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RV travel has always been about freedom of the open road, the ability to park wherever the view is best, and the luxury of bringing home comforts into the wild. But that freedom has a ceiling when your power supply runs out or ties you to a crowded campground with electrical hookups. The best solar generators for RVs are changing that equation, letting RV travelers venture further off-grid, stay longer at dispersed sites, and run the appliances that make life on the road comfortable.
Jackery's RV generator lineup offers independence from the electricity outlets. Different Jackery Solar Generators serve a different type of RV traveler, ranging from full-timers running a fully loaded rig to weekend road-trippers who want reliable backup power without hauling heavy equipment. These RV generators are easy to use and offer dependable power sources on the road, so you spend less time thinking about power and more time enjoying wherever you've decided to stop.
Key Takeaways
- Relying on campground hookups limits where you can go and how long you can stay. A solar generator lets you park at remote sites, boondock in the desert, or linger at a mountain pullout for as long as you want without sacrificing the comforts your RV is built to provide.
- The capacity of the best solar generator for 30-amp RV and 50-amp RV should match how you actually travel. Full-time RVers or those running high-draw appliances like air conditioning, microwaves, and refrigerators need the headroom of the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus, while part-time travelers and weekend road-trippers will find the Jackery Solar Generator 600 v2 more than sufficient for their needs.
- Solar generators run silently and emit nothing, so you stay welcome wherever you park and never disrupt the surroundings you drove hours to reach.
- When choosing the best solar generator for RV camping, you should consider multiple factors such as portability, noise level, durability, and available output ports.
Understanding Your Power Needs
30 amps and 50 amps are two common electrical service capacities used in RVs. Typically, a 50-amp service can handle more electric power than a 30-amp service because the former can handle a higher volume of electrons. The size of the best portable solar generator for RV will depend on the exact power requirements of the appliances being used in the RV and for how long.
So, what size generator is needed for a 30-amp RV? Well, an RV with a 30-amp shore power connection operating at 120V can safely handle a maximum of 3600W. A camping generator anywhere between 3000W and 3500W would work great to charge most appliances in a 30-amp RV. A 2500-2800W is a good minimum threshold for a 30-amp RV with ACs.
Now, let's calculate what size generator is required for a 50-amp RV with 2 ACs. A 50-amp RV shore power connection has two separate 50-amp feeds. It can handle 12,000 watts of electric power, so a generator of around 12,000 - 12,500 watts could be a top-end choice. Here's a table that reveals the generators required for different sizes of RVs with AC units:
|
RV Type |
Estimated Generator Size Needed |
|
Class B Van with 1 AC |
2000W - 3600W |
|
Class C RV with 1 AC |
2800W - 4000W |
|
Class A RV with 2 ACs (15,000 BTU Each) |
5500W - 8000W |
|
Class A RV with 3 ACs (15,000 BTU Each) |
10,000W - 12,500W |
|
Fifth Wheel with 2 ACs |
5500W - 7000W |
Types of Generators for RV
Many campgrounds are equipped with on-site power sources, but if you are planning to travel to remote locations or get closer to nature, you would need an RV generator to power the appliances. However, RV generators are categorized based on the concept of their fuel. Let's check out the different types of the best solar generators for RV camping depending on the fuel type:
Solar Generator for RV
Solar generators are considered to be one of the best choices for RV trips and camping. They do not emit toxic fumes or gases, making them ideal for indoor use. You can move the generator in and out of the RV door to charge most appliances required during the camping trip. They use pollution-free solar energy to produce electricity and charge RV appliances.
Jackery gave John Bachman something his engineering background taught him to value above everything else: a system that performs exactly as promised. His Jackery Solar Generator kept the refrigerator running and the AC on for his two dogs during van trips, powered welders on student job sites where traditional generators fall short, and held steady through weekly outages in Baja California. Read more such Jackery Stories like John's to see how people use their battery backup solution.
Propane Generator for RV
Propane generators for RVs are quieter and more eco-friendly charging solutions than gasoline and diesel generators. They are easy to store and run well in cold weather, so they can start up and provide power anywhere. However, they have low efficiency and a short life cycle, which makes them a rare choice in RVs.
Inverter Generator for RV
Inverter generators for RVs create clean energy, which eventually creates a more stable output than other standard generators. They are quieter, more fuel-efficient, and safer for powering sensitive electronics like phones or laptops. They are available in a variety of sizes and can power an entire home.
Diesel Generator for RV
Many RV generators run on diesel or gasoline, which is readily available at gas stations. Diesel generators typically last longer than gasoline generators but might be more difficult to start in cold weather. You can choose the fuel type depending on the RV.
Wind Generator for RV
Wind turbine generators can be mounted on top of an RV. The fan blades rotate with the help of wind and start generating electricity, which is stored in the RV battery. Wind generators for RVs are used in conjunction with inverters and typically power 12-volt systems. However, they are a popular choice for many because of the complex installation process.
|
RV Generator |
Pros |
Cons |
Price |
|
Solar Generator for RV |
Eco-friendly charging solution that operates without emitting any noise. |
Output depends on the sunlight. |
$500 - $2500+ |
|
Propane Generator for RV |
Uses clean burning fuel and is more affordable. |
Less fuel efficient than diesel generators and has lower output power. |
$300 - $1500+ |
|
Inverter Generator for RV |
Quiet, fuel-efficient, and provides stable power to the electronics. |
Higher initial cost and lower overall wattage. |
$400 - $2500+ |
|
Diesel Generator for RV |
Highly efficient and offers powerful output. |
Loud, bulky, and emits a lot of toxic gases. |
$1000 - $5000 |
|
Wind Generator for RV |
Renewable energy source that does not need any fuel to work. |
Output depends on wind and involves a complex installation process. |
$800 - $3500+ |
Recommended Solar Generators for RV Travel
RV generators are available in different shapes and sizes, and the choice will vary depending on the wattage requirements of the appliances used. Jackery is a well-known manufacturer of solar generators, portable power stations, and camping solar panels built with high-quality materials that can last long. Here are some of the best solar generators for RVs and campers designed to meet the power needs during RV travel.
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus
If you prefer full-time RV living and want to run a refrigerator, power an air conditioner on a hot desert afternoon, and keep a microwave, coffee maker, and laptop, you can consider going ahead with the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus. It has a large battery capacity that gives you the confidence to boondock in remote locations for days at a time. It features a foldable handle, a pull rod, and double wheels that ensure you can easily move the solar generator from one place to another.
Appliances Running Time
- Refrigerator (400W) = 4.0H
- RV AC (700W) = 2.3H
- Outdoor Electric Grill (1000W) = 1.6H
- TV (150W) = 10.0H
- Portable Fan (100W) = 14.2H
Who Should Buy This
If you live in your RV full-time or run power-hungry appliances on the road, the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is the solar generator built to keep up with your lifestyle.
Customer Review
Fantastic - easy to use and runs our cabin like a pro! I was expecting the 2000 plus to work well, but the plug-and-play nature of the system, as well as the simple interface, exceeded my expectations!!!
— Robert C.
Jackery Solar Generator 1500 v2
The Jackery Solar Generator 1500 v2 is an ideal solution for the RV traveler who hits the road regularly but isn't necessarily living out of their rig year-round. It handles the appliances that make RV life comfortable, such as a running fridge, evening lighting, device charging for the whole family, and a CPAP machine for uninterrupted sleep without the size and weight of a larger system. It is capable enough for multi-day trips and portable enough to move in and out of the rig without effort.
Appliances Running Time
- Refrigerator (400W) = 2.9H
- RV AC (700W) = 1.8H
- Outdoor Electric Grill (1000W) = 1.2H
- TV (150W) = 7.5H
- Portable Fan (100W) = 10.7H
Who Should Buy This
If you take frequent RV trips and want powerful, dependable solar energy without the weight and bulk of a heavy-duty unit, the Jackery Solar Generator 1500 v2 is your ideal travel companion.
Customer Review
I use my Jackery to power my Starlink and router, which use about 35 watts. I surfed and watched movies on my computer while in the middle of nowhere for 7 hours. During the day, the solar panels provided plenty of juice to keep it fully charged during use. It is quite cool to say the least.
— Elva H.
Jackery Solar Generator 600 v2
If you are a casual RV camper who heads out on weekends, the Jackery Solar Generator 600 v2 provides clean, quiet power for the gear that matters most, such as keeping devices charged, lights on, and a small cooler running without the noise or hassle of a gas generator. It is compact enough to tuck away easily and light enough to reposition without effort, making it an ideal fit for smaller RVs, camper vans, and pop-up setups where space is at a premium. For travelers who want the solar generator experience without overcommitting on size or budget, this small RV generator is the most sensible place to start.
Appliances Running Time
- Refrigerator (400W) = 1.3H
- Lights (100W) = 4.8H
- Coffee Maker (500W) = 1.0H
- TV (150W) = 3.3H
- Portable Fan (100W) = 4.8H
Who Should Buy This
If you use your RV for weekend getaways and want an affordable, lightweight solar solution that handles the essentials without taking up half your storage, the Jackery Solar Generator 600 v2 delivers exactly that.
Customer Review
The jackery 600v2 was tested on something small, such as a 34-inch TV, a router, and a PS4 from a surge protector plugin with minimal game play, mostly YouTube, just to see power consumption. At just a little bit over 100 volts, the jackery 600v2 lasted 6 hours and charged in 2 1/2 hours. Even at a full drain to 0%, with another test also charged in 2 1/2 hours from a wall outlet.
— Forever G.
Choosing the Best Generator for Your Camper
An RV generator is a considerable investment but important to ensure you can build a home away from home. The choice of the generator for the RV and camper will depend on the appliances that need to be recharged and other features.
Size Limitations
Generator size matters when choosing a charging solution for camping trips or RV living. Ideally, the RV generator should be large enough to charge most RV appliances for hours but also compact enough to fit inside the vehicle.
It's best to measure the space so you know what generator will or will not work for your setup. For example, if you're wondering what size generator for a 30 ft camper is ideal, you may go ahead with the generator with a rated output of at least 3000 - 3500W.
Portability
You will need to move the RV generator fairly often, so it needs to be light enough to carry in and out. Some larger generators come with built-in wheels and handles, which make transportation much easier. The larger Jackery Solar Generators have double wheels, a foldable handle, and a pull rod to move them around whenever needed.
Noise Level
An often-overlooked aspect is the volume or noise level of the RV generator. You should look for a generator that's not only portable but also emits less noise so you can enjoy the great outdoors. If you're looking for a quiet generator for your camper, you may consider the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus, which emits only 30dB of noise, which is less than a whisper.
Durability
Since you'll be moving the generator in and out of the vehicle, it needs to be durable enough to take a few bumps here and there. In addition, you would need to ensure it can last as long as possible without needing repairs.
Ports
The best RV generator should have a variety of output ports to charge different types of devices. Ideally, you should look for standard AC outlets, USB-A, and USB-C ports to charge power tools, laptops, phones, and other appliances.
If you are still unsure how big a generator you need for the camper, a 2000-watt generator would be a good choice for average camper use. It can easily support essential appliances such as lights, cell phones, TVs, laptops, stoves, etc. On the other hand, a large 3000-watt generator would be able to power most RV appliances for hours.
Conclusion
Picking the best generators for RVs and campers will depend on their energy demands and the amount of time they expect to be off the grid. An RV generator is especially essential if they are planning to go dry camping or boondocking.
Jackery Solar Generators are powerful, portable, and efficient charging solutions that are easy to carry. These RV generators can run essential appliances for hours and even power an RV AC to maintain a comfortable environment in hot and humid conditions.
Share your experiences with your favorite RV or camper generator in the comments below. If you have any questions about your specific setup or are unsure which generator best fits your needs, let us know in the comment section, and we'll help you find the perfect power solution!
