A great camping generator needs to be reliable, easy to start, portable, quiet and has electronics-safe clean power. Whether you have a recreational vehicle or just a tent trailer, having a reliable source of power for lights and running a few appliances opens up a whole new area of camping in National parks, or private land away from crowded campsites, especially if you get a model with a spark arrestor on the exhaust.
There is so much you can do with solar panels and power, but firing up a generator is reliable, quick and requires very little planning ahead. All you need is the fuel and the machine, whether it is gasoline or propane.
Best quietest inverter generators with great ratings
Generally the smaller inverter generators work well for camping, boating and power on the road, the only disadvantage is generally they only have a limited output, usually 3000 watts max, so will run a few smaller appliances like coffee makers, toaster ovens and lights.
They usually have a carrying handle but no wheel kit so you have to carry them. With them you can also run laptops and televisions without fear of power surges damaging your electronics, like some of the cheaper less sophisticated generators can.
Lifan ESI 2000iER, Parallel Port Quiet Inverter Generator with Electric Remote Start
Extreme Max EXT3000 Electric Start Inverter Generator
Yamaha EF2000iS 2,000 Watt Gas Portable Inverter Generator (CARB Compliant)
Best portable propane generators to buy
One of the advantages of propane is likely you already have a bunch of propane tanks in the garage for your gas BBQ grill, from all those times you left the empty tank at home and had to get another for an upcoming BBQ party. The following gensets run on propane fuel and you get the convenience of long term storage of fuel before use, without the fouling of carburetors that comes from using old gasoline.
These generally give out lower emissions while running, and you can get some nice powerful units that will run a small home that are not that big or bulky. Some of the Generac even have a useful cart for moving the propane bulk tank as well. There are more small models coming up on the market all the time now, as consumer demand increases.
Generac 6001 LP5500 Propane Portable Generator with Tank Holder
Sportsman GEN4000LP 4000 Watt Propane Powered Portable Generator
Generac 6000 LP3250 3,750 Watt Propane Portable Generator With Tank Holder
Best larger gas powered portable generators for camping
These are mostly brushless alternator models which, while they do not contain or use an inverter, they give out cleaner electrical power for running Tvs and other fine electronics safely, for a relatively lower purchase cost than the inverters. They use more fuel due to the larger engines, but generally have longer run times for more freedom so you can leave the campsite for the day and your fridge will still be cold when you get back!
These low decibel quiet models often have a special muffler, extra padding, insulation and engine mountings to reduce noise and vibration keeping sound out put lower. This size may be more useful for running a larger RV or trailer or boat, and all have wheel kits and foldable handle to maneuver these larger units. Of course there are smaller models of these brands with similarly high consumer ratings if these are a little large or expensive for your needs.
Generac 5943 GP7500E 9,375 Watt Generator with Electric Start
Lifan ESI 5600iER-CA, Idle Control Quiet Inverter Generator – Electric Remote Start
Westinghouse WH7500E Portable Generator, 7500 Running Watts/9000 Starting Watts