Gear & Products

Generator Buyer’s Guide

Portable power for your adventures

November 21, 2018

Camping is the vacation of choice for the off-road community, but there is usually a limited access to power. Even our favorite riding destinations usually don't have hookups, and it doesn't matter if you're in a tent or a luxurious RV you'll need a good generator. Most RVs have on-board generators and they work well, but the onboard generators can be noisy and use up more fuel than needed. Sometimes you need just enough power for a microwave or the fan for your heater overnight and the big onboard isn't needed. We compiled a list of generators perfect for off-road excursions or emergencies at home.

Briggs & Stratton P2200

The smallest of the Briggs & Stratton lineup features a quiet and fuel efficient 111cc OHV engine. It produces 2,200 starting watts and 1,700 running watts and its less than 3-percent total harmonic distortion makes it safe for laptop computers, TVs, and game systems. A 1-gallon fuel tank allows up to eight hours of continuous operation at 25-percent load. A parallel connector port allows connection between two units for more power. At 59-decibel operating volume, it's quieter than a normal conversation.Briggs & Stratton

Briggs & Stratton P3000

The mid-grade model of the Briggs & Stratton line is the P3000. Has a run time up to 10 hours at quarter load. Running amps of 21.7 of clean and instant power to keep appliances and other important electronics running. The 30545's engine speed reduces noise, fuel consumption, and emissions. Features a 1.5-gallon fuel tank for an impressive 10 hours of continuous operation at quarter load on a full tank. It features: engine displacement of 171cc; four household outlets; one 12-volt 30-amp locking outlet with RV adaptor; DC charging outlet; a USB port; and a two-year limited warranty.Briggs & Stratton

Briggs & Stratton Q6500 Inverter Generator

The Briggs & Stratton Q6500 is a quiet, portable inverter generator that delivers 6,500 starting watts of reliable power. The QuietPower Series inverter technology and a noise-reducing shell give you power that's more than 60-percent quieter than a standard generator (66 decibels at 25-percent load). It is highly efficient, with its 306cc Briggs & Stratton integrated engine/alternator providing up to 14 hours of run time at 25-percent load. It powers a wide variety of electronics and devices at the same time with four 120-volt/20-amp outlets, two USB outlets, and one 120-volt/240-volt locking outlet. Use of an RV adapter in the twist lock outlet provides 2,500 watts of continuous power (120 volts/20.8 amps).Briggs & Stratton

Coleman Powersports CG3500i-A

The Coleman Powersports CG3500i-A is a powerful and easy-to-use generator with a maximum output of 3,500 watts with 3,000-watt continuous output. The Powersports CG3500i-A is safe and functional. It features a built-in overload protection and low-oil indicator with automatic engine shut-off. It has a rated voltage of 100/120 volts; DC output 12 volts (8.3 amps). The run time is 3.1 hours at 100-percent load/4.2 hours at 50 percent load. The Coleman CG3500i-A has extra-quiet operation with only a 63-decibel noise level at 23 feet.Coleman Powersports

Ford FG2200iS 2200W

This compact model from Ford features 2,200 peak watts/2,000 rated watts. Capable of up to six hours of operation at half load on 1.18 gallons of fuel. Its compact suitcase design and weight of less than 47 pounds make for easy handling. Quiet operation (59 decibels) makes it virtually silent from just 10 feet away. Parallel capability allows you to easily connect together two FG2200iS units for increased power output.Ford

Honda EU2200i

The newest models in the Honda generator line, the EU2200i has quickly become a popular choice among consumers with its 2,200 watts of running power. Quiet operation at 48–57 decibels that's quieter than a normal conversation. Can be tethered in parallel to an additional EU2200i creating 4,400 watts of power. Features ECO throttle system that gives the EU2200i a run time of 4.0–9.6 hours on a single tank (depending on load).Honda

Honda EU2000i

The original quiet generator that is still the popular choice. Generating 2000 watts, 120 volts of power. A built in 30-amp outlet for easy parallel capabilities with another EU2000i. Super-quiet operation at 59 decibels at full throttle and 53 at quarter throttle.Honda

Honda EU3000iS

This workhorse of the Honda lineup can do just about everything needed. Super quiet—so quiet, your neighbors will thank you—the EU3000iS operates at 49 to 58 decibels, which is less noise than a normal conversation. Fuel efficient: It runs 7.2 to 20 hours on 3.4 gallons of fuel, depending on load, thanks to the exclusive ECO throttle.Honda

Honda EU3000IH1A

The EU3000i Handi is the newest version of the legendary EU3000iS. It packs plenty of power to start up recreational vehicle air-conditioning units up to 13,500 BTUs. Exceptionally portable, sporting two handles and wheels, the EU3000i Handi can be rolled to your destination, plus loaded and unloaded very easily by one or two people. The EU3000i Handi operates at 57 to 65 decibels, depending on the load; this makes it ideal for camping, supplemental RV power, and any other activity that requires quiet operation. With a range up to 7.7 hours of operation depending on load, it will last as long as needed.Honda

Polaris P13GDGBNA

The Polaris P13GDGBNA has a 120-volt AC output maximum 2,000 watts (16.7 amps), rated output 1,600 watts (13.3 amps); 12-volt DC output. Smart Throttle improves fuel economy. One tank of gas allows more than 10 hours run time at quarter load. Light, compact, and portable, it's 53.3 pounds and measures 21.4 x 13 x 17.7 inches. It comes with a class-leading three-year parts and labor warranty. EPA and CARB certified emissions compliant.Polaris

Polaris P13GDGCNA

Features 3,000 watts of max output (25 amps), 120-volt AC-rated output of 2,800 watts (23.3 amps); 12-volt DC output. A Smart Throttle gives the P13GDGCNA good fuel economy with a 21-hour run time at quarter load. Has an electric start and class-leading three-year parts and labor warranty. EPA and CARB certified emissions compliant.Polaris

Pulsar 2,000W PG2000iS

The smaller sibling to the 4,000W the 2,000W has 2,000 peak watts/1,600 running watts. Capable of up to six hours of operation at half load on 1.18 gallons of fuel. Quiet operation (59 decibels) makes it virtually silent from just 10 feet away. Parallel capability allows you to easily connect two PG2000iS units together for increased power output. Features two AC 120-volt/13-amp outlets, one 12-volt DC/8-amp outlet, one 5-volt DC/USB outlet so you can charge and power multiple devices at once.Pulsar

Pulsar 4,000W PG4000iSR

The Pulsar 4,000W has 4,000 peak watts/3,500 running watts, and is capable of up to 15 hours of extended operation at half load on 3.4 gallons of fuel. A convenient wireless remote start allows you to operate the unit from up to 80 feet away; its quiet operation (approximately ~63 decibels) makes it virtually silent from just 10 feet away. Compact design has an extendable handle and never-flat wheels for easy handling and storage capability. Parallel capability allows you to easily connect two PG4000iSR units together for increased power outputPulsar

Ryobi 2200

The Ryobi 2200 has 2,200 starting watts/1,800 running watts. Its 106cc OHC four-cycle engine is quieter than a conversation. Features two 120-volt AC outlets and a 12-volt outlet with parallel cable kit.Ryobi

Westinghouse iGen4500

The Westinghouse iGen4500 features 3,800 running watts and 4,500 peak watts. Has one 30-amp/120-volt recreational vehicle (RV) outlet, two household 120-volt/20-amp outlets, two USB outlets. Also a one-touch push-button electric start and remote start key fob (automatic choke) and extendable suitcase-style handle with flat-free wheels. Extremely quiet, extremely fuel efficient, it produces 52-decibel noise output and 18-hour run time at 25-percent load (3.4-gallon gas tank). It has an LED data center; the rotating digital display shows fuel level, power output, remaining run time, and voltage output.Westinghouse

Yamaha EF1000iS

The smallest generator in the Yamaha lineup creates 1,000-watt maximum AC output/900-watt-rated AC output. Noise-blocking acoustically designed sound reduction system. Small but mighty, the EF1000iS features a 12-hour continuous run time, with Smart Throttle load-sensing throttle control.Yamaha

Yamaha EF2000iSv2

Yamaha's powerful compact generator with 1,600-watt-rated AC output, 2,000-watt maximum AC output, 13.3/16.7 amps at 120 volts features a super-quiet muffler with USFS-approved spark arrestor—only 51.5 decibels at quarter load. The Smart Throttle varies engine speed based on load to improve fuel economy and reduce noise. CARB compliant.Yamaha

Yamaha EF3000iSEB

The EF3000iSEB is Yamaha's midgrade unit that generates 2,800 running watts of power. The generator allows for continuous operation up to 19 hours without needing refueling. Sound-absorbing material, used in key locations, and a newly designed muffler and molded fan produce unbeatable noise reduction by automatically adjusting engine speed to match the load.Yamaha

Yamaha EF4500iSE

The Yamaha EF4500iSE features 4,500-watt maximum AC output/4,000-watt-rated AC output power. Complies with California Air Resources Board Tier 3 exhaust emission standards. Has an electric start with optional wireless remote that allows starting of the unit from up to 66 feet away. Quiet operation with noise levels at noise level 58–60 decibels.Yamaha

Yamaha EF6300iSDE

Yamaha's largest generator unit, the 6300iSDE boasts 6,300-watt maximum AC output/5,500-watt-rated AC output. The Smart Throttle automatically adjusts the engine speed to match power demand; it reduces noise, fuel consumption, and engine wear. A power meter shows how much power is being used and how much power is available. Wireless remote control (optional) allows you to start and stop the generator from up to 66 feet away.Yamaha