Discover the best generators for RV air conditioners so you can reliably enjoy temperatures that actually allow you to live and sleep.
Best generators for RV air conditioners top picks
- WEN 56380i 3800 – Best generator for 15000 BTU or smaller RV air conditioners (57 dBA)
- Westinghouse iGen4500DF – Best dual fuel generator for 15000 BTU RV air conditioners (52 dBA)
- Champion 201067 9000 – Best generator for an RV AC and much more
- Champion 201001 5500 – Best generator for 18000 BTU or smaller RV air conditioners (61 dBA)
- Champion 201003 5500 – Best dual fuel generator for 18000 BTU RV air conditioners (61 dBA)
How big your RV AC and other power needs are will influence what generator the best is for your situation.
How we selected our top picks
When it comes to generators for RV air conditioners, inverter technology, the right power levels, a nice run time, and preferably quiet operation get bonus points.
Besides these, I also considered some of the following details when putting together the list of top picks:
- Fuel efficiency, outlets, portability, etc.
- User reviews
- Anecdotal reviews from experts
- Price
- Brand trustability and reputation
- The performance categories below
If a pick seems interesting click it to see the online prices.
| Brand Model | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WEN 56380i 3800 | 8 | 8 | 9 | <1.2% | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8.5 | $ | Check Price |
| Westinghouse iGen4500DF | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | <3% | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8.5 | $$ | Check Price |
| Champion 201067 | 10 | 7 | 5.5 | <3% | 9.5 | 7.5 | 8 | 6.5 | $$$ | Check Price |
| Champion 201001 | 9 | 9.5 | 8 | <3% | 9.5 | 9.5 | 8.5 | 8 | $$ | Check Price |
| Champion 201003 | 9 | 9.5 | 8 | <3% | 9 | 9.5 | 8 | 8 | $$ | Check Price |
*Compared to similar generators and sometimes based on customer input
5 Best generators for RV air conditioners reviewed
If you know your power needs and fuel preferences, the list of top picks and the performance table can be enough to choose an RV AC generator.
At the same time, you may still find it easier to make a decision after checking out the in-depth reviews below.
1. WEN 56380i 3800 – Best generator for 15000 BTU RV air conditioners
Our top pick for the best generator for 15k BTU RV air conditioners is the WEN 56380i 3800 thanks to its suited power level, solid features, good reliability, and budget-friendly price.
Additionally, because a 15000 BTU RV AC only requires around 1500 watts after the initial start, there is power for other devices too.
More specifically, the WEN 56380i 3800 should be strong enough to run things like an RV refrigerator, microwave, or electric grill too.
The one downside of this generator is that it can be inconvenient to roll over bumpy RV camping terrain due to its small wheels.
Pros
- WEN 56380i offers 3800 starting watts, 3400 running watts, 30 amps, and 120 volts
- TT-30R outlet makes it easier to connect to an RV
- Parallel capability
- Relatively low noise levels of 57 dBA
- Good run time of 8.5 hours at 50% load
- Nice fuel efficiency
- Less than 1.2% THD
- Electric start
- Weight of 99.2 lb (45 kg)
- Very positive customer reviews
- 2 years limited residential and 90 days limited commercial warranties
- A lot of customers
Cons
- Can be challenging to move over bumpy terrain
That being said, since the weight of 99.2 lb (45 kg) is still reasonable, you and your RV buddies should be able to get the WEN 56380i 3800 in position anyway.
After that, you can enjoy the clean power for a nice amount of time and at reasonable noise levels.
The 8.5 hours run time at 50% load and noise levels of 57 dBA should be good enough to power your RV air conditioner throughout the night.
Something that really stands out in the WEN 56380i 3800 too is the budget-friendly price at which you get all this power and quality.
| Brand Model | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WEN 56380i 3800 | 8 | 8 | 9 | <1.2% | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8.5 | $ | Check Price |
2. Westinghouse iGen4500DF – Best dual fuel for 15K BTU RV air conditioners
Gasoline tends to be the most popular fuel choice but if you want to use propane too, the Westinghouse iGen4500DF can be worth the investment.
The Westinghouse iGen4500DF is a nice amount stronger than the WEN 56380i when running on gasoline but keep in mind that using propane offers fewer watts.
On the flip side, one of the benefits of propane is that it typically stores longer than gasoline.
This makes it more convenient to stay prepared for any unexpected RV trips or boondocking sessions.
Gasoline stores require just a bit more time and attention to keep them ready to use.
Pros
- Westinghouse iGen4500DF offers 4500 starting watts, 3700 running watts, 30 amps, and 120 volts (gasoline)
- TT-30R outlet makes it easier to connect to an RV
- Parallel capability
- Dual fuel feature allows you to run on propane (LPG) too
- Relatively low noise levels of 52 dBA
- Long run time of 18 hours at 25% load
- Less than 3% THD
- A lot of performance tracking metrics
- Optional CO sensor
- Weight of 104.7 lbs (47.5 kg)
- Very positive customer reviews
- 3 years limited residential and 1 year limited commercial warranties
- A lot of customers
Cons
- Some customers find changing the oil challenging
- Can be challenging to move over bumpy terrain
Within the category of dual fuel generators for 15k BTU air conditioners, the Westinghouse iGen4500DF stands out in details like its quiet operation.
With a noise level rating of 52 dBA you and your RV neighbors should not mind this RV air conditioner power source too much.
And if you do decide to run on gasoline anyway, the long run time of 18 hours at 25% load makes it so you can enjoy your power without too many refueling sessions.
In short, if you want to run your 15000 BTU air conditioner and a few other small devices on propane, the Westinghouse iGen4500DF is likely the right choice.
| Brand Model | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westinghouse iGen4500DF | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | <3% | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8.5 | $$ | Check Price |
3. Champion 201067 – Best generator for an RV AC and much more
The previous generators could already handle some extra devices on top of the mentioned RV ACs but if you want to take this one step further, the Champion 201067 is likely better.
With 9000 starting watts, 7250 running watts, 50 amps, and 240 volts, you will often be able to run all the devices in your RV.
This sounds and is great but you do want to keep the louder noise levels of 72 dBA in mind.
The Champion 201067 is not always quiet enough for RV park guidelines and running an RV AC overnight may mess with your sleep.
Pros
- Champion 201067 offers 9000 starting watts, 7250 running watts, 50 amps, and 240 volts
- 14-50R outlet makes it easier to connect to certain RVs
- Run time of 10.5 hours at 25% load
- Less than 3% THD
- Electric start
- CO sensor
- Four GFCI outlets
- Weight of 152.2 lb (69 kg)
- Very positive customer reviews
- 3 years limited residential and 270 days limited commercial warranties
- A lot of customers
Cons
- Noise levels of 72 dBA can be too loud for the RV park or camping guidelines
- Run time is not the most impressive
It is also worth noting that the 10.5 hours at 25% load is not that impressive compared to many other RV air conditioner generators.
At the same time, with all that power, the run time of the Champion 201067 9000 should still be enough.
Additionally, the reliability of the Champion 201067 9000 all the positive customer reviews imply positively stands out.
The electric start may not be the most unique feature but it does make your RV life more convenient.
And if you do find the noise levels of the Champion 201067 9000 a bit too high, you could consider investing more in the quieter Champion 201175 8500.
| Brand Model | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Champion 201067 9000 | 10 | 7 | 5.5 | <3% | 9.5 | 7.5 | 8 | 6.5 | $$$ | Check Price |
4. Champion 201001 – Best generator for 18000 BTU RV air conditioners
18000 BTU RV air conditioners are not the most popular option but they are common enough to deserve their own generator recommendations.
The 5500 starting watts and 4000 running watts of the Champion 201001 can also just be useful if you want to power many other devices in your RV.
On top of this nice amount of power, the Champion 201001 offers solid features and good reliability too.
For example, if you have the generator set up, the remote start of the Champion 201001 allows you to start powering your air conditioner from the comfort of your RV.
This means you don’t have to go out at night or in suboptimal weather conditions (if your generator is protected enough).
Pros
- Champion 201001 offers 5500 starting watts, 4000 running watts, 30 amps, and 120 volts
- TT-30R outlet makes it easier to connect to an RV
- Parallel capability
- Relatively low noise levels of 61 dBA
- Good run time of 20 hours at 25% load
- Good fuel efficiency
- Less than 3% THD
- Weight of 119 lb (54 kg)
- Has electric and remote start
- Very positive customer reviews
- 3 years limited residential and 270 days limited commercial warranties
- A lot of customers
Cons
- Moving the generator over uneven terrain can be challenging
Additionally, with the reasonable noise levels of 61 dBA (more or less as loud as a regular conversation), the sound should not disturb you and your neighbors too much.
In combination with the long run time of 20 hours at 25% load, the Champion 201001 can be great for running an RV air conditioner throughout the night.
One small downside is that this inverter generator can be somewhat challenging to move over bumpy terrain.
That being said, if you have an 18000 BTU RV AC or the 5500 peak watts just sound good, the Champion 201001 can be a great investment.
| Brand Model | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Champion 201001 5500 | 9 | 9.5 | 8 | <3% | 9.5 | 9.5 | 8.5 | 8 | $$ | Check Price |
5. Champion 201003 – Best dual fuel generator for 18000 BTU RV air conditioners
The Champion 201003 is very similar to the previous RV AC generator but without a remote start, with slightly more technical issues, with a dual fuel feature, and with a slightly higher price.
In simpler words, if you want a propane-compatible generator that can deal with an 18k BTU RV AC and a few more devices, this could be the right option for you.
The slightly higher rate of technical issues is not ideal but is not unusual for the dual fuel versions of generators either.
It is also worth mentioning again that running the Champion 201003 on propane will offer fewer running watts (3600 running watts).
Pros
- Champion 201003 offers 5500 starting watts, 4000 running watts, 30 amps, and 120 volts (gasoline)
- TT-30R outlet makes it easier to connect to an RV
- Parallel capability
- Dual fuel feature allows you to run on propane (LPG) too
- Relatively low noise levels of 61 dBA
- Good run time of 20 hours at 25% load (gasoline)
- Good gasoline fuel efficiency
- Less than 3% THD
- Weight of 118 lb (53.5 kg)
- Has electric start
- 3 years limited residential and 270 days limited commercial warranties
Cons
- Moving the generator over uneven terrain can be challenging
- A few very exceptional technical issues
And when you do decide to use gasoline, you still get the same good fuel efficiency.
In simpler words, the Champion 201003 is able to get a nice amount of kWh out of a gallon of fuel.
As mentioned in the previous option, the Champion 201003 offers a nice run time, quiet noise levels, and an electric start too.
So this RV air conditioner generator will not be for everyone.
However, if you have an 18k BTU RV AC or just want to run many devices on propane, the Champion 201003 can be a good investment.
| Brand Model | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Champion 201003 5500 | 9 | 9.5 | 8 | <3% | 9 | 9.5 | 8 | 8 | $$ | Check Price |
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FAQ
What size generator do I need to run my RV AC?
What size generator you need to run your RV AC depends on its capacity.
For example, the popular 15000 BTU RV air conditioners tend to need a generator with at least 3500 peak watts.
On the flip side, a 13500 BTU RV air conditioner would “only” need at least 3000 peak watts.
Can I run my RV AC with a generator?
If it is strong enough and you follow the safety guidelines, you can run your RV AC with a generator.
How big of a generator do you need to run a 15000 BTU RV air conditioner?
Individual models can vary but you typically need a generator with at least 3500 peak watts to run a 15000 BTU RV air conditioner.
How big of a generator do you need to run a 13500 BTU RV air conditioner?
Different brands can vary in power needs but you often need a 3000+ peak watt generator to run a 13500 BTU RV air conditioner.
How big of a generator do you need to run a 3000 BTU RV air conditioner?
Models can vary in power needs but you can often run a 3000 BTU RV air conditioner with generators that have more than 900 peak watts.
How big of a generator do you need to run an 18000 BTU RV air conditioner?
Brands can vary but you often need a generator with at least 4500 peak watts to run a 18000 BTU RV air conditioner.
What size generator do I need for a 30 amp RV air conditioner?
Since RV air conditioners typically only need 120 volts, you would need a generator with at least 3600 watts (often peak watts) for a 30 amp RV air conditioner.
Our top pick
The WEN 56380i 3800 is our top pick for the best generator for 15000 BTU (or smaller) air conditioners.
If you have a bigger 18000 BTU RV AC, the Champion 201001 5500 is likely a better choice.
And if you really want to run a lot of other devices on top of this and don’t mind the noise levels too much, the Champion 201067 9000 could be the right choice too.
