While many RV campers rely on campground sites with power hookups, others may travel to dry camping areas and need an alternate source of power. For those that look to venture well off the beaten path in their RVs, small generators can supply power for RV amenities and even provide a jump-start in case your RV battery dies. It is important to understand what kind of generator you’ll need, for what purposes, and how much power it should provide for your trip. This article will discuss some of the most reputed and commonly popular choices of small generators for RV boondockers.

Normal Small Generators vs. Inverters

When buying a small generator, the first thing you want to know is what type you’ll need. Bigger generators may provide extra power. However, they may not be practical for RVs due to their large size, high running power, and loud operation noise. Large generators can often damage electronic devices due to frequency fluctuations. Inverters solve these problems and let you run personal electronics such as phones, laptops, and Wi-Fi devices. Inverters convert AC to DC and back to a regulated AC current as a pure sine wave. This ensures a consistent electric signal which does not damage your electronics.

Inverters can also operate in economy mode. The generator provides only as much current that is needed to power the device plugged in. So if you just have a laptop or a cell phone plugged in, the generator runs at a lower speed. Economy mode only works well with low loads, however. Even at max speed, inverters don’t make too much noise. One gallon can last more than 6 hours if used efficiently. Because inverters are smaller and more portable, they can only produce so much power. 2000 or even 3000 watts may not be enough start-up power for some appliances. A workaround here is that two of the same generator can be wired together in parallel to provide a higher starting watts rating, useful for powering large items or even jump-starting a vehicle. 

Here are some great small generators for RV campers, including wattage models of different sizes. 

2000-Watt Inverters  

These small generators are great for basic power needs and can run a freezer and electric stove or microwave and a few lights. They can run most electronics and appliances, but maybe not more than two or three at a time, especially if they need higher surge wattage.

Yamaha EF2000iSv2 

This is one of the more popular small generators for use with your RV. One of the smallest and quietest generators available, the Yamaha EF2000iSV2 weighs only 44 pounds, making it a great companion for your off-grid camping trip. It features Smart Throttle technology, which optmizes gas consumption and keeps it running quietly. This generator has a starting wattage of 2000 watts and a running power of 1600 watts. It has an overload breaker so that you don’t damage any electronics or the generator. It has a 12V DC outlet also. Lastly, if you need to run 30A appliances, two of these Yamaha generators can be daisy-chained together to produce double the power.

Honda EU2200i

This is another well reputed generator that has comparable features and delivers a little more wattage. This makes it a good option for those that need the extra start-up wattage for tools or other high-power items. It’s also quite small and pretty light, making it easy to move. It has a surge wattage of 2200 watts and a running power of 1800 watts, about the same as plug at home. It is quite fuel-efficient and can also be connected with another for a max wattage of 4400 watts. These highly-reliable generators are a little more expensive and supported by a 3-year warranty. 

Other 2000-Watt Small Generators

If affordability is what you’re looking for, the Champion Model #73536i offers a more cost-efficient option, but is still high quality. Another good option is the WEN 56200i, as it features the same engine as the Yamaha EF2000is, at a greatly reduced price. This is useful because you can connect an equally rated Yamaha and WEN together.

3000-Watt Inverters  

If you need higher more power, a three-thousand-watt generator might be right for you. They are considerably larger and heavier, and may require an appropriate vehicle to move. However, they provide a lot more power, especially if two are connected together.

Honda EU3000iS

The larger version of the Honda EU2200i, this small generator is a great power source for RVs running AC units, fridges, and a microwave. It has an electric starter and a recoil starter backup. It can be connected to another of its kind for double power. Alternatively, you could jump-start a car using its dedicated 12V 12A DC output. This generator weighs 131 pounds, with 3000 starting watts, and 2800 running watts. It does not come with wheels, but you can add them. Honda also makes the EU3000i Handi, which is a slightly smaller, more portable version with wheels, that puts out a little less power.

Yamaha EF3000iS

Like the 2000-watt model, this Yamaha boasts is extra-low operation noise, due to its patented Noise-Block technology. It weighs 136 pounds. This one does come with wheels for easy movement. This small generator has a surge power of 3000 watts, and a running power of 2800 watts. It connects to another unit for a total of 6000 watts surge and 5600 watts running power. This model uses a recoil start, unlike others with an electric ignition. 

Other 3000-Watt Small Generators

If you are looking for convenience rather than just power, the Briggs & Stratton 30545 P3000 PowerSmart Series is lighter small generator. It weighs just 85 pounds and features a USB port for personal electronics. However, it puts out a little less power, producing 3000 surge watts and 2600 running watts. For a great small generator with a little extra power, try the Firman W03081. It weighs 97 pounds, has wheels for easy transport, and delivers 3300 surge watts and 3000 running watts. 

Final Thoughts on Small Generators

If you’re going to go off the grid in your RV or renting one, having good small generators make all the difference. Some RV owners may have their own needs for power, but an inverter-style generator is usually preferable, as The steady power source won’t damage your electronics. When thinking about your generator size, consider all the electronics and appliances you need to power, how many at the same time, and the start-up power needs for your biggest appliances. Consider how much weight or space will be an issue to carry and transport. Lastly, it might be beneficial to pick one with parallel capabilities, so you can always double your power if you need to. When in need, those extra watts can really come in handy!