6 Pros and Cons of Inverter Generators for RVing: A Complete Guide

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Inverter generators are an amazing all-around energy tool, not only serving as a generator but as a well…. Inverter!

More than just power, an inverter has the ability to convert DC power into 120v AC power, which is necessary for powering household appliances like ACs, refrigerators, and countertop ovens.  

However, they aren’t without their drawbacks.

Below, we’ll break down both the pros and cons of inverter generators to give you a better idea of whether or not you should carry one with you on your travels.

We’ll also provide links to our top picks for best inverter generators to help get you started.

Pros and Cons of Inverter Generators

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Inverter generators have several great pros without very many cons. 

However, it’s still important to understand how they work and what those cons are before investing in one.

Which are quieter, inverter or conventional generators? Which is more affordable? Let’s talk about it. 

Here are the pros and cons of inverter generators:

Pro: (Way) Quieter than standard generators

More than anything else, an inverter generator’s quiet operation is often cited as the reason for choosing one.

It’s no secret that traditional generators are LOUD. So loud they can completely disrupt a pleasant day relaxing outside and make conversation nearly impossible (or unpleasant).

An inverter generator, however, produces far less noise. 

It isn’t noiseless, but compared to a standard generator the noise levels are so low that you could carry a conversation while standing right next to one.

Pro: More fuel-efficiency

Another major benefit of inverter generators is the fuel efficiency.

Inverter generators use less fuel than standard generators, making them all-around more useful when boondocking.

Pro: Produces cleaner power

Some sensitive electronics, such as smartphones, laptops, and certain medical equipment, can be harmed by higher voltages.

Inverter generators, however, produce clean energy and a more stable power generation due to their pure sine wave output, which is safer for sensitive electronic devices.

Pro: They require less maintenance

Inverter generators are easier to maintain. They also last longer in general, helping to make up a bit for the higher price tag. 

They do have a higher fuel consumption, but that’s not usually much of a concern unless you’re using yours frequently. 

Con: Less power than traditional generators

One of the two primary cons of inverter generators is that they produce less power than standard generators (when comparing apples-to-apples in terms of generator size).

The difference isn’t massive, however, and can be made up for if you’re willing to pay for an inverter generator with a higher output.

But that sends us to the main con…

Con: They’re (a lot) more expensive

The main drawback of inverter generators is that they’re a bit more expensive than standard generators, making them a sort of luxury investment.

Scratch that– they’re a lot more expensive, often to the tune of one or several thousand dollars more for an inverter generator of an equivalent power output. 

If you’re willing to pay for an inverter generator that produces the amount of power you need, however, you’ll be taking advantage of all the pros with very few real cons. 

Inverter Generator vs. Standard Generator: What Is the Difference?

Honda EU2200i Portable Inverter Generator

An inverter generator:

  • Produces cleaner power
  • More efficiently
  • Is far more expensive
  • And is quieter

A standard generator:

  • Is more powerful
  • Less efficient
  • Very loud
  • But far more affordable

Ultimately, the primary difference in terms of functionality is that an inverter generator is quieter and more efficient while conventional models are more powerful but less efficient. 

The noise difference is the main reason most choose an inverter generator, while the better performance (i.e. power generation) is the main reason to choose a non-inverter generator. 

Which Is Better: Inverter or Standard Generator?

Both inverter generators and standard generators have their unique benefits and use cases, but both will handle their job well from powering your day-to-day to backing you up during power outages.

A standard generator is ideal when you’re on a budget and have a high power demand.

An inverter generator is ideal when you need a clean power output and more efficient power source and want something quieter and more pleasant to have around when hanging out or doing outdoor activities. 

Inverter technology also produces a longer-lasting generator, which is something to consider when thinking about the monetary investment. 

It’s hard to say that one type of generator is better than another, but if budget isn’t an issue an inverter generator can check off more boxes including being quieter, more efficient, cleaner, and with equivalent power. 

However, that comes at a great cost that many may not be able to justify. 

At the end of the day, however, the more important point is: why choose?

There’s no reason why you can’t have both a standard and inverter generator for different use cases. 

Do Inverter Generators Last As Long as Standard Generators

Inverter generators typically last longer than standard generators. 

They require less maintenance as well, though they tend to have smaller fuel tanks and need to be refueled sooner than standard generators.

Can an Inverter Generator Run a Refrigerator?

Yes, an inverter generator can run a refrigerator. 

Inverter generators are designed to power household appliances like fridges and ACs as, unlike standard DC power generators, they can convert DC power into the 120-volt AC power those appliances need.

What Size Inverter Generator Should You Get?

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Now that you’ve decided to get an inverter generator, the first question you need to answer is: what size should you get?

Inverter generators produce less power than standard generators, so it might be a bit difficult to know what size you should get based on your specific needs.

Here’s what to know about the general size ranges:

Small inverter generators

The largest group, these lighter weight inverters can range from micro-sized 1,000-watt units to as much as 2,500 watts of power.

On the high end, these can a fridge and a few devices and they usually come in at around 50 lbs. 

They’re the ideal portable inverter generators if you’re looking for something to take outside and port around. 

Medium-sized inverter generators

Medium-sized inverter generators usually range between 2,500 – 5,000 watts.

They can power all your kitchen appliances and devices pretty effectively, but don’t have the 220v connection for something like a water heater. 

They usually come in at around 100 lbs.

Large inverter generators

The largest class of inverter generator, these can produce more than 5,000 watts and usually come in at several hundred (200-300) lbs.

These are powerful enough to power your entire RV and provide a 220-volt connection, making them pretty universal for just about any need.

Learn More About Inverters and Inverter Generators

Ready to get your first inverter or inverter generator?

Learn more about the top-performing inverter generators, how inverters work, and more in the guilds below:

This post may contain affiliate links. Check out our disclosure for more information.

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