Power on the Go
Choosing the right generator for your RV
4 MIN READ
RVs let you enjoy the best of both worlds—the freedom of nature with the comfort of home. There’s no feeling quite like ending a day of adventure with a cold drink in hand, or a cool breeze from the A/C. Power is your key to maintaining that perfect balance—yes, even if you’re a true off-grid overlander. Every RVer can use a reliable power source to keep things running smoothly.
Choosing a generator takes some thought, but it all comes down to you: how you travel and what you need to power. Are you chasing summer heat or hunkering down for woodland winters? Do you plan on roughing it or relaxing with all the little luxuries? To find the right fit, you’ll have to consider your specific power needs.
Going for the simple RV experience? If you just want to charge your phone or run a few small devices, a compact inverter generator or electric power bank might be all you need.
Looking for options with a bit more “oomph” to power key appliances? A mid-sized generator over 2200W might be more your speed. The COsense 3600W is a great option—just enough power for simple perks like lighting, limited climate control and small devices.
If you’re a hardcore glamper—we’re talking TVs and treat-stocked fridges—you’ll probably want a generator with enough juice to fuel a tour-bus style motorhome with all the accessories. The COsense 6500W should do the trick: it’s a heavy-duty option with a large fuel tank built for extended runtimes. It’ll keep you comfortable for as long as you’re out there.
Before you choose an RV generator, you should think carefully about when you’ll be taking your rig out most. Why? Because climate control is a power hog—it’ll draw on your generator’s reserves more than anything else. If you enjoy colder climates, you can plan to use around 3000W on heat. Soaking up summer rays in the Southwest? You might need anywhere between 2000 and 4000W, depending on the size of your RV. And if you want to power a larger RV or run anything beyond climate control, it might be time to consider larger options.
Campsite RVing and boondocking, for example, couldn’t be more different. If you stick to campsites, you’ll probably have access to an outlet, even if it’s in high demand. You can supplement that with a quiet, mid-sized inverter generator like the 3500i inverter generator—it’s portable, powerful and designed to keep noise levels low. Your fellow campers will appreciate it. A camper battery is another great option. They’re silent and emission-free, perfect for keeping your devices powered while you’re on the go.
Boondocking, or overlanding, on the other hand, calls for true energy independence. RVers going off grid can enjoy the outdoors, but it doesn’t hurt to keep a small inverter generator on hand for any needs that might arise. This option is lightweight, unobtrusive and ultra-quiet—you won’t bother any wildlife unless it’s very, very close by.
It’s time. We’ve identified your RVing style, climate and whether you’ll have on-site power—now, we can estimate how much power you’ll actually need. Make a list of key items, note their estimated power draws, and add it all together to determine your minimum requirements. You’ll want to check the amperage of your RV, too: common sizes are 30amp = 3,600w and 50amp = 12,000w.
To keep power running smoothly, you should aim for a solution that would use between 50 and 80% of its total capacity, even with all your items running simultaneously. Something to keep in mind: with most generators, you’ll have to account for start-up surges that can demand up to three times your normal running power. Generac portable power solutions offer PowerRush technology to boost that output up to 40% at startup—that means you can do more with less.
Once you’re ready to make a purchase, there’s just one more step: check the dimensions to make sure it will work with your rig. That’s all it takes!
Ready to find your perfect power-up? See how portable generators unlock more outdoor adventures.
