Best 30A RV Generator – Top 5 How to Choose? Ultimate Helpful Guide

I went on a mission to choose the best 30A RV Generator.

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I tested five of the best 30A RV generators and compared them in different categories. I found the Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel Inverter generator to be the best overall.

Having electricity is not a luxury anymore. It has become vital to living a normal and productive life. Even when camping, technology is integral to our daily existence. So inverter generators, though optional, are that crucial RV add-on you can’t do without. And it makes the difference between a good and excellent outdoor experience.

Yet it is easier said than done. Choosing the ideal 30A generator for your RV can be daunting. I will aid you in that process. I have looked at all the critical factors when deciding on your best five options. I looked at weight, voltage, number of ports, and noise, amongst others.

It was an energy-consuming fight to the death. Still, my choice for the best overall is the Champion 3400-Watt. But, of course, only some competitors will tick all the boxes or be top-notch in all categories.

By looking at averages, usefulness, and versatility, we could judge the overall winner. But remember, your personal requirements may make one of the outliers best for you. And we need to consider RV compatibility as well.

I also looked for the best generator for sensitive equipment like cell phones or TV monitors. And only some people need a vast power source. So I looked at the quietest, most lightweight, and best-budget backup categories.

Whether you are an RVing newbie or an off-grid veteran, you need to know about size, noise, and output. Besides, this will help you make up your mind if you already have your eye on one of our top five.

Our Best 30A RV Generators

• Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel Generator (Overall Best 30A RV Generator)
• WEN 56380i 3800-Watt Generator (Best for Sensitive Electronics)
• Westinghouse iGen4500 4500-Watt Generator (Best Noise to Power Ratio)
• Honda EU3000IS1AN 3000W Generator (Fuel Efficient Generator)
• Craftsman 3000i Inverter 50 St/CSA Generator (Best Budget Backup Generator)

5 Best 30A RV Generators Reviewed

Let’s dive in and take a look at the best RV generators on the market!

1. Champion 3400 Watt Dual Fuel Generator With Electric Start – Best Overall

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Champion
• Engine: 4-stroke 192cc OHV
• Starting Watts: 3400 Watts
• Running Watts: 3100 Watts
• Fuel Type: Dual fuel – Gas or Propane
• Warranty: 3 year
• Starter Method: Electric
• Run Time: 7 hrs gas and 14 hrs propane
• Weight: 95.7 pounds
• Tank Capacity: 1.6 Gallons
• Frequency: 60Hz
• Noise: 59 dB
• Ports: 1 x 120V 30A RV, 2 x 120V 20A household outlets, 1 x 12V DC outlet w/ dual USB adapter

The Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel inverter generator is our top choice. It is the most versatile, easiest to operate, and performs the best in comparative tests.

Its electric start and dual fuel option were the two features that caught our eye. Depending on which fuel you use, this inverter generator will supply you with power for 7 or 14 hours.

At 3400 watts, its powerful engine pumps out significant power. For most users, this level of power will run all their RV camping-based appliances. In the unlikely event that it doesn’t meet your needs, you can buy the Parallel Kit. It has a 50-amp RV Ready outlet. No need to replace or have two generator options. So, versatility is the name of the game with this option.

Convenience and safety are excellent. It has a 3-position e-start switch (battery included). Its low oil shutoff sensor is a great feature. It helps you avoid damage to your engine parts if it runs low and you forget to top up.

It is ready to plug into your RV. It has a 120V 30A RV outlet, two 120V 20A household outlets. And the 12V DC outlet has a dual USB adapter. So you don’t need to worry about getting caught short by a flat cell phone.

Champion products have a 3-year limited warranty. This means that you have extended peace of mind. If any problems or manufacturing defects emerge, they have you covered.

Included in Box

• Propane (LPG) Hose
• USB Adapter
• Battery
• Oil Funnel

2. WEN 56380i Super Quiet 3800W Generator – Best For Sensitive Electronics

Specifications

• Manufacturer: WEN
• Engine: 212cc 4-stroke OHVV
• Starting Watts: 3800 Watts
• Running Watts: 3400 Watts
• Fuel Type: Gasoline
• Warranty: 2 year
• Starter Method: Electric
• Run Time: 8.5 hours
• Weight: 99.2 pounds
• Tank Capacity: 1.6 Gallons
• Frequency: 50Hz
• Noise: 57 dB
• Ports: 2 x 3-prong 120V receptacles, 1 x AC 120V NEMA TT-30R RV receptacle, 1 x 12V DC receptacle,, 1 x 5V USB port

So, if your laptops, cell phones, or monitors dominate your RV experience, the WEN is a favorable option. This inverter generator produces clean energy with no voltage spikes and drops. Also, it has one of the lowest noise levels in our comparison group, with 57 decibels.

Another plus is the hefty 3800W power generation. Most of the expected features are there, for example, a fuel shutoff and electric start.

I love the integral wheels and folding handle, which make it portable and easy to handle. Also, the 2.2-gallon fuel tank will allow you more than eight hours of power with a half load.

It has two 3-prong 120V standard household receptacles. This is in addition to one AC 120V 30A NEMA TT-30R receptacle, one 12V DC receptacle, and two 5V USB ports.

Finally, WEN offers a 2-year warranty. Nice to have peace of mind, but at 3 years our top choice beats it.

3. Westinghouse 4500 Watt Generator – Best Noise-to-Power Ratio

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Westinghouse
• Engine: 224cc OHV 4 Stroke
• Starting Watts: 4500 Watts
• Running Watts: 3700 Watts
• Fuel Type: Gasoline
• Warranty: 3 year
• Starter Method: Electric
• Run Time: 18 hrs @ 25% load
• Weight: 104.7 pounds
• Tank Capacity: 3.4 Gallons
• Frequency: 60Hz
• Noise: 52 dB
• Ports: 1 x Duplex 120V 5-20R, 2 x USB, 1 x 120V TT-30R

The Westinghouse iGen4500 Inverter Generator is one of my favorites. At 52 decibels, it is one of the quietest generators we tested, given its output. But it has an excellent ‘quietness to power ratio’. You may find quieter power sources, but they will be much smaller in capacity.

It is also another option for your vulnerable and power-sensitive gadgets with a below 3% THD.

We won’t lie, it is pretty darn heavy. But it is a great unit. It is quiet and ideal for outdoor RV activities or as a backup power source. It has a variable engine speed to produce only the amount of power you require at any given time, and it can run for up to 18 hours on a single tank of fuel that is 3.4 gallons. It was designed to have the highest possible fuel efficiency.

Built with a Push-Button Electric Start and a wireless Remote Start for your convenience in starting the engine.

Despite the weight, it is still portable. The wheels and extendable handle see to that.

The iGen4500 also has a 3-year limited service, labor and parts warranty. It also has lifetime technical support which I love.

In the Box

• Oil
• Oil Funnel
• Owner’s Manual

4. Honda EU3000IS1AN 3000W Generator – Fuel Efficient Generator

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Honda
• Engine: Honda GX200 196cc
• Starting Watts: 3000 Watts
• Running Watts: 2800 Watts
• Fuel Type: Gasoline
• Warranty: 3 year
• Starter Method: Electric & Recoil
• Run Time: 19.6 hrs @ 25% load
• Weight: 130.7 pounds
• Tank Capacity: 3.4 Gallons
• Frequency: 60Hz
• Noise: 50 dB @ 25% load
• Ports: 20A 125V Duplex, 30A 125V Locking Plug

Some people pack their whole house in their RV when exploring the outdoors.

And why not? After all, this approach provides the rugged outdoor experience with all the comforts of home. A win, win.

The Honda EU3000IS1AN is a great choice for the moderate camper. It scores well on most test criteria. IF you are looking for a tidy generator that packs a punch, the EU3000IS1AN may be for you. It is suitable for RV use even when you need to fire up the AC. It will power most RV air conditioning up to 13,000 BTU capacity. Its predecessor in the range, the Honda Handi was lightweight and maneuverable, But Honda has bulked their 3000 Watt standard-bearer up in favor of fuel efficiency and solid power output.

This portable model includes a wheel and handle kit. It will easily power most RV equipment and small appliances. It has many excellent features. These include auto Idle control, low oil shutdown, and overload protection. And even better, it is super quiet, registering only between 50 and 57 decibels depending upon the load. A noisy generator can be a real worry for people seeking peace and tranquility.

It is also ideal to use to augment any existing solar setup you might have. Honda has a commercial warranty of three years for your peace of mind.

Lastly, I like its parallel capability – an inverter technology benefit. You can link two Honda EU3000IS1AN generators with a special cable and get double the output. So, two of these connected together can give you about 6000W energy.

I less liked that Honda abandoned the lightweight ethos of the previous model. I get that sometimes portability needs to be sacrificed in favor of other attributes. But there’s no getting around it, the EU3000IS1AN is a heavy old unit. So if you are planning to move it around solo, investing in a wheel kit is probably advisable.

5. Craftsman 3000i Inverter 50 St/CSA – Best Budget Backup Generator

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Craftsman
• Engine: 4-stroke 163cc 4.8 horsepower
• Starting Watts: 3000 Watts
• Running Watts: 2300 Watts
• Fuel Type: Gasoline
• Warranty: 3 year
• Starter Method: Recoil
• Run Time: 8 hrs @ 50% load
• Weight: 24.23 pounds
• Tank Capacity: 1.14 Gallons
• Frequency: 60Hz
• Noise: 52 dB
• Ports: 520R 120-V Duplex Household Outlet, 1 x 30A (L5-30) Outlet, and 2 x USB Outlets

This Craftsman 3000i Inverter generator is a versatile little gem. And it will fit all but the most parsimonious budgets.

Many seasoned campers or RV owners like to have a backup power source. This can either be in addition to a more powerful main generator they have or as well as their solar setup.

This is important for off-grid camping when your main generator or solar system fails. This inverter generator is our choice for the best budget backup generator. You don’t want to spend too much on it, but you want to be covered.

But it is also a decent option as a standalone or main generator if you have moderate power needs. Very handy for smaller RVs with a lower range or if you only enjoy short weekend breaks. It is also suitable for short-term home standby or remote job sites.

It is compact, light, cheap and quiet and has some cool features. For example, low oil shutdown, voltage regulation, overload protection, anti-vibration feet, and a recoil cable start.

Its 3000W peak power is suitable for an average RV. It includes one 30A (L5-30), two 20A household outlets, and built-in USB ports. Also, its 1-gallon fuel tank will keep you going for about 8 hours at half-load capacity.

Because of its less than 3% THD. So you can connect your sensitive electronics to a power source that is stable and clean.

The 3000i also has a 3-year limited service, labor and parts coverage, and lifetime technical support.

Buyer’s Guide

Being outdoors exploring and camping in your RV, you need nature, quietness, no stress, and fun. But, you don’t need primitivity. An RV generator will keep you in touch with modern reality by choice. You choose between essentials and nice-to-have electricity tools and gadgets. These optional choices will have a direct influence on your RV generator needs.

What To Look For In A 30A Generator

Being outdoors exploring and camping in your RV, you need nature, quietness, no stress, and fun. But, you don’t need primitivity. An RV generator will keep you in touch with modern reality by choice. You choose between essentials and nice-to-have electricity tools and gadgets. These optional choices will have a direct influence on your RV generator needs.

What Size Generator Is Needed For A 30A RV?

A 3600-Watt RV generator is an obvious choice. It is portable, cost-effective, and will provide you with the best power-for-money ratio. You can also run almost everything from a 30A generator as you would from a 50A with more benefits.

The quick formula to work out your watts is Amps X Volts = Watts. For example, 30 amps by 120 volts will be a 3,600-watt maximum power capacity.

In addition, a 2,500-watt generator is suitable, but a minimum threshold for 30A RVs with an aircon.

Also, you should consider your projected power needs. Do you need more power than your battery banks will provide? Are you only using a handful of low-power items? Or, do you like to use several power-hungry appliances?

For instance, a smaller 2,000-Watter will take care of your basic needs. That is if you are engaging with nature and going low power. It is (usually) cheaper when you buy and will go easier on fuel. They are smaller, less noisy, and more manageable.

Whereas, the median generator produces a 3,000-watt output. Thus it gives you the best of both worlds, including air-con. Or, you may also opt for a smaller RV generator combined with solar power or any other built-in power supply.

The Size And Weight Of 30A Rv Generators

Often, generators are large, heavy machines that are difficult to move around. Also, the average weight of a 3,500-watt RV generator can be more than 100 lbs. So, the lighter, the better, depending on your needs. If that extra pound or two is worth your while for the extra watts, then make that choice.

The Fuel Economy Of 30A RV Generators

This consideration of fuel economy is critical in the current fuel climate. You want your 30-amp RV generator to gobble up only what is necessary on an outdoor excursion.

The fuel consumption will increase the heavier the load. Opt for a generator with a watt output only a smidgeon more than your estimated needs. A lower-revved generator will use less fuel and save you in the long run.

The Noise Level Of 30A RV Generators

This point is also essential, as a noisy generator can have a negative impact on your RV trip. You want to avoid replacing the city sounds with a noisy generator. That (presumably) is what you are trying to escape from. You don’t want a noisy, cantankerous generator to block the sounds and tranquility of nature. Again, consider your requirements. And remember that a generator at full capacity is noisier and may cause RV neighbor disputes.

The Option Of 30A RV Inverter Generators

Inverter generators are probably the better option for RVs. Their insulation casing makes them less noisy. Also, their microprocessors and sensors detect the current drain on them. They can then respond by only delivering the necessary current for that load. This use of current on a supply-and-demand basis means less wasted gas and less unnecessary noise.

How to Calculate Your Electrical Needs

We know that a 30A RV can manage 3,600W, and your electrical power needs should be at most that. List all your electrical appliances and gadgets and assign each a Watt value. Calculate the most wattage you are likely to use at once. Work out which appliances you can avoid running simultaneously to save power. Also, remember that ACs, heaters, and any gadget using an element will be power gobblers of note.

For example, an RV fridge can consume anything between 500W and 1000W, and a water pump is even more. Lastly, work on worst-case scenarios with the essential appliances and electrical equipment that can consume power at off-peak.

Then, choose a generator that matches your requirement without running at full capacity continuously.

Check out our article on Power Consumption of Household Appliances for more examples

Conclusion

Each of the five contestants in our review is a winner by category, with the Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV model taking our Best Overall banner. First, however, you are looking for a budget backup power source. In that case, you can’t go wrong with the Craftsman 3000i Inverter generator, and likewise for our other category winners. Lastly, inverter generators are better options for RVs and camping power sources.

Buying Options

Follow the links below to see the prices and up-to-date information.

Our Best 30A RV Generator is the Champion 3400 Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator with Electric Start. Find it on Walmart or on Amazon.

The winner of the best for the sensitive electronics category is the Wen 56380i Super Quiet 3800W Portable Inverter Generator with fuel shut off. Find it on Wen-Products, Walmart, or Amazon.

The Westinghouse iGen4500c 4500W Gas Powered Inverter Generator with Electric Remote Start tops our Best Super Quiet Generator category. Find it on Homedepot, Amazon, or Walmart.

The Honda Power Equipment EU3000IH1A 3000W Handi Portable Generator took the podium in the Best Lightweight Generator category. Find it on Amazon, Seasea Marine or eBay.

The Best Budget Backup Generator category was won by the Craftsman 3000i Inverter 50 St/CSA. You can find this little generator gem on Amazon or eBay.

FAQs – Best 30A RV Generators

Some commonly asked questions

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