If you’re traveling around in your 50-amp RV, you’ve probably entertained the notion that you need a generator to supplement your electronic needs. Generators make camping and riding the open road far more enjoyable by enhancing that joy of freedom you would already experience. Creature comforts of home travel farther and stick around longer than ever with the right device.
But where do you even begin? What makes one generator the right fit for you and another one simply incompatible? Let’s dive into these questions.
COMPARISON CHART
IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
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Pulsar G12KBN Heavy Duty Portable Dual Fuel Generator
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Westinghouse IPro4200 Inverter Generator For RV
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Champion Power Equipment 100161 9375/7500W RV Ready Portable Generator
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Durostar DS12000EH Portable Generator
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DuroMax XP10000E Gas Powered Portable Generator – 10,000 Watt Electric Start
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Specification
Wattage | 9,500W(gas)/8,550(lpg) |
Running Wattage | Gasoline, Liquefied Petroleum Gas |
Fuel type | 209 lbs |
Weight | 28.5 X 26 X 25.5 in. |
Tank Volume | 8 Gallons |
Engine Displacement | 457 cc |
Fuel Efficient | – |
Oil-Free | – |
Uses “Quiet Technology” System | 74 dB |
Pulsar developed an amazing piece of machinery with the G12KBN. Its features make it an excellent choice for an RV enthusiast looking for a generator to fit their 50 amp RV.
WHAT WE LIKE
It weighs a good amount, but the generator’s sturdy, never-flat wheels and folding handles make it easy to move and store. Its design is highly durable, from its casing to its frame, and the electric start makes starting it one less thing to worry about after a long drive.
It can also use both LPG as well as gasoline, albeit with lesser efficiency. This can be particularly useful in an emergency or any situation where gasoline might be scarce. LPG is also easier, and some would argue safer, to store. A full tank gives you 12 hours of run-time if you’re using half a load – longer if you use less.
Pulsar designed it to protect itself also with its low-oil shut-off to prevent cylinder damage. Its automatic voltage regulation makes it more fuel-efficient.
PROS
- Able to effectively use both gasoline and LPG.
- 12 hours of run-time on a full tank.
- Low-oil shut off system to prevent damage.
- High durability.
CONS
- Problems with customer service.
- Sometimes has problems with propane.
- Difficulty with instructions.
Specification
Wattage | 4,200W |
Running Wattage | 3,500W |
Fuel type | Gasoline |
Weight | 89.3 lbs. |
Dimensions | 24 X 20.5 X 20 in. |
Tank Volume | 2.6 gal. |
Engine Displacement | 212cc |
Fuel Efficient | Yes (“Economy Mode”) |
Oil-Free | N |
Uses “Quiet Technology” System | Yes (64dba) |
Westinghouse’s device is excellent for those who do not use many electronic devices in and around their RV. Its smaller size and more compact frame make it far easier to store than other models that offer greater amounts of power. It is far lighter, around 20-40 lbs, than other generators of its class. However, it would be nice to have wheels on the frame to make it easier to move around.
WHAT WE LIKE
The IPro4200 runs far quieter than many other generators at 64dB, and it can run for 18 hours at 25% capacity. Other safety features include a low oil shut-down to protect itself from damage. Other safety features include overload protection.
It’s ideal to run smaller devices and recharge batteries in laptops and phones.
PROS
- Good fuel efficiency.
- It is quite light compared with other generators.
- Very quiet at 64dba.
CONS
- Lack of power generation.
- Small fuel tank size.
- Lacks wheels for ease of transport.
Specification
Wattage | 9,375W |
Running Wattage | 7,500W |
Fuel type | Gasoline |
Weight | 230 lbs |
Dimensions | 27.3 X 26 X 27.8 in |
Tank Volume | 5.7 gal |
Engine Displacement | 439 cc |
Fuel Efficient | – |
Oil-Free | – |
Uses “Quiet Technology” System | 74.0dba |
This beast of generator will give your 50-amp RV good coverage but doesn’t provide as much power over time as other generators. While it is fairly compact, at 230 lbs, it is not an easy device to move about easily.
WHAT WE LIKE
It does have some great features like a plethora of power outlets and rubber protection. It has a relatively low noise level of 74dB, and it comes with a remote control good up to 80 feet away. The generator puts out a good amount of power for quite some time at 50% power
If you don’t need such high amounts of electricity, the Champion 100161 RV Ready Portable Generator may be what you need.
PROS
- t generates a relatively small amount of noise.
- Has a number of outlets of different shapes and voltages.
- Can be started remotely
CONS
- Heavy and problematic to move around.
- Relatively with low wattage for its size.
- Smaller fuel tank size.
Specification
Wattage | 12,000W |
Running Wattage | 9,500W |
Fuel type | Gasoline, Liquefied Petroleum Gas |
Weight | 228 lbs |
Dimensions | 30 X 30 X 26 in |
Tank Volume | 8.3 gal. |
Engine Displacement | 457 cc |
Fuel Efficient | Idle Control |
Oil-Free | – |
Uses “Quiet Technology” System | 74 dB |
This beast of a generator will give your 50-amp RV complete coverage and run just about all your electronic devices. It will keep on purring like a vacuum at 74 dB if you keep it at half load.
WHAT WE LIKE
Its dual-fuel capability allows you the versatility to run it on whatever is available, though gas will burn longer. It’s the largest of the five generators we’re reviewing here, but it does have foldable handles and wheels to help you tote it around. One nice feature is that it comes with some lift brackets that give you options for loading it.
PROS
- Good fuel efficiency.
- It is quite light compared with other generators.
- Very quiet at 64dba.
CONS
- Lack of power generation.
- Small fuel tank size.
- Lacks wheels for ease of transport.
Specification
Wattage | 10,000W |
Running Wattage | 8,000W |
Fuel type | Gasoline |
Weight | 218lbs |
Dimensions | 30 X 29 X 26 in |
Tank Volume | 8.3 gal. |
Engine Displacement | 439 cc |
Fuel Efficient | Idle control |
Oil-Free | – |
Uses “Quiet Technology” System | 72 dB |
The XP10000E doesn’t generate as much as the Pulsar G12KBN or the DS 12000EH, but its output shouldn’t be scoffed at. You can still do a lot with 10,000W, and its 8.3-gallon capacity will make sure it keeps running for a while.
However, it is limited to gasoline, and it weighs a fair amount. On the other hand, its all-metal construction is built to last, and its surge-arrest feature guards against power surges. It also increases its fuel efficiency by decreasing RPMs when it isn’t being used. One other great feature that makes it ideal for RVs is that the 120V outlets can operate at 120V and 240V simultaneously.
PROS
- Fuel efficiency technology saves energy.
- All-metal construction increases durability.
- Has outlets that are perfect for RVs.
CONS
- Doesn’t generate as much as others in its class.
- Heavy and difficult to transport or move.
- Only uses gasoline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right size generator for a 50 amp RV?
When choosing the right generator for your 50 amp RV, 4000W is a good starting place. However, electricity requirements will definitely add to your total number. Consider the energy needs of devices you frequently use when you are out in your RV.
Your microwave, fridge, and grill add up, especially when using them all at once. Add an AC to stay cool and a laptop or phone that need charging. Your needs multiply.
Make a list, research the items’ needs, and do a bit of math. This will help you determine what you need.
Should I plug my 50-amp into a 30-amp service?
Many RV parks utilize 30-amp services. You should plug your 50-amp RV in the 30-amp service if there is a real need for that electricity. As for logistics, you can use an adaptor.
CAUTION:
The 30 amp service has a wattage of 3200 (30 amps X 120V), and there is usually a 20% “cushion” before you trip the circuit breakers. This means if you try pulling more than 4320W from that 30amp service, you’ll trip them. Consider this fact carefully before using the bare minimum and turning off non-essential devices to use it.
Final Thoughts
Ask yourself what makes a generator a viable choice for you, and you will begin to develop your own criteria. What is best for one person’s RV may not be the best for another.
However, the Pulsar G12KBN easily has the best overall performance. It also has the greatest options for you to be able to meet your energy needs out on the road. Its solid design ensures durability, enables you to run multiple devices and it runs smoothly for a notable amount of time longer than other generators.
Come join us again for more content to help you live your dreams of exploration in your RV.