Onboard RV generators are installed in your RV, connected directly to your RV’s electrical system, and start with the push of a button. This type of generator offers multiple conveniences including lower maintenance needs, eliminating the need to carry extra fuel and worry about extension cords and shore power.
Why an Onboard Generator is the Best Type of Generator for Your RV Air Conditioner
Benefits of having an onboard RV generator:
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Lower maintenance needs
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Eliminates need to carry extra fuel and worry about extension cords and shore power
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Runs quieter than their generator counterparts
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Relieves you from the cumbersome chore of setting up and breaking down when changing locations
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Allows you to run AC unit(s) while driving
What Is an Onboard RV Generator?
Onboard RV generators are bolted directly into your RV, connected to your RV’s electrical system, and offer greater power generation than traditional portable generators.
These easy-to-use fixed-mount RV generators offer an upgraded RV experience for several reasons. Being that they are mounted in their own compartment, they’re protected from the elements, both noise and vibration are significantly minimized, and they can be started and stopped from your smartphone. Learn more about our quietest onboard generator here and our EC-AGS+ wireless control system for generators here.
Additional conveniences include lower maintenance requirements and the elimination of the need to carry extra fuel and worry about extension cords and shore power. Additionally, they are quieter than portable generators, relieve you from the cumbersome chore of setting them up and moving them as you change locations, and allow you to run your AC unit(s) while driving.
Installed onboard RV generators can be used in both motorized and towable RVs. Cummins offers a variety of generator sizes and types to accommodate everything from Class A RVs to Fifth Wheel rigs with multiple AC units.
Choosing an integrated and interconnected generator for your RV offers unbeatable convenience and a reliable, at-the-ready power source like at home.
Why Is an Onboard RV Generator Best for Powering Your RV Air Conditioner?
In deciding which size and type of generator best suits your needs, the AC unit or units on your rig is one of the most critical factors.
The key factor in determining the proper generator size for your rig is the number of appliances you need to run; this includes both large and small installed and peripheral appliances. Based on that, you then need to understand how many watts, volts, and amps are necessary to support the specific power load on your RV.
Two of the most critical loads on an RV are your air conditioner(s) and your battery charger, which require the most power output of all built-in and peripheral appliances. A typical air conditioner requires 1,200 to 2,400 running watts. For comparison, a refrigerator requires somewhere between 150 and 725 watts, while a television runs in the range of 65 to 340 watts, a significant difference.
Air conditioners can also draw up to three times more power during the first few seconds of startup than during normal operation. While this is common for all electric motors, it is especially true for air conditioners, so the required power load upon start-up is substantial.
The best generator for the RV air conditioner is an installed onboard generator that has been properly sized by an expert, ensuring that you have access to the power capacity to start and run the air conditioner while maintaining consistent and reliable spare power allowing you to use all your other appliances at the same time.
Run your Onboard RV Generator While Driving
One of the greatest advantages of an onboard RV generator is your ability to run the AC unit(s) while driving. With an installed generator, you’ll actually be able to run all of your appliances and accessories while driving.
Although the cabin of your rig has built-in air conditioning, it is not enough to cool the coach, making it an uncomfortable ride for passengers. Because onboard generators draw power directly from your rig’s electrical system, they can safely function whether you are parked or on the move. Additionally, an installed generator is securely bolted in place, properly insulated, and utilizes a shared fuel source.
In contrast, portable generators are not designed to run while you are driving; doing so can pose multiple risks. These risks include potential fire hazards and harmful omission of carbon monoxide if not properly ventilated. Never run a portable generator inside an enclosed space. If you want to ensure that you, your travelers, and your rig are properly protected while you are in motion, an installed RV generator is the solution.
Imagine having the ability to power your AC and enjoy all of the comforts of home safely while on the road with an onboard generator. Learn more about our quietest onboard RV generator here.
You Don’t Need to Guess About Power/Wattage
One of the most crucial points of consideration when purchasing an onboard RV generator for your rig is the size. It’s important to note that size incorporates three key factors: watts, amps, and volts.
RV generators come in a variety of sizes ranging anywhere from 2,500 watts up to 12,500 watts. The proper size generator for your rig is determined based on how much power is needed to operate your unique set of appliances. This includes larger elements like your AC unit(s) and battery charger and includes your stove, refrigerator, microwave, laptops, hair dryers, and any other peripheral accessories on your rig. It is imperative that all power needs are taken into consideration when making this decision so that your generator is equipped with the correct wattage and can power all that you have on board.
This can be a daunting task to tackle on your own, so although we suggest you understand RV Generator and Electricity Basics, this decision is best left to an expert specifically trained to outfit your RV with the proper generator so you have the power you need anywhere you go.
Skip the Heavy Lifting
The investment in an installed generator is worth it for many owners due to the convenience and protection that comes with installation. The generator is bolted down inside its own compartment in your RV. Not only does this mean a significant decrease in maintenance requirements, but it is also much quieter than a portable generator and never needs to be moved.
You will never again be in a situation where you waste valuable vacation time lugging around or setting up a portable generator.
Your onboard RV generator will start at the push of a button and be perfectly equipped to immediately meet all your power needs. Gone are the days of gas cans, power cords, and loading and unloading your generator.
Worry Less About Generator Theft
Onboard RV generators offer the added benefit of being protected, at all times. Tucked safely and securely in its own compartment inside your RV, not only is it protected from environmental factors, but it’s also safe and secure, eliminating the threat of theft.
Generators are expensive and valuable pieces of equipment making them attractive targets for thieves. Often transported in the bed of a pick-up truck or tow vehicle, your generator is completely exposed, making it vulnerable to theft anytime you are parked.
Additionally, your portable generator is out in the open and unattended while you are running it overnight; because they are exposed, easy to move, and sit outside your RV unattended, they are primary targets for thieves.
Researching your travel plans and campsites, avoiding high-traffic areas and careful planning will help to cut down on how vulnerable your portable generator is while you travel. However, you can remove this worry completely with an installed RV generator.
You Don’t Need to Rely on Finding a Campsite
Hit the switch and you are up and running! Imagine a scenario where you don’t need to think twice about specific plans for the night, where you will park, and how you will connect to a power source for your generator. Imagine not needing to worry about having enough extra fuel and power cords onboard while you travel and having the freedom to find an ideal spot, wherever it may be, and to enjoy your stay on your terms.
This is what you will experience with an onboard RV generator. While traditional and portable generators require power cords and a separate fuel source, installed generators offer peace of mind with a steady and reliable power supply, the convenience to use the appliances in your RV even when not at a campsite, and the freedom to go off-grid with no need for shore power.
With an installed RV generator, you'll be able to focus on your trip and the memories you’re making instead of worrying about the tasks involved with other power sources. Imagine a peaceful, uninterrupted RV adventure where you have the power you need, when you need it.
The Best Quiet RV Generator for your RV Air Conditioner
Let’s face it, generators can be noisy and disrupt your peaceful vacation time, and the more power required of them, the louder they are. Whether you are considering an installed or portable generator, the level of noise your generator is going to make is a top consideration.
If you are looking for a quiet RV generator that will also support heavy power loads, there are a few things that are helpful to know. First, what constitutes “quiet” when we think about generators? Generators produce somewhere between 50 and 70 decibels. To give you an idea of the sound level produced in this range, a traditional vacuum cleaner generates about 70 decibels, while a normal human conversation is around 60 decibels.
While there are multiple factors to consider when determining the noise level you can expect from your generator a few key factors include the power load required of your generator, the distance from your RV, if you choose a portable unit, and the location of the generator.
What we can say for sure is that an installed generator will be significantly quieter than a portable generator, specifically the Onan QG 2800i / 2500i LP. These generators are quieter and produce less vibration than traditional generators making them the best quiet generator for your RV. Additionally, these generators can vary their engine speed to only run as fast as needed, which provides a 50% improvement in fuel consumption, less noise, and cleaner power for sensitive electronics.
