If you’ve ever been to a campground where your neighbor has a loud RV generator, you’ll understand why having a quiet generator is so crucial. Being a good camping neighbor is a cardinal rule in campgrounds, where you are in close quarters with other campers. If you’ve ever spend a sleepless night at a campground next to an inconsiderate camper with a loud generator, you might be looking for a quiet portable camping generator before planning your next trip. But who makes the quietest ones?
Champion Power Equipment makes some of the quietest generators for camping. Their 2200W generators have a noise level of around 50 DBA from 23 feet away, these generators are about as quiet as the ambient noise in your house. Plus, they are ultra-lightweight and come in at an affordable price range which makes them one of the best choices for quiet camping generators.
However, there are many other options in the market. And you should, of course, know about them before making any purchase decision. Read on to learn more.
Brands That Make Quiet RV Generators
Many brands claim that they make quiet RV generators. However, in reality, they are as noisy as any other generators. So, after much careful consideration and scrutiny, the following list was made. These companies make RV generators that maintain their volume from 50-60 DBA. And even in full-load, they barely reach 70 DBA.
1. Genmax
GENMAX was founded in 2010. The brand consistently aims to make smaller, lighter, and environmentally friendly products. Their generators are super quiet and reduce noise pollution. Plus, they are one of the best brands for camping because they weigh much less than typical generators, making them easy to carry.
Genmax ultra-quiet generators make a barely audible noise at 57 DBA from 23 feet. Which is equivalent to the volume of a normal conversation or an electric toothbrush. At the quarter of its full load, the noise level rises to 62DBA, and at full load to 68DBA. Still, the noise level is reasonably low considering the generator is running at a full load.
The inverter technology used by GENMAX makes sure their generators provide stable power. Therefore, the risk of damage to your sensitive electronics is much lower. Plus, these generators can run for eight hours straight on minimal fuel. You could also use the Economy Mode to save some more.
GENMAX also provides excellent customer service. First, you get a full-year warranty on the generator you buy. And secondly, they will give you expert technical support for a lifetime.
Recommendation: GENMAX Portable Inverter Generator
| Noise | 58 dB(A) from 23ft |
| Power | 2200W |
| Power Source | Gas |
2. Wen
WEN has been making generators and power tools since 1951. All their generators comply with the emission standards the California Air Resource Board (CARB) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This compliance includes reducing pollution as well. And WEN has focused on producing some of the quietest RV generators.
These generators usually produce 58 DBA at a twenty-five percent load from 22 feet. If you consider that a conversation is 60 DBA, that’s pretty quiet. So, you can easily have a conversation or work on some documents on your laptop without being annoyed.
Portabilty is another quality that makes these RV generators ideal for camping. A typical RV generator from WEN can weigh 100 pounds or less. However, WEN attaches wheels to their units to make them portable and easy to maneuver. That way, you can quickly push them around the campsite.
The generators from WEN come with dual-fuel technology. So, you can easily switch between propane and gasoline. Plus, they have Auto Fuel Selection Technology. So, if the generator has to run for longer, it will automatically change to gasoline from propane.
Recommendation: WEN DF400i Super Quiet
| Noise | 58 dB(A) from 22ft |
| Power | 4000W |
| Power Source | Propane/Gas |
3. Champion
Champion power equipment started its journey from California in 2003. Since then, they have gained a reputation for producing high-quality power equipment. The company uses its very own Quiet Technology in these generators and thus have become one of the leading manufacturers of Quiet RV Generators.
Their ultralight generators weigh as little as 39 lbs. so portability is never an issue. And as for noise, they will produce a mere 53 DBA from 23 feet distance. In addition to being lightweight and quiet, the generator also has dual-fuel technology so it can switch to more affordable fuel options when you need it to run for longer periods of time.
Champion also sells Parallel kits for their generators. You can get one of these kits to connect two generators together and get a higher power output. Plus, these generators come with all the possible outlets you might need, including 110, 12v and USB ports.
Once you buy an RV generator from Champion, you build a lifetime relationship with the company. First of all, there is a 3-year warranty. Within this time, the company will replace the product or refund money depending on the situation. Besides, you get a Lifetime of free expert technical support for any troubleshooting.
Recommendation: Champion Power 100900 Dual Fuel
| Noise | 53 dB(A) from 23ft |
| Power | 2000W |
| Power Source | Propane/Gas |
4. Genkins
GENKINS RV generators are a good choice for camping trips. These generators start on the first pull so you don’t have to struggle with getting the generator started. Plus, they are light enough for one person to carry without assistance. However, they still provide a handle and wheel kit with every generator.
A GENKINS RV generator can last for 600 hours which means it has excellent longevity. Plus, it has a 2.64 gallon fuel tank. With a full tank, you can seamlessly run the generator for eight hours. When the tank reaches its limit, auto Shutdown commences, reserving the remaining fuel for an emergency.
As for noise, GENKINS generators produce around 50-60 DBA from 13-15 feet away. So, if you can keep the generator very close to your camp or RV and still have a pleasant and undisturbed sleep. Another noticeable fact is that, compared to other quiet RV generators of the same caliber, they are around a hundred dollars cheaper.
You will get a two-year warranty when buying an RV Generator from this company. Moreover, GENKINS is determined to deliver the best product to their customer. Currently, they sell to 120 countries in the world. All their geneartors are environmentally compliant.
Recommendation: Jenkins 4500 Watt Portable
| Noise | 50 dB(A) from 23ft |
| Power | 4500W |
| Power Source | Propane/Gas |
5. Bilt Hard
The BILT HARD Company produces some of the most high-quality yet affordable and quiet RV generators on the market. When running at full load, the generators make 68 DBA of noise. This low noise, along with its portable design and rolling casters, make it an excellent RV generator for camping and other outdoor activities.
When using electronic devices with a some generators, you have to be concerned about fluctuation of voltage. Unlike the electricity from your home’s wall socket, power from an RV generator can often be unstable and damage laptops or tablets. But BILT HARD generators have Electronic Overload Protection and Auto Voltage Adjuster system, which prevents voltage fluctuation.
Plus, BILT HARD generators make the most efficient use of fuel. Therefore, where most generators can run 8 hours on a 2-gallon tank, these generators can run for 14 hours.
Because of the Fuel Shutoff technology, these generators also have excellent longevity. This system makes sure that the remnant fuel inside the Carburetor is used up before the RV generator shuts down. Also, BILT HARD OIL tests its generators before sending them off to the market to assure you receive a quality product.
Recommendation: BILT Hard Quiet Inverter Generator
| Noise | 68 dB(A) from 23ft |
| Power | 4500W |
| Power Source | Gas |
6. Briggs And Stratton
Briggs and Stratton has 110 years of experience in the power tool industry. The company has created the QuietPower Series that uses a patented inverter technology unique to this brand. As a result, these generators are sixty percent quieter than similar RV generators.
In many cases, the noise of a generator has less to do with its engine and more with its shell. But Briggs and Stratton has taken that into account with an all-steel frame technology. This housing is wrapped in another protective shell creating the lowest possible level of noise while increasing the longevity of the engine and other parts.
Besides being quiet, these generators are also very lightweight and compact in design. They are thirty percent lighter than a typical RV generator. Plus, being compact, it takes up much less space than other similar generators. Briggs and Stratton also incorporates a telescopic handle with their generators, making transporting them around easier.
Briggs and Stratton’s generators regulatory compliant so you can run them without worrying about exposure to harmful emissions. Plus, these generators have Carbon Monoxide Guard technology. So, whenever it detects dangerous levels of the carbon monoxide gas, it automatically shuts down.
Recommendation: Briggs & Stratton Q6500
| Noise | 66 dB(A) from 23ft |
| Power | 6500W |
| Power Source | Gas |
7. Power Smart
The Power Smart portable generators are excellent for camping because they are lightweight, compact, and quiet. The 2200W generator is only around 43 lb. Meanwhile, the 4400W generator weighs no more than 72 lbs. Plus, these generators have a parallel-ready design so you can carry separate generators and connect them at the campsite.
You can run all kinds of gadgets with these generators such as mobile phone, laptops, drones, and other essential electronics. All that work but such little noise. That’s because these generators produce only a volume of 58-61 DBA from 23 feet away, which gives you a peaceful camping experience.
The 2200W generators can run for 10.5 hours straight at quarter load. Meanwhile, the 4400W provides consistent service for 16 hours with a 2.54-gallon fuel tank. To conserve power, you can use the Economy Mode.
Power Smart treats their customers with great care. You will get a full two-year warranty when buying an RV generator. In addition, they have a very active customer service department ready to respond to your problem 24/7.
Recommendation: PowerSmart Portable Generator, 2200 Watts
| Noise | 58 dB(A) from 23ft |
| Power | 2200W |
| Power Source | Gas |
8. Honda
Honda needs no introduction as its name has become synonymous with all sorts of motorized equipment including some high-quality generators as well. And, the portable generators from their Super Quiet series are ideal for camping due to their low volume noise and low weight. Some of these generators weigh in at less thank 53 lbs.!
There are some of these generators that you can control from your mobile phone. Just download the “My Generator” app developed by Honda and you’ll have wireless control over your generator. Plus, you can view all its parameters, such as fuel and load percentage, directly from your mobile screen and take action when necessary.
Like other advanced quiet RV generators, Honda also offers a Co-Minder. This technology constantly monitors the Carbon Monoxide levels in your generator’s proximity. And if it reaches risk levels, the generator will automatically shut down eliminating the chance of CO poisoning.
The one downside with Honda is the high price of its products. For instance, typical quiet RV generators around 2000-2200W will cost you around $500. But an RV generator from Honda with the same Watt shall cost you more than $1000. If you value a high-quality, brand-names product, Honda generators are well worth your money.
Recommendation: Honda EU2200i Companion
| Noise | 57 dB(A) from 23ft |
| Power | 2200W |
| Power Source | Gas |
The Importance Of Quiet RV Generators
Generator noise can ruin your whole camping trip. We’ve camped at campgrounds where neighbors have had really loud generators, which is really irritating when you are at a place where you go to relax. Don’t be that person! Imagine the sound of a lawn mower, a window air conditioner or an area with heavy traffic and that’s the sound you’ll get at 80 decibels. Sound levels 85 decibels or louder for a protracted period can damage your hearing. Plus, anything over 80 decibels is uncomfortable to the human ear.
Therefore, you need an RV generator specially designed to make less noise than 70 decibels and preferably lower. Failure to understand the importance of quiet RV generators can make the trip a bad experience for everyone.
It’s difficult to relax, sleep or read a book in your camp if you have a loud generator. Moreover, normal chatting and conversations by the fire would become a challenge when your generator makes a lot of noise. And lastly, you will also ruin the outdoor experience for the other neighboring campers.
Besides ruining your vacation, noisy generators also hurt the environment. Your generator noise can significantly disturb sensitive outdoor ecosystem. And that’s the last thing you want to do on your camping trip. So, for everyone’s sake, quiet RV generators are essential for camping.
Things To Look for When Buying A Quiet RV Generator
Buying a quiet RV generator can be challenging if you do not know what qualities and features you should be looking for. And you might buy a generator than takes a chunk out of your wallet but doesn’t give you best the qualities and features. So, what should you look for when purchasing an RV Generator.
Volume: You know you want a quiet generator. But what are the exact specifications? Well, sound above or around 80-85 decibels are uncomfortable to the human ear. So, of course, the generator has to be quieter than that. In simple terms, the best range for an RV generator is 50-60 DBA. Ensure the generator doesn’t exceed 70 DBA during a full load.
Lightweight: An RV generator has to be lightweight. You should be able to lift it or move it without another person’s assistance. This is why generators weighing around 44 lbs. are an excellent choice. However, with the increase in wattage, the generators also get heavier. But you don’t want it to exceed 88 lbs.
Wheel unit: Even the lightweight generator might feel heavy to some people. in these cases, getting an RV generator with a wheel unit or some other type of transportation is essential. A wheel unit increases the ‘portability’ of an RV generator- an essential property for any RV generator.
Dual fuel: Generators that can run on dual fuel and seamlessly switch between one another are a great asset in the outdoors. For instance, you can run these machines on both propane and gasoline. And when the situation dictates, the generator can switch to the more affordable fuel option. That way, you’ll get more hours out of it.
Stable electrical Current: One of the significant risks of running sensitive devices like laptops or iPads on a generator is the instability of the power flow. This is why some of your devices might stop working after you return from a camping trip. So, look for an RV generator that uses inverter technology and voltage adjustment systems.
Outlet: Nothing can be worse than discovering during the trip that you do not have the correct outlet to connect your devices. So, ensure your RV generator has at least these three outlets- RV outlet, regular home outlet, and USB ports.
Emission: Carbon emissions from generators are harmful not only to the environment but can also cause CO poisoning if you are exposed long enough. Therefore, buy an RV generator with the technology to monitor carbon monoxide levels. Also, ensure the product is environmentally compliant with EPA and other regulatory bodies.
Warranty: the company you buy your RV generator from should provide a warranty of at least one year. Buy from manufacturers with a reputation for providing excellent customer service. Some of the best companies offer lifetime technical support and are always eager to help you with troubleshooting questions.
Conclusion
Quiet RV generators are essential for a pleasurable experience on camping trips. So, you should invest in one as soon as possible. The list was compiled after applying advanced methodology and considering various technical factors.
But you are always encouraged to do your own research before purchasing a generator for camping.