A boondocker has a sense of adventure and exploration, and with the boondocking benefits, you can enjoy it. As we well know, boondocking can feel lonely if you did not carry with you some necessities. For you to enjoy being outdoors soaking in peace, quiet, and natural beauty, you need to make sure you have all the outdoor necessitates, which include a reliable power source. And what might that be, in my case I would recommend a portable generator.
Carrying the best generator for boondocking is a must if you want to boondock appropriately and effectively. Yes, you might want to spend time off-the-grid and away from your outside world, but you still need electricity to function while you Dry Camp in your RV. You can either decide to use a powerful fuel generator or use a silent solar generator. However, you do have to make sure they are right for boondocking. How do you do that? It’s quite simple; read this article to the end.
Contents
- Top 6 Best Generator for Boondocking in 2021
- 1. Westinghouse iGen2200 Inverter Generator
- 2. WEN 56225i Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
- 3. Yamaha EF2000iSv2 Gas Powered Portable Inverter
- 4. Champion 75537i Portable Inverter Generator w/Wireless Remote Start
- 5. Goal Zero Yeti 400 Portable Power Station
- 6. Renogy Phoenix Portable All-in-one Kit Generator
- Best Generator for Boondocking: Buying Guide
Top 6 Best Generator for Boondocking in 2021
Below I’ve listed some of the top-performing, highly-reliable, and quite efficient generators which you can use while boondocking or dry camping. Based on your specific needs, you can narrow down the choices below based on the guide I’ve provided underneath this list.
1. Westinghouse iGen2200 Inverter Generator
The portable gas-powered Westinghouse iGen2200 generator starts my list. It’s a small yet powerful generator designed to provide you with enough 1800 running watts and 2200 peak watts. As a CARB compliant generator, it runs on a high-power and super-quiet engine, allowing it to be used anywhere around the world.
Compared to the traditional generators, this iGen2200 is three times more fuel-efficient with up to 12 hours of operating time with a 1.2-gallon tank. The ultra-compact and lightweight design make it ideal for portable power, which is what you need for boondocking — another thing the built-in suitcase-style handle allows a hassle-free carry and secure storage.
Pros:
- Up to 12 hours operating time
- Built-in suitcase-style handle
- Lightweight and Compact
- Clean, stable power
- Quiet Operation
- Parallel capable
Cons:
- Parallel Cord sold separately
2. WEN 56225i Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
The next best generator for boondocking is the super-quiet, portable WEN 56225i inverter generator. It’s designed to give you reliable, compact, quiet, clean, and stable power wherever needed. It’s run by a powerful 79.7cc four-stroke OHV engine that allows it to provide a whopping 2250 surge watts and 1800 running watts of power.
The fact that it comes with an ultra-compact, lightweight design with an inbuilt briefcase-style handle makes this generator ultra-portable. On top of that, I think you’ll love to hear; the generator comes with Eco-Mode. The mode is put in place to help reduce the electrical load and prolong the engine life, reduce noise, and improve fuel efficiency.
Pros:
- Robust 79.7cc 4-stroke OHV engine
- Clean and quiet portable power
- Built-in overload protection
- Tranquil operation
- Eco-mode switch
- Fuel shutoff
Cons:
- Parallel Connection Kit sold separately
3. Yamaha EF2000iSv2 Gas Powered Portable Inverter
The next model is the reliable, robust Yamaha EF2000iSv2 portable inverter generator that provides 1600 running watts and 2000 starting watts. It comes as an upgraded, quiet power-packed, and lightweight generator ideal for powering a wide range of applications for an extended time and stay retro-cool. It’s a generator with high-fuel efficiency with up to 10.5 hours run time at quarter load.
Besides that, it’s lightweight, ultra-compact size and the ergonomic carrying handle makes this generator quite easy to carry and store. The oil watch warning system is another handy feature fitted on this model to alert you when the engine oil is below the required level. It does also come with an electrical overload breaker, which auto shuts the engine to prevent damage.
Pros:
- Efficient, reliable, powerful OHV Engine
- Technologically sophisticated muffler
- Advanced controller programming
- Rubber vibration isolation feet
- Lightweight, very compact
- Quiet Operation
- Smart Throttle
Cons:
- Few outlets
- Not parallel capable
4. Champion 75537i Portable Inverter Generator w/Wireless Remote Start
My next best generator you can use for boondocking is this robust, reliable, and portable Champion 75537i inverter generator from Champion Power Equipment. It’s a perfect model designed with versatility and convenience combined. On top of that, the generator is also quiet and lightweight, making it an ideal boondocking companion.
Furthermore, this generator uses a reliable, robust 171cc Champion OHV engine, which allows it to provide you with 2800 running watts and 3100 starting watts of power. It does also use the Champion Inverter Technology to provide clean, stable energy much needed while you enjoy yourself off-the-grid. It comes fully assembled and requires minimal hassle-free set-up.
Pros:
- Reliable 171cc Champion OHV engine
- Versatile and convenient power
- Push-to-reset circuit breakers
- Lightweight, portable design
- Foldaway U-shaped handle
- Cold Start Technology
- Quiet operation
Cons:
- No fuel gauge
5. Goal Zero Yeti 400 Portable Power Station
I wouldn’t be fair if I never included a solar generator for those boondockers who want nothing to do with carrying fuel. Right? That’s why I included this powerful Goal Zero Yeti 400 generator. It’s a portable power station that works as a convenient, outsized capacity power bank. It’s designed to provide you with the power to run the lights, charge phones and laptops, and also those small appliances.
It’s a perfect solution when you need an off-grid power solution as it provides portable, all-in-one power with a simple push of a button. It also comes with a versatile array of output outlets, which allows you to plug up to seven devices at a go. Since it uses pure-sine wave inverter, this generator will provide you with clean power for your devices.
Pros:
- A versatile array of outputs
- Completely silent operation
- Informative LCD Display
- Moveable Power Station
- Rechargeable Battery
- All-in-one Power
Cons:
- High on the price
- Solar panels and charger sold separately
6. Renogy Phoenix Portable All-in-one Kit Generator
The list ends with yet another powerful and portable solar generator, this time from Renogy Phoenix. It comes as an all-in-one kit featuring built-in solar panels. It’s specifically designed for off-grid applications and also for emergencies. It features an ultra-compact, lightweight design allowing you to carry it with you wherever you go.
It features two highly efficient Monocrystalline solar panels that charge its robust 17.1 Ah Li-Ion (NMC) battery to give you limitless power. It’s a system you can use to power a couple of on-the-go appliances while you dry camp. Another thing I love about this model is, you can safely use it indoors when it doesn’t require recharging.
Pros:
- Renewable and rechargeable power
- Portable, lightweight design
- Expandable via PV terminal
- Dependable LED flashlight
- Sturdy built-in handle
- Multiple ports
Cons:
- None
Best Generator for Boondocking: Buying Guide
Yes, the options above are all top-quality, high-performing, and super reliable. However, they are all designed to meet specific power needs and require different attention. That means, each model in my list has its requirements, its outputs and also meets particular demands. That’s why I’ve provided you with the following factors, which will help you narrow down the list to one model ideal for your needs. The guide can also come in handy if you don’t find a perfect generator here, which I hope won’t happen.
Power Requirements
Different boondockers have different power needs; some want to run a cappuccino, furnace, and a water heater while others wish to have their lights on. So, how do you determine the amount of power you need? You’ve to do some calculations to determine the right estimation of the amount of energy in watts that you require from a generator.
To do that, you will have to list all your appliances and any electronics you plan on carrying with you. Next, you need to register their power rating and add it all up. Remember, some motor-driven appliances like furnace and fridge will need more power during the start. Also, you will need to give the generator some 20% of your total power requirement for it to be effective.
Generator Type
There two types that you need to consider here, the fuel generator and the solar generator. As the names suggest, the fuel generator runs on either gas or propane or both while the solar generator is charged by the solar panels to provide you with power.
If you plan on staying off-the-grid, no fridge, no furnace, and no other major appliances, then a solar generator is an ideal option. However, if you plan on running some of the home necessities like the RV AC, fridge, or microwave, then you might want to consider a fuel generator.
Size
Dry camping or boondocking requires you to move in a remote area, and this requires a portable generator. Portability will be determined by the overall size of the generator and its weight. With that said, you have to ensure that you buy a generator that fits on your RV and also a generator you can take out of the RV alone if you plan to go unaccompanied. It might also come in handy, picking a model with an ergonomic mobility kit for easy maneuverability and storage.
Run Time
Once you’ve decided on the ideal size and the generator type, you need to consider the run time. The run time will tell you how the generator will run until the next refill or recharge for the solar model. For a solar model, you need to consider how long it will take to run out of the charge and how long it takes to recharge as some models cannot be used while restoring. For the fuel generator, it needs to have some real outdoor run time, all you might be required to get out in the middle of the night to refill it.
Noise Level
Boondocking or dry camping takes place is super quiet areas where your neighbors might be wildlife. That means, your presence there might attract unwanted attention or disturb the environment. That’s why you need a generator that operates quietly. After all, you didn’t go through all the hassle of boondocking so you could listen to the generator’s wail noises.
Best Generators for Boondocking (FAQs)
What size generator do I need to buy for a 30 amp RV?
In general, you need a 3000-watt generator to sufficiently power your 30-amp RV. But you’ve (if possible) calculate the personal power usage using the appliances you have in your RV.
Can I leave my generator running outdoors during the night?
Yes, but you’ve to secure it and cover it from the rain. Since you might need the furnace and other items to run all night long, you might want to keep the generator running to provide you with the power. However, you have to make sure it doesn’t get rain on.
GLOBO TOOLS OVERVIEW
I believe you’ve gone through the whole of my article, and now you can sit, smile, and wait for your order to arrive. Right? If not, you need to consider every point I’ve provided here. I have given you the best guide from my experience, and I believe it can help you. If you’re still having some problems, do your power calculations and pick the model that offers you enough power, the rest of the factors won’t affect your decision much. Good Luck!
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