Finding and reserving a campground has become difficult in recent years. Many are choosing to forgo campgrounds and instead spend their time, energy, and money on boondocking. This leaves many looking for a quiet generator for RV boondocking. If you’re in the market for a new generator, we’ve compiled five of the best quiet generators on the market. Let’s take a look!
Why Do You Need a Quiet Generator for Boondocking?
One of the benefits of boondocking is being able to enjoy the peace of nature. But you won’t have any shore power, and that means bringing a generator. You don’t want a picture-perfect sunset interrupted by a loud generator running in the background. By owning a quiet generator for your RV, you can enjoy the sounds of nature while boondocking as often as you like.
Having a quiet generator for your RV is important as sometimes a boondocking site might be somewhat close to another site. A loud generator will frustrate your neighbors and probably earn you an enemy or two. Do yourself and your neighbors a favor and invest in a quality quiet generator for your RV.
How to Choose a Generator for RVing
There are a handful of things you should consider when choosing a quiet generator for RVing. Let’s take a look at what we think you should keep in mind.
Determine Power Needs
Having an idea of how much power you’ll need from your generator is one of the most important things to consider. Getting a generator that’s too small will prohibit you from running essential appliances like microwaves, air conditioners, and coffee makers. Getting a generator that’s too large will waste your money. Do an energy audit on what you expect to use and when. Factor in which electrical appliances you’ll use simultaneously.
Consider Startup Versus Running Wattage
Your air conditioner, microwave, and appliances will be your largest power hogs. All of these appliances use a massive amount of power, some more than others. However, these power hogs’ startup and running wattages are important to consider when buying a generator.
The startup wattage for an electrical appliance is the initial draw of electrical power that’s required. A typical 15,000 BTU RV air conditioner will require almost 3,500 watts when it’s starting up. This power surge will be just about all that most generators can provide for a short period.
Once the compressor has finished its job, it will rely on running watts for its power. These running watts are typically much less than the short burst of starting watts. A typical 15,000 BTU RV air conditioner will run around 1,500 to 1,700 running watts.
Factor in the wattages of your big appliances to make an informed decision regarding the generator for your boondocking adventures. Purchasing a generator that’s too small could result in instant buyer’s remorse.
Identify How Much You’ll Use It
Many purchase a generator and expect to use it all the time, but it just never gets used. Before making a major investment, make sure you sort out how often you’ll use the generator.
If you’re planning to do most of your camping in established campgrounds with electrical hook-ups, then you likely won’t need a large generator. However, if you’re hoping to spend most of your time boondocking or dry camping, a generator is a must-have.
Make sure you have a good idea of how you plan to camp and where you plan to camp before making your purchase. You don’t want to buy an expensive tool for it to sit and collect dust in storage.
Don’t Forget Weight and Girth
While we typically look at the price and wattage first, also consider the weight and size. Don’t get a generator you can’t lift or store. Double-check the dimensions of the generator to make sure it will fit wherever you plan to keep it.
5 Best Quiet Generators for RV Boondocking
If you’re in the market for a quiet generator for RV boondocking, we’ve found five of the best. Let’s take a look at what makes these worth considering.
1. Yamaha EF2000iSv2
The Yamaha EF2000iSv2 is a quiet gas generator that weighs 44.1 pounds. It produces 1,600 running watts and 2,000 starting watts. This unit has a smart throttle, which varies the speed of the engine depending on the load. This smart throttle helps maximize fuel efficiency and reduces noise. On a ¼ load, this generator hums along at 51.5 dB. It’s so quiet you’ll likely forget it’s even running. It costs $1,100-$1,200.
2. Generac 7117 GP2200i
The Generac 7117 GP2200i is another quality quiet generator for RV boondocking that uses gas. It runs at 68 dB under half a load and 72 dB under a full load. It weighs 46 pounds and produces 1,700 running watts and a maximum of 2,200 starting watts. This generator packs more than enough punch to meet your boondocking needs. Its compact size and $550 price point make it a popular choice among RVers looking to boondock.
3. Champion Power 2000
Champion is a familiar name when it comes to quality power equipment. The Champion Power 2000 weighs 48.5 pounds and produces 1,700 running watts and 2,000 starting watts. On a single tank of gas, the Power 2000 can run up to 9.5 hours. This is an ultra-quiet performing generator that puts along at 53 dB.
4. Duromax XP4850EH
The Duromax XP4850EH is an open-frame gasoline or propane generator that produces an incredible amount of power. With 3,850 running watts and 4,850 starting watts, this beast can power just about anything you throw at it while boondocking. With multiple power outlets, you’ll have no trouble connecting appliances or your RV to this bad boy. Duromax boasts a 69-76 dB level, depending on the load. Get a friend to help you move this 130-pound generator.
5. WEN 56200i
The WEN 56200i is a gas-powered portable inverter generator. It produces 2,000 starting watts and 1,600 running watts. It does the job and only produces 53 dB of noise, making it the perfect generator for camping without hookups. While it weighs 48 pounds, it provides enough power to charge your RV batteries and run smaller electronics.
Don’t Disturb Other Campers
Having a quiet generator can allow you to keep your appliances running while boondocking without disturbing other campers around you. You don’t want to feel like a nuisance every time you top off your batteries or make food. Which of these generators catches your eye?
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