Do I have to use an inverter generator for my RV?

Portable inverter generators have become an essential for many RV owners and campers. They let you keep the lights on at night and charge your house batteries and run your RV fridge. The RV lifestyle is all about being self reliant and efficient, an inverter generator is the key to getting there.

Which is better inverter or generator?

Inverters produce consistent and reliable power which does not rely on the engine speed. The power generated by inverter generator is much “cleaner” than the power produced by conventional generators. This power is almost of the same quality as the electricity typically supplied by your electric company.

Can I use a regular generator to power my RV?

Generators are rated in watts rather than amps. A 1000-watt generator is about right for a small RV or if you don’t need to run major systems like air conditioning. A 3500-watt generator is usually the next step up and can run most RV systems on most RVs.

What’s the difference between an inverter generator and a portable generator?

Portable generators use an engine—typically running on gasoline, diesel, propane, or natural gas, to turn an alternator which produces alternating electrical current or AC. A Power Inverter produces Alternating Current from Direct Current (DC) using electronics.

What does an inverter do in an RV?

An inverter takes 12-volt DC power from your RV batteries and electronically changes it to 120-volt AC. Some RVers use an inverter just to watch TV or for their personal computer. Other RVers use an inverter to operate microwaves, coffee pots or other larger appliances.

What is the difference between a portable generator and an inverter?

How big of a generator do I need to run my camper AC?

To power the average RV air conditioner, the generator needs to have at least a 2000- 4000-watt capacity. There are a lot of factors involved in what size generator will work best for you, but for the most part, you will be able to use your AC and other appliances even with a 2000 watt generator.

Can I use a portable generator for my RV?

A portable generator burns fuel to power an engine that runs an onboard alternator to create electricity. Many portable generators are capable of powering residential appliances or even an RV. You’ll have power for as long as you can keep fuel in the generator’s tank.

Can you run an RV with a generator?

Our first RV was a 16-foot travel trailer with a small rooftop AC unit. To be entirely honest, we were able to use our portable generator to run that small AC. Unfortunately, it would only last 20 minutes before the generator shut off due to electric overload.

What size generator do I need to charge my RV battery?

But that’s a little extreme for most RV battery chargers, so the normal 40- or 80-amp battery charger you already have should work very well powered by a 2,000 watt genny connected to your RV’s shore power cord, no matter what brand generator you have. Let’s play safe out there….

Do Inverter generators have a 12-volt DC output?

Yes, many of these inverter generators (including products from Honda and Yamaha) have a 12-volt DC output connector right on the control panel. Looks like a quick and easy way to charge a battery, doesn’t it?

Can you run two portable generators together?

The first solution, and the easiest, is running two portable generators together. This is called “running parallel.” Instead of 2000w of power, you’ll have 4000w – which is enough to run your RV air conditioner. Even though it’s an easy solution, it comes with many drawbacks. Not all 2000w portable generators can be run in parallel.