Best Inverter Generator For Camping Found!

Are you planning a roadside camping trip with your old school fellas but confused about the generator to carry along? Well, I was stuck in a similar situation a few months back which made me write today’s article. After searching the internet and using a few models myself, I have penned down a list of the ten best inverter generators for camping in the article below. I used a few of them while camping and had a great experience.

You can read the article carefully before you plan on purchasing any of the generators for yourself. The pros and cons of each inverter generator are mentioned at the end along with a buying guide for your assistance. I am sure that this article will definitely help you find the most efficient, quiet, reliable, and convenient inverter generator by reaching the end.

Outlet: This generator has two three-prong 120 V receptacles, one 12V DC receptacle, and two 5V USB ports.

The WEN 56235i Portable Inverter Generator is first on my list of the best generators for camping because it is extremely lightweight. Whenever you are out with your friends and family, you hate carrying heavy stuff. This is untrue in the case of this generator as it is lightweight and can be carried around when you plan on camping. I had a great experience with this generator when I went camping at the lakeside with my friends.

This model has a great feature of shutting down automatically which saves a lot of fuel and is safe too. The tank has the capacity to hold almost one gallon and is powered by gas. It is a small portable model that comes in a combination of black and orange. Although it lacks wheels you can carry it around easily because it is lightweight.

The WEN 56235i Portable Inverter Generator has 2350 surge wattage and is capable of running for more than 10 hours. This is insane as you can enjoy the perks of having power even when sitting on the side of a river. It has a quiet engine as the model uses the latest technology. Hence it is also cheaper than many other inverter generators available in the market.

The WEN 56235i Portable Inverter Generator is an incredible model that uses the latest technology and runs very quietly. You do not have to worry about the loud noise and less running time. It is a portable model that adds more adventure to your camping trips. The only downside of this model is that it lacks wheels.

Outlet: This model has a 120V 30A RV outlet (TT-30R), a 120V 30A locking outlet (L5-30R), and two 120V 20A household outlets (5-20R)

Next, I have the Champion 100307 Portable Generator on my list because it is a dual fuel type. This makes your life easier as you can camp outside on a cold night without worrying about the electricity. It will work well in all weather conditions and provides a running voltage of 3500 watts which is amazing. You can easily carry a small fridge as this generator can provide the power to run it.

The design of the 100307 is the same as the typical house generators but this model is portable which makes it ideal for camping. Although it weighs almost 100 pounds, you load it in the trunk or the RV during the trip. Once you reach the destination, you can place it outside the camp or the RV and use this generator.

The Champion 100307 Portable Generator has a cold start technology. It can use both gas and propane as a power source. This model has a low oil shutoff feature that saves fuel and also increases the generator’s useful life. Hence it is a great model that is loaded with features and has a decent price range too.

The Champion 100307 Portable Generator is one of the best models out there if you plan on camping on the weekend. This runs at 3500 watts which is enough to use all your gadgets including a mini fridge. You can use it in summer and in winter too. However, the design and the size of this generator make it heavy.

Outlet: This generator has a 5–20R 120V duplex household outlet, an RV-ready Tt-30R 30 Amp outlet, and two USB ports.

The Westinghouse iGen4500 Inverter Generator is third on my list of the best inverter generators for camping because it comes in six styles. You can choose any of the styles that are suitable and fulfill your requirements when hitting the road. The price range varies according to each model of the generator.

This iGen4500 Inverter Generator is powered with the help of gas which means that you will have to carry a gas tank along when using this generator on the camping site. It is a big and heavy generator that has two power outlets similar to the generators used in your offices or home. The control panel or data center is present on one of the sides that helps you control everything including the voltage and fuel.

The Westinghouse iGen4500 Inverter Generator is the quietest of all the models as it produces sounds of only 53dBA. It can run continuously for almost 15 to 20 hours which is great. This model comes with a remote that makes switching on and off a breeze. When out on the riverside, you can use this generator for hours and run as many electrical appliances as you want as it has running watts of 3700 volts.

The Westinghouse iGen4500 Inverter Generator is a quiet and efficient model. All the functions can be controlled as a data center is present on one of the sides. The only downside of this incredible model is that it comes with two wheels only. This is a heavy generator and dragging it with the help of two wheels puts too much pressure on them.

Outlet: This generator has one 120V 30A RV (TT-30R), two 120V 20A household outlets (5-20R), and one 12V DC outlet with a dual USB adapter.

You won’t be surprised to see another Champion generator on my list as the company manufactures some of the best models that make your camping days more exciting and fun. The Champion 100573 Open Frame Inverter generator made it to my list because it can be started with the help of remote control. The design is the same as the typical generators but all the features and functions are similar to a modern model.

This model is reliable and also comes with a three-year warranty which means that you can use it without worrying about damage. The company can cover everything and provides technical support to all its customers. It comes with two big wheels that make the maneuverability easy. Even though this is a big model, the wheels can save all your effort.

The Champion 100573 Open Frame Inverter generator uses quiet technology so your small little getaway with friends or family is peaceful and refreshing. It has a starting watt of 4000 and is powered by gas. This model can run continuously for two-quarters of the day so you do not have to worry about the food kept in the portable fridge or your phone running out of charge. As it comes with all the amazing features, this model has a high price which can be disappointing for some customers.

The Champion 100573 Open Frame Inverter generator is a great option for all the people who really want to invest in a generator. This comes with wheels and a small remote that makes your life easier. Although this model is loaded with features and has a long running time, it is out of range for most customers. This can be a negative point and can affect the sales of the 100573 inverters.

Outlet: This model has two three-prong 120V receptacles, one AC 120V NEMA TT-30R RV receptacle, one 12V DC receptacle, one 5V USB port, a digital load, and a fuel display.

The WEN 56380i Inverter Generator stands fifth on my list of the best inverter generators for camping because it comes with a digital fuel display. This model has a few power outlet options and includes a USB port too. You can use the port for multiple purposes when out for a night in the camp. This generator resembles a box and comes in black and orange color. It weighs almost 100 pounds but has wheels so you can drag it easily.

It has a fuel shutoff system which helps the generator to stay in good condition and increases the lifespan too. When I compare the price and the features, this model can be your best bet when planning to go camping. It is powered by gas and charges all your gadgets without damaging them. The voltage is stable so you do not have to worry about running the fridge or other appliances on this generator.

The WEN 56380i Inverter Generator has an OHV engine which reduces fuel consumption and increases the running time. The overall efficiency of the generator is increased and you end up saving some money as well. This is 18 inches wide and has a running time of almost 9 hours. Hence if you want an efficient and nice-looking generator for your camping trip, this should be your top pick.

The WEN 56380i Inverter Generator is safe to use as it protects all the gadgets and appliances. This can save fuel and lasts for a lifetime if used properly. The OHV engine makes this model efficient. However, when compared with other models, this generator has less running time which can be an off for many people.

Outlet: The GP3500iO generator has one 120V 20A 5-20R duplex, one 120V 30A L5-30R twist lock, and two USB ports.

The Generac GP3500iO Inverter Generator is next on my list because it uses the PowerRush technology. This allows the generator to deliver more than its capacity so you do not have to wait for a few minutes before starting connecting your appliances and charging your mobile phone. Moreover, this model weighs less than the WEN 56380i Inverter Generator and has a weight of only 74 pounds.

This generator has a design similar to the generators used for your homes but is way quieter than those models. You won’t even realize when the GP3500iO is running out of your camp as it produces very less sounds equal to what we humans are used to hearing on a daily basis. This can be your best pick if you are heading to the lakeside for camping to get yourself to feel refreshed. You can easily chill and enjoy the view without giving up on anything else.

The Generac GP3500iO Inverter Generator uses running watts of 3500 which is more than most of the popular models available on the market. This generator can be started in just one pull which makes people most happy. It is a point of attraction as people hate to use generators because they require a lot of effort and time to get started. Hence this is an ideal model if you are heading to the lakeside for a bonfire night with your old fellows.

The Generac GP3500iO Inverter Generator lacks a remote control but can start with one pull which is amazing. This model uses the PowerRush technology so you do not have to wait for charging the phone. However, the only downside of this model by Generac is that it lacks wheels which makes it difficult to carry.

Outlet: This Champion generator has a 120V 30A RV, two 120V 20A household outlets, and a 12V DC outlet with a dual USB adapter.

The Champion Portable Inverter Generator is seventh on my list of the best generators for camping because it has a unique design and dual fuel type. The design makes it easy to carry and load in your car or RV when heading for a bonfire night. This is one of the best generators out there because of its ease of use. You can switch between propane and gas and use the ignition switch for starting this.

It resembles a toolbox and has a control panel on one of the sides. You get all the power outlets along with the USB ports on the panel. This is convenient to use as you get everything in one place. It is not only suitable for your camping trips but can be used in your office or home. This can run for almost 8 to 9 hours when using propane as the power source.

The Champion Portable Inverter is best for people who want a reliable and high-quality model. Although this costs around two times when compared with other models of the same company but has features that make the use easy. It comes in a combination of yellow and black just like all the Champion generators. Hence I recommend buying this product by Champion as this is a one-time investment.

The Champion Portable Inverter Generator can use both gas and propane to get the job done. This model has a control panel that makes your life easy while setting the entire model. It can also be used in your home as it has two 120V outlets. Although this inverter generator is loaded with features, the high price tag makes people reluctant to buy it.

Outlet: The iGen2200 generator has two 120V 20 amp outlets and two USB outlets in the panel.

I have another Westinghouse inverter generator on my list today because it is too good to be left out. The Westinghouse iGen2200 Portable Inverter Generator made it to my list because it weighs only 46 pounds. This generator resembles a gallon and comes in a royal blue color. The control panel or the data center is located right at the front whereas the kick is present on the left side of the data center.

This inverter generator by Westinghouse has an economy mode which helps you save some fuel. It utilizes the fuel in the best possible way and reduces the chances of any wastage. This model uses gas as the main source of power and it can be kept at home for use in uncertain situations. It does not make any noise which makes it ideal for camping sites that are not crowded.

The Westinghouse iGen2200 Portable Inverter Generator is one of a kind as it can work continuously for more than 11 hours. You can charge all your gadgets and run a television or a mini refrigerator on this powerful generator. This will make sure you do not miss out on any of the luxuries even when camping on the riverside under the stars.

The Westinghouse iGen2200 Portable Inverter Generator is a great model with a unique design. This has the capacity of carrying 1.2 gallons of gas and comes with an economy mode too. It helps you save some money spent on refilling the gas tank. However, you have to unscrew a few bolts to check the fuel every time, hence this is a very frustrating and time-consuming process.

Outlet: This 76711 portable inverter generator has one USB port and one 120V MAX 8.3A outlet.

The Generac 76711 Portable Inverter Generator is second last on my list of the best inverter generators for camping because it has LED indicators. You do not have to worry about checking the fuel again and again as an LED indicator will show a signal when the generator is running low. This is a gas-powered generator and has a decent capacity too.

It comes in black and orange color and weighs only 36 pounds which is amazing. You can carry it around single-handedly without needing any help. This model is ideal for camping because it produces very less sound and uses True Power technology. You can carry all your stuff including your work laptop or computer and run on this generator without any fear of getting damaged.

The Generac 76711 Portable Inverter Generator is compact, budget-friendly, and convenient to use. You can start the unit with just a few kicks and make it run like all the other models available on the market. Although it is small in size, it does not compromise on the features. Hence it is a great option for people who are on a budget but do not want to compromise on the generator’s performance.

The Generac 76711 Portable Inverter Generator uses the True Power technology that ensures that it is safe to use for charging and running all your electrical appliances and gadgets. This comes with LED indicators that work when the unit is running low on fuel. However, this generator has great performance but has fewer running watts when compared with competitors.

Outlet: This model by Champion has a 120V 30A RV, two 120V 20A household outlets, a 12V automotive-style outlet, and a dual port USB adapter.

Lastly, I have the Champion 200986 Inverter Generator on my list of the best inverter generators for camping because it comes with a three years warranty. This generator is ideal for people who like having wheels on the models as they make carrying easy and convenient. It has a visually appealing design and it runs at 3500 watts in the midway.

The entire front of this model is dedicated to the data center or the control panel where you can adjust and keep a check on everything. It uses quiet technology so the generator does not make noise and causes disturbance for people around you when you are out camping. The kick is present on the right side of the panel and helps in starting the generator.

The Champion 200986 Portable Inverter Generator has 3500 running watts which are enough to charge and run all the appliances that you feel are a must to carry on your camping trip. This generator can work for almost 16 hours and produces no loud noises too. Hence it is a great model that comes with a USB port and economy mode.

The Champion 200986 Portable Inverter Generator is an incredible model that never disappoints its users. It has a warranty and produces clean power to keep all your expensive electronic appliances safe. However, the screen present on the control panel is small and hard to see.

In my opinion, the best inverter generator for camping is the first model mentioned in my list at the top of the article. The WEN 56235i Portable Inverter Generator is the best one so far because it runs for a longer time period and is lightweight too. This model weighs only 39 pounds and makes your life easier when you plan on camping with your friends and family.

People do not like this model because it lacks wheels but that honestly is not a big problem. As this model is portable, you can easily pick it up with the help of the handles and carry it around. It gives you a running time of more than 10 hours which is great when you are traveling out of the station. Hence this model is by far the best in terms of performance, features, and price.

Whenever you plan on going camping, you should look for a generator that produces very less noise as most camping sites are quiet and people go there to relax and chill. The quietest model from the list above in my opinion is the Westinghouse iGen2200 Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator. The sounds produced by this model are not more than 52dBA which is amazing. You can carry this inverter generator to all your camping trips without worrying about the noise.

It will help you relax and have a nice, quality time with your friends and family. The people around you won’t get bothered by the noise and you will have all your appliances and gadgets still running. If traveling in an RV, you can fix it anywhere and run a mini fridge on this model too. It is affordable, will run for more than 10 hours, and uses less fuel too. Hence it is the quietest model that performs up to the mark and has a warranty too.

Whenever you plan on purchasing the best generators for camping, you will have to consider some features. These are very important and make sure that you do not feel left out even when away from home. A detailed buying guide along with all the features that are necessary to consider before investing in an inverter generator is given down below.

Portability

The first and the most important feature that you should look for in an inverter generator is portability. You have to check the weight of the generator and whether it has wheels or not. The wheels/tires make your work easy as you do not have to lift the entire generator and put it in the car or an RV. You can simply drag it with the help of the handle and the wheels and take it out when you reach the destination.

People plan to go camping to feel refreshed and have a nice time. Nothing should bother you there when you are on your yearly break to relax. It is recommended to always opt for the model that weighs under 100 pounds and has wheels. Even though some models lack wheels, they are lightweight and compact so you can carry them around easily. If your generator weighs 50 kg or more, make sure it has wheels and a handle to make your job easier.

Reliability

The inverter generators can break your bank account and are considered a one-time investment. Please make sure the model you are investing in is a reliable one. It will be the worst scenario ever if you spend all your savings on a generator that does not work when you reach the camping area. You can feel nothing but helpless when sitting almost a hundred miles away from your home. A reliable inverter generator that can work well and runs all the appliances should be your top pick.

As mentioned above, inverter generators are a one-time investment as they are used for a lifetime. You do not only go camping once in your lifetime and you cannot always buy a new model whenever going to the camping site. Hence the best way to spend your money wisely is to research and invest in a reliable model that works well for years and you feel at home even when sitting on the riverside in a tent.

Sound/Noise

The next feature that you should consider when investing in a portable inverter generator is to notice the noise it makes while running. Most of the inverter generators available on the market have noise levels of up to 60dBA. Any model producing noise less than 60dBA is worth your money. The sound they make is bearable and hardly bothers anyone present at the camping site but if you buy a generator with a noise level above 60dBA, then it can bother you and other campers as well.

This is a very important feature to consider when you look for a portable inverter generator as you go away from your home to chill and relax for a few days. Living in a camp with a generator that produces loud noises outside will take all the fun away. Hence it is recommended to go through the features of each model that you are considering and then choose the one that produces less noise.

Running Time

Whenever you think of purchasing the best generator for camping, make sure that it has a high running time. If you are planning to camp or live in an RV, you need a generator that runs for at least 10 hours. You can carry all your important appliances and gadgets to catch up on work or keep in contact with people back at home. The running time of an inverter generator is directly proportional to the capacity of the generator.

The more the capacity of the inverter generator, the more time it will work. It is important to invest in a model that has a capacity of almost 1 gallon so the generator can work for a good 8 to 10 hours. You can divide the fuel according to the number of days you are going to be present out there and manage the running hours of the generator. In this way, you won’t have to give up on any luxuries even when sleeping under the sky.

Fuel Type

The inverter generators can be powered by three main sources. You can either use gas, propane, or diesel as a power source. It all depends upon the model of the inverter generator that you have purchased. Different models use different sources of power but some models are dual fuel type and use two power sources. In my opinion, you should opt for a model that is dual fuel type as it does not limit your options. Even when you run out of diesel or the gas tank is empty, you can run to the nearest station and get a refill.

Whereas if your generator only uses one source of power then you might find it difficult to get the tank refilled when you are away from the home. Hence, in my opinion, investing in a dual fuel type inverter generator can be your best bet. Moreover, the fuel type also adds to the cost so make sure to opt for the option that is in your budget and easy to get.

Output

The power output is an important feature to consider when you are planning to buy an expensive inverter generator for your camping trip with your kids. This determines the number of appliances you can run on the generator and whether will it be able to work well when it is loaded. Some inverter generators have AC outlets so this means they can support an air conditioner too.

Hence whenever you are buying a generator, compare your power requirement with the power output. Both of these should be in line in order for the generator to work fine. I would recommend investing in a model that has at least 2500 running watts so you can charge all your gadgets and run important appliances too when out under the sky.

The working mechanism of inverter generators is quite different from the typical big and heavy generators used in our home. They have an inverter that changes the currents into the alternate current and delivers it further. First of all, the inverter generator comes with a rectifier that changes the AC into DC and vice versa. After changing the currents, it is transferred to the data center of the control panel of the inverter generator.

When compared with the traditional generators, the inverter generators are safe and reliable to use. They do damage any of your expensive gadgets and appliances as the flow rate is constant. The two main reasons for the flow rate to be constant are because two types of currents are involved and reach the control panel for further function. Secondly, the AC current has a high frequency, as a result, the THD levels are less than 25 percent.

Although the inverter generators are small and compact, they have more features than the traditional generator. The entire side or the front is dedicated to the control panel which helps you operate the functions. You can even turn on and off the generator with the help of remote control. These are also quieter and do not make loud noises which makes them ideal for camping.

There is a difference between the sound levels of the open and closed frame generators because of the covering. The closed frame generators have shell covering that makes it way quieter than the open frame inverter generator with no covering on the top. Hence this is how the inverter generators work and produce clean power for all your appliances.

There are several benefits of using inverter generators. Let me list them one by one below so you can go through them easily and have a clear idea about them.

Quieter

The first benefit of an inverter generator is that it is quiet and produces no loud irritating noises like the traditional home generators. This is the reason they got popular lately and are considered appropriate for camping. You can use them to run many appliances including an air conditioner in your RV, but it won’t irritate you. Although these are expensive, people are still willing to invest in them because they have incredible features.

Portable

Secondly, the inverter generators are portable as most of the models are lightweight. Even if some of the models are not lightweight, they come with wheels that help in transporting them from one place to another. The average weight of an inverter generator would not be more than 50 kg. This is the maximum weight that an inverter generator would ever have. All of the models have a built-in handle that helps you in lifting or dragging the inverter generator.

Clean Power

All the inverter generators produce clean power which means that your important electric appliances and gadgets will not get damaged while charging. This is a huge benefit as thousands of people suffer because of the unstable voltage of the generators. They have to repurchase the product again and spend a lot of money. Hence you can use the inverter generator now without worrying about anything on your camping trip.

Efficient

When using the inverter generators, you will observe that these are efficient when compared with traditional generators. As a result, they consume very less fuel and save a lot of money for you. Some of the top-selling models of inverter generators have an economy mode that makes sure the fuel is not wasted. Although these are expensive and can break your bank account but work well for a lifetime if used properly.

The best inverter generators for camping should have at least 2500 watts. This is sufficient to run all the camping activities even when traveling in an RV or living in a tent. Whenever you look for an inverter generator, make sure to check the watts and compare them with your requirements. You might have to carry your important stuff such as your laptop or a mini fridge to keep your medicines or drinks cold.

A 2500 watts inverter generator will run all these appliances and gadgets without damaging them. People fear charging their phones and laptops on a generator because of unstable voltage but this is untrue in the case of the inverter generator. These produce clean power which means that the THD is less than 25 percent and all your appliances and gadgets are safe to run on them.

Most of the expensive models have an outlet for an air conditioner as well. You can run an AC when living under the sky in the summers. You can get a small air conditioner in your tent or the RV you plan on living in for your camping trip. Hence a good inverter generator will have more wattage than 2500 watts and will make sure everything runs smoothly and safely.

A list of the ten best inverter generators for camping is given in the article above. All these models are great if you plan on going camping with your friends or colleagues. They can run most of the appliances and make sure to keep them safe too. The best two inverter generators from the list above, in my opinion, are:

• WEN 56235i Portable Inverter Generator is the best because it is extremely lightweight and has quiet operations.
• Champion 100307 Portable Generator is the best because it has 3500 running watts and a low oil shutoff sensor.

Hence these are the best inverter generators for camping because they are loaded with features. These are portable and come with wheels so you can carry and store them easily. They produce very less noise which is not irritating at all. These are loaded with features and will make your camping trip more adventurous and fun. I hope the article will help you find the best generator that can fulfill all your needs when away from home.