Cummins inverter RV generators are 62.7% quieter and have 60.6% less vibration than the leading portable generators currently on the market.

Not only will you get a quieter, more efficient experience with a Cummins inverter RV generator but they’re also easier to operate and maintain compared to competitor products, are 9% lighter, offer optimal performance in all environments, temperatures, and altitudes, and require fewer maintenance checks. 

This article covers exactly what an RV inverter generator offers so you fully understand both functionality and benefits while choosing the best RV inverter generator for you.

 

What Is an Inverter Generator?

An inverter generator is one of the most sophisticated forms of generator power. They are compact, lightweight, quieter, and much more efficient than conventional generators. You can learn more about our newest model, the Onan QG 2800i/2500Oi LP, here.

Inverter generators are extremely fuel-efficient and much quieter than conventional installed RV generators making them an excellent choice for your rig. This type of generator will electrically control the throttle which allows it to conserve gas and avoid unnecessary energy consumption. This process increases the generator’s efficiency and creates a quieter overall experience.

Another benefit of this generator type is that it provides the best onboard generator power source as it produces more alternate electricity per engine rotation than traditional generators. The raw or alternate current (AC) produced is converted to direct current (DC), and the inverter converts it back to AC power.

The current produced by an inverter generator is more stable and steady than the current produced by a conventional generator. Delivered in steady sine waves the harmonic distortion is lower than in conventional generators offering more reliable, consistent, quiet power.

This new inverter generator family also includes a gasoline EVAP model, making it available for towable applications. Unlike the previous fixed-speed models, these generators can vary their engine speed to run only as fast as needed. This means a nearly 50% improvement in fuel consumption, less noise, and (due to the inverter) cleaner power for sensitive electronics.

 

How an Inverter Generator Works

Inverter RV generators work differently than your standard generators; they have the unique ability to convert AC or alternating current into DC or direct electric current and then “invert” it back to AC creating a cleaner wave of energy. While a typical non-inverter (fixed speed) generator has its benefits, it can produce inconsistencies in the electrical current.

Specific benefits here include the generator's ability to create a steady current by inverting electrical waves. This allows a consistent flow of electricity without the irregularities experienced by traditional generators. They also offer higher fuel efficiency as they have the ability to adjust the speed of their engine based on how much power is needed at any given moment providing cleaner, safer power. The result is efficiently met power needs and protection for sensitive electronics.

Understanding all the complexities of how an inverter RV generator works takes some research, but generally speaking, they improve the quality of electricity you have access to, offer improved fuel efficiency, and are quieter than their counterparts.

 

RV Inverter Generators

Inverter generators are a popular choice for RV use due to their unique benefits and performance improvements setting them apart from their traditional counterparts. Choosing the right generator for your RV requires a number of considerations, but there are several significant benefits to having an inverter generator installed in your RV. One of the greatest advantages of this type of generator is your ability to go off the grid in your RV. 

Additionally, some inverter RV generators like the QG 2800i/2500i offer better fuel efficiency as they throttle up and down   to meet the power demand in the moment rather than running at full capacity all the time. This means they consume less fuel, require less maintenance, and last longer than fixed speed generators.

Other benefits include the production of cleaner power with fewer exhaust fumes and overall emissions and a quieter experience compared to that of their counterparts, offering both reduced noise and vibration levels.   

In general, an inverter RV generator offers a variety of benefits and improved functionality over many traditional generators  that burn fuel at a high rate, have a higher level of maintenance, and are noisier. If you are interested in seamless power and an improved RV experience, an inverter generator is an excellent option. 

 

Portable vs. Installed RV Inverter Generators

Still unsure as to whether an installed or portable RV generator is the right choice for you? Convenience is a key factor in choosing the generator type best suited to your needs. When considering the option of using a portable generator vs. an onboard RV generator, the critical points to consider are convenience, setup time, exposure to the elements, the need for extra equipment, and more limited options for where you can stay.

Additional considerations include fuel and maintenance requirements, as installed generators require less of both. You have an at-the-ready power source available with an installed generator, whereas portable generators require setup and need to be plugged into your coach to run . This can limit your ability to travel without careful planning. Additionally, portable generators require extra gas cans and power cords and are louder than their installed counterparts. Installed RV generators also offer the ability to accommodate heavier power needs and can be used while driving, whereas a portable generator cannot.

The right generator for you depends on a number of factors, but in general, our easy-to-use fixed-mount generators offer a significant upgrade to the RV travel experience.

 

Considerations For Choosing The Best Inverter Generator For Your RV

An inverter RV generator offers a number of significant conveniences and benefits to your travel experience. You will have an automatic, clean power source ready to go when you need it. 

That said, in order to identify the best inverter RV generator for you, you’ll need to ensure that you have the size and type necessary to accommodate your specific needs. This includes all of your appliances, AC unit(s), stove, refrigerator, TV hair dryer, microwave, laptop, and any other equipment that requires power. It could be helpful to create a complete list of the power requirements you have so you can properly dial in the proper generator size.

Once you have a clear idea of the equipment requiring power,  you can determine the correct watts, amperages, and volts necessary to support your needs. You can find the answers to common generator sizing questions in our guide including exactly how to calculate the number of watts you have available, whether you should be running a 30-amp or 50-amp electrical capacity, and specifics on the power requirements for each unique appliance.

It is also important to keep in mind that most appliances require more energy as they are starting up than after they have been running for a bit. Inverter RV generators offer the great benefit of varying their power generation to accommodate only the power required at any given moment so everything runs efficiently with less waste and fewer resources. 

 

Finding a Quiet Inverter Generator For Your RV

If you are a seasoned RV traveler, you likely have a solid idea of the level of sound you can expect from your generator; if you are newer to generators it’s important to know that the amount of “noise” you will experience can vary quite a bit between both types of generators, (installed or portable) as well as different sizes and brands.

Here are a couple of things to keep in mind: 

• Cummins tests the noise level of their RV generators before they go to the manufacturers for installation.
  
  When RV manufacturers install these generators in a compartment within your vehicle, the sound/noise level is reduced. Consequently, when you run the RV generator, it will usually be quieter than the stated decibel rating.
  
   
• Typically, the installed sound level of the generator will be between 65-75 decibels, depending on your distance from the generator.
  
  For example, a traditional vacuum cleaner generates around 70 decibels, while a human conversation is around 60 decibels. Once compartmentalized, the decibel output changes making it a quieter experience.

This is a general baseline of sound measurement for you to consider but in determining which type of generator to choose a quiet RV inverter generator is going to create the best experience for you from a noise perspective. The variable speed of an inverter generator slows the generator down to improve fuel efficiency and moderate operating loads for a significant reduction in both noise and vibration. The compartment that it is installed in coupled with the type of mount that is used also further dampens the noise and creates a better overall experience.

 

Our pick for an RV inverter generator

Modern generator technology has allowed RV travel to take a huge step forward. The conveniences that our current innovations provide are truly phenomenal. Inverter RV generators have significantly broadened our travel abilities. They allow for going off grid without a second thought, relieve the cumbersome maintenance requirements and worry around failure tied to the older traditional models and create cleaner, quieter and more reliable power than their counterparts.

The Onan QG 2800i and Onan QG 2500i  RV inverter generators are  Cummins' quietest RV generator and checks all the boxes from both an ease of use and reliability perspective. The  Onan QG 2800i  and Onan QG 2500i  generator offers an enhanced RV travel experience allowing its users to maximize vacation time so they can enjoy the journey focused only on the road ahead.

Visit one of the 1,500 Cummins-authorized locations across the U.S. and Canada to learn more about our brand new quiet inverter generator for your RV.

Learn More About Cummins RV Generators