA and CARB compliant. They are also backed by a 3-year limited service, labor, and parts warranty and a nationwide customer service network.
DuroMax XP4850EH Generator-4850 (Best Durable Propane Generator for RVs)
Key Features
- Brand: DuroMax
- Weight: 121.7 pounds (55.20 kilograms)
- Dimensions: 24 x 17 x 17 inches (60.96 x 43.18 x 43.18 centimeters)
- Color: Green
- Wattage: 3850 watts
- Engine Type: 4 Stroke
- Voltage: 120 volts
- Fuel type: Dual fuel
The Duro Max XP4850EH is a quiet propane generator that provides power to your RV or camping gear for reliable, quiet, and environmentally friendly power anywhere you decide to go. With 4850 starting watts and 3850 running watts, this quiet generator can easily power your small RV.
This propane generator features a compact and portable design for quiet, convenient portability, while its heavy-duty steel frame construction offers durability and long life.
Pros
- Fuel efficient, quiet propane inverter generator.
- Quiet operation for recreational areas.
- A comfortable handle with a wheel kit makes portability easy.
Cons
- Delicate electronic push-button ignition system.
- Pricey, but worth it for quiet power.
Why We Like It
It comes with a wheel kit to make it easier for you to move it around your RV. It is also compatible with many different outlets, including the L5-30R plug. Since this generator has so many features, it can produce 4,850 starting watts and 3,400 running watts enough for several appliances at once. This unit is quiet, too, which makes it perfect for camping.
A-iPower SUA2000iD 2000 Watt (Best Portable Propane Generator for RVs)
Key Features
- Brand: A-iPower
- Weight: 55 pounds (24.95 kilograms)
- Dimensions: 23.8 x 19.2 x 22 inches (60.45 x 48.77 x 55.88 centimeters)
- Color: Red and black
- Wattage: 2000 watts
- Fuel type: Gasoline, liquefied petroleum gas
The A-iPower SUA2000iD is a portable, quiet generator that runs on propane and offers up to 2000 watts of power for small off-grid applications such as camping.
The A-iPower SUA2000iD Dual Fuel is one of the best propane inverter generators for RV, offering 2000 starting watts and 1600 running watts using gasoline and 1800 starting watts and 1500 operating watts utilizing LPG (propane).
The powerful capabilities of the SUA-iPower inverter allow it to provide safe and clean power for delicate electronics such as phones, TVs, computers, and other equipment. Each SUA2000iD comes with a set of parallel cables that you may use to connect two units for a combined output of 4000 watts.
This lightweight and portable generator weighs 55 pounds (24.95 kilograms). It’s great for camping and tailgating since it’s lightweight and small. In addition, the unit operates quietly at only 52 decibels, allowing you to work without disturbing your buddies or neighbors.
Pros
- Quiet propane generator for recreational use.
- Portable with wheels and a comfortable handle.
Cons
- The fuel gauge does not read accurately when the tank is less than half full.
- Not enough power for larger RVs, but perfect for smaller ones or pop-ups.
Why We Like It
This propane generator offers reliable, off-grid power with quiet performance. It’s great for RVers who want to be able to travel on the open road and not worry about where they’ll be able to plug in.
Durostar DS4850EH Dual Fuel (Best Peak Wattage Propane Generator for RVs)
Key Features
- Brand: DuroStar
- Weight: 122 pounds (55.34 kilograms)
- Dimensions: 24 x 17 x 17 inches (60.96 x 43.18 x 43.18 centimeters)
- Color: Red and black
- Wattage: 4850 watts
- Engine Type: 4 Stroke
- Voltage: 120 volts
This quiet propane generator is a sturdy and robust machine. With a 210cc engine, 4850 starting watts, and 3850 running watts, this workhorse will provide plenty of power whether you’re at home, on an RV journey, or the job site. In addition, the Dual Fuel Technology allows you to utilize either standard gasoline or cleaner-burning propane to power your generator.
Pros
- Quiet propane generator.
- Inverter technology to provide high-quality power from a quiet unit.
Cons
- Expensive, but worth the cost for extra quiet power.
- Heavy, noisy when full-throttle operation.
Why We Like It
The DuroStar DS4850EH Dual Fuel generator’s inverter technology helps it deliver high-quality power while using less fuel than traditional generators. So, you can spend more time outside enjoying your camping trip, tailgating, or working on your RV because you don’t have to refuel constantly.
FAQS on RV Propane Generators
What Size Generator Do I Need for My RV?
The size of the RV you have will determine the size of the generator you need. In other words, a smaller RV such as a pop-up or small trailer will use a smaller generator than an 18-foot (548.64 centimeters) Class C motorhome.
For example, using our Westinghouse iGen5300DFX propane generator review above, this unit can provide up to 6500 watts of power. So, if you have a pop-up with minimal appliances, this would supply the power you need to run a fridge, lights, microwave, and other smaller appliances at once.
A 15000-watt RV generator will be perfect for powering your entire RV when necessary. If you have a larger RV with a range hood, air conditioning unit, and furnace, you will want to look at a larger propane generator to provide the power required.
Propane generators are perfect for RV use because of their environmental friendliness compared to gasoline generators.
Are All RV Generators Noisy?
All generators are somewhat noisy to some degree. This is because, by nature, a generator creates power by producing noise to generate electricity. This is why it’s essential to choose the quietest RV propane generator possible for your needs – because you’ll appreciate not having to yell over the loud noise all day!
The DuroStar DS4850EH Dual Fuel propane generator is one of the quietest generators available today.
How Often Should I Run My RV Generator?
If your RV is plugged into shore power, you don’t need to worry about it! It should run whenever you use anything in your RV that requires energy. If the generator isn’t running, you should be using electricity from shore power or an inverter.
However, if your RV is not hooked up to electric hookups, your generator should run whenever you use appliances, lights, or other electrical devices.
Is It Ok to Run an RV Generator All Night?
No, it is not OK to run your generator all night. Doing so will make the unit less efficient over time because constant running causes heat which can warp engine components or melt or crack engine pistons. Also, you should sound-proof your RV if you are forced to run your generator indoors due to noise issues, but this may be a temporary solution only.
How Long Do Propane Generators for RVs Last?
The lifespan of your propane generator depends on how much you use it. The more hours the unit is running, the shorter its lifespan. But if you are using your RV generator once or twice a week for 1-2 hours each time, then there’s no reason to believe it won’t last for several years without any issues.
What Is a Dual Fuel Generator?
A dual fuel generator uses more than one type of fuel. For example, the Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment can run on propane or gasoline, allowing the owner to choose which fuel is best suited for their situation at any given time.
It’s a great unit because you don’t have to worry about running out of propane or gasoline, thus eliminating the chance of being without power if you run out of one fuel during an emergency.
A Dual Fuel Propane Generator using propane & gasoline has many advantages over traditional generators that only use gasoline:
- First, you can access different fuels depending on where you are.
- Different fuel types have different prices, so you can choose the less expensive one at whatever location you are.
- Third, propane burns cleaner than gasoline.
- Finally, you have a backup fuel source just in case something goes wrong with your main tank of fuel.
- Propane is a better choice for cold environments because it has a higher BTU content per gallon (3.7 liters), it’s less affected by cold weather, and it has a much longer shelf life than gasoline.
- Propane generators are more environmentally friendly because they release fewer harmful fumes into the air.
- You don’t have to worry about fuel additives like you would with gasoline.
- Gasoline is highly flammable, which can be dangerous in many situations. On the other hand, propane is not easily ignited, thus making it a safer choice.
It is up to the end-user to understand that propane and gasoline are flammable in any environment, even with proper safety equipment like fire extinguishers. Therefore, the propane tank should always be appropriately stored in an open, well-ventilated area and never inside a building.
If storing indoors is necessary, the propane tank needs to be monitored daily for any signs of leakage or rusting of the valve or gauge pressure. Finally, never store gasoline near your RV generator (or by the patio, for that matter), as it can easily ignite from sparks from your generator or other sources.
Parting Thoughts
There are several different types of generators on the market, but you don’t have to spend a fortune to get the one that’s best for your needs. For example, the Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment is an ideal generator for RVs because it’s portable, has excellent fuel efficiency, and is relatively quiet.
It has an automatic low-oil shutoff; it runs quietly and can run up to 8 hours on a full gas tank. This generator will keep your appliances running during power outages or camping trips!