Do you know that what is RV generator? What size generator for 50 amp RV is perfect for your house or even your camping place? A recreational vehicle (RV) can bring a lot of comfort to your family during your vacations. But it also requires the right equipment to function at its highest standards.
Depending on the devices that you are planning to use inside your RV, you will need the right generator. Let’s look at some of the most important aspects when you choose what generator you need for your RV!
Exactly What Is RV Generator?
The word “RV” means recreational vehicle. It is mainly used in North America. RV generators are particularly prepared for powering RV accessories and appliances. They are costlier than portable generators.
They are expensive but save your cost most due to their constant power for day and night. Moreover, they are nonexplosive and safe to store.
What Size Generator for 50 Amp RV and How Can We Select?
Before choosing your generator, consider what devices you have in your RV. Some RVs have a television, a fridge, microwave or electric oven, coffee maker, water heater, etc. And these are only a few items, but according to your needs, you can always add more. And when you add more, your generator needs to be ready to manage that kind of power.
So, your generator has to be built to supply you with the amount of power that you need. When it comes to generator sizes, you can pick from a variety of them. The main factors you should consider are portability, wattage, noise, and brand of the generator.
Consider your current needs but also your possible future needs as well. What if you want to add more devices? If you think about all these aspects, you will not have to replace your generator too often.
1. The Portability of Your Generator
When you choose what size generator for your 50 amp RV, consider that big generator are also heavier. A heavy generator will make it hard for you to take in and out your RV. And in time, this could be a bit inconvenient. But even so, if you want a big size, you can get a generator that has a wheel kit. The wheel kit will make it easier for you to move your generator according to your needs.
So, if you consider getting a generator between 3000 W and 6500 W, it will have a wheel. If your needs are a little more flexible, consider getting two smaller generators. For instance, two generators of 2000 W each will give you a lot of flexibility. You can use them both or just use one of them at a time. It is a great way to save power as well instead of wasting it.
2. Get a Generator with Enough Wattage
The wattage is important when you buy a generator because it has to be able to manage all your devices. To make the perfect choice for you, check the start-up wattage for your devices. Adding the values of the start-ups will help you choose the right generator wattage. High power generators will also be bigger, and this is another aspect that you need to consider.
Also, the wattage is the most important aspect that you need to worry about. It doesn’t matter if your generator is small and portable, as long as it doesn’t supply enough power. So, you might put the size on a second place and make sure the wattage is what you need.
3. Consider the Noise Factor
The noise of your generator might not seem like a very important factor to consider, but it is. Imagine if your generator makes a lot of noise how uncomfortable it will be for everyone around. There are different brands on the market, and they all have different characteristics. So, after you made sure to know the right wattage, check the noise factor.
Unfortunately, if you end up with a noisy generator, you will not be able to fix this. And in the long run, it can be a problem for you and your family. Plus, a noisy generator has a strong negative effect on your comfort.
So, this is not a factor that you can neglect. Also, the smaller generators tend to make less noise. Keep this in mind when you choose what size generator for RV you need.
4. Brand of the Generator
A generator is an investment, and you should be able to use for a long time. To do so, the quality of it is quite important. A good research will help you see what the best manufacturers are and which one suits your budget.
Some examples of best generator brands are Honda EU3000IS or Yamaha EF3000ISEB. Of course, there are other brands as well, and some are expensive while others are more budget friendly.
Make sure to check the reviews and history of the manufacturer. It will help you base your decision on reliable experiences that other buyers had. And after you have enough information, get the best generator for your budget. It is not something to save money on if you are looking for a quality product with a long lifespan.
Best Generator For 50 Amp RV
To assist you in arriving at a better decision, we have picked up 4 products that perfectly stand out in their category according to the features listed below.
Of all the 4, our recommended pick is Westinghouse Duel Fuel Generator because of its following characteristics.
1. Editor’s Choice – Westinghouse Portable Generator
About the product
The Westinghouse Due fuel generator is compatible with either gasoline or propane. It comes with an incredible running time of 18 hours on one-fourth load. If we talk of its watt power of gasoline, then it is 4,650 peak watts and 3600 running watts. If we run it with propane then, 4180 peak watts and 3240 running watts are there. You can even start this generator from a distance as it is loaded with ease of remote as well as electric start push button. It may become your best friend for RV as it clearly specifies TT-30R 120V 30 A outlets with no adaptors needed.
Its other receptacles are 120V Duplex and L5-30R. The 212cc engine type with automatic low oil shutoff is great to be noted.
Why buy this product
Though it is a bit expensive it’s worth noting features have made it our best pick.You can run it with either gasoline or propane as you wish and that too while the unit is operating. So, switching from one fuel to another is totally hassle-free. Remote electric start push button makes it easy to operate the generator. At the same time, it is easy to handle with its wheel kit which is one of the points you should consider.
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2. Alternative Pick – Champion Portable Generator 3500-Watt
About the product
You can pick this as an alternative to our recommended pick. It features 196 cc engine and the running time is 12 hours at one-half load. The start system is also manual i.e. recoil start. The noise level is also good at 68db form 23 ft. Unlike Westinghouse, this Champion generator can be run on gas only. Plus, it is RV compatible as its three outlets are 120V 30A RV outlet, 120V 30A locking outlet and 120V 20A household receptacle. It has a powerful wattage of 4000 starting watts and 3500 running watts which can even operate 15000 BTU RV air conditioner.
Why buy this product
Its wattage power makes it a considerable option. At half a price, its manual start with running time of 12 hours at 50% load is not so bad. Also, it runs on gasoline only. Almost, all other features like three outlets including RV, a good noise level (as loud as a vacuum cleaner) an EPA certification is the same as Westinghouse. If you wish to prevent confusion operating on two fuels, then it may prove suitable for your needs. It's built-in Volt Guard will keep your equipment safe from overloads.
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3. Budget Pick – WEN Portable Generator - 3500 Watts
About the product
Wen’s 3500-watt gasoline generator running time is 1 hour less than that of Champion, its wattage power at 3000 rated watts and 3500 surge watts is a good factor. Yes, it also comes with overload protection in a friendly budget fit. And, I must that engine size is 212cc which is a bit better than that of previous at this price. Coming to its good range of outlets, it has two 120V standard household 5-20R outlet, one 12V 100W 8.3A DC car charger connector, one 120/240 V NEMA (L14-30) outlet. It can easily run your TV, refrigerator, sump pump or other necessaries. If you want to use it in a national park or forest, then for that, it has an additional spark arrestor.
Why buy this product
Except for the running time of 11 hours at 50% load, it has almost all features of becoming an alternative pick too along with budgeted option. It has a pull start operation and voltage is good enough to run your essentials and keep power running. Moreover, its additional spark arrester makes it convenient to use even in national parks or forests, which I think is a plus point in this budget-friendly pick. And, regarding its fuel, it runs on gasoline only. The remarkable part is its digital readout that helps manage the oil changes.
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4. Upgrade Pick – DuroStar Portable Generator
About the product
With 3300 running watts and 4000 peak watts, this Durostar RV generator comes with three outlets namely 120V 20A GFCI outlet (2) and 120V 30A twist lock. It produces a noise level up to 69db which is about the volume of a vacuum cleaner. It runs on gasoline and has an engine size of 208cc with 4 stroke. The great wattage power enables you the running time of 12.3 hours at 50% load. This unit can handle heavy loads from lights to the refrigerator to home AC.
Why buy this product
This is an upgraded version with a great wattage power that allows you a run time of 12.3 hours at half a load. It is also a budget-friendly unit with lots of exciting features. Though it runs on gasoline only its 208cc engine with RV compatibility is more than enough at this price. Additionally, they have offered an extended runtime of 8 hours on full tank of gasoline.
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Conclusion
These are the main factors to consider when you choose what size generator for your 50 amp RV is best. But your budget is also something that needs to be calculated before you make your final decision. The size of your generator will be strongly related to the devices that you will use. I recommend Honda EU3000IS 50 amp RV which is really perfect for you.
But if you plan to add more appliances to your RV, getting a stronger generator is important. If you have any more questions, just feel free to ask us. If you are satisfied with this post, please share it with your friends and comment us.