7 Best Quiet Generator For RV & Motorhomes To Enjoy Camping In 2021

Are you looking for the best quiet generator for RV or Motorhome?

Imagine camping under the moonlight and listening to generator noise. Isn’t it irritating?

According to experts, listening to unwanted noise might weirdly affect your brain. Not just that, it can also lead to hearing problems and restlessness.

Thankfully, there are various tried and tested silent generators that you can’t pick. So, let’s check the list of best quiet generators for RV or Motorhome.

Skip to Generators
Honda EU2200i Generator
Champion 3400-Watt Generator
Yamaha EF2000iSv2 Generator
WEN 56203i Generator
Generac GP3000i Generator
Champion 4000 Watt Generator
A-iPower SUA2000iV 2000-Watt Generator

1. Honda EU2200i Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator

Honda EU2200i Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
Honda EU2200i Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
  • Sound: 48 to 57 dBA
  • Fuel Efficiency: 4.0 to 9.6 hours/tank
  • Ratings: 4.8/5 (1.2k global ratings*)
  • Wattage: 2200 watts
  • Weight: 40 Pounds
  • Generator Dimensions: 16 x 20 x 11 inches
  • Warranty: 3-year
  • Price: $1009*

Honda EU2200i is one of the lightest, fuel-efficient, and quietest RV generators in the list. The item weighs 47 pounds and produces noise between 48 to 57 dBA. According to the manufacturer, this popular generator can handle varieties of appliances, making it perfect for various requirements.

Coming to fuel efficiency, Honda has implemented the Eco-Throttle system. This enhancement helps the EU2200i deliver an excellent fuel efficiency of – 4.0 to 9.6 hours/tank. Carrying a Honda EU2200i generator is easy. The generator is comes packed in a compact and lighter package.

In terms of application, Honda EU2200i is an ideal quiet RV generator for running necessary day-to-day appliances like – TV, DVD, LEDs, Fans, Coffee makers, refrigerators, Chargers, etc.

Best Review On Amazon:

I’m glad that I spend the extra money to get the best in the market. It has worked perfectly so far. Starts quickly, runs quietly. Also, I got a very nice surprise when running on ECO mode. The Honda EU220i is advertised to run 8.1 hours when utilizing the ECO throttle, but it actually runs for about 10 hours. This is very helpful to me since I bought it, primarily to run my CPAP machine when camping. I am delighted with my purchase.

Average Ratings Of Honda EU2200i:

Easy to use5 Star
Value for money4.7 Star
Noise level4.7 Star
Stretch4.5 Star
Thickness4.5 Star
Lightweight4.5 Star
Source: Amazon

Features Of Honda EU2200i:

  • Engine fuel shutoff valve
  • Honda my generator app and Bluetooth capability
  • Commercial grade GXR120 engine
  • Super quiet & lightweight (less noise than normal conversation)
  • Quick and easy starting
  • Easier servicing
  • Honda Inverter tech (stable power)
  • Co-Minder – Advanced carbon monoxide detection system

2. Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator

 Champion 3400-Watt Inverter Generator
Champion 3400-Watt Inverter Generator
  • Sound: 59 dBA
  • Fuel Efficiency: Up to 7.5 hr. (Gas), Up to 14.5 hr. (Propane)
  • Ratings: 4.7/5 (1.8k global ratings*)
  • Starting Wattage: 3400 watts
  • Running Wattage: 3100 watts
  • Weight: 95.7 Pounds
  • Dimensions of Champion 3400: 25.1 x 17.3 x 18.3 inches
  • 3-Year limited warranty with FREE Champion lifetime tech. support
  • Price: $1,039*

Champion is one of the most reliable silent generator brands in the market. With over 1.8+ ratings and positive feedback, Champion 3400 has made it to my list. After Generac, Champion is the next silent generator you can consider using while RVing. However, it is on the heavier side.

This generator operates up to 59 dBA level and offers dual fuel running capability. Resultant, you can run this either on gasoline or propane. Not just that, you can also add an optional 50-amp RV ready outlet to increase the power outlet.

Combining all power resources, Champion 3400 provides you excellent operating time compared to other small quiet generators for camping. The manufacturer has used a well-tested 4-stroke 192cc motor providing your RV’s appliances 3400 watts of starting output and 3100 watts of running output.

Besides this reliable engine, Champion 3400 offers RV ready power sources like –  a 120V 30A RV, two 120V 20A household outlets and a 12V DC outlet with a dual USB adapter.

Best Review On Amazon:

Champion 3400-Watt dual fuel RV works just like it’s supposed to. Compared to other quiet generators, it has wheels for towing. It’s quiet in operation and allow you to talk standing next to the running generator. What else do you need?

Average Ratings Of Champion 3400-Watt

Noise Level4.4 Star
Portability4.4 Star
Manoeuvrability4.5 Star
Value for money4.2 Star
Lightweight3.9 Star

Feature of Champion 3400-Watt:

  • Dual Fuel
  • Convenient Electric Start with 3-Position Ignition Switch
  • Clean electricity (< 3% THD)
  • Cold Start Technology
  • Parallel Ready

3. Yamaha EF2000iSv2 Portable Inverter Generator

Yamaha EF2000iSv2 Portable Inverter Generator
Yamaha EF2000iSv2 Portable Inverter Generator
  • Sound: 51.5 to 60 dBA
  • Fuel Efficiency: Up to 10.5 hours/tank
  • Ratings: 4.6/5 (507k global ratings*)
  • Wattage: Up to 2000 watts
  • Weight: 44.1 Pounds
  • Generator Dimensions: 19.3 x 11 x 17.9 inches
  • 3-year limited warranty
  • Price: $949*

After Honda EU2200i, Yamaha EF2000iSv2 is the smartest, quietest, and efficient RV generator in the market. It comes fitted with Honda’s Smart Throttle tech, which runs according to the load input and gives the best fuel economy, and reduces noise.

That’s not all, Yamaha has fitted a sophisticated muffler to make it even silent. According to the manufacturer, you can have a conversation near a running generator.

Saying of heart, the Yamaha EF2000iSv2 has used an OHV engine that includes a steel camshaft, high strength valve train components, and cast iron cylinder liner. This combination makes the engine more efficient (up to 10.5 hours/1.1 gallons), reliable, and provides good heat dissipation.

Yamaha has upgraded the generator controllers. Now, you get an oil watch warning system, electrical overload breaker, economy control switch, etc. Around 45 pounds, Yamaha EF2000ISv2 is approx. Five pounds heavier than Honda, but still excellent in handling and transportation.

Thanks to the Yamaha’s advanced engineering and programming, this RV generator is excellent to handle a wide range of applications like LED TV, DVD, LEDs, Fans, Coffee maker, Refrigerator, Chargers, etc. Although, it can’t take as much load as Honda EU2200i.

Best Review On Amazon:

I like this generator. I read every review I could find before I bought it. I’m delighted with the Yamaha.

Like some others, I figured I’d save money and bought a noisy 4,000 watt Champion generator first since the reviews said it “wasn’t too noisy”. Guess what? It is too noisy, at least for me. I knew it 15 seconds after it started.

  • It is quiet, particularly on ECO mode, where it purrs.
  • It’s not too heavy, reasonably comfortable to carry, and quite portable; I don’t mind carrying it short distances.
  • I like its look and don’t feel guilty using it (unlike the Champion, which abuses my neighbors).
  • I had no trouble at all filling it with oil (unlike some users), and it started first pull.
  • It seals uptight when you shut off the fuel and close the cap vent. Good for storage.
  • I bought it through Amazon. It came double-boxed in bomb-proof packaging.

It’s been six years of moderate use, it’s still running flawlessly. I use it at my seaside campsite. For the $750-1000 range, this is a slightly better value, quality, economy, and noise rating than other manufacturers.

Average Ratings Of Yamaha EF2000iSv2:

Noise level4.8 Star
Portability4.8 Star
Manoeuvrability4.8 Star
Source: Amazon

Feature Of Yamaha EF2000iSv2:

  • Engine fuel shutoff valve
  • Fuel gauge inspection with a warning system
  • Smart throttle by Yamaha
  • Gear drive
  • TwinTech (requires two generators) by Yamaha
  • Super compact
  • Advance controller
  • Inverter system with PWM control
  • EPA & CARB emission engine durability rating
  • Electrical overload breaker
  • Rubber vibration isolation feet
  • Quiet operation

Also read:

4. WEN 56203i Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator

WEN 56203i Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
WEN 56203i Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
  • Sound: 51 dBA at quarter load
  • Fuel Efficiency: Up to 10.8 hours/tank
  • Ratings: 4.6/5 (1,07k global ratings*)
  • Wattage: 2000 watts
  • Weight: 39 Pounds
  • Generator Dimensions: 17.3 x 11.5 x 17.7 inches
  • 2-year warranty
  • Price: $388*

Whether you are on the job, at home, or enjoying camping with your family, WEN can be your next RV generator. Here’s why! It is one of the silent and budget range quietest portable generators on the list. Comparing to both models given above, WEN makes less noise and weighs only 39 pounds.

Powering the system is a 79cc 4-stroke OHV engine that requires little maintenance and gives a good runtime of 10.8 hours, making it the most fuel-efficient quiet RV generator ever.

WEN 56203i super quiet portable inverter generator can churn 2000 watts and 1700 rated watts of clean power to run your all sensitive devices like – chargers, TV sets, and computer safely. The manufacturer offers 3-prong 120V receptacles, one 12V DC receptacle, and two 5V USB ports.

Designed and manufactured in the USA, WEN is building quality generators since 1951. On the control panel, you get warning/indicating lights, choke lever, 3-in-1 fuel shutoff knob, parallel connection, and outlets.

Thanks to 2000 watts, you can run your essential devices without fail. You can simply link two WEN 56203i inverter generators using WEN Parallel Kit in case of more power requirements.

Best Review On Amazon:

Bought this for daily use while rving to take a “light load.” The WEN 56203i inverter is excellent for daily house battery charging, lights, TV’s, cell/laptop charging, fans, fridge, ninja mixer, toaster oven, etc. It struggles to run a 1200 watt microwave if other mentioned loads are also in use. So, you better check running items to run anything heavy.

Where it shines extremely economical, 10-13 hrs to the tankful is common. Boondocking, we use a 12 Gage 100′ extension cord and can’t even hear it.

“It may not be a Honda,” but for the money difference, I can buy 2 WEN’s and still have enough left over for six months of fuel to run it daily!

Average Ratings Of WEN 56203i

Noise level4.5 Star
Portability4.7 Star
Manoeuvrability4.8 Star
Stretch4.6 Star
Value for money4.5 Star
Lightweight4.5 Star
Source: Amazon

Features Of WEN 56203i:

  • Engine fuel shutoff knob
  • Eco-mode
  • Safe for electronics items (harmonic distortion 1.2% only)
  • Indicator lights (low oil, overload, and output)
  • Super lightweight
  • EPA III & CARB Compliant

5. Generac Inverter Generator GP3000i

Generac Inverter Generator GP3000i
Generac Inverter Generator GP3000i
  • Sound:  up to 58 dBA
  • Fuel Efficiency: 5.8 hours
  • Ratings: 4.6/5 (3k+ global ratings*)
  • Starting Wattage: 3000 watts
  • Running Wattage: 2,300 watts
  • Weight: 59.5 Pounds
  • Generator Dimensions: 22.2 x 13.3 x 18.4 inches
  • 3 years with limited parts and labour
  • Price: $749*

With 4+ global ratings and ranked 8 in outdoor generators on Amazon, GP3000i is one of the best-rated quiet RV generators available in the market. Although, it is quite heavy compared to other rivals generators.

GP3000i comes packed with PowerRush, it helps in delivering over 50% more starting capacity to run more equipements with less power. Moreover, the company’s True Power tech. provides clean and stable power for all kinds of electronics you carry during RVing.

The control panel has a choke, run, economy mode, USB ports with status lights for oil, overload, and ready to use. You can also utilise economy mode to save fuel and reduce noise.

Best Review On Amazon:

The GP3000i is genuinely remarkable. I have a Honda 2200, but I needed a 2nd one at a lower price. I bought this silent generator as insurance when the power goes out since we get many storms in my location. I run a big freezer, some led lights, a WIFI router and a laptop. Everything runs quite smoothly, pretty happy.

Average Ratings Of GP3000i

Noise Level4.5 Star
Portability4.2 Star
Manoeuvrability 4.3 Star
Value for money4.2 Star
Lightweight4.1 Star

Features Of GP3000i:

  • Easy to carry
  • Parallel ready
  • Economy mode
  • Best-in-class warranty
  • Optional GP series accessories

6. Champion Power 4000 Watt Quiet Inverter Generator (Wireless Remote Start)

Champion Power 4000 Watt Quiet Inverter Generator
Champion Power 4000 Watt Quiet Inverter Generator
  • Sound: 64 dBA
  • Fuel Efficiency: Up to 17 hours/tank @25% load
  • Ratings: 4.6/5 (1.9k global ratings*)
  • Wattage: 4000 watts
  • Weight: 95.8 Pounds
  • Generator Dimensions: 23.5 x 24.8 x 20.5 inches
  • 3-year limited warranty with free lifetime Champion tech support
  • Price: $649.8*Top of Form

The Champion 4000-Watt is an advance and powerful open frame quiet inverter generator in the market. At 64 noise level (dBA), it is louder than a normal conversation. However, you can keep it more than 23 feet to keep the noise minimum.

Coming to the portability, at 95.8 pounds, Champion 4000 is on the heavier side. To tackle, the manufacturer has given a foldaway easy-grip handle that includes a wheel kit to move wherever you need.

Let’s talk about the engine. This RV generator is pretty comfortable for your home, work as well as play. It comes fitted with a big capacity 224cc engine which produces a good 4000 watts and 3500 running watts of power. Thanks to clean power tech. (less than 3% THD), this silent generator is quite comfortable to run all sensitive electronics without any fluctuations.

The Champion 4000-Watt inverter generator outlets include a 120V 30A RV (TT-30R), two 120V 20A household outlets (5-20R), and a 12V DC automotive-style outlet with a dual USB adapter and battery-charging cables.

Another side, an optional parallel kit offers a 50-amp RV outlet that allows you to connect two 2800-watt inverters.

Best Review On Amazon:

I bought this generator for camping off the grid. My camper has 15k AC, and I wanted a silent generator to power it along with all essential items. I read about all inverters and decided to go with this style. Yes, it is not as quiet as fully enclosed generators, but that’s what Champion is known for. I can tell you that it’s more peaceful than all regular open frame generators. I recently camped with four other campers with standard generators with similar output and all of them were impressed by my Champion’s sound. I powered everything that I wanted and got around 12+ hours of runtime with ECO off. I run AC, outdoor fridge, ice maker, etc. Way impressed by this Champ…Highly recommend it.

Average Ratings Of WEN 56203i

Noise level4.5 Star
Portability4.7 Star
Manoeuvrability4.5 Star
Value for money4.5 Star
Lightweight3.9 Star
Source: Amazon

Features Of WEN 56203i:

  • Engine fuel shutoff valve
  • Eco-mode
  • Advanced open frame inverter design
  • Wireless remote start
  • Long run time
  • Parallel ready
  • Big engine
  • Touch start functionality
  • Easy to maintain

7. A-iPower SUA2000iV 2000 Watt Portable Inverter Generator

A-iPower SUA2000iV 2000 Watt Portable Inverter Generator
A-iPower SUA2000iV 2000 Watt Portable Inverter Generator
  • Sound: 58 dBA
  • Fuel Efficiency: Up to 7 hours/tank @50% load
  • Ratings: 4.5/5 (1.4k global ratings*)
  • Wattage: 2000 watts
  • Weight: 50 Pounds
  • Generator Dimensions: 22 x 13 x 20 inches
  • 2-Year Residential/Commercial
  • Price: $583.4*

A-iPower is a made in USA manufacturer that offers compact and portable RV generators. A-iPower SUA2000iV is one of the silent machines, so I thought to include that in the list of quiet RV generators.

At 58 dBA, A-iPower SUA2000iV portable inverter generator is not that silent but, yes, pretty useful in camping. According to the manufacturer, it gives 7 hours of run time at 50% load with a full tank (1.1gallon), which is not significant compared to rival RV generators.

The manufacturer has revised this model, which now gets an intuitive control panel with safe power for all your sensitive electronics.

A-iPower SUA2000iV comes powered by a small 79 cc Senci engine that generates 2,000 starting Watts and 1,600 running Watts. This power is quite sufficient to run your televisions, fans, lights, small cooking appliances, outdoor light strigs, inflator pumps, and different kinds of chargers.

The portable generator comes with a built-in parallel kit with cables. You can combine two generators to double up your power requirements. Besides this, the generator has different indicators and outlets – low idle mode, 3-in-1 light, one NEMA 120V AC 20A, one NEMA 120V AC 30A, L5-30R twist-lock outlet, one 12V DC 8.3A Adapter plug for battery charging or with USB, and a 30 AMP RV Adapter.

Best Review On Amazon:

This generator is excellent. I ran it side by side next to a eu2200, and the Ai is noticeably a bit louder with more tingy noise from the exhaust. But it’s on a level that is well inside of acceptable. I was able to power a 1500watt heater, 6500btu wall mount AC, a 65 inch LED TV with a surround sound system, 2 PlayStation 4’s, Internet modem and router, box fans, 2 standing fans, seven lamps, and a cell phone charger. For my occasional use of powering a converted cargo trailer, it is excellent. If I had invested a lot in a camper and relied on it for hundreds of hours a year, I would have gotten a Honda. But for intermittent use, this is well worth the money.

Average Ratings Of A-iPower SUA2000iV 2000

Easy to assemble4.7 Star
Portability4.4 Star
Manoeuvrability4.2 Star
Value for money4.3 Star
Lightweight4.2 Star
Noise level4.0 Star
Source: Amazon

Feature of A-iPower SUA2000iV 2000:

  • USB Port & Multiple outlets
  • Inverter tech.
  • Ultra-lightweight
  • Low IDLE mode
  • Warning lights (3-in-1)
  • Visible fuel gauge
  • EPA/CARB 50 States

How To Choose Perfect Quiet Generator For RV?

Choosing a quiet generator for camping depends on a different set of qualities that you don’t get in regular generator models. You may need better power, different sizes, related things before ending up purchasing any portable silent generator.

A small portable generator is appropriate to run your daily needs like – LED lights, chargers, refrigerators. Another hand, you might need a big generator to run heavy equipments, ACs, Microwave, or even a whole house.

Given below are the qualities you should check before picking any generator for your RV:

  • Quiet operation
  • Purity of power
  • Different power outputs
  • Ease of portability
  • Reliability

Ignoring these points can end up wasting your hard-earned money on a useless machine. Another side, you can measure and pick the best from the market. Let’s understand each factor in brief, shall we?

Quiet Operation:

Loudness is measured in decibels or dBA. The noise level of generators depends on model to model. So, how to check which one is best for your comfort?

A good sound output range between 53 to 55 dBA. This is suitable for RVing. Another range you can consider is between 56 to 60 dBA, these generators are moderate in noise and can be used for most camping cases.

Power Purity:

Inverter vs non-inverter generators

To tackle distortion and noise in power, manufacturers introduced inverter generators. They are sensitive to all of your electronics like laptops, chargers, etc.

Portability:

When we search for portable, we know we are purchasing items to move from one place to another. Here, lightweight items come as real virtue. Noticeably, the smaller the wattage output, the lighter generator.

It is recommended to plan your watt usage and make a purchase accordingly. Not only this will cut unnecessary weight, but it comes at a low price.

Different Power Outputs:

For a general household, all you need is a 120 volts ac output. Things change when you think about outdoor living, you will need to plug USB charging cables, 12-volt dc power for plug-in accessories,

Always check for ratings and reliability of your generator’s brand.

Reliability:

All of the generators need to be 100% reliable. You can ask the following questions before making a decision:

  • What is their service and maintenance warranty?
  • What’s brand history?
  • What is an ideal spare part cost?
  • Is service off-site or on-site?

You can search on the web and read about them.

How To Quiet A Generator For Camping?

Some simple and practical tips to quiet a generator for your camping site:

1. First, select a generator with a minimum decibel volume.
2. Face the exhaust pipe in the opposite direction for your camping site.
3. Place your RV generator as far as possible.
4. Put the portable generator on a soft surface (grass).
5. Use sound deflectors to quiet the incoming noise.
6. Build an acoustic enclosure, baffle box or box to put the generator inside.
7. Replace and use water as your generator muffler.

What size generator do I need for my RV?

First, you should know and measure your power requirements. Most of the RV generators come between 2000 – 4000 watts of output power. If you want to run heavy appliances, you should check more than 2000 watts; otherwise, a 2000 watt RV generator is compatible with all your power needs.

Note:

  • Price can be varied according to retailors
  • Best review on Amazon is taken from the Amazon website (only certified buyers)

Also read:

Written by Shailesh Thakran

Hi, I'm think tank behind Throttlebias. I love blogging, mainly about Automobiles. Via Throttlebias, I want to educate & share in-depth articles about Car Detailing and related areas. Outside Throttlebias, I love to write marketing & stuff.

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