Generator (RV)
An onboard generator that produces AC power for the RV when shore power isn't available. Standard on most Class A and Class C; rare on Class B.
Also called: RV generator, onboard generator, genny, Onan generator, Cummins Onan
A generator (RV) is an onboard gasoline or diesel generator that produces AC power for the RV when shore power isn’t available. Generators run the air conditioner, microwave, and any other AC-only appliance — the things solar and house batteries cannot.
Generator capacity tiers
| Generator size | What it powers | RV class |
|---|---|---|
| 2,500-3,500W | One AC unit, fridge, lights, small appliances | Class C, some travel trailers |
| 4,000-5,500W | Two AC units, microwave, fridge, water heater | Class A, large Class C |
| 7,000-12,500W | Full RV + extras | Luxury Class A, diesel pushers |
How generators are billed in rentals
Three common rental company policies:
- Free for first 2-3 hours/day, then per-hour fee. Cruise America and El Monte typical model. Fee is $3-5/hour after the free window.
- Hour meter at pickup and return. Pay for total hours used during rental. $2-5/hour.
- Unlimited included. Fireside RV Rental and some peer-to-peer owners.
For a 7-day boondocking trip, generator runtime can easily reach 30-50 hours. At $4/hour that’s $120-200 in generator fees — meaningful on the trip budget.
Quiet hours restrictions
Most NPS and state park campgrounds restrict generator use:
- Typical quiet hours: 8 PM to 8 AM (no generator runtime)
- Some campgrounds: stricter (6 PM to 9 AM)
- Most private RV resorts: no generator restrictions (since you’re on shore power anyway)
If you’re renting for an NP camping trip with no hookups, you need either:
- Enough house battery + solar to run overnight loads silently
- Quiet generator runtime during daylight only
- Both
A loud generator firing up at 6 AM gets you complaints. A whisper-quiet inverter generator at noon doesn’t.
Inverter generators vs conventional
Inverter generators (Honda EU2200i, Yamaha EF2000iS) are dramatically quieter and produce cleaner power than conventional generators. Most rental rigs have built-in conventional generators (Onan brand). For boondocking trips, some renters bring a portable Honda inverter as a quiet supplement.
If a portable Honda generator is brought along, confirm with the rental company that supplemental fuel cans and generator use are allowed.