The section of generators for RV AC at the store or on e-commerce websites can be overwhelming. You might wonder, Is this one fuel-efficient? Is that one easy to start? Should I stick to a single-fuel generator or a dual-fuel one?
To help you with your decision-making process, here are the six options of the best generator for RV air conditioner that our experts recommend.
Here are the best generators for rv air conditioner you can buy in 2025:
- Durable: VERTAK 2000 Watt Inverter Generator
- Easy To Start: WEN 56225i
- Compact: Generac 7129 GP3000i
- Dual Fuel: Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready
- Fuel-Efficient: Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment iGen4500
- Best For Consistent Performance: BILT HARD Quiet Inverter Generator
| 6 Best Generators For RV Air Conditioner | ||
|---|---|---|
Durable | VERTAK 2000 Watt Inverter Generator | |
Easy To Start | WEN 56225i | |
Compact | Generac 7129 GP3000i | |
Dual Fuel | Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready | |
Fuel-Efficient | Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment iGen4500 | |
Best For Consistent Performance | BILT HARD Quiet Inverter Generator | |
Durable: VERTAK 2000 Watt Inverter Generator
- Powerful - 3100W peak power & 2000W running power
- Easy to maneuver – lightweight design, compact size, & a built-in handle
- Durable - the top-class 164F/P-2 brushless motor engine
- No complaint
Convenient and powerful while lightweight, the VERTAK 2000-Watt is good enough to operate most household items.
At 3100W peak power and 2000W running power, it is able to run three high-power tools at a time. The machine is also easy to maneuver giving its compact size with a comfortable built-in handle.
But the best part is the top-class 164F/P-2 brushless motor engine, which is not only powerful but also durable, making it ideal for commercial use or outdoors.
| VERTAK 2000 Watt Inverter Generator Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 40 Pounds |
Engine Displacement | 164F/P-2 brushless motor engine |
Peak Watts/Running Watts | 3100W/2000W |
Noise Level | 48dB |
Highlight Features | 3100W peak power & 2000W running power the top-class 164F/P-2 brushless motor engine 40 pounds of weight |
If you’re searching for a decently durable, powerful, and lightweight generator for RV air conditioners, consider the VERTAK 2000-Watt
Easy To Start: WEN 56225i
- Easy to start & start from the first pull all the time
- Reliable - a CARB and EPA III Compliant 4-stroke OHV engine
- Eco-friendly & efficient - the Economy mode
- Fueling is a bit tricky
- It’s too tall
The WEN 56225i is by far the easiest pull-start generator that we've experienced.
The unit doesn't have an electric start, but you actually don't need it at all because the pull start can work from the first pull every time. And, it's so effortless that you can do it with one finger. What a great choice for seniors or arthritis people!
Besides, it is engineered with a CARB and EPA III Compliant 4-stroke OHV engine for quiet and reliable operation. We also liked the Economy mode, which allows the generator to adjust fuel consumption based on the load to hence run longer and more efficiently.
One big bonus is that it doesn't have residue at the bottom of the fuel tank like most other generators we've tested, so maintenance is a breeze.
| WEN 56225i Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 48.5 pounds |
Engine Displacement | 79.7 cc |
Peak Watts/Running Watts | 2250W/ 1800W |
Noise Level | 53 dBA |
Highlight Features | a CARB and EPA III Compliant 4-stroke OHV engine the Economy mode pull start |
For people in need of a small and easy-to-start generator for smaller RV air conditioners, we highly recommend the WEN 56225i.
Compact: Generac 7129 GP3000i
- Deliver more than 50% of peak power than the competition - PowerRUSH Technology
- Able to run vulnerable electronics with reliability – Truepower Technology
- Easy to lug around - compact size
- Instructions are vague
- The spark arrestor is hard to get to
The Generac 7129 GP3000i distinguishes itself for two exclusive technology applications: Truepower and PowerRUSH Technology, which can produce cleaner power at over 50% of peak power than the competition.
The parallel-ready feature, on the other hand, allows for doubling the power output so that you can run larger devices or more equipment simultaneously.
But what surprised us the most is its compact size.
This mighty generator is measured by 22.2 x 13.3 x 18.4 inches and weighs just 59.5 pounds, which is lightweight enough for you to easily lug it around.
| Generac 7129 GP3000i Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 59.5 Pounds |
Engine Displacement | 80cc. |
Peak Watts/Running Watts | 3000W/2300W |
Noise Level | 47 dB |
Highlight Features | PowerRUSH Technology Truepower Technology compact size |
For folks who want a generator having a perfect balance of power and compact size, the Generac 7129 GP3000i is a perfect place to start.
Dual Fuel: Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready
- Versatile & handy – dual-fuel design
- Run safely - a low oil shut-off sensor
- Quite heavy
Speaking of a powerful dual-fuel generator for RV air conditioners that works the most reliably, we can't find anything else except the Champion 3400-Watt.
It is backed by the manufacturer's 3-year limited warranty, which really convinces us.
As stated above, you can have this generator run on either gasoline or propane straight out of the box. It can last 7.5 hours on gasoline and up to 14.5 hours on propane.
Aside from the dual-fuel design, it highlights parallel-ready capability, an electric start with a 3-position ignition switch, and a low oil shut-off sensor.
| Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 95.7 Pounds |
Engine Displacement | 192cc engine |
Peak Watts/Running Watts | 3400W/3100W |
Noise Level | 59 dBA at 23 feet |
Highlight Features | dual-fuel design a low oil shut-off sensor |
The Champion 3400-Watt is the quietest dual-fuel generator we tried, and it's one of the few models that have an electric start with a 3-position ignition switch.
Fuel-Efficient: Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment iGen4500
- Able to last up to 18 hours - Economy Mode
- Allow you to start it from distances - a remote starter with a key fob
- Easy to pull around yet space-saving - a telescoping handle
- Unclear manuals
Compared to other 200+cc engine generators, the Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment iGen4500 is the most fuel-efficient as it features “Economy Mode”, which runs similarly to the WEN 56225i.
That explains why it can last up to 18 hours per full fuel tank.
iGen4500 is also designed with your convenience in mind. It features both pull and electric start plus a remote starter with a key fob. It also has a telescoping handle.
| Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment iGen4500 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 93 Pounds |
Engine Displacement | 224cc engine |
Peak Watts/Running Watts | 4500W/3700W |
Noise Level | 52 dBA |
Highlight Features | Economy Mode a remote starter with a key fob a telescoping handle |
The Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment iGen4500 isn’t lightweight and compact as others, but it offers powerful performance with great fuel efficiency.
Best For Consistent Performance: BILT HARD Quiet Inverter Generator
- Deliver consistent performance - advanced inverter technology & auto-voltage adjuster
- Safe to use - electronic overload protection & and oil alert function
- User-friendly - all-in-one control panel and multiple outlets
- Not come with oil
The BILT HARD doesn't run the longest in this review list, but it does offer the most consistent performance we've ever known, all thanks to the advanced inverter technology that can produce pure power at 120V - which is similar to the power from home outlets.
Adding to its reliability are the auto-voltage adjuster, electronic overload protection, and oil alert function.
The all-in-one control panel and multiple outlets are other features that we really appreciate.
| BILT HARD Quiet Inverter Generator Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 105 pounds |
Engine Displacement | 212 cc |
Peak Watts/Running Watts | 4000W/3400W |
Noise Level | 68 dB |
Highlight Features | advanced inverter technology & auto-voltage adjuster electronic overload protection & and oil alert function multiple outlets |
If you’re on the hunt for a powerful RV air conditioner generator for consistent performance, it's hard to beat the BILT HARD
How To Choose The Best Generator For RV Air Conditioner?
Estimate Your Total Power Needs
To choose the right generator for your RV air conditioner, you need to estimate your total power need. Ask yourself:
- How much power does your RV AC require to run?
- Do you have any other RV appliances to be powered by the generator at the same time as your AC? And, how much power do all of them require?
Here are some typical examples to give you a better visual:
Peak wattage (W) | Surge wattage (W) | |
32” LCD Television | 150 | 0 |
Microwave | 625 | 800 |
Refrigerator | 800 | 1600 |
13,500 BTU AC Unit | 2750 | 1200 |
15,000 BTU AC Unit | 5100 | 1600 |
Note: The chart is just to give you an example, the actual number might be different for every RV owner.
If you plan to run a 13,500 BTU AC and microwave simultaneously, then the total peak power you’ll need in a generator is 2750 + 625 = 3375W. And, the total surge power is 1200 + 800 = 2000W.
After determining your power needs, compare them with generators’ power ratings.
Bonus: Average RV AC requires a generator that has at least a 2000- 4000-watt capacity.
Fuel Tank Size & Mobility
In most cases, a bigger petrol tank equals greater running time, however, it makes the generator heavier and bulkier.
You should consider which matters most to you – mobility or longer runtime.
Portability
Portability is another worth-considering element if you do not plan to permanently put the generator underneath your RV.
The weight of RV generators commonly ranges from 40 to 200 pounds, hence the ease (or difficulty) of moving them varies, which varies their portability. If you need a bigger generator, be sure it has wheels and a handle.
Even the smaller generators need a handle to be more maneuverable.
Noise Level
The generator noise is a common nuisance in campgrounds, and if you don’t want to bother your neighbor campers, choose a quiet model.
Those generators using inverter technology run at lower noise ratings than the conventional ones. They create between 50 and 60 dB while working.
Variations in the amount of noise a generator makes depend on the strain it is put to. Therefore, it’s best to read the fine print to find out how loud it is under different loads.
Which Brands Make The Best Generator For RV Air Conditioner?
WEN
Speaking of the most reliable manufacturers for the best generators, WEN is one of the top-class options. Founded in 1951, they boast a strong R&D team, professional manufacturing process, and helpful service. In the world of power equipment, they’re the leader.
Generac
Another good brand is Generac Holding, which is a Fortune 1000 American manufacturer of backup power generation products for both industrial and residential markets.
They’re proud to provide a wide range of power equipment options, ranging from 800W to 9 megawatts, so you can rest assured that there will be at least one Generac generator that meets your needs.
Champion
Champion is a dependable stop for shoppers who want the most durable, versatile, and functional generator for their needs without breaking the bank. Champion’s ranges of RV AC generators are vast and full of functions. The prices are good, too.
FAQs
Should I get a portable generator for my RV?
If you are in need of a second power source to run several items (such as air conditioners, refrigerators, and electronic devices) in your RV, then yes, you should get a portable RV generator.
What size generator do I need to run AC on an RV?
To run an RV air conditioner, you need a generator that can produce 2000W to 4000W of power output.
Will a 3500-watt generator run a 13500 BTU air conditioner?
Yes, it will. A 3500W generator is powerful enough to start up a typical 13,5000-15,000 BTU air conditioner.
How many watts does an RV air conditioner use?
Different RV air conditioners require different wattage. On average, the peak power ranges from 1700W to 3500W while the surge power ranges from 600W to 1500W.
How long can you run an RV air conditioner?
You can run an RV air conditioner for eight hours.
Conclusion
We have gone through the gamut of our RV AC generator testing over the past years and we found a surprisingly large performance gap. There’s no universal generator for all needs, unfortunately. Instead, our experts can help guide you to the right one for your needs and budget.
Hopefully, this review will help you find the best generator for RV air conditioners.
