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Finding the Right Generator for Your RV

Jan. 21 2021 Buying Guide By Noteboom RV

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Camping in South Dakota or Iowa just got easier when you travel with a well-equipped RV. At Noteboom RV, serving customers from Sioux Falls and Sioux City, we know that whether you’re stopping at a full-hookup resort or boondocking in the Black Hills, power is key. If you rely solely on battery or campsite shore power, your RV gear can’t always keep up—especially when you’re charging devices, running air conditioning, or watching movies after dark. That’s why choosing the right RV generator is so important. Investing in a generator can ensure that you’re prepared and comfortable in any situation!

To help you pick the right one for you, we here at Noteboom RV put together a few tips for narrowing down your options a bit. If you want more RV tips and tricks, or you’re on the market for a new RV altogether, contact our store in Harrisburg, South Dakota. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will help find what you need at the prices you want!

Power Considerations

Before you start your hunt, you’ll need to understand that not all generators are built to the same specs. You’ll need to figure out what’s compatible with your rig and what isn’t before you make a purchase to avoid a lengthy return process or maintenance problem. Start by making sure the generator can support the complete wattage of your entire RV, planning for as much power usage as is possible so you’re prepared for anything. 

Go through your RV and examine every appliance. Each one has its own wattage, so start by tallying up all of these to see the wattage of the rig if all appliances are running at once. You can plan for a generator that only powers a few appliances at a time, or one that can run everything at the same time. 

For example, a 30-amp service supports up to approximately 3,600 watts (120 V × 30A) whereas a 50-amp system can handle significantly more. Use these numbers as a baseline when sizing your generator.

Consider how you’ll be powering your generator as well. It’s going to need some type of fuel or power source in order to supply your camper with electricity. The three usual options are propane, gasoline, and diesel fuels. Each has its own pros and cons, so you’ll want to figure out what makes sense financially and is the most efficient for your needs.

Inverter generators produce cleaner power and less noise—ideal if you use computers, CPAP machines or plan to camp near others.

Finally, your RV itself will play a significant role in determining what generator you choose, even beyond the wattage it needs to run. Your RV’s fuel type may require a compatible generator, meaning a diesel RV might need a diesel generator.

When selecting your generator, ask about how each fuel type (gasoline, propane, diesel) affects runtime, transport, and exhaust. For boondocking or campgrounds near Sioux Falls and the Black Hills, quieter models (50-60 dB) may be required or preferred by neighbors. Also check for carbon monoxide risk, especially in enclosed spaces—always install a CO detector near any generator outlet.


Maintenance

Doing regular maintenance on your RV generator is an easy, simple way to ensure you stay safe and your machines stay functional. If an emergency situation arises and you’re in the middle of nowhere, a functional generator can mean you get lifesaving heat or air conditioning. Take a minute to regularly check the hour meter when your generator is seeing a lot of use and change the oil consistently—typically, once every 200 operating hours. During low-usage months, make sure to power it up and give it a good sprint at least once a month to keep it working.

Here’s a helpful generator maintenance checklist:

  • Run generator at least once a month for 15–30 minutes under load to prevent fuel/stale oil issues.
  • Change oil every 200 hours of use (or annually if less).
  • Inspect & clean exhaust ports, ensure adequate ventilation.
  • Check spark plug, air filter, and fuel lines before long trips.
  • Ensure your RV’s CO detector and smoke alarm are working—never operate generator in enclosed space or run it without proper ventilation.


Precautions

RV generators have been designed and refined to be safer than ever, but that doesn’t mean they’re risk free. There’s the potential for them to emit carbon monoxide, which you probably know is potentially lethal to humans. Keep up with your exhaust system and ensure it’s functioning properly to ensure this never becomes a danger. This channels the fumes outside the rig to prevent any dangerous buildup in the confined interior. You should also invest in a carbon monoxide detector. However well-built your machine is, leaks are always a possibility, so make sure to take every precaution possible. 


How to Choose the Right RV Generator for Your Travel Style

Ask yourself: Do you mostly stay at full-hookup campgrounds or boondock in remote areas? Do you run one air-conditioner, two, or none? Do you plan to use your laptops, microwave, or other high-draw appliances? If you expect to run multiple large appliances simultaneously (AC, fridge, microwave), you may need a 4,000–6,000 watt generator or more. For minimal use (lights + fridge + fan) a 2,000–3,000 W inverter may suffice. Referencing your RV’s service panel and appliance rating is critical.


Armed with the right information, you can select an RV generator that keeps your rig powered safely and quietly—whether you're camping near Sioux Falls, heading west to the Black Hills, or enjoying Iowa’s lakes. At Noteboom RV in Harrisburg, SD, our parts and service team can help you size, install, or upgrade your generator, and answer all your off-grid power questions. Contact us today to explore our compatible generator options, upgrade kits, or schedule an installation.