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Quiet generators for campers reviewed & compared

Quiet portable generators are marvels of modern engineering

If you’re reading this, you’ve already contemplated the advantages of compact, portable quiet generators for campers

But it’s easy to miss just how amazing these little machines have truly become. Portable generators have enjoyed a huge leap forward in recent years and improvements in efficiency, weight, size and noise output have skyrocketed.

We’re excited to bring you this brief guide and list of the best quiet generators.

Quiet generators for campers Top Picks at a glance

Click for current pricing

WEN 2000 56203i Watt

wen quiet generators for campers vansage

Our rating

Westinghouse iGen2200 

1800 Watt

 

portable quiet generator for campers vansage Westiinghouse 2200 watt

 

Our rating

Generac 1200 Watt Portable Quiet Inverter Generator

Generac 1200 Watt portable quiet generator for campers Vansage

 

Our rating

Champion 2000 Watt

 

Champion 2000 watt generator vansage portable quiet generator for campers

 

Our rating

 

We’ve provided reviews and links to pricing for Quiet generators for campers with power output between 1250 Watts for low power needs, and 2000 Watts for more on-board juice.

In our experience, this generator size range will produce enough power for the vast majority of conversion van travelers. We’ll likely review larger generators in the future.

Why are these generators so quiet?

The short answer is, instead of heavy copper coils, they use magnets to create electricity. They’re also highly engineered in many other ways to reduce and eliminate exhaust sound, vibration, and other mechanical noises that machines tend to produce.

The result is that these generators operate at sound levels of around 50 decibels, which is quieter than average human conversation!

What makes the best quiet generators so efficient?

This is a bit complicated, but it largely comes down to the fact that they incorporate microprocessor controlled power inverters to process and clean power.

The best quiet generators create multi-phase AC power that is converted to DC power and then back to grid quality AC power. This process allows engineers to minimize power wasting in a number of ways.

For example, the microprocessor controlled inverter varies motor speed according to demand keeping the power output at a surge free, consistent 60 hertz.

vansage portable quiet generator for campers Yamaha generators
Yamaha quiet generators wired in series.

Back to magnets vs copper coils: Traditional generator motors using copper windings require a lot of energy to get up to and then maintain consistent, high rpms. Magnet based motors need very little power to spin up, saving much energy.

Furthermore, microprocessor controlled inverters combined with magnet driven motors allow for greatly reduced fuel consumption in other ways.

Another advantage of the built in inverter is that you don’t have to run your generated power through an external inverter, leaving that equipment free to process battery and solar power.

These combined features result in the most efficient generators to date.

What size generator do I need for my camper?

You can solve most of your daily and emergency power needs by carrying quiet generators for campers with power output between 2000 and 4000 watts.

If you’re wanting to run a campervan air conditioner, you’ll need the higher power output plus spare fuel, depending on how many BTU’s your AC unit produces and how hot the climate your traveling in.

But most campers will find that a quiet camper generator in the range of 2500 watts will be plenty for normal, daily use such as cooking, heating water, running led lights and other basic power needs.

What about my electronics and sensitive devices?

The inverter changes DC energy into grid quality AC electricity (like what’s in your home) with very little distortion.

It also produces clean DC energy, available from USB outlets on the generator for charging phones and other sensitive battery powered devices.

The long and short of it is, with these awesome, new inverters, you don’t have to worry about power supply quality for your sensitive devices.

Note: Please consult manufacturers to insure compatibility with medical devices and other sensitive equipment.

vansage Quiet generators for campers generators powered lights in van
Photo courtesy of Manuel Meurisse

 

The Campervan Podcast Episode #068: Alternative Power for AC & More: Quiet Portable Generators for Campers

What is a good quiet generator for a Campervan?

We’ve found the top rated models in the field manufactured by the most trusted, long standing brands.

Four of the five quiet portable generators we recommend are CARB compliant, and that means cleaner exhaust for you, your family and the environment.

 

WEN 56203i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator

Our rating

When we see over 500 reviews and a 4.5+ star rating, we sit up and take notice! And the price on this little machine is great, too.

We love the Wen 562001 for its extremely quiet operation, EPA III and CARB Compliance, 2000 surge watts and 1600 rated watts, light weight build and energy efficient “Eco Mode” feature.

  • It’s great for camping where you don’t want to disturb neighbors and of course for your own comfort.
  • Features two, three-prong 120V receptacles, one 12V DC receptacle and one 5V USB port.
  • Click below to see all the great features Wen packs into this unit.

Click now to see images and pricing for the WEN 56200i

 

A-iPower Portable Inverter Generator 2000W Ultra-Quiet Powered by Yamaha SC2000i

Our rating

The Yamaha Inverter Generators hit all the important marks for features plus carry a highly rated name in power generation.

  • Rated at 1600 watt AC output, 2000 watt max output, 13.3/16.7 amps for 120V
  • Super-quiet, USFS-approved arrestor
  • 51.5 dBA at 1/4 load
  • Smart Throttle adjusts motor speed for load requirements for great fuel economy and further noise reduction
  • Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) inverter system
  • CARB Compliant

Click now to see images & pricing for the Yamaha SC2000i

 

Westinghouse iGen2200 Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator

Westiinghouse 2200 watt portable quiet generator for campers vansage

Our rating

The super quiet Westinghouse iGen2200 provides energy when you need it.

If you need more power for a campervan, boat, an RV…

For everyday recreational activity or household use, in a power outage, Depend on the Westinghouse iGen2200.

  • 1800 Rated Watts and 2200 Peak Watts at Less Than 3% THD – Weighs Only 46 Lbs. – Gas Powered – Two 120V 20 Amp Outlets, Two USB Outlets
  • Great Choice for Home Use as an Emergency Backup in a Power Outage – Strong Enough to Run All Your Home Essentials
  • Extremely Quiet, Extremely Fuel Efficient: 52 dB Noise Output and 12 Hour Run Time on a 1.2 Gallon Gas Tank – Features “Efficiency Mode” for Maximum Fuel Efficiency
  • Parallel Capable – Combine Your iGen2200 with the Westinghouse WH2200iXLT, iGen1200, iGen2200, and iGen2500 to Increase Available Wattage and Amperage (Requires Westinghouse Parallel Cord)
  • Three Year Warranty and Free Lifetime Technical Support at 1-855-944-3571 – EPA, USFS, and CARB Compliant (Legal for Sale in California).Engine RPM:Max 5300

Click now to see images & pricing for the Westinghouse iGen 2200 

 

Generac 1200 Watt Portable Quiet Inverter Generator

Generac 1200 Watt portable quiet generator for campers Vansage

Our rating

Maybe you have have lower power needs, or just want an emergency power source for the most basic necessities.

This is a great option for anyone running lower power devices or in need of a dedicated power supply for a CPAP or other medical gear.

The Generac will cover those needs while saving you money, space and weight.

  • Very quiet operation
  • Clean power, safe operation for sensitive devices

Click now to see images and pricing for the WEN 56125i

 

Champion 2000-Watt Ultralight Portable Inverter Generator

Champion 2000 watt generator vansage portable quiet generator for campers


Our rating

If you’re in need of a bit more power, Champion makes some of the bet quiet generators at great prices. And we love the remote start feature so you can control it from up to 80 feet away.

  • Only 39 pounds
  • Super quiet:  58 dBA from 23 feet
  • 2000 start watts, 1700 running watts and up to 11.5 hours run time
  • Wire in parallel: Optional clip-on parallel kit
  • 3-year limited warranty
  • Lifetime technical support from experts

Click now to see images & pricing on the Champion 2000 Watt

 

What are your power needs while on the road? How do you meet them?

Please leave comments and questions below.

Thanks for reading.

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