Ever imagined being in the wild with your RV enjoying nature’s quietness and suddenly your solar-powered lamp goes off?
You check the time on your mobile to realize it is past midnight your phone beeps twice; leaving you with a 2% battery not enough to make a call for help.
To cap it all, your laptop is about to shut down with your incomplete work and you have a deadline to beat.
Panic sets in considering the chain of unfortunate events and perhaps hope for a miracle.
Interestingly, you do not need a miracle at this point. A random noise-making generator will not help matters as it will be very unpleasant to use in an RV.
A probable solution?
What you need is the Best Quiet RV Generator available on the market today. During this article, we shall look at the quietest generators for RV camping.
We shall talk about the pros, the cons, and everything in between to help you avoid having such a terrible experience.
Are you ready? Let’s dive right in…
Before we proceed, a quick heads up. Here are detailed product analyses of the market’s top seven quiet RV generators for the money. It is credible and ensures that you are getting the best value for your money.
Some of our top picks based on our review.
Quiet RV Generator Generators | Image | Price |
|---|---|---|
1: Most Lightweight: Portable Power Station Explorer
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2: Super Quiet: WEN 56380i
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3: Second most lightweight: Pulsar G2319N
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4: Second Super Quiet: A-iPower SUA2000iV
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5: Third Super Quiet: WEN 56200i
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6: Dual Fuel RV: Champion 3400-Watt
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7: PowerSmart Series: Briggs & Stratton
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7 best quiet RV generator Reviews in 2021
You should read on to gain more insight into the individual products.
Starting off we have….
1. Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 500, 518Wh Outdoor Mobile Lithium Battery Park
Starting off the list is an noiseless(0 dB) solution to cater for your RV generator needs. The Jackery Portable Power station is a budget-friendly option.
You could also call it a solid well-designed product. It is rugged enough to supply you with all the power you need to stay out there and be productive.
What makes this unique?
Well, it is a green power solution, perfect for lovers and protectors of nature. It is easy to recharge.
Plug into direct current via a wall socket charge or recharge it in your car on the go! Plus, there is a provision for solar panel attachments.
If you will use the direct AC wall socket, expect to have full charge within eight (8) hours.
For the car recharge option, you would normally expect full charge between 14-16 hours as for the solar panel (100W) which sells separately, the time varies but normally between 12-14 hours.
The overall design?
The Jackery power station is lightweight - it weighs slightly above 13 lbs.
It also features a rather simple design. You get a power-in socket, three USB ports, and a power out port. You also get a battery indicator screen positioned perfectly at the top center.
These are all you need and more...
How Much Power Do You Get With This?
While the lithium-ion battery powers small gadgets, it covers all of your needs. You can only use devices rated 500 watts or lower.
It won't get damaged by a heavy load. Anything above its limit will automatically shut down the system.
It should last for an average of 7hours if connected to a 60 Watt device which is great considering the compact size of this power station.
Finally, you do not hear any sound during operation. This makes it the perfect noiseless RV generator for you.
Pros
Cons
2. WEN 56380i Super Quiet 3800-Watt Portable Inverter Generator
We move on to a fuel-powered RV generator. Here is the 57 dB Wen Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator. While it is not a lightweight model, it has wheels for easier transport.
Weighing 111 lbs using this demands some manpower compared to the Jackery portable power station explorer.
On the bright side, aside its wheels, its portable design and collapsible handles makes its storage and transport easy.
That’s not all ...
You might wonder why it weighs so much? Well, it is for the best reasons. This massive-powered engine features 3800 surge watts and 3400 rated watts backed by the four-stroke OHV engine. The half-load runtime is 8.5 hours.
Starting the engine is also super easy. How is this so? The WEN563801 features a keyless ignition start, all you need to do is turn the knob to the start position and push the orange button to start.
Even better than having to worry less about losing any keys, the super quiet engine will astound.
You quickly find out that the dashboard is easy to operate and to understand - it features a wide range of user-friendly controls.
Beneath the digital display meter, you find the electric ignition. There is also a 15A outlet beside the manual shutdown switch and circuit breakers.
The inbuilt Eco-friendly switch maximizes fuel economy and overall runtime.
Beneath the digital display meter, you find the electric ignition. There is also a 15A outlet beside the manual shutdown switch and circuit breakers.
The inbuilt Eco-friendly switch maximizes fuel economy and overall runtime.
The best part?
They are all well labeled and are luminescent in the dark.
The Wen Super quiet generator will help you make the most of any power outage situation and it does not just power your bulbs alone. You could add 2 freezers along with any appliance you need.
A recommendation?
It is always advisable to reserve some fuel in the tank as this helps to ensure the longevity of the carburetor.
Pros
Cons
3. Pulsar G2319N 2,300W Portable Gas-Powered Quiet Inverter Generator
Up next is the Pulsar G2319N - a portable gas-powered inverter generator with a sound rating of 59 dB.
Gas, sure, is a great choice, as it is cheaper than diesel, and is more readily available.
An upside of this generator is that it has a high aesthetic value. Not only is it lightweight but they also couple it with a unique suitcase design.
This makes it the perfect choice for younger owners and those who love to spend time outdoors.Aside from its unique looks, it runs quietly at 59 decibels.
This makes it virtually unnoticeable while it powers your place. Even better, this model has a decent price.
It does not end there…
The Pulsar, true to its name, is full of a lot of positive pulse. It supplies a decent 2300 peak watts and 1800 running watts. These are powered by the 224cc engine.
They design this Best quiet RV generator to run for six hours with 1.18 gallons of fuel.
Not just that…
It also features dual 120 V outlets, 12 V cigarette outlets, and a direct USB connection port for your gadgets safely and directly. They sell this item
at a pretty is decent price tag. It is a high-end product that provides clean power, but it does not wipe your pocket clean with its purchase.
at a pretty is decent price tag. Of course, it is a high-end product that provides clean power, but it does not wipe your pocket clean with its purchase.
Wondering how to start the engine? That’s super easy. Push the start button once. Yes, just push it once and release it.
It does not require a “push and hold” as with conventional models. This is possible with the 7 Ah battery that fits in a special compartment which is super easy to use.
If you are looking for your main quiet RV generator, then you have found it.
The Pulsar is perfect for camping, tailgating, and picnics and you also get some extra value-added tools. Lightweight and portable, it is heavy-duty.
Pros
Cons
4. A-iPower SUA2000iV Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator
Here, next is the 58 dB A-iPower super quiet inverter generator. It is the perfect description of a clean and quiet RV generator.
With this product, you get a solid 2000 watts starting power and 1600 running power backed by the 79cc engine.
The A-iPower generator is ideal for outdoor activities such as concerts, picnics, camping trips, tailgating and perfect for RVs.
What’s in the box?
You get a 50 lbs piece of equipment. That is portable enough to carry around without announcing your presence. Yet, even when in use, it runs quietly and produces less than 58 dB.
The A-iPower is compatible with your home appliances and gadgets such as televisions, laptops and any power-sensitive home electronics.
The 1.1-gallon tank capacity can keep you running for up to 7 hours at half load. There is also a special feature called the “low idle technology”.
This extends runtime by an extra 2 hours at half load usage.
It also features a multi-switch. This makes starting it, running it, and stopping it a seamless operation.
You also get a unique feature known as the parallel capability which allows you to connect two of these generators to produce more power.
Finally, with this, you get a 2-year warranty alongside lifetime technical support all for free.
Pros
Cons
5. WEN 56200i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator
The WEN 56200i has a sound rating of 51 dB. Yet another WEN product on the checklist.
Why? This model is for users with less power usage requirements. This quiet RV generator has a power capacity of 2000 surge watts and 1600 rated watts. The power supplied by the 79.7cc 4-stroke OHV engine.
To add, the WEN 56200i is safe to connect and run your gadgets such as cellphones, laptops.
It has an inbuilt current stabilizer that ensures it delivers just the right amount of power to your devices.
It is also so quiet that you can compare it to the sound of two people having a normal conversation.
51 dB. Yes, that’s how quiet it is.
But that’s not all…
In the box, you get a super packed versatile panel which comprises two three-pronged receptacles, one 12 volts DC receptacle and a 5 volts USB port quintessential for camping, tailgating and to serve as the ideal backup power for your RV.
You also get to save some fuel by enabling the eco-friendly mode which allows the generator to adjust to its fuel-saving mode when there is less demand for power.
Here, the fewer appliances connected it, the longer your generator runs. This is very useful seeing it has a small tank capacity of 1 gallon.
Finally, it weighs in at 48 lbs, which is about more than half the weight of the WEN 56380i.
The lightweight might not be a deal-breaker but it comes in handy during transit and eradicates the need for wheels and handles during transport.
One last thing, you would need to pull to start it. Well, we all need a little exercise, don’t we?
Pros
Cons
6. Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator
The 59 dB Champion RV generator is a rare find. You get the flexibility of choosing to use either gasoline or propane with the Champion generator.
The engine has a power of 3400 watts backed by a huge 192cc engine.
But yes, the price tag also huge! It is almost 3x the A-iPower and others on the list.That’s a great thing, as it packs a bigger and finer punch than all the other models in this review.
One interesting thing…
The number of hours you can operate this varies with the fuel you use. You get 7.5 hours of use time with a full tank of gasoline and about 14.5 hours when you use propane (20lb).
One either of both fuels however, you get an Economy mode that runs quieter, saves more fuel and guarantees the longevity of the engine.
This best quiet RV generator produces about 59 dB which is decent.
Despite its massive power generation, this unit is super easy to start. With the push of a button, you have power in the engine and overall battery maintenance is easy. Plus, you get an easy-to-use control area on the dashboard.
The Champion portable inverter generator weighs about 96 lbs and included with a three-year warranty.
Pros
Cons
7. Briggs & Stratton 30545 P3000 PowerSmart Series Portable 3000-Watt Inverter
This 3000-watt generator with 58 dB sound rating has more than enough power for the average user. It will power even a high-capacity RV air conditioner.
It comes with 2600 running watts and 3000 starting watts and backed by a 171 cc engine.This has a great tank, and you can worry less about running out of fuel soon.
- It has a tank capacity of 1.5 gallons of gasoline which lasts up to 10 hrs at a 25% load.
What more?
The Briggs & Stratton 30545 P3000 guarantees you power when you need it.
On a side note, you will need to pull this to start as it does not come with the push-to-start option. A great option though, as it requires the littlest pull to start. It is very responsive.
While the Briggs & Stratton RV generator is not available to residents of California for reasons best known to the seller, we highly encourage residents of other states to make a purchase. It’s a steal. The price is great for its capacity and efficiency!
Pros
Cons
Benefits of Purchasing the Quietest Generator for RV and Camping
There are so many reasons you might want to have a quiet RV generator however, we will be highlighting some of the benefits.
- The peaceful and quiet experience.
- Backup Power when you need it.
- You can easily carry around.
- Boost confidence while on the road.
Buying Guide for the Best Quiet RV Generator
There are a few things to note when shopping for RV generators. We have highlighted some of them in the individual product review but we shall go a bit in-depth.
RV generators are not cheap. While this term is relative, that does not mean that you shouldn’t strive to get good value for your money on every purchase.
Type of Generator
We have highlighted three types of RV generators available on the market today.
Each has its own perks. It is very useful to know all the generators out there before making a final pick.
Standby generators
These are the most popular generators as they have more power. However, when considering an RV generator they are not the best choice.
Here’s why:
- They are ‘standby’ that makes them fixed and immovable. This is not ideal for RV as you will most need to be mobile? In and out of your vehicle, or when you have to clean the RV?
- They are ideal for garages and residential homes as that much power would be unnecessary for an RV. A plus for you if that is your reason for purchase.
With that said, know that they come at a high price it is not for medium-sized pockets. Especially if you do not have a need for such ‘standby’ units.
Portable Generators
The portable types are usually smaller and have less power compared to the standby generators.
But just enough power (2500 - 8000 watts) for an RV, tailgating, or … maybe that thing on your mind right now?
Their portability makes them easy to carry and move around and blend into most small scale use cases. Unfortunately, it just might not be the best choice for you.
You want to know why?
You cannot control the amount of power per time as most models run at full capacity even when charging your cell phone.
This makes mostly noisy, and with more energy consumption. While their prices are relatively low, you should be less keen about this if you have little power needs for your next generator.
Is it worth it? You decide...
Inverter generators
Inverter generators look very similar to portable generators as they have similar size, weight, and overall design.
Are they the most ideal?
Well yes! They are the most ideal choice for your RV’s, home, camping activity, etc.
They have the one thing portable generators lack; you can throttle up and down. Imagine what that would save you over time!
This term, technically but literally, known as the ability to regulate the power/fuel consumption based on demands.
Most models also come with inbuilt eco-friendly parts which make them emit less carbon compared to the portable and standby generators.
While this remains true, the main reason they are our preferred choice is that they do not run at full capacity all the time. This keeps their engine in a pristine condition resulting in improved longevity.
Inverter generators are costlier than portable generators but way cheaper than most standby generators.
Things To Note Before Making That Purchase
Understanding the sound/Decibel scale
This is a fundamental metric when choosing the Best Quiet RV Generator. They measure noise levels in decibels (dB). The lower the noise level, the better.
How do you figure out how loud it can (or should) get?
This could be difficult to figure as there is no way to test or measure the sound volumes before buying. However, manufacturers state how loud the generators can get.
For a clearer picture, we shall look at a chart with varying sound levels:
Source: http://chchearing.org/noise/common-environmental-noise-levels/Sound source | Sound Scale(dB) |
|---|---|
Normal human breathing | 10 |
Whispering at 5 feet | 20 |
Soft whisper | 30 |
Rainfall | 40 |
Refrigerator | 50 |
Air Conditioner | 50-60 |
Normal conversation | 60 |
Hairdryer | 90-95 |
Thunder | 120 |
A quiet RV generator should fall within the Air Conditioner(50 - 60) meaning it should not exceed the sound of a normal conversation.
What this implies is: when you are using your RV Generator your neighbors should not notice. Or at least, they should not notice it enough for it to bother them.
common factors
Power
This is the most important factor to consider as it would be a waste to have a quiet RV generator is of insufficient power.
It measures power in watts and varies depending on the size of the appliances you will connect to the generator.
There are heavy-user types and light-user models.
For instance, if you connect your fridge, refrigerator, air conditioner, and we can consider all home appliances at the same time a heavy use.
For you, we recommend you to go with a lot of power (> 2000 Watts). On the flip side, if you will use the generator as a backup power source for gadgets and less power-consuming appliances then you fall under the light users’ category. You should, therefore, look out for less power (< 2000 watts).
One more thing…
You may not be accurate when calculating the cumulative Watts of your appliance. It is advisable to have an approximate power outage value.
We recommend that you plug in your appliances one at a time, especially the heavy ones that you are less sure of their wattage and power ratings.
This will guarantee the lifespan of your RV generator and ensure your power-needs are satisfied.
Fuel type
The fuel your generator uses matters as without fuel you cannot power your appliances. By definition, fuel is any material used to produce power.
There are a couple of ways to produce power for your RV generator. Chose that fuel-type easy to get and is cheapest for you to use. Look and decide which might be best for you:
Solar
This is one way to power your RV generator. Using solar costs you a one time fee which is purchasing the solar panels.
However, there are very few RV generators with this capability which makes it limiting. There is also no guarantee that the sun will always be up as such it is not the best choice.
Well, it is a good backup plan for sunny days.
AC/DC
This is one way as well but you need to always connect your RV generator to a power source for a recharge before use.
Not the brightest idea though, as well, it's a generator. You might not have access to an AC/DC in places where you need power the most.
Gasoline
This is the most common and reliable way to fuel your RV generator. The reason is rather simple. Gasoline is super easy to get.
Not surprisingly too, gasoline generators also tend to cost less than others and are easy to maintain.
In cases of blackouts due to storms, hurricanes and any natural disaster a gasoline-powered engine will keep you lightened up.
Gasoline likewise proves super-efficient as it produces about 125,000 BTU per gallon. This is a lot more eco-friendly than diesel which is about 140,000 BTU per gallon.
If your choice is propane, then, you’d probably get an eco-friendly award. Propane combusts at a mere 91,000 BTU.
One major disadvantage of gasoline lies in its shelf life. Without proper storage, it does not have a long shelf life.
It gets to absorb moisture and, in this case, do harm to your generator. This makes it not so ideal for long storage users who do not frequently use their RV generators.
With that being said, you could still have two options. First, you would just need to use fuel stabilizers to keep it in a pristine state. Second, get airtight containers to store it for as long as you would like.
Propane
This is an alternative to gasoline and diesel. But it is the least most efficient. It generates lower energy and is not the easiest to store.
Its storage is difficult as the storage container could spring a leak and waste all of your propane gas.
Plus, it is not recommended by any manufacturer to leave propane dormant in your living space for periods longer than a month.
Diesel
Diesel requires just about the same storage requirements as gasoline. Most users argue that is the most efficient fuel for your RV generators.
While they are not wrong, diesel engines are most often more pricey. However, they make up for this gap by requiring way less maintenance in the long run.
How you start the engine
The way you start an engine can help determine if it is an ideal fit in the long run. There are two common ways RV engines are designed to start:
- Push-to-start (with batteries).
- Pull-to-start (manual).
The push-to-start option is relatively easy as you require just a push of a button and you are good to go.
Meanwhile, the pull-to-start as the name implies requires that you manually pull the engine.
The former will require some maintenance if/when you run out of batteries. In any case, both are great options.
Well, if you are a fan of convenience, then the push-to-start should be further up your “preferred” list.
Power output?
One of the important details is the power output.
Really?
Well, yes, as this could affect the energy delivery to your RV. as a guide, you should know this general rule of thumb:
RV generators should have a 120V outlet with varying amperage as determined by the connection in place by your RV manufacturer.
Simply put, if it has an amperage of 30-amp the label should be 120V 30-amp.
Why is this? It is impossible to connect a 120V 30-amp generator to an RV carrying a different amperage. It just will not work.
Connecting any appliance directly to your RV generator should be checked and cross-references to have the required amperage.
Weight
As an RV owner, you most probably will spend your time on the road in your mobile home. To be effective while on the road, it is always advisable to remain as light as possible.
When making the choice for RV’s this should be factored in as well. The lighter, the better.
Conclusion
Owning a Recreational Vehicle (RV), as in the name, should be super fun. Well, that is if you have the right tools at hand. Procuring the best quiet RV generator is one of those tools that should not be taken lightly.
If you have not made up your mind on what to go for we highly recommend the:
Pulsar G2319N 2,300W Portable Inverter Generator: this unit features a rugged engine, delivers a reasonable amount of power, and is sold at a reasonable price tag.
It is just great! We think you should check it out. We remain dedicated to providing you top-quality undiluted review
All the best in your next purchase.
Happy buying!
Jessica is a Acoustical Engineer, currently based in the San Francisco Bay Area in California. After graduating from her degree in Master of Engineering degree in Acoustics from Solent University in 2014, Jessica worked for a few companies before She will be blogging about her past and current experiences in the studio and sharing her journey as she pursues her career goals. She enjoy the balance of work inside and out of the office, solving practical problems on a daily basis as every project is different and requires a different solution, the variety of work (sound insulation testing, background noise survey, mechanical plant commissioning, external plant assessment, plant room breakout assessments) and the mix of independent and team work.
