The best generator for your camper
How to choose the right generator for the best camping experience
The right camper with the wrong generator...
Having the right generator can make your time in the outdoors more comfortable and convenient with your camper. Whether you are powering an air conditioner during a hot summer weekend or keeping the lights on while boondocking, choosing the right generator starts with understanding your power needs.
Before looking at generator models and bells and whistles, take inventory of the appliances in your camper. Specifically, you want to find the power requirement for each one – especially the big ones like your air conditioner and large appliances. Add up your wattage requirements and that will give you a rough idea of the amount of wattage that you need from your generator. It may take some digging around online or in your manual to find the wattage requirements of an appliance, but some appliances like microwaves often have an info sticker on them with something about the wattage. Start with your air conditioner, your refrigerator, and your microwave. But don’t forget your water heater and anything you may plug into your outlets, like a coffee maker.
Starting Watts vs. Running Watts
Next, when comparing generators, you will usually see two wattage ratings: “Starting Watts” (or “Peak Watts”) for appliance startup needs and “Running Watts” for continuous operation. Running watts are the most important number when determining whether a generator can handle your camper’s everyday electrical needs. If the total wattage needs of your camper that you just calculated exceed the running wattage of a generator, then you won’t be able to run everything on that generator. Many will have a safety cut off that will just turn off the generator if the wattage is exceeded. If you need a total of 3500 watts after calculating all your appliances, then you need a generator that has a running wattage of over 3500 watts. Often companies will market a generator using the peak or starting wattage to make it sound more powerful – but don’t get confused. The total wattage of your camper requirements translates into the running wattage of a generator.
Other considerations
Once you get past the power requirement hurdle, there are a few other things to consider – like where you often camp, your fuel type, your budget, and your willingness and ability to lug this potentially big piece of equipment around.
Populated campgrounds often favor quieter generators, while remote camping may place a higher value on runtime and fuel capacity. Your space availability may help you decide what size generator will be best. Some of these generators are relatively small and easy to carry around while some are over 100 lbs. and quite difficult to lift on your own. Compact inverter generators offer portability and quiet operation and the ability to run two of them simultaneously and link them together. Dual fuel generators provide flexibility with gasoline or propane. Higher output generators give you more capacity for larger loads and appliances without the need to link two together.
Summary
Just to sum up, when comparing different generators, compare running wattage vs. starting wattage, noise level, weight, fuel type, runtime, and parallel capability. The best generator is the one that matches your camper and the way you camp. Find the generator that is right for your camper at North 40 Outfitters.
Generators we recommend
-Honda EU 2200i
Starting/Running watts: 2500/2000
Outlets: 2x 120v 3-prong (standard outlet)
Weight: 47 lbs.
Noise volume: 57 dB
Max Runtime: 7 hrs.
Black Diamond 2500w Inverter
Starting/Running watts: 2500/2200
Outlets: 2x 120v 3-prong (standard outlet), 1x 12v cigarette lighter
Weight: 43 lbs.
Noise volume: 53 dB
Max Runtime: 11.5 hrs.
Cummins Onan P2500i
Starting/Running watts: 2500/2200
Outlets: 2x 120v 3-prong (standard outlet), 1x 12v cigarette lighter, 2x USB-A
Weight: 48 lbs.
Noise volume: 52 dB
Max Runtime: 10 hrs.
Generac iQ3800
Starting/Running watts: 3800/3000 w/ Gas, 3400/2700 w/ Propane
Outlets: 4x 120v 3-prong (standard outlets), 1x 12v cigarette lighter, 1x USB-A, 1x USB-C, 1x 30-amp RV
Weight: 111 lbs.
Noise volume: 53 dB
Max Runtime: 13 hrs. w/ Gas, 16 hrs. w/ Propane
Black Diamond 4650
Starting/Running watts: 4650/3650
Outlets: 2x 120v 3-prong (standard outlet), 1x 12v cigarette lighter, 1x 30-amp RV
Weight: 114 lbs.
Noise volume: 61 dB
Max Runtime: 14 hrs.
Watch More Episodes of The Fix
Tucker brings more than 15 years of hands-on experience in construction and remodeling to the North 40 blog. His background includes interior and exterior carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, drywall, and a wide range of repair and building projects. Years of solving real-world problems on the job have given him a practical perspective on the tools, techniques, and materials that help get work done right.
A dedicated tool user and industry enthusiast, Tucker enjoys following the latest innovations from manufacturers and exploring how new designs can improve efficiency, performance, and results. Whether tackling repairs, building something new, or testing the latest equipment, he’s always looking for smarter ways to work. Tucker has called Montana home since 2014 and has been part of the North 40 Outfitters team since 2025.