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Last Updated on August 24, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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The 10 Best RV Propane Generators
RV propane generators are critical for any recreational vehicle, offering a reliable power source for on-the-go energy needs. These generators run on propane, a clean-burning fuel that’s not only environmentally friendly but also readily available and cost-effective.
- RV propane generators use propane for electricity generation.
- They are explicitly designed for recreational vehicle usage.
- Essential for powering various appliances and systems onboard.
- Propane generators charge RV batteries when off-grid.
- Propane is a clean-burning fuel, environmentally advantageous.
- Quieter operation compared to gasoline or diesel generators.
- Considerations for fuel efficiency and cold weather performance.
Propane generators are versatile and efficient for providing power in various situations. One notable innovation in this field is the development of dual-fuel propane generators.
These generators can run on propane and other fuel sources, such as gasoline or natural gas. This flexibility allows users to choose the most cost-effective and readily available fuel option, depending on availability and price.
They also offer the advantage of reduced emissions, as propane is a cleaner-burning fuel compared to gasoline or diesel. These generators often have advanced features like electronic governors and shut-off valves, ensuring safe and efficient operation.
All the conveniences in your RV have no value if your RV doesn’t provide them with power. Currently, an RV generator is the best way to power RV appliances.
Today, we’d like to address propane generators specifically. Propane fuel has many benefits over gasoline, including a much longer shelf life, which allows you to avoid firing up your generator too often.
And if this sounds like the thing you need, maybe the top 10 of our favorite RV propane generators will interest you.
The Best RV Propane Generators
1. Westinghouse Dual-fuel WGen3600DF
Summary
First on our favorite RV propane generators list is the dual-fuel WGen3600DF by Westinghouse. Although not the most powerful portable generator on our list, the WGen3600DF has a few features to boast about.
Perhaps the most notable feature of the WGen3600DF generator is its remote starting capability. Thanks to it, you can start the generator remotely at distances up to 109 yards. This handy feature seems absent in the other nine units on our list.
In addition to the remote starter, the WGen3600DF generator has a push-button electric starter and a push-pull recoil starter as a backup.
This unit has a decent power output on propane – 4,180/3,240 starting/running watts, slightly lower than the gasoline 4,650/3,600 watts.
The WGen3600DF’s runtime is also good—20 hours at 25% load with a 20-pound propane tank. With gasoline (a 4-gal fuel tank), the runtime is 18 hours at 25% and 13.5 hours at 50% load, again very good.
And possibly the best thing about this generator is that it doesn’t cost too much money!
Pros:
- Not too expensive.
- Has electric, remote, and recoil starters.
- Good runtime.
Cons:
- No DC power outlets.
2. Pulsar PG7750B Portable Generator
Summary
The Pulsar PG7750B portable generator is a true powerhouse. Its 7,750 watts of peak power output on gasoline isn’t what we will see today, but it’s probably more than enough for most people.
The propane output is slightly lower, at 7,500 starting and 6,000 running watts. Still, these are excellent numbers for the majority of RV applications.
A multitude of power outlets complements this generator’s wattage. The PG7750B generator has four standard 120V outlets, one 120V with a twist lock, and a 120/240V outlet with a twist lock. It also has a DC outlet.
Remember that the twist-lock outlets aren’t compatible with standard RV electrical services. You may need an adapter to get this thing working with your RV.
The gasoline runtime in this generator is pretty good despite its high power output, partly thanks to the sizeable 6.6-gal fuel tank. This thing can run up to 13 hours at 50% load as long as in the Westinghouse generator we reviewed earlier.
Thus, you could expect the propane runtime to be similar.
The one big downside of this generator is that it weighs 205 pounds, but it, fortunately, has wheels to help with transportation.
Pros:
- Attractive price.
- 7.500/6,000 watts of propane power output.
- Has electric & recoil starters.
- Good runtime.
- Has a variety of power outlets.
Cons:
- Weighs 205 pounds.
- Has no standard RV outlets.
3. Champion Power Equipment Dual Fuel Generator
Summary
The Champion Power Equipment 200965 4375/3500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator is a versatile and reliable solution for anyone needing a portable power source.
This generator offers flexibility and convenience. It can run on gasoline or propane, and propane generators are becoming increasingly popular due to their clean-burning fuel and reduced emissions.
This makes them an environmentally friendly option for powering your RV or other outdoor activities. The Champion Power Equipment 200965 is RV-ready, meaning it comes equipped with a 30-amp RV outlet, making it easy to connect and power your RV appliances.
With a peak wattage of 4375 and a running wattage of 3500, this generator has enough power to keep your essential appliances running during power outages or while camping off the grid.
The dual fuel capability allows you to choose between gasoline and propane, allowing you to use whichever fuel is most readily available or convenient for you.
Overall, the Champion Power Equipment 200965 4375/3500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator is a reliable and efficient solution for those needing a versatile power source.
However, this generator’s runtime is a little bit longer: 14 hours at 50% load for gasoline, half an hour longer.
With propane, the runtime should also be longer. And in the long run, the half-an-hour difference could allow for pretty big savings.
Pros:
- Rather inexpensive.
- RV ready.
- It has a very decent runtime.
Cons:
- Has no DC outlets.
- It only has a recoil starter.
4. GENMAX Portable Inverter Generator
Summary
The GENMAX Portable Inverter Generator is a versatile and powerful device that offers the convenience of dual fuel capability. It can run on either gas or propane, providing users with flexibility and convenience in their power needs.
This generator is an ideal choice for camping, traveling, or outdoor activities that require a reliable power source.
One of the standout features of the GENMAX Portable Inverter Generator is its super quiet operation. Noise levels can be a significant concern when using a generator, especially in outdoor settings where peace is desired.
However, this generator has been designed with noise-reduction technology that ensures minimal disturbance.
This makes it perfect for camping trips where you want to enjoy the tranquility of nature without the constant hum of a generator in the background.
In addition to its quiet operation, the GENMAX Portable Inverter Generator also offers a range of convenient features. The remote and electric start capabilities allow for easy and hassle-free operation.
No more struggling with pull cords or dealing with the inconvenience of manual starting. With just a push of a button or the remote control, this generator will start up effortlessly.
Another notable feature of this generator is its parallel capability. This means that you can connect two GENMAX generators to increase power output.
This is particularly useful when you have higher power demands or must run multiple appliances simultaneously. The parallel capability ensures you have enough power to meet your needs, no matter how demanding.
Overall, the GENMAX Portable Inverter Generator is an excellent choice for those needing a reliable and versatile power source. Its dual-fuel capability allows for flexibility, while its quiet operation ensures minimal disruption.
Whether camping, traveling, or needing a backup power source for outdoor activities, this generator covers you. Its range of convenient features and parallel capability offer convenience and reliability in one compact package.
Pros:
- Five increased wattage generators are available.
- 1 120v a/c outlet.
- Low THD of 6%.
- Supports two types of fuel.
- Equipped with a remote starter.
- Long runtime.
Cons:
- Weighs 59.5 pounds.
- No DC outputs.
5. Champion Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator
Summary
Being an inverter generator, the Champion 3,400-watt dual-fuel unit is pricey yet very efficient in the long run. This is primarily because it adjusts the power output to current demands rather than running at full power all the time.
Another advantage of this inverter generator is its noise output of 59dB at 23 feet, which is quiet compared to the around 60-70dB of non-inverter units.
In addition, this generator can be run in parallel with another Champion generator, which is helpful for cases where its base wattage isn’t sufficient.
The Champion generator should satisfy a wide range of needs in terms of outlets since it has a 120V 30A RV, two household 120V 20A, and DC outlets.
On the other hand, the power output of this generator isn’t too high – 3,400/3,100 on gasoline and 3,060/2,790 watts on propane. Plus, the runtime of this generator isn’t too long due to the small 1.6-gallon tank – only 7.5 hours at 25% load on gasoline.
However, despite the drawbacks, this generator has many other advantages.
Pros:
- It is a relatively quiet operation.
- Has electric & recoil starters.
- Throttles up and down to match current power demands.
- It can be run in parallel with a second generator.
Cons:
- Short runtime on gasoline.
- Relatively low power output.
- Pricey.
6. Champion Power Equipment 3800-Watt Dual Fuel
Summary
If you don’t care about throttling and paralleling and would instead get a little more power than 3,400 watts, then maybe the Champion 3,800-watt dual fuel generator is a better option for you.
This is a much cheaper non-inverter generator, so it does not have the inverter-related benefits of the 3,400-watt generator.
However, it has a higher power output of 4,750/3800 watts on gasoline and 4,275/3,420 watts on propane. It also has a larger 3.4-gallon fuel tank and a gasoline runtime of 10.5 hours at half load.
This generator has an outlet set similar to the 3,400-watt generator, except for the DC outlet, which may be a downside for some people and the only notable downside in this generator. But it can be easily connected to an RV with no adapters.
Pros:
- Not too expensive.
- Recoil & electric starters.
- Decent runtime.
Cons:
- There are no DC outlets.
7. DuroMax XP4850EH Dual Fuel Generator
Summary
The DuroMax XP4850EH dual fuel generator is toughly built and has a sound power output of 4,850/3,850 watts on gasoline and 4,608/3,658 watts on propane.
With the 3.96-gallon fuel tank, this generator’s runtime on gasoline is 10.42 hours at half load, which is rather good. Duromax indicates 8.92 hours for propane at half load, but they probably tested this with a small propane tank.
The generator’s outlet set is also decent—it has two 120V household outlets, a 30A 120/240V outlet, and a DC outlet. However, the XP4850EH generator doesn’t have a non-twist-lock 30A RV outlet, so you must use an adapter to hook it up to your RV.
DuroMax also equipped this generator with an onboard voltmeter, which may be helpful for some RVers.
Pros:
- A good amount of output power.
- Equipped with electric & recoil starters.
- 10.5-hour runtime on gasoline at half load.
- Has an onboard voltmeter.
Cons:
- Doesn’t have an RV 30-amp outlet.
8. WEN DF475T Dual Fuel Generator
Summary
The WEN DF475T is a highly efficient and versatile portable generator that offers the convenience of dual fuel capability.
This generator can run on gasoline and propane, providing users with flexibility and peace of mind. An electric start feature makes it easy to get the generator up and running with minimal effort.
WEN has been reliably lighting up lives since 1951. Now, with the WEN 4750-Watt Dual Fuel Electric Start Generator, you can create power from two sources.
Select your preferred method, gasoline or LPG, and power on the generator using the electric start. Propane provides the generator with 4350 surge and 3500 running watts, while gasoline creates up to 4750 surge and 3800 running watts.
Our packed panel features two 120V GFCI outlets (5-20R), a NEMA 30A twist lock (L14-30R), a 12V DC cigarette-lighter-style plug, and a voltage selector to switch between 120V and 240V depending on the task at hand.
Run your lights, TV, refrigerator, sump pump, power tools, or other essentials efficiently. The wheel and handle kit makes transportation more accessible than ever, while the included 47-inch LPG hose allows for immediate connection to propane tanks.
With its 240 volts of power and 224cc engine, this CARB & EPA III compliant generator is the perfect companion for emergency backup. Plug your transfer switch into the NEMA 30A twist lock for electricity in times of need.
Fill the gas tank with up to 4 gallons for an 11-hour half-load runtime.
It’s durable enough for the job site and compact for easy storage. And because it’s a WEN product, your generator comes backed by a nationwide network of skilled service technicians, a friendly customer support phone line, and a two-year.
Remember when you didn’t have to worry about the power going out? Remember WEN.
Pros:
- 120v and 240v receptacle.
- DC receptacle.
- Has an electric starter and backup recoil starter.
- Suitable for 50-amp RVs.
- Very good gasoline runtime.
Cons:
- Weighs 106 pounds.
9. FIRMAN H08051 Dual Fuel Portable Generator
Summary
The Firman H08051 is similar to the Ford generator we’ve just reviewed. However, it has slightly less oomph and is slightly cheaper.
If you’d prefer the 9,050/7,250W propane output of the Ford generator to the 10,050/8,100 watts, maybe the Firman generator is a better option.
This generator is an excellent choice for 50A RVs since it has a 120/240V 50A RV outlet.
However, it isn’t compatible with 30A RVs without a power adapter, even though it has two 30A power outlets (twist-lock 120V and 120/240V outlets.) It also has 2 120V 20A household outlets but no DC outlets.
Thanks to its 8-gallon fuel tank, this generator can boast a good gasoline runtime of 12 hours at half load. Firman has also equipped it with a primary electric starter and a backup recoil starter.
The downsides of the H08051 generator, including the steep price and weight, are pretty much the same as those of the Ford generator.
Pros:
- 9,050W peak propane output.
- Has recoil and electric starters.
- Suitable for 50A RVs.
- Great gasoline runtime at half load.
Cons:
- It weighs 221 pounds when set up.
- No DC power outlets.
- Expensive.
10. MaXpeedingrods 3500-Watt Dual Fuel Inverter Generator
Summary
Having a portable generator is essential for holiday parties and outdoor activities. One recommended option is a dual-fuel generator that can run on gasoline and propane.
This allows for flexibility in power sources and ensures that you can always have a backup plan.
When selecting a dual-fuel generator, there are a few factors to consider. First, you need to look at the power output, as this will determine what appliances and devices you can run.
The Maxpeedingrods 3500-watt dual fuel inverter generator offers excellent power with 3500 surge watts and 3200 rated watts on gasoline, 3100 surge watts, and 2800 rated watts on propane.
In addition to power output, you should also consider the size and weight of the generator. The Maxpeedingrods 3500-watt generator is surprisingly compact and light, making it easy to transport and store.
It also comes with a wheel and handle kit for added convenience. The fuel capacity is another essential factor to consider.
The Maxpeedingrods 3500-watt generator has a large fuel tank that can hold gasoline and propane, ensuring a longer operating time.
Furthermore, the Maxpeedingrods 3500-watt dual fuel inverter generator is easy to use, thanks to its electric start option. This eliminates the need for manual pulling to start the generator.
The generator also features a digital display that allows you to monitor the power output and other information easily. It is EPA compliant, meaning it meets the environmental standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Overall, the Maxpeedingrods 3500-watt dual fuel inverter generator is an excellent choice for home backup power, outdoor camping, and RV readiness.
Its dual-fuel capability, compact size, ease of use, and extended operating time make it a reliable and versatile option for various needs. Whether you need power during a camping trip or backup power during a power outage, this generator covers you.
Pros:
- Lightweight and compact.
- Push button start
- Adjusts to current power needs.
- Rather quiet.
Cons:
- It’s pricey for the size.
- Short runtime and low power output.
- Not RV ready
How much Propane does a Generator Use in 24 Hours?
Understanding how much propane a generator uses in 24 hours is crucial for planning and budgeting. As a general guideline, a propane-powered generator will consume approximately 2 to 3 gallons per hour.
Consequently, if you own an average 5 KW standby generator, you can expect it to operate for one to two days on a 100-gallon propane tank.
If you have a larger capacity, a 500-gallon tank, the same generator could run for an estimated 7 to 10 days.
This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to JOHNNY’S WEEKENDS
Wrapping Up
RV propane generators are an integral component of recreational vehicles, specifically engineered to cater to onboard electricity needs. Their critical function is to power the numerous appliances and systems within the RV, making them an indispensable resource for travelers.
Another critical feature that sets RV propane generators apart is their ability to charge RV batteries when off-grid, ensuring uninterrupted power supply in any location.
Propane, the primary fuel used by these generators, is renowned for being clean-burning, giving it an edge in terms of environmental impact.
This makes RV propane generators an environmentally advantageous choice for individuals conscious of their carbon footprint.
Comparatively, they operate much quieter than their gasoline or diesel counterparts, resulting in less noise pollution, a significant advantage in the serene outdoors.
When discussing fuel efficiency, RV propane generators demonstrate impressive performance. They offer substantial power output while maintaining a relatively low fuel consumption rate, making them cost-effective in the long run.
Even in cold weather conditions, these generators deliver reliable performance, ensuring your RV stays powered no matter the climate. Given these considerations, RV Propane Generators are a practical and efficient choice for powering recreational vehicles.
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