10 Best Portable Generators For Off-Grid Living

What are the best portable generators for off the grid living?

Whether your planning an extended camping trip, want to travel a year in your RV, or simply want to live off the grid; For obvious reasons, it’s vital that you have power. Better yet, it’ll be best you have a portable generator that’s compact enough for easy travel while able to produce high Watts. You also need a unit that’s durable enough to withstand vigorous traveling conditions for long periods of time.

We are lucky enough that technological advancements have made it possible to find a generator with these criteria. Not only that, but most are much more affordable than in the past. After extensive research and reviews, we formulated a list of top 10 generators for off-grid living.

In Short, Here Are The 10 Best Portable Generators For Off-Grid Living

• Champion Power Equipment 100233
• All Power America APGG10000GL
• Honda Eu7000is
• Champion 100573
• CRAFTSMAN CMXGGAS030790
• WEN 56380i
• Briggs & Stratton P3000
• Westinghouse iGen4500
• Briggs & Stratton P4500
• Champion 100302

1. Champion Power Equipment 100233 (3100-3400 Watts)

First up, the Champion Power Equipment 100233 is a great inverted generator from a reliable company. It produces 3400 starting Watts and 3100 running Watts. One of the things that stick out with this generator is its robust build.

It’s able to perform well under harsh climate conditions, which certainly may come in handy for living off the grid. The wheels and travel handle make it much more convenient and portable. Another great thing is the tough motor and quick start-up time.

It has a relatively low self-noise of 57dBA when you’re 23 feet away. With 7.5 hours of run-time at a 25% load, the Champion Power Equipment 100233 is very fuel-efficient. Giving you all the necessary plugs for an RV, tailgating, and camping, this generator is a great choice.

Something I appreciate about Champion is their excellent customer service. Overall, the Champion Power Equipment 100233 is a solid portable inverter generator that is reliable enough for off-grid living.

Details & Tech Specs

• Self-noise: 57dBA
• 120V AC load
• 12V DC outlet
• Weight: 78 pounds
• TT-30R outlet
• Fuel tank capacity: 1.6 gallons (7.5 hours, 25% load)

2. All Power America APGG10000GL (10,000-8,000 Watts)

The All Power America APGG10000GL is a fantastic portable generator That produces more than enough power for off-grid living. It provides a staggering 10,000 Watt peak and 8,000 Rated-Watts. The generator runs an impressive 11 hours straight on a half load. For convenient travel, it has wheels and two foldable handles. The gas tank can hold 8 gallons of gas, enabling much more extended usage.

On the front, you will find a 120v twist-lock outlet, a 12V DC, four AC Duplex 120V outlets, and a 120/240V twist-lock outlet.

The All Power America APGG10000GL has an effortless to use and reliable electric push start. It also has a manual recoil as well. With a self-noise of 76 decibels, it’s not too loud of a unit. However, some of the other inverter generators on this list are a bit quieter. The greatest strength of this unit is the wattage. Of every single portable generator below $800, the All Power America 10000 produces the highest Watts by far. We highly recommend it.

Warning! Not able to be shipped to California.

Tech Specs & Details

• Watts: 10,000
• Wheels and handlebars
• 11 hour run-time on a half load
• EPA certified
• Gas Capacity: 8 gallons
• Electric push start
• Recoil
• Maintenance-free battery
• 420cc OHV air-cooled engine
• Self-noise: 76 dB

3. Honda EU7000ISNAN (7000 Watts)

Here it is, ladies and gentlemen, the world-famous Honda EU7000ISNAN portable inverter generator. In every aspect, this is possibly the all-time best portable generator on the market. However, it comes with a price.

We highly recommend this generator for anyone who wants the highest quality unit without a budget. For just about any application, the Honda Eu7000is won’t let you down. Many people use it for food trucks, outdoor events, RVs, off-grid living, camping, tailgating, etc.

First and foremost, the start-up is effortless. A simple turn of the key just as you would with a car after filling it with gas and oil. However, it’s fuel-efficiency is extremely good. It runs for 18 hours straight with a full tank of 5.1 gallons of gas. On “Eco Mode,” the fuel efficiency is even more useful.

In terms of power, the Honda Eu7000is offers the highest amount of Watts out of every portable inverter generator on the market. It gives you a 7000-Watt surge and 5500-rated Watts. Thus, one of the most reliable inverter generators on the market.

Consideridering it’s an inverter, the generator is naturally much quieter than most. The self-noise of the Eu7000is ranges between 52-60dBA. On the front, you will find a TT-30R outlet for an RV connection. Another beneficial feature the Honda Eu7000is offers is it automatically shuts off if the oil reaches an unsafe amount.

This reduces the chance of causing permanent damage to the engine. Overall, the 7000-Watt producing Honda Eu7000is is the overall best and highest-rated inverter generator on the market. We highly recommend it.

Details & Tech Specs

• Inverter
• Electronic Fuel injection
• Fuel capacity: 5.1 gallons
• 18 hours run time on a full tank
• Easy electric start (key turn)
• Self-noise: 52-60 dB

4. Champion 100573 (3500-4000 Watts)

Running well below $1000, the Champion 100573 is an incredible bang for the buck. Coming with a remote, you have the option to start it up via wireless up to 80 feet away. It is an open frame inverter generator with a portable design. The wheels make it more convenient for travel. Not only is it naturally a more quiet generator since it’s an inverter, but Champion also uses quiet technology, cutting the noise in half.

The average noise level it produces is around 64 dBA. Especially for an open frame, it is incredibly quiet.

The Champion 100573 comes with a 30-amp RV plug located on the front. This generator gives you an excessive amount of Wattage in comparison to the price. It starts with 4000-Watts and runs on 3500-Watts. The generator is both EPA certified and CARB compliant. Champion also offers an optional parallel kit that enables you to add an additional 2800-Watts or increase inverters. Like the previous generator, this system can run a 15,000 BTU air conditioner as well.

The tank holds up to 2.9 gallons of gasoline. The only downside I noticed with the Champion 100573 had to do with the wireless remote. The start power button on the generator that must be pressed before starting the engine times out every 12 hours. While I personally don’t see a big issue with it, many people wished the start power button didn’t have a time limit.

Overall, the Champion 100573 open frame inverter generator is an incredible bang for the buck for camping, tailgating, home backup, RV, etc.

Details & Tech Specs

• 4000-Watt starting- 3500-Watt running
• Volts 120
• EPA certified
• CARB compliant
• Eco-mode for better fuel efficiency
• 64-dBA noise level
• Floating-neutral generator
• Open frame inverter
• Wireless remote control start option
• Recoil start
• 30-Amp RV plug
• Clean power
• 3-year limited warranty
• Gas running Amps: 120V29.2A

Included Accessories

• USB adapter
• Oil funnel
• Battery charging cords

5. CRAFTSMAN CMXGGAS030790 (7,200-5,750 Watts)

Another high Wattage portable generator, the CRAFTSMAN CMXGGAS030790 is a solid choice. This unit is currently priced below $800 with incredible ratings. The starting Watts is at 7200 while the rating Watts sits at 5750. It has a gas capacity of 8.5 gallons. On a full tank, you get 12 hours of run time on 50% load. Powered by the popular Briggs & Stratton 420cc Engine, this generator is incredibly tough.

The CRAFTSMAN is very user-friendly and effortless to start. In the front, you will find a 120/240V, 30A locking outlet, four 120V household outlets, and an on/off switch. An essential feature this generator offers is its CO detection technology. Once the unit detects high levels of CO that could be damaging, it automatically shuts off.

Coming with wheels and a convenient pull-up handle, it is very portable and makes it easy to travel. Overall, the CRAFTSMAN CMXGGAS030790 is a great portable generator that’s reliable enough to live off the grid. It produces very high wattage for the price.

Tech Specs & Details

• Wheels
• 5750 Rated Watts
• 7200 Starting Watts
• Fuel capacity: 8.5 gallons gas
• 12 hour run time at 50% load
• 3-year limited warranty on chassis
• 2-year limited warranty on equipment and engine

6. WEN 56380i (3800-3400Watt)

The WEN 56380i is, rightfully so, one of the highest-rated and reviewed inverter generators. With an incredible surge of 3800-Watts and 3400 rated Watts, this portable generator is extremely powerful. On the front, you will find an AC 120V NEMA TT-30R RV receptacle, one 5V USB port, two three-prong 120V receptacles, and a fuel display.

Especially for its size, this generator is very quiet at 57dBA. Many say it’s even quieter than the famous Honda generator. Without any fuel, the generator is pretty heavy at 99 pounds. Fortunately, the wheels and extended travel handle make it significantly easier to travel.

One of the things I like about this unit is its reliability. Both the body and motor are robustly made and built to last. I also appreciate the electric start this generator offers. Another thing fascinating about the WEN 56380i is the option to get it as an open frame at a much lower price.

Like many inverter generators, it provides a 30-Amp RV plug. Another essential feature is its Eco mode, which increases your fuel efficiency. Overall, the WEN 56380i is a dependable generator that will not let you down. We highly recommend it.

Details & Tech Specs

• EPA III
• CARB Compliant
• Clean power
• Watts: 3800 Start and 3400 run
• Self-noise: 57dBA
• Wheels
• Travel handle
• Recoil start
• 212cc 4-stroke OHV engine
• Closed frame

7. Briggs & Stratton P2400 

Here is another popular inverter generator for living off the grid. For many reasons, the Briggs & Stratton P3000 is a solid choice. On the front, you will find one 12-Volt DC Outlet, four 12-Volt AC outlets, a 30-Amp RV plug, and one USB outlet. The power produced by this unit is very stable and clean.

You are safe to use sensitive electronics without any harmful power surges. Coming with both wheels and a travel handle, this generator is very portable and convenient.

This generator is incredibly fuel-efficient, offering 10 hours of run-time with 1.5 gallons of gas. This is due to the adapting engine speed depending upon how much energy is being used. For example, if you are powering on a furnace, once the furnace stops, the P3000 automatically slows its engine speed.

This feature enables a much better fuel efficiency saving you money in the long run. One of the great attributes the P3000 has to offer is its low-self noise of 58dBA.

Showing their confidence, Briggs & Stratton offers a 2-year limited warranty for this unit. One of the downsides to this unit is the few claims of people receiving a defective unit. Be sure to purchase a generator from a trusted website! Overall, the Briggs & Stratton P3000 is a powerful and portable inverter generator.

Warning! Can’t Be Shipped To California

Details & Tech Specs

• Running Amps- 21.7A
• 2-year limited warranty
• Four 12-Volt AC outlets
• One 12-Volt DC Outlet
• 30-Amp RV plug
• One USB
• Recoil start
• Wheels
• Travel handle

8. Westinghouse iGen4500 (3700-4500 Watt)

Next up, the highly-rated Westinghouse iGen4500 is a reliable portable generator. It is incredibly powerful, producing 3700-watts and a peak of 4500-watts. Coming with wheels, it is very convenient and easy to travel with for the weight of 104lbs.

The generator is powered by gas or propane. On a quarter load, you receive 18 hours of run time. However, in “efficient mode”, the Westinghouse iGen4500 is incredibly fuel-efficient. You get about 11 hours with only 1 gallon of gas. On the front, the display shows fuel amount, remaining run time, lifetime hours, power output, and voltage output.

The Westinghouse iGen4500 inverter generator is extremely quiet, averaging 52-55dB. Something I really like about the iGen4500 is the ability to run a midsized air conditioner of 15,000 BTU if needed. It’s effortless to hold a conversation next to it without the noise becoming too overbearing.

On the front, you will see two 5 volt USB ports for your laptop, tablets, phones, etc. Considering it produces nearly the highest amount of Watts for the price, it is also one of the largest inverter generators on the market.

It can be powered on by a push start, wireless start, or recoil if the battery dies. Many people who need a generator for their RV will benefit from this unit. On the front is a 30 amp receptacle ready to go. One of the few downsides is the many claims of Westinghouse’s poor customer service.

Overall, the Westinghouse iGen4500 is an outstanding generator running below $1000 for a plethora of reasons. It has extremely high voltage, very fuel-efficient, durable, very quiet, has Efficient Mode, has incredible ratings, and is very reliable. We highly recommend it.

Details & Tech Specs

• 3700-Watt and 4500-Watt peak
• RV compatible
• Push-button start
• Wireless start
• Weight: 104 pounds
• Inverter
• TT-30R outlet
• Display: Fuel amount, remaining run time, lifetime hours, power output, and voltage output
• Gas Powered
• Very quiet at 52dB noise
• Feature: Efficient mode
• Two 5V USB ports
• Clean power
• CARB compliant

 9. Briggs & Stratton P4500

Here is another popular inverter generator under $1000. For many reasons, the Briggs & Stratton P4500 is a solid choice. On the back, you will find a 30A RV outlet, four 20A outlets, 2 USB ports, and one 120V. The power produced by this unit is very stable and clean. You are safe to use sensitive electronics without any harmful power surges. Coming with bot wheels and a travel handle, it’s very portable and convenient.

This generator is incredibly fuel-efficient, offering 16 hours at 1/4 load. This is due to the adapting engine speed depending upon how much energy is being used. For example, if you are powering on a furnace, once the furnace stops, the P4500 automatically slows its engine speed. This feature enables a much better fuel efficiency saving you money in the long run. One of the great attributes the P4500 has to offer is its low-self noise of 58dBA.

Showing their confidence, Briggs & Stratton offers a 2-year limited warranty for this unit. One of the downsides to this unit is the few claims of people receiving a defective unit. Be sure to purchase a generator from a trusted website! Overall, the Briggs & Stratton P4500 is a powerful and portable inverter generator.

Warning! Can’t Be Shipped To California

Details & Tech Specs

• Running Amps- 21.7A
• 2-year limited warranty
• Four 12-Volt AC outlets
• One 12-Volt DC Outlet
• 30-Amp RV plug
• One USB
• Recoil start
• Wheels
• Travel handle

10. Champion 100302 (3500-4000)

Last but not least, the Champion 100302 is an astounding portable generator with 4000 starting Watts and 3500 running Watts. It’s a digital hybrid with an open frame. On the top are two handles for more comfortable carrying. Unfortunately, it does not come with wheels and a handle like a few others on this list.

Coming with a TT-30R outlet, this generator is all set to go for RVs. Something I find very beneficial is its parallel capabilities. With the optional parallel kit, you can connect any inverter or hybrid generator with 2800-Watts or more. Another thing I love about champion generators is the 3-year limited warranty for their products.

The Champion 100302 is very quiet for the high Wattage it produces with 64 dBA of self-noise. It holds 2.9 gallons of gas and runs for 17 hours straight on a full tank. Below the power switch is the Eco-mode function. Once turned on, the generator is much more fuel-efficient.

It weighs about 81 pounds, which is a reasonable amount for generators with this high of Wattage. Overall, the is a reliable choice for anyone in search of a portable inverter generator with 4000 starting Watts.

How to Start The Champion 100302 Step By Step

• Add oil with the oil funnel in the twist-off socket. (bottom right of the front face)
• Remove the gas cap on the top and add gas, then put the cap back on
• Us the recoil starter to start the generator up

Details & Tech Specs

• Staring Watts: 4000
• Running Watts: 3500
• Quiet Technology
• 120V 30A RV plug
• 3-year limited warranty
• Recoil start
• Weight: 81 pounds (no fuel)
• Fuel capacity: 2.9 gallons
• Self-noise: 64dBA
• Eco-mode feature

Quick Recap

Here Are The 10 Best Portable Generators For Off-Grid Living

• Champion Power Equipment 100233
• All Power America APGG10000GL
• Honda Eu7000is
• Champion 100573
• CRAFTSMAN CMXGGAS030790
• WEN 56380i
• Briggs & Stratton P3000
• Westinghouse iGen4500
• Briggs & Stratton P4500
• Champion 100302

What’s a portable generator?

A generator is a machine that turns mechanical energy into electricity. It’s used to power electronics portably.

What’s a portable inverter generator?

An inverter generator is more energy-efficient and quieter than a standard generator. This is because the engine throttles in accordance with how much energy is needed rather than full-throttle consistently.

How much does a portable generator cost?

While most generators hover between $450-$1400, you can find some generators as low as $100 and as high as $5000.

How much does a generator weigh?

With a few exceptions, most generators weigh anywhere between 21-235 pounds. Keep in mind, the heavier generators usually have built-in wheels for easier mobility.

How much does an inverter generator weigh?

Most inverter generators weigh anywhere between 21-115 pounds.

When do generators come in handy?

Generators come in handy anytime you need portable electric power such as camping trips, tailgating, off-grid living, RV trips, etc. They’re also essential if your home loses electricity.

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