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RVing is a great experience for you to have with your family and friends. Going out the road in an RV lets you experience the country in ways that most people never can. You can see new places and experience new cultures. However, there is a lot of preparation that goes into every trip. You need to make sure that you have all the supplies and equipment that you need. One thing that is very important to have is a generator. A generator gives you power and lets you power all your appliances. Life in an RV without a generator would be very different. One option is the Costco Yamaha Generator. Is the Costco Yamaha Generator your best choice?
Unfortunately, the Costco Yamaha Generator is not your best choice for a generator. While it will do the job, there are other less expensive options. The Costco Yamaha Generator has an increased price because Yamaha is well known and popular brand. As a result, they can bump up their prices and people will still buy it. So, while it is effective, there are other options that are less expensive.
Your generator is very important to your life in your RV. There are several options for generators out there. The biggest choice you need to make is whether you want to purchase a regular generator or an inverter generator. There are pros and cons to each, so you will need to decide which fits your needs the best. Once you have made your choice you will be ready to head out in your RV for your next adventure.
Who Makes the A-Ipower Inverter Generator at Costco?
They do not have their name attached to it so it might be a little confusing, but the A-Ipower Inverter Generator at Costco is actually made by Yamaha. It is not made by A-Ipower like you might expect. Instead, Yamaha is the manufacturer.
What Is an Inverter Generator?
We mentioned earlier that you have a choice between a generator and an inverter generator. You obviously know that a generator is a device that generates and electricity for all your appliances. A lot of RVers will use a regular generator and they will be totally fine, but what about an inverter generator? What even is an inverter generator?
An inverter generator is a different type of generator that electronically throttles the engine up and down to meet the demand instead of running on full power all the time. As a result, an inverter generator does not use up all its power as fast as a regular generator. So, you will not need to fill up the gas tank as often. Inverter generators also produce lower emissions and are quieter than regular generators.
5 Features You Should Look for in a Generator?
When you are looking for a generator for your RV, there are a lot of things you need to consider. With so many options and brands to choose from, having a few things to look for should help you narrow your search.
1. Noise
Firstly, you want to look for a generator that is quiet. A lot of generators can get very loud, and while it is not a necessity that it is quiet, it is certainly a nice feature. It is especially valuable when you are staying at a public campground. If your generator is quiet you will not need to worry about bothering your neighbors with noise.
2. Run Time
Furthermore, you want to find a generator with a long run time. Different generators will last for different lengths of time. Ideally, you want to find a generator that can last as long as possible within your price range. The longer it lasts, the less often you need to refuel or recharge your generator.
3. Weight
Additionally, the weight of your generator is important to consider. All RVs have weight limits, so if you have a heavy generator you are limiting how many things you can bring with you on your trip. Additionally, a heavy generator will be harder to move around.
4. Fuel Type
There are four major fuel types for a generator, gasoline, diesel, natural gas, and propane. For most people natural gas is the best option because it is the most cost effective and widely available option. Natural gas carries less energy than the other fuel types, but it is still the most popular for backup generators because the supply is practically unlimited. Only small towns and rural areas do not have natural gas available.
Propane is the second most popular option. It is a clean burning fuel with an unlimited shelf life. As a result, users can store tanks in their RV for an unlimited amount of time to refuel whenever they need. As an energy source, propane carries more energy than natural gas, but less than diesel or gasoline. It is considered a safe fuel source, but it is still volatile if there is a leak.
There are some people that prefer to use diesel, but it is has been dropping in popularity for years. It is a stable fuel source compared to gasoline, and it is far less volatile. It also carries the most energy out of the four main fuel sources. Unfortunately, the supply of diesel is not as great as the other options. So, it may be difficult to refuel if you are using diesel.
Finally, gasoline is what most people choose if they do not do any research. It is by far the most well known fuel source, and as a result, many people use it. However, experienced users will advise against using gasoline. It has a short shelf life and is very volatile. As a result, many governments limit storage to 25 gallons or less. So, it may be difficult or inconvenient to refuel your generator if you use gasoline.
5. Price
Finally, price is a huge factor for everyone RV owner. There are many options out there for generators and typically the best options are more expensive. As a result, you need to determine how much money you are willing to spend and figure out what the best option is within that price range.
Additionally, you need to keep in mind that the generator you purchase will affect the type of fuel you use. Certain fuel types are more expensive than others, so it might be worth it to purchase a more expensive generator to save money on fuel.
Is the A-Ipower Inverter Generator Powered by Yamaha at Costco as Good as the Comparable Yamaha Generator?
Both generators make for excellent portable power solutions, but there the one major difference between the two is the price. The A-Ipower Inverter Generator is cheaper than the Yamaha EF2000iSV2. However, you need to remember that the Yamaha generator is a proven unit that has worked for people for years.
The classic Yamaha is two pounds lighter and 13.4 decibels quieter than the A-Ipower version. They both have an output of 2000 watts, but the classic Yamaha generator has a run time that is 3.5 hours longer.
So, the A-Ipower generator might be the cheaper option, but the comparable Yamaha generator is equal or better in every way. So, you need to consider whether the better features are worth paying more.
5 Best Portable Inverter Generators?
Before you head out on your first RV trip, you need to make sure that you have a generator. An inverter generator is certainly preferred, so here are some of the best options available to you.
1. Westinghouse iGen2200 Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
This generator from Westinghouse has 1800 rated watts and 2200 peak watts at less than 3% THD. It weighs only 46 pounds and is gas powered. It has two 120 volt, 20 amp outlets. There are also two USB outlets.
It is a good choice for an RV because it has enough power to run all your home essentials. It is very quiet, and fuel efficient with a 52 dBA noise output and a 12 hour run time on a 1.2 gallon gas tank. There is also a fuel economy mode for maximum fuel efficiency.
This inverter generator has three year limited service, labor, and parts coverage.
2. Champion 2000-Watt Dual Fuel Inverter Portable Generator
This generator from Champion provides 2000 starting watts of power and 1600 running watts. It is also very quiet, producing just 53 decibels when running. Additionally, it can operate on either gasoline or propane, so you have options to choose from if one is not available. The generator has a run time of roughly 11 hours.
This inverter generator comes with a three year limited warranty, and it has free lifetime technical support.
3. WEN 56225i Super Quiet 2250-Watt Portable Inverter Generator
This generator from WEN has dimensions of 19 x 11.5 x 18.2 inches. It weighs 48.5 pounds, and it has a noise level of 53 dB. The generator is EPA III and CARB compliant. It has a starting power of 2000 watts and produces 1600 running watts.
Additionally, this generator has a fuel shutoff mechanism that maximizes the generator’s lifespan. It does this by using up the reaming fuel in the carburetor before shutting down. It also uses clean power to safely operate and prevent damage to sensitive electronics like phones and computers. Finally, it also comes with two, three-prong 120V receptacles, one 12V DC receptacle, and one 5V USB port.
4. Yamaha EF2200iS Inverter Generator, 2200 Watts
This generator from Yamaha has a powerful 79cc engine that provides a high power output. It also uses a sophisticated muffler to ensure that it is quiet. Additionally, it has a DC output that is flexible to charge several different types of devices.
The inverter generator comes with an illuminated, multi function LED display. This will let you see the status of the generator during the day and night. There is also a smart dial knob that makes operating the generator easy. Additionally, there is an overload reset button that will let you easily restore power without shutting off the unit.
The fuel gauge on the side of the generator will let you see the fuel level, and the Yamaha Easy Carb Drain will prevent stale fuel issues. It also prepares the inverter and its fuel for long term storage. Finally, the tri-handle makes loading and unloading easy.
5. Honda EU2200i 2200-Watt Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
The final inverter generator we are going to look at is from Honda. This popular model can power a wide variety of appliances. This makes a great option for RV owners as they have several appliances that are required for everyday life.
The generator operates at 48 to 57 dBA which is very quiet. This is less than the noise of a normal conversation. As a result, it is great for camping because you will not disturb your neighbors.
Furthermore, Honda has an exclusive Eco-Throttle System that offers great fuel efficiency. It runs from 4.0 to 9.6 hours on a single take, depending on the load. This makes it a great option for overnight power, or long time applications.
Be Sure You Are Equipped for Your Next Camping Trip with the Best Inverter Generator for You
After reading, we hope you have all the information you need about inverter generators. We know there is a lot of information to absorb, but it should all be helpful as you prepare for your next trip. RVing without a generator is almost impossible, so you want to make sure that you have a good one.
Having a good inverter generator will improve you overall quality of life. You will be able to power all the appliances you need for longer. However, when buying it is important to take note of important factors like compatible fuel types. Many generators will look great on paper, but they will only be able to use one fuel source like gasoline. It is better to find an option that can use multiple fuel sources in case of emergency. Alternatively, you should get a generator that uses one of the more common fuel sources. This way you will never end up in a situation where you cannot refuel.
Purchasing an inverter generator might feel like a difficult choice to make, but as long as you do your research you should be fine. Remember, there are plenty of good options out there, you just need to find the best option for you. There is not one that is best for everyone or we would tell you which one to buy. So, do your research, purchase your inverter generator, and you will be on the road in no time.
Do you think you will purchase an inverter generator? What brand appeals to you the most? Where will you go on your first RV trip? Let us know in the comments!
