Best Inverter Generators for RVs and Camping

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The short answer

For camping and small RVs, the Honda EU2200i is the benchmark inverter generator: 2,200 watts max, 1,800 rated, 48 dB(A) at quarter load, a CO-sensing shutoff and up to 8.1 hours on less than a gallon of gas. If you need to run a 13,500 BTU rooftop air conditioner in a travel trailer, step up to the Honda EU3200i (3,200 watts max, with a 30A locking outlet) or a 4,000–4,500 watt dual-fuel inverter. For the best value, Champion’s 2500-watt dual-fuel inverter adds propane capability at a lower price.

Our picks at a glance

Pick	Model	Max / rated watts	Fuel	Noise (rated)	Best for	Amazon
Best overall	Honda EU2200i	2,200 / 1,800	Gas	48 dB(A) at 1/4 load	Tent camping, pop-ups, small trailers	Search Amazon
Best for 30A RVs	Honda EU3200i	3,200 / 2,600	Gas	54 dB(A) at 1/4 load	Travel trailers with one AC	Search Amazon
Best value	Champion 2500W Dual Fuel Inverter	2,500 / 1,850	Gas / propane	53 dB(A)	Budget campers who want propane	Search Amazon
Best mid-size dual fuel	Champion 4500W Dual Fuel Inverter	4,500-watt class	Gas / propane	Check listing	RVs with AC plus microwave	Search Amazon
Best for 50A RVs	Honda EU7000iS	7,000 / 5,500	Gas	52 dB(A) at 1/4 load	Large fifth wheels and motorhomes	Check price

Specs are manufacturer ratings. Running time and noise depend on load. Propane output is lower than gasoline on dual-fuel models.

How we picked

We compared manufacturer specifications, owner reviews and published reviews. For RV and camping use the priorities are different from home backup: low noise (many campgrounds enforce quiet hours and generator limits), clean inverter power for electronics and RV control boards, weight, fuel efficiency at light loads, an RV-ready 30A outlet where needed, parallel capability and CO safety.

1. Honda EU2200i — Best overall

The EU2200i is the generator most RVers measure others against. Honda lists 2,200 watts max and 1,800 watts rated, 57 dB(A) at rated load dropping to 48 dB(A) at quarter load, and runtime of 3.2 hours at rated load or 8.1 hours at quarter load from a 0.95-gallon tank. It weighs 47.4 pounds dry, so one person can lift it into a truck bed. Honda’s CO-MINDER system monitors carbon monoxide and shuts the engine down before levels near the unit become dangerous.

Two EU2200i units (or an EU2200i plus an EU2000i) can run in parallel with an optional cable for up to 4,400 watts, which is a popular way to power an RV air conditioner while keeping each unit light.

Good to know: Honda lists only a 20A 125V duplex outlet, so you’ll need a 30A adapter for an RV inlet, and one unit alone generally won’t start a rooftop AC without a soft-start device. Honda notes it is not for sale in California; a CARB-compliant version is sold separately.

Search for the Honda EU2200i on Amazon →

2. Honda EU3200i — Best for 30A RVs

If you want one generator, not two in parallel, for a travel trailer with a single air conditioner, the EU3200i is Honda’s answer. It’s rated at 3,200 watts max and 2,600 watts rated, with a 30A 125V locking outlet plus a 20A duplex, CO-MINDER shutoff, and runtimes of 3.3 hours at rated load or 8.6 hours at quarter load from a 1.2-gallon tank. Honda lists 58 dB(A) at rated load and 54 dB(A) at quarter load. It weighs 59.1 pounds dry.

Good to know: starting an AC is about surge. Many 13,500 BTU units start on a 3,000-watt-class inverter, especially with a soft-start kit, but check your AC’s requirements first.

Search for the Honda EU3200i on Amazon →

3. Champion 2500-Watt Dual Fuel Inverter — Best value

Champion lists its 2500-watt dual-fuel inverter at 2,500 starting and 1,850 running watts, 53 dB(A) and up to 11.5 hours of runtime. Running on propane is a real advantage for campers: no spilled gas in the vehicle, no stale fuel over winter, and you may already carry propane for the RV stove. Champion’s inverters typically cost noticeably less than Honda’s.

Good to know: output on propane is lower than on gasoline. Champion sells several near-identical 2500W versions (including a CARB model), so compare the exact model number and check whether it’s parallel-capable and includes a CO Shield shutoff.

Search for the Champion 2500W Dual Fuel Inverter on Amazon →

4. Champion 4500-Watt Dual Fuel Inverter — Best mid-size dual fuel

A 4,500-watt-class inverter has enough headroom to start an RV air conditioner and still run a microwave or coffee maker, without needing two generators in parallel. Champion’s 4500W dual-fuel inverter is a popular choice in this class among RV owners and doubles as a home-essentials backup.

Good to know: mid-size inverters are much heavier than 2,000-watt units and usually ride on wheels. Check the listing for weight, the RV outlet type and the CO shutoff before buying.

Search for the Champion 4500W Dual Fuel Inverter on Amazon →

5. Honda EU7000iS — Best for 50A RVs

Large fifth wheels and motorhomes with two air conditioners need far more power. The EU7000iS is Honda’s largest portable inverter: 7,000 watts max, 5,500 rated, 120/240V output with a 30A 125/250V locking outlet, electric start, a 5.1-gallon tank, and 6.4 hours at rated load or 16 hours at quarter load. Honda lists 52 dB(A) at quarter load.

Good to know: it weighs 263.2 pounds dry, so it’s a mount-and-leave generator, not one you lift. Gasoline only.

Check the Honda EU7000iS on Amazon →

What size inverter generator does your RV need?

Setup	Typical loads	Generator size
Tent camping, van	Lights, phones, fan, small fridge, CPAP	1,000–2,200 watts
Pop-up or small trailer, no AC	Fridge, lights, water pump, charging	2,000–2,500 watts
Travel trailer, one 13,500 BTU AC (30A)	AC plus fridge and lights	3,000–4,500 watts, or two 2,000-watt units in parallel
Large RV, two ACs (50A)	Two ACs, microwave, residential fridge	7,000 watts or more

A soft-start device on the air conditioner lowers its startup surge and can let a smaller generator start it.

Buying checklist

• Inverter, not open-frame. Inverters are far quieter, produce clean power for RV electronics, and throttle down at light loads.
• Check campground rules. Many parks set noise limits and generator hours.
• RV outlet. A 30A locking outlet plugs straight into many RVs; otherwise plan on an adapter.
• Parallel kit. Two small units can be easier to carry than one big one.
• Dual fuel lets you run off the propane you already carry.
• CO shutoff. Honda’s CO-MINDER and Champion’s CO Shield are worth having.
• Weight and handles. If you’ll lift it into a truck, stay under about 60 pounds.

Generator safety at camp

Run generators outdoors only, with exhaust pointed away from your RV, tent and neighboring campsites. Never run one inside an RV, under an awning enclosure, in a truck bed with a cap, or in a tent. Keep a working CO alarm inside the RV and test it before each trip. Let the engine cool before refueling, and store fuel outside the living area.

FAQ

Can a 2,200-watt generator run an RV air conditioner?

Usually not on its own. A 13,500 BTU AC needs more starting surge than a single 2,200-watt inverter delivers. Pair two units in parallel, add a soft-start device, or choose a 3,000-watt-plus generator.

Why use an inverter generator for camping?

Inverter generators are much quieter, more fuel efficient at light loads, lighter, and produce clean power that’s safe for laptops, phones and RV control boards.

Is dual fuel worth it for RVing?

For many RVers, yes. Propane stores indefinitely and you likely carry it already. Expect somewhat lower output on propane.

How quiet is a quiet generator?

Small inverters such as the Honda EU2200i are rated around 48–57 dB(A) depending on load, close to the level of normal conversation. Open-frame generators are much louder.