Looking for a portable generator to power your 30Amp RV? You’re in the right place.
Portable generators come in all shapes and sizes offering different combinations of features. Typically, an RV will need a 30 Amp power outlet on the generator.
Here is some of the criteria we considered that make a generator a good choice for your next RV adventure:
- 30 AMP compatible
- portable (easy to transport and store)
- weight
- noise level (the quieter the better)
- ease of use
- power outputs (and outlets)
- capacity
- run time
- fuel (gas and/or propane)
- efficiency
- price
These are just some of the things you’ll want to consider when choosing the best portable generator for you RV.
We compiled a list of our top 5. You can read about each model individually and take a quick glance at the comparison table. In conclusion we have a short buyer’s guide with explanations and some frequently asked questions.
If you are in a rush here is our choice for the number one generator for 30 Amp RVs. It is the Westinghouse WGen9500DF Dual Fuel Portable Generator. We like all the models on the list and many features overlap but here’s what stands out with #1:
- offers the most outlets
- remote quick-start key fob allows you to start the generator from the comfort of your RV.
In a hurry? This is our winner!
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Best Portable Generator for a 30 Amp RV – Comparison Table
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Best Portable Generator for a 30 Amp RV – Reviews
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In the top spot is the WGen9500DF Duel Fuel Portable Generator from Westinghouse.
It’s a beast. It is our number because it covers every need, but it may be more than you need. It weighs 220 lbs. and has a peak capacity of 12500 Watts.
This generator offers a dual fuel option: gasoline and/or propane. You can get up to 12 hours of run time from a 6.6-gallon fuel tank, and 17.5 hours runtime at 25% load, making this a great generator option for RVs. This Generator has a 457cc 4-stroke engine.
There are six outlets on the control panel of this portable generator, four of which are 20 Amp sockets for general power cords, one is a 50 Amp outlet and, most importantly, there is a 30 Amp outlet, ideal for connecting your RV to a power source.
The Westinghouse portable generator has a dial that allows you to choose the fuel type, a VFT meter in a mini screen, a one touch engine start button, and covers for all of the outlets. It comes with an electric start key fob, so you can remotely start up your generator, perfect for those sleepy mornings in the RV campsite.
Aesthetically, the blue body of the generator is encased by a sturdy frame that doubles up as a handle so that you can transport it around on the large wheels. The automatic low-oil shutoff feature means that you will never run the risk of breaking your generator, it will shut off automatically.
- six covered outlets for all power needs
- remote start with the electric key fob (start from your RV)
- run time on 25% load is 17.5 hours, so you won’t need to keep refueling your portable generator as often
- automatic low-oil shutoff means you reduce the risk of ruining your portable generator
- generator is relatively loud in comparison
- heavy 220 lb
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Up next, we have the Generac GP35001O generator. This portable generator a quieter and lighter alternative.
Weighing only 74.3 pounds the Generac is up to 50% quieter than other RV ready portable generators. This is perfect for quieter campsites and for the noise conscious camper. This portable generator has three power outlets, two 20 Amp sockets for general power leads, and a 30 Amp outlet for you to plug in your RV power cord.
There are also two USB ports that allow you to charge smaller devices like phones, tablets, etc. The body of the generator is mostly brown/gray, with a splash of tangerine orange on the top. This is encased by the exposed frame that allows you to carry the portable generator easily.
Parallel power – there is also the capability to attach two of these units together for double the power. The control panel is laid out very clearly, with simple labelling avoiding any confusion. This Generac Generator is designed to be up to 25% lighter than other competing generators, making it easier to carry and transport.
- 25% lighter than other generators (74 lbs)
- 50% quieter than other RV ready generators
- Additional USB outlets for fast charging and convenience
- there are no wheels on this generator which makes it harder to transport
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Third, we have the Champion Power Equipment Generator. We are big fans of Champion products.
This is a versatile dual fuel generator that can run on both gasoline and propane.
Champion’s cold start technology means that even in the most unforgivable weather, you can still start up your generator while camping in your RV, this is perfect for the campers who like to test the limits of their camping trips.
On the control panel, there are two 20 Amp outlets for regular household cords. And there is a 30 Amp locking outlet and a 30 Amp RV specific outlet that allows you to plug straight in without an adaptor. This generator has a run time of up to 9 hours on gasoline or 10.5 hours on propane.
The feature of the volt guard means that you and your generator are protected against power surges, so you won’t have any unexpected breakages. The bright yellow of the generator makes it easy to spot outside. The main body of the generator is encased in an exposed frame that doubles as a handle for transporting the generator to your desired spot. This weighs 105 lbs with no wheel kit so moving it can be a challenge.
Check out our review of the best Champion 4000 Watt generators.
- dual fuel (gas or propane)
- Volt Guard means you reduce the risk of the generator breaking down due to a power surge
- this generator has an RV specific outlet (most require an adapter)
- it is on the quieter side of portable generators, reaching only 68 decibels.
- this generator has no wheels, so transporting it could be a little difficult for one person on their own
- short run time
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A small but mighty Champion. This generator has all the best features in a small package.
The Champion 3400 is a dual fuel (gas/propane) inverter generator. The inverter technology only supplies power as it is needed. This makes this very efficient and quiet, while producing less emissions.
This is a great choice for RVs for two reasons. First, it is ultra quiet at only 59 dBA.This way you can run it over night at a campsite without disturbing other campers. Also, it is lightweight at only 95 pounds on wheels so it is very portable.
Power outputs include 120V 30A RV plug plus two 120V 20A household outlets with clean electricity (less than 3% THD) and 12V DC outlet with dual USB adapter.
Other features include an easy to read control panel, quick touch panel, and low oil sensor shut off to protect the generator.
- easily portable (lightweight and wheels)
- inverter technology (efficient and quiet)
- RV ready plug
- ultra-quiet (59 decibels)
- low run rate = 7.5 hours
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The last of our five portable generators for 30 Amp RVs is the Predator Inverter Generator. We covered this portable generator in an in depth review and like it for many reasons.
There are two 20 Amp outlets that are ideal for general household power cords for things like phones and tablets. There is also a 30 Amp locking outlet that is perfect for use with RVs.
Using the parallel outlets, there is also the option to link two of the Predator generators up and have double the power for your RV. The LCD screen shows low oil and output indicators, so you know exactly which outlets are being used.
This generator has an 11-hour run time at 25% capacity and is one of the quietest generators on the list, reaching lows of 57 decibels, so you can camp in quieter areas.
- four castor wheels make this generator easily transportable
- 11-hour run time at 25% capacity.
- extremely quiet for a portable generator at only 57 decibels.
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- wheels are small and low to the ground
Best Portable Generator for a 30 Amp RV – Review and Conclusion
We considered what’s most important while choosing a generator for a 30 Amp RV. As a reminder, here is what we felt is important:
- 30 AMP compatible
- portable (easy to transport and store)
- weight
- noise level (the quieter the better)
- ease of use
- power outputs (and outlets)
- capacity
- run time
- fuel (gas and/or propane)
- efficiency
- price
Our list of 5 all excel in these most or all of these categories and they are all 30 AMP Rv ready. They do vary on size, price, and a few bells and whistles, but they would all be meet your camping needs a be great addition to your next adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are portable generators waterproof?
Portable generators are not waterproof. Manufacturers warn against running a generator in the rain, since the moisture can get into the power outlets and damage your generator. Some of the portable generators on this list do have covers over the outlets to protect them but this is mainly as a precaution against dust and debris.
You should not have your portable generator in an area that is subject to a lot of water contact.
Can I run a portable generator in my garage?
Manufacturers advise against this because generators use gas and running your generator in an enclosed space will lead to a build-up of harmful gases in your garage.
If you plan to use your generator with your 30 Amp RV, odds are you’ll be out in the open which is safe.
In addition to portable generators, another piece of equipment to give you peace of mind is the the Schumacher fully automatic batter charger.