Best 30 Amp Generators for RVs

Camping is a lot of fun until you don’t have enough power to run everything you need to run, or you find yourself at a site with no power hookups at all. Blowing a fuse is even less enjoyable. It’s a good idea to have a 30 amp RV generator so that you never have to go without power.

What to Look for in a 30 Amp Generator

There are several factors to consider when choosing a 30 amp generator. First, you will want to make sure that the generator you select has enough wattage to accommodate your power needs. 

You will want to consider the physical size of the generator and its maneuverability. You will likely need to lift and move the generator around, so lightweight is a plus.

Also, think about stretch, or the length of time the generator will run on one tank of fuel. Lastly, you need to consider the noise level. Some generators make quite a bit of noise — not ideal if you want to enjoy the peace and quiet of the great outdoors. 

What Size Generator Is Needed for a 30 AMP RV?

You will usually need a generator that can supply at least 3,000 watts. You will not be able to go over 3,600 watts. Ideally, you will find a generator somewhere in the middle or closer to 3,600 watts so that you always have enough power for different situations.

How to Calculate Your Electrical Needs

To calculate your electrical needs, you will need first to figure out the required watts for your particular appliance. Calculate the maximum amount of watts you will need. 

You typically won’t use all of your appliances at once, but you want to get an idea of the max you need. You want something that will at least allow you to run your A/C and a couple of other appliances simultaneously.

We’ve chosen ten of the best 30 amp RV generators. We have several different models to fit various situations and needs.

Summary

Here are the best 30 amp generators for rvs right now:

Preview Best Overall Premium Pick Best Value
Product Name Westinghouse iGen 4500 Inverter Generator Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator Honda EU3000iS Inverter Generator with CO-Minder
Specifications
  • Brand: Westinghouse
  • Wattage: 3700
  • Dimensions: 24.5″ x 17.5″ x 20″
  • Weight: 98 lbs
  • Price: $949
  • Brand: Champion
  • Wattage: 3400 watts
  • Dimensions: 25.1″ x 17. 3″ x 18.3″
  • Weight: 95.7 lbs
  • Price: $1,950
  • Brand: Honda
  • Wattage: 3000 watts
  • Dimensions: 25.9″ x 17.6″ x 22″
  • Weight: 130.7 lbs
  • Price: $2,199
Pros
  • Lightweight and easy to maneuver
  • Quiet
  • Convenience features like remote start and LED data center
  • Can run 15,000 BTU A/C
  • Parallel ready
  • Great customer service
  • Can run a 13,500 BTU A/C
  • Reliability of one of the most trusted brands in the industry
  • Electric start with recoil backup
Cons
  • Cannot be hooked up for parallel use
  • Not the best customer service
  • Can be difficult to change the oil
  • Expensive
  • No remote start
  • Small gas tank
  • Heavy
  • Wheel and handle kit must be purchased separately
  • Eco-Throttle is suitable for efficiency, but power use is limited
Price $899.98 at Amazon $1,950 at Amazon $2,199 at Camping World
See more See the Westinghouse iGen 4500 Inverter Generator See the Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator See the Honda EU3000iS Inverter Generator with CO-Minder

Filter Amp Generators by Categories

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  • Editor's Choice

  • Premium Pick

  • Bang for Your Buck

  • Most Powerful

  • Quietest

  • Eco-Friendly

  • Lightweight

Editor's Choice

Westinghouse iGen 4500 Inverter Generator

$899.98 at Amazon

See the Westinghouse iGen 4500 Inverter Generator

2167 reviews on Amazon

Ratings

  • Maneuverability: 8/10
  • Tech Support: 6/10
  • Stretch: 9/10
  • Noise Level: 9/10

Bottom Line

The iGen 4500 is our top choice for the best all-around 30 amp generator for RVs. It has a 3700-watt output, more than enough to meet your RV’s needs. It also has a lot of convenience features. It’s lightweight and has wheels and a telescoping handle to make it easy to maneuver.

The control panel is easy to understand, and it includes an LED data center, so it’s easy to see your output and how many hours you have left. You can also select economy mode to ensure that you’re using fuel efficiently. At 52 decibels, it’s very quiet.

The iGen 4500 has a 30 amp plug, so it’s RV ready. There are also remote start and electric start capabilities, along with a recoil start. With continuous power, you are free to run electronic devices without fear of damaging them.

Specs

  • Brand: Westinghouse
  • Wattage: 3700
  • Dimensions: 24.5″ x 17.5″ x 20″
  • Weight: 98 lbs
  • Price: $949
Pros Cons
  • Lightweight and easy to maneuver
  • Quiet
  • Convenience features like remote start and LED data center
  • Cannot be hooked up for parallel use
  • Not the best customer service
  • Can be difficult to change the oil

Editor's Choice

Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator

$1,950 at Amazon

See the Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator

1908 reviews on Amazon

Ratings

  • Maneuverability: 7/10
  • Tech Support: 9/10
  • Stretch: 7/10
  • Noise Level: 7/10

Bottom Line

The Champion 3400-watt offers lots of options. If you want quiet and don’t have a heavy load, you can run it on fuel. If you need power, it can last up to 14.5 hours on propane. It has an electric start, and it starts even in cold weather.

Economy mode helps to save fuel and keeps it at 59 dB(A). It has a handle and wheels for easy portability. The generator is also RV ready with a 30 amp plug. It provides clean electricity, allowing you to power your sensitive electronics.

Specs

  • Brand: Champion
  • Wattage: 3400 watts
  • Dimensions: 25.1″ x 17. 3″ x 18.3″
  • Weight: 95.7 lbs
  • Price: $1,950
Pros Cons
  • Can run 15,000 BTU A/C
  • Parallel ready
  • Great customer service
  • Expensive
  • No remote start
  • Small gas tank

Premium Pick

Honda EU3000iS Inverter Generator with CO-Minder

$2,199 at Camping World

See the Honda EU3000iS Inverter Generator with CO-Minder

175 Reviews on Camping World

Ratings

  • Maneuverability: 5/10
  • Tech Support: 7/10
  • Stretch: 10/10
  • Noise Level: 9/10

Bottom Line

There’s a lot to like about the Honda EU3000iS. It puts out 3000 watts and can run for almost 20 hours, depending on your load. It’s powerful enough to run your A/C but can also handle sensitive electronics. This generator is also known for being quiet – around 50-52 dB(A).

It includes several safety features, particularly the CO-Minder. This function monitors carbon dioxide levels and automatically shuts down if it gets too high.

While it’s easy to use and has an intuitive control panel, it is on the heavier side. If you want a wheel and handle kit, you will have to purchase it separately.

Specs

  • Brand: Honda
  • Wattage: 3000 watts
  • Dimensions: 25.9″ x 17.6″ x 22″
  • Weight: 130.7 lbs
  • Price: $2,199
Pros Cons
  • Can run a 13,500 BTU A/C
  • Reliability of one of the most trusted brands in the industry
  • Electric start with recoil backup
  • Heavy
  • Wheel and handle kit must be purchased separately
  • Eco-Throttle is suitable for efficiency, but power use is limited

Bang for Your Buck

Westinghouse WGen 3600 Portable Generator

$367.09 at Amazon

See the Westinghouse WGen 3600 Portable Generator

2121 reviews on Amazon

Ratings

  • Maneuverability: 8/10
  • Tech Support: 6/10
  • Stretch: 9/10
  • Noise Level: 5/10

Bottom Line

The WGen 3600 is a solid choice if you want a reliable generator and must mind your budget. It has a decent energy output – 3600 watts and can run for up to 18 hours if you aren’t using the full output. It’s also fuel-efficient, meaning you save even more money in the long run.

This generator is RV ready with a 30 amp plug and is ready to use out of the box. The starter is a manual recoil, and the control panel is straightforward. At 107 lbs, and with wheels and a handle, it’s easy to move around.

Specs

  • Brand: Westinghouse
  • Wattage: 3600 watts
  • Dimensions: 23.3″ x 22.8″ x 21.3″
  • Weight: 107 lbs
  • Price: $367.09
Pros Cons
  • Budget-friendly
  • At 69 dB(A), it’s slightly quieter than other models at this price-point.
  • Easy to use
  • It’s difficult to reach tech support.
  • No hour meter to help you keep up with run time
  • Not suitable for sensitive electronics

Bang for Your Buck

Champion 3650-Watt RV Ready Portable Generator

$478.41 at Amazon

See the Champion 3650-Watt RV Ready Portable Generator

46 reviews on Amazon

Ratings

  • Maneuverability: 6/10
  • Tech Support: 9/10
  • Stretch: 5/10
  • Noise Level: 6/10

Bottom Line

The 3650-watt Champion is ready to go camping. It comes RV-ready and boasts up to 9 hours of runtime, depending on usage. At 68 dB(A), it’s quieter than many budget portable generators. It has several safety features, including outlet covers and automatic oil shutoff.

This generator is reasonably lightweight and can handle 15,000 BTU A/Cs and most appliances in your RV. Intelligauge controls make information easy to find, and it does have an operations time gauge so you can see how much time you have left to use it.

Specs

  • Brand: Champion
  • Wattage: 3650 watts
  • Dimensions: 23.2″ x 18.1″ x 19.6″
  • Weight: 99.2 lbs
  • Price: $478.41
Pros Cons
  • Free lifetime tech support
  • Guaranteed to start in cold weather
  • Surge protector stop overloads and regulates peaks
  • No wheels and handles
  • Shorter run time
  • Lots of vibration

Most Powerful

DuroMax XP4850EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator

$469 at Amazon

See the DuroMax XP4850EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator

5546 reviews on Amazon

Ratings

  • Maneuverability: 7/10
  • Tech Support: 7/10
  • Stretch: 10/10
  • Noise Level: 5/10

Bottom Line

The DuroMax XP4850EH packs quite a punch. It runs on both gasoline and propane, giving you an outstanding balance of power and fuel efficiency. While it’s heavy, it comes with wheels and a handle set to make it easier to move.

One of the best things about the DuroMax XP4850EH is that it’s built to last. It’s made entirely of metal and has copper windings. When running it on propane, you can get up to 20 hours of runtime. It has an electric start, and a backup recoil start.

Specs

  • Brand: DuroMax
  • Wattage: 3850 watts
  • Dimensions: 24″ x 25″ x 21″
  • Weight: 125 lbs
  • Price: $777
Pros Cons
  • Key start ignitor
  • Easy-to-use control panel
  • Wheels are large, and handles fold, making it easy to move and store
  • Not too noisy, but gets loud if you run too much
  • Doesn’t work well with sensitive electronics
  • Heavy

Quietest

Yamaha EF3000iS Gas-Powered Portable Inverter

$2452.80 at Amazon

See the Yamaha EF3000iS Gas-Powered Portable Inverter

25 reviews on Amazon

Ratings

  • Maneuverability: 7/10
  • Tech Support: 9/10
  • Stretch: 9/10
  • Noise Level: 9/10

Bottom Line

If your top priority is a quiet generator, and you have a larger budget, the Yamaha EF3000iS may be perfect. The generator is equipped with insulation materials to reduce noise. It’s gas-powered and has Smart Throttle technology, which saves fuel and helps make it quiet. The generator can run up to 18.5 hours using Smart Throttle.

It has handles and wheels on both sides, making it easy to move around. Inverter technology ensures you can run your sensitive electronics. The control panel is easy to use and has dials to keep you informed about all levels.

Specs

  • Brand: Yamaha
  • Wattage: 3000 watts
  • Dimensions: 26.8″ x 17.5″ x 21.9″
  • Weight: 136 lbs
  • Price: $2452.80
Pros Cons
  • Electric, remote start
  • Comes with battery-charging cables
  • Parking brake makes it safe to store
  • Expensive
  • Not as powerful
  • Heavy

Quietest

Briggs & Stratton P3000 Power-Smart Inverter Generator

$1199 at Amazon

See the Briggs & Stratton P3000 Power-Smart Inverter Generator

262 reviews on Amazon

Ratings

  • Maneuverability: 9/10
  • Tech Support: 6/10
  • Stretch: 6/10
  • Noise Level: 8/10

Bottom Line

The Briggs & Stratton P3000 is ideal for smaller campers. It’s lightweight and portable, with wheels and a telescoping handle. You can easily store it in your RV and get it out when you need it. It’s so small. You can also use it for tent camping, tailgating, and other situations.

One of its best features is Quiet Power Technology, which makes adjustments to keep it quiet and save fuel. It’s so quiet that you can use your best sleeping pads for truck camping and sleep outside.

It’s RV ready with a 30 amp outlet and can easily be connected for parallel power. The LED control panel makes it easy to see all the necessary information. Inverter technology makes it capable of running sensitive electronics.

Specs

  • Brand: Briggs & Stratton
  • Wattage: 3000 watts
  • Dimensions: 26″ x 14″ x 21″
  • Weight: 84 lbs
  • Price: $1079
Pros Cons
  • Lightweight
  • LED control panel
  • Compact for easy storage
  • Not as powerful
  • Lower runtime than some other 3000-watt generators
  • Still somewhat expensive

Eco-Friendly

WEN 56380i Super Quiet 3800-Watt Portable Inverter Generator

$749.99 at Amazon

See the WEN 56380i Super Quiet 3800-Watt Portable Inverter Generator

1804 reviews on Amazon

Ratings

  • Maneuverability: 7/10
  • Tech Support: 8/10
  • Stretch: 4/10
  • Noise Level: 7/10

Bottom Line

Using less fuel is good for your wallet and the environment. If you want an eco-friendly generator, the WEN 56380i is a good option. When you put it in Eco-Mode, it will adjust its fuel usage as you plug and unplug various appliances. Since it’s an inverter, you can use it with electronics like laptops and smartphones.

It can run for up to 7.5 hours and is RV ready with a 30 amp plug. You can purchase a parallel kit if you need to hook up two generators. At 57 dB(A), it’s quiet enough to use for camping.

Specs

  • Brand: WEN
  • Wattage: 3800 watt
  • Dimensions: 23.2″ x 18″ x 20.1″
  • Weight: 110.8 lbs
  • Price: $815.83
Pros Cons
  • Fuel-efficient
  • Wheels and handle for portability
  • Compact for easy storage
  • Shorter runtime
  • Difficult to access oil chamber
  • 2-year warranty while most units offer three years

Lightweight

Generac GP3500iO Inverter Generator

$789 at Amazon

See the Generac GP3500iO Inverter Generator

225 reviews on Amazon

Ratings

  • Maneuverability: 8/10
  • Tech Support: 6/10
  • Stretch: 5/10
  • Noise Level: 6/10

Bottom Line

If you need a generator that’s easy for you to pick up and move around, the Generac GP3500iO weighs in at just over 74 lbs. It’s easy to lift in and out of your RV or vehicle. PowerRush technology gives you the power you need to get your appliance going without wasting fuel.

This generator can run for up to eight hours, depending on your load. It can power your sensitive electronics and your more powerful appliances. These generators are known to be durable, and the price is low enough to fit most budgets.

Specs

  • Brand: Generac
  • Wattage: 3500 watts
  • Dimensions: 19.3″ x 16.9″ x 16.4″
  • Weight: 74.3 lbs
  • Price: $699.63
Pros Cons
  • Reliable product at a median price
  • Parallel ready
  • Can power A/C units up to 15,000 BTU
  • Lightweight, but no wheel kit
  • Recoil start doesn’t always work on the first pull
  • No DC outlet

Conclusion

There are so many 30 amp RV generators on the market that it can be challenging to choose the right one for you. You always want to have the best camping products, like the best hiking backpacks. It’s best to figure out your top priorities and go from there. With these reviews and pro/cons lists, you can easily pick one of the best 30 amp RV generators for your unique situation.

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