Recreational Vehicles (RVs) for scenic road trips, camping, and other needs means relaxation with adventure. To make your experiences more comfy, having a generator is a bonus; it lets you operate fans, power your devices, run cooking appliances, and more.
Therefore, adding a compatible generator can enhance your outdoor adventures even more. To help, here are all the details about what an RV generator costs, types of generators, hidden costs, and other helpful information.
Why do you Need a Generator for RVs?
You may need generators for RV for many reasons:
Power Independence
One of the biggest and most important advantages of generators is that you get absolute power independence. For instance, you can store food in the fridge, watch your favorite shows on TV, work remotely with the help of a laptop, and a lot more. Moreover, you can connect with your folks if your phones and laptops work.
Obtaining Favorable Temperature
While traveling, you may experience patches of extreme weather like too hot or cold temperatures. With the help of generators, you will have the freedom to turn on ACs, fans, heaters, and other temperature control devices. This means adding an extra layer of comfort, which will level up your adventures even more.
Going Off Grid
While camping and traveling, you may have goals to go completely off-grid. It means harnessing your power with the help of portable solar generators. You can get them to generate and store solar energy for various power needs. Adopting these solutions makes your travel eco-friendly, energy-efficient, and very convenient. Also, it's getting very popular lately as it's sustainable and very thoughtful.
Safety
You may sometimes encounter situations where you may lose your way, extreme weather, accidents, or other things. You should be prepared for these worst-case scenarios, which are rare but can happen. If you have access to power, you can reach out for help. All of this makes your adventure more secure.
In a world where staying connected and using devices has become important, having generators in RVs is equally important. It brings comfort and convenience, saves time, and helps you stay connected with the world.
Types of RV Generators and Their Costs
According to fuel, recharging types, weight, etc, there are so many types of generators for RV. To find out the cost of a generator for an RV, you have to explore all the types and their price. So, here's a detailed information on it:
Built-in Generators
The built-in generators, also known as onboard generators, are included with the RV. Their costs are included in the price of the RV. Generally, they are more common in large RVs. They run on the same fuel that RV runs and can be gasoline, diesel, or propane. Also, according to the size and features, they may cost around $2,000 to $5,000 or more.
Solar Generators
Solar generators are becoming one of the most popular choices due to their environment-friendly nature. There are portable solar panels that absorb sunlight and a battery solution/inverter that stores and converts the electricity. For example, you can use solar panels on the roof or the camping ground. Then, you can use an inverter cum battery storage solution to charge or power your devices directly.
This solution is eco-friendly, cost-saving, and very convenient. If you're traveling in areas with good sunshine and weather, you can think about solar generators. They may cost around $500 or more for as many features as you want.
Portable Generators
Portable generators are small and can be relocated to the camping site. They may run on gasoline, propane, or dual fuel and may cost around $ 300 to $1,000 or more. It all depends on its features, brand, and other factors.
Inverter Generators
Inverter generators are quiet, efficient, and best for RVs. They come in various power output and battery capacity options. Moreover, they are safer for powering devices like laptops, mobiles, etc. They may range between $500 to $2,000, depending on the features and brand.
Battery Solutions
These are the newest and most advanced solutions. You can have solutions with chemical batteries that recharge and store the energy. These units can be recharged from solar panels, AC units, cars, generators, etc. They store ample power, which can be used to power devices you like. Moreover, they are modular, have monitoring systems, great warranties, and quiet operation.
All these solutions help you to stay connected to the power in the RV. It can power your communication, entertainment, kitchen, and other appliances. You can determine them by considering the travel duration, weather, and other factors.
Exploring the Hidden Cost of Various Generators: Factors to Consider
This was all about the upfront cost of various generators for the RV. But what about the hidden costs? To determine what it will cost, you may have to discuss and consider other factors:
Running costs: The fuel-based generators have high running costs, and you must refuel and carry the fuel. They may have lower upfront costs, but they require refueling. In comparison, solar generators require no additional running costs. Also, if you charge your battery solution with AC units, solar panels, etc, it has low running costs.
Installation: The installation of built-in generators and fuel-based generators is time-consuming and may cost you. In comparison, solar generators and power-back battery solutions are easy to install.
Maintenance: The maintenance of fuel-based generators is time and money-demanding. It needs oil changes, filter replacements, and other routine care. In contrast, solar generators and battery solutions require less maintenance.
Noise: The fuel-based generators produce lots of noise. Therefore, the RV owners go for noise reduction add-ons, which adds to the cost.
Also, consider the additional costs like extension cords, transfer switches, fuel tanks, etc. Plus, considering its resale value, warranty perks, etc, will help you determine its real cost.
Exploring Best Generator Kits for RVs - Top Picks
Based on all the factors, here are the best solutions for having constant access to energy in an RV.
BLUETTI AC200MAX + 2*B230 + 3*PV200 | Solar Generator Kit
BLUETTI AC200MAX + 2*B230 + 3*PV200 | Solar Generator Kit is a 2,200W AC pure sine wave inverter that can handle a surge of 4,800W. It comes with two B230 batteries, which have a battery capacity of 2,048Wh each. You can scale it up to 6,144Wh with 2×B230 or 8,192Wh with 2×B300. The LiFePO4 battery with 3,500+ life cycles to 80% makes it durable and long-lasting.
This unit is compatible with being recharged in seven ways (AC/Solar/Car/Generator/Lead Battery/Dual AC/AC+Solar). Moreover, it gives 900W maximum solar input, and you can initiate 1400W full fast dual charging (Solar + AC Adapter). It also has around 16 output ports to start simultaneous powering of various devices directly. It comes with three 200W solar panels to harness and use its energy, too.
BLUETTI AC200P + 3*PV200 | Solar Generator Kit
BLUETTI AC200P + 3*PV200 | Solar Generator Kit is a 2000W AC pure sine wave inverter (4,800W Surge). It has a 2,000Wh capacity and comes with three 200W solar panels. It can be recharged in 7 ways such as (AC/Solar/Car/Generator/Lead battery/Dual AC/AC+Solar).
Also, the unit has 17 outputs for powering multiple devices directly. It can initiate 1200W maximum fast dual charging (Solar + AC Adapter simultaneously). It features a LiFePO4 battery with 3,500+ life cycles to 80%. Weighting 60.6 lbs (27.5kg) makes it portable for RV trips.
BLUETTI EP500 + 3*PV200 | Solar Generator Kit
BLUETTI EP500 + 3*PV200 | Solar Generator Kit is a beast when harnessing the power and providing it. It's a perfect fit for all small to large needs of RV. It's a 2000W pure sine wave inverter with 6000+ charge cycles. It has a whopping 5100 Wh of battery capacity.
Also, you can recharge it with AC units or solar panels as you like. It comes with three 200W solar panels. The best thing is that it's a movable power station that can be installed outside and inside. It also features an App Remote Control and a Smart Touchscreen.
The BLUETTI products feature premium, safe, and durable LiPO4 batteries known for their efficiency. Plus, great warranties, prompt customer support, and easy installation are other perks. You can recharge these units with so many sources to have access to power all the time. Moreover, quiet operation, less maintenance, modular design, and advanced features make them a whole package. It's best to underline all your power needs, wattage requirements, etc, to choose the best unit.
Wrapping up
The cost of RV generators depends on the type of generator, its size, and features. So, go through all the popular types of generators discussed above. Then, outline its hidden costs to determine its real value. Plus, go for something suitable for your power needs, terrains, areas, weather, etc. So, go through all the points mentioned above and have a look at BLUETTI, which offers all solutions related to power needs, whether it's light or heavy usage.
