3 best 30 amp generators

A 30-amp generator refers to a portable generator that is designed to provide a maximum electrical output of 30 amperes. These generators are commonly used for various applications, especially in outdoor settings, where a reliable source of electricity is needed. Here are some key points about 30-amp generators:

Power Output: The "30-amp" rating indicates the maximum electrical output capacity of the generator. It is typically used to power various devices and appliances in outdoor settings, including RVs, campsites, construction sites, and outdoor events.
Versatility: 30-amp generators are versatile and can handle a range of electrical loads. They can power essential appliances in RVs, such as air conditioners, refrigerators, microwaves, and lighting, making them popular among RV enthusiasts.
Portability: Portable 30-amp generators are designed with mobility in mind.They often come equipped with wheels and a handle for easy transportation from one location to another.
Fuel Sources: These generators can run on different fuel sources, including gasoline, propane, or diesel. The choice of fuel source depends on user preferences and availability.
Run Time: The run time of a 30-amp generator on a full tank of fuel can vary depending on the generator's fuel efficiency and load. Some models can run for several hours at a moderate load.
Multiple Outlets: Typically, 30-amp generators come equipped with multiple outlets, including 120V and 240V receptacles, to accommodate various types of appliances and devices. These generators may also have USB ports for charging smaller electronic devices.
Noise Level: Noise levels can vary among different generator models. Some generators are designed to operate quietly, making them suitable for use in campgrounds or residential areas where noise restrictions may apply.
Inverter Technology: Some 30-amp generators feature inverter technology, which produces clean and stable power. This is essential for powering sensitive electronics and devices, as it reduces the risk of damage due to power fluctuations.
Safety Features: Many generators come with safety features such as automatic shut-off in case of low oil levels or overload protection to prevent damage to the generator and connected appliances.
Maintenance: Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the proper functioning and longevity of a 30-amp generator. This includes oil changes, air filter replacement, and routine inspections.
Emergency Power: 30-amp generators can also serve as emergency backup power sources for homes in case of power outages. They can power essential appliances like refrigerators, sump pumps, and lighting circuits.
Compliance: Users should be aware of safety and compliance regulations when using generators, especially in residential areas or campgrounds. Local regulations may dictate noise levels, generator placement, and other considerations.

30-amp generators are a valuable tool for providing portable power in a variety of situations, from outdoor recreational activities to emergency backup power. Choosing the right generator depends on your specific needs, the types of appliances you want to power, and the fuel source that suits your preferences and availability.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best 30 amp generators on the market

Champion 4000-Watt RV Ready DH Series Open Frame Inverter with Quiet Technology

Champion Power Equipment

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Champion Power Equipment 100302 4000-Watt Digital Hybrid Open Frame Inverter Generator is one of the most innovative products on the market. Our advanced technology and innovative design will improve the way you power your life. Champion’s Digital Hybrid is 50% quieter and 20% lighter than a traditional 3500-watt portable generator. We cut the noise level in half by integrating Quiet Technology digital inverter components. Then, we created an efficient mechanical design to decrease the overall footprint and weight by 20 percent. A quiet, lightweight addition to your RV and a cost-effective power solution, this Digital Hybrid inverter is smaller, quieter, lighter…BETTER! Champion’s recoil start features Cold Start Technology, plus the reliable 224cc Champion engine produces 4000 starting watts and 3500 running watts, and runs for 17 hours at 25% load when the 2.9-gallon fuel tank is full. With a 0.6-quart oil capacity (recommended 10W-30) and a low oil shut-off sensor, this inverter operates at 64 dBA from 23 feet, which is a bit louder than normal speech. Confidently connect your sensitive electronics since our hybrid produces only Clean Power (less than 3% THD). Our Quick Touch Panel offers fast access to controls, while Economy Mode monitors power consumption in real time to reduce electrical load. As the electrical load is reduced, the engine idles lower, providing quieter operation, extended engine life and higher fuel economy. The outlets in this RV Ready inverter include a 120V 30A RV (TT-30R), two 120V 20A household outlets (5-20R) and a 12V DC automotive-style outlet with a dual USB adapter and battery-charging cables. The optional Parallel Kit, with included standard 50-amp RV outlet, provides a clip-on connection which allows you to increase output by connecting up to two 2800-watt or higher inverters or digital hybrids. Buy this fully assembled CARB compliant inverter with confidence – Champion Support and our nationwide network of service centers will back up your purchase with a 3-year limited warranty and FREE lifetime technical support.

Advanced Open Frame Inverter Design: 50% quieter and 20% lighter than a traditional Champion 3500-watt generator, plus our Economy Mode feature saves fuel and extends engine life
Quiet Technology and Extended Run Time: 64 dBA is great for RVs, tailgating, your next project or home backup, with 4000 starting watts and 3500 running watts for up to 17 hours run time on gasoline
Clean electricity for sensitive electronics: RV Ready with a 120V 30A RV, plus two 120V 20A household outlets with clean power (less than 3% THD) and 12V DC outlet with dual USB adapter
Parallel Ready: Increase your power output by connecting up to two 2800-watt or higher inverter or digital hybrid with the optional Parallel Kit
Champion Support: Includes 3-year limited warranty with FREE lifetime technical support from dedicated experts
What’s included: Oil Funnel,Battery Charging Cables,USB Adapter

User questions & answers

Question:	Can I run my AC
Answer:	Air conditioners require a certain amount of power (watts, which equals voltage [120 for plug-in, 240 for most central units] multiplied times current draw in amperes ["amps"]. and that's the running power it needs. But when it starts up, for a brief time is pulls more power to start, and for air conditioners the starting power required is more than for a lighter, easier spinning load like a window fan, so you need to identify the starting power draw. Generator ratings show a running power level and a starting power, compare to ensure you get a sufficiently powerful generator, and include all other loads that will connect to it (lighting, refrigerator, etc.), even though they will be less than most air conditioners, it all adds up.
Question:	is this rating "this inverter operates at 64 dBA from 23 feet" at peak draw, or idle
Answer:	The industry standard for measuring inverter output is 25% load.
Question:	I know the product dimensions are listed but they don't specify which is height, length and width. Can anyone please help me with that? Thanks
Answer:	I went out to measure and my approximate measurements are quite different than what's listed. I measured roughly 18inW x 20.5inL x 17.5inHWide I measured across top, front to backLength I measured across front from side to sideHeight I measured from ground to top, including height of gas cap. Hope this helps.
Question:	What makes this a hybrid generator? Is it an inverter generator, or something else
Answer:	We are using the term hybrid in the sense that we have taken a traditionally fully enclosed inverter style generator and put it on an open frame like a traditionally non-inverter style generator. This allows us to use a larger engine and increase output power while decreasing cost. The trade off is that this machine will be slightly louder than fully enclosed style inverters.

Product features

Champion 4000-Watt RV Ready Digital Hybrid Open Frame Inverter with Quiet Technology

Champion’s innovative Digital Hybrid is 50% quieter and 20% lighter than a traditional 3500-watt generator. Our advanced feature-packed power solution includes Quiet Technology, Extended Run Time, Economy Mode and Clean Power, plus you can easily increase your power with the optional Parallel Kit.

Key Features

Clean Power – low THD (3% or less)
Fully Assembled – just add gas and oil
Extended Run Time – up to 17 hours*
Quick Touch Panel – all controls on one panel
Economy Mode – save fuel, extend engine life

For Home

For Work

For Play

Champion Power Equipment 100307 4375/3500-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Generator

Champion Power Equipment

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Champion Power Equipment 100307 3500-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Generator is the perfect combination of versatility and convenience. Whether you need power for your home or RV, Champion Power Equipment makes powering your life more convenient than ever. With enough power to start and run a 15,000 BTU RV air conditioner, this unit can also power the essential items you need in a power outage, while Champion’s Cold Start Technology ensures a quick start in cold weather. Operate your Dual-Fuel generator right out of the box on gasoline or propane - our patented fuel selector switch allows for safe switching between fuel sources. Using gasoline, the 224cc Champion engine produces 4375 starting watts and 3500 running watts, and will run for 9 hours at 50% load when the 3.4-gallon fuel tank is full. It produces 3950 starting watts and 3150 running watts, and will run for 10.5 hours at 50% load when using a 20-pound propane tank. Also included is a 3.3-foot propane hose with a built-in regulator. With a noise level of 68 dBA from 23 feet, which is about as loud as a vacuum, this unit features Volt Guard built-in surge protector which prevents overloads and keeps your equipment safe. Easily monitor power output and track maintenance intervals with Intelligauge, which allows you to keep track of voltage, hertz and run-time hours. Designed with a low oil shut-off sensor, this unit has a 0.6-quart oil capacity (recommended 10W-30). Plenty of outlets are available, with a 120V 30A RV (TT-30R), a 120V 30A locking outlet (L5-30R) and two 120V 20A household outlets. Champion’s thoughtful packaging and clear directions make setup hassle free. Buy this EPA certified and CARB compliant generator with confidence – Champion Support and our nationwide network of service centers will back up your purchase with a 3-year limited warranty and FREE lifetime technical support. Gasoline Starting Amps at 120V: 36.5A, Gasoline Running Amps at 120V: 29.2A,Propane Starting Amps at 120V: 32.9A, Propane Running Amps at 120V: 26.3A, Frequency: 60Hz

Your purchase includes One Champion 3500-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Generator and One LPG Hose with Regulator
Portable Generator dimensions – 23.2” L x 19.1" W x 20" H | Product weight – 104.9 lbs. | Hose length – 3.3’
Specifications: Noise level – 68 dBA. Fuel tank capacity (GASOLINE) – 3.4 gallons | Engine Size 224cc
Operate your 3500-watt portable generator right out of the box on either gasoline or propane, plus the unit holds 0.6-quarts of oil and has a low oil shut-off sensor
Keep track of voltage, hertz and run-time hours to easily monitor power output and track maintenance intervals with Intelligauge
Outlets – One 120V 30A RV outlet (TT-30R), one 120V 30A locking outlet (L5-30R) and two 120V 20A household outlets (5-20R)

User questions & answers

Question:	Can this generator be hooked up to a larger (100+ gallon) propane tank, with some type of adapter
Answer:	You need a POL to QCC1 adapter like this or similar. ( SHINESTAR Propane Tank Gauge and Hoses https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M0ILKIJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_dmVNBbFV8KWDT) Just bought one of these generators for my in laws and a new 100# tank right before hurricane Florence.
Question:	Can I run a fridge and a freezer
Answer:	Definitely. I ran my furnace, fridge, heater for the fish tank, a bunch of lights and phone chargers. Just remember to start the generator first, let it warm up some, pull one thing it at a time and you'll be fine.
Question:	What is the decibel noise rating
Answer:	Remember folks that this is a air cooled engine which are notoriously noisy engines by design. The engine does have a large muffler which helps a lot with exhaust noise but this generator has a open cabinet and doesn’t have an enclosed cabinet so all the machinery noise from the engine and generator goes everywhere. Noise is relative to different people. If a rattling noise is what bothers you but low sounds don’t bother you, you might consider a more expensive model that is enclosed. If rattles don’t bother you but low sounds do, then this is a good product for you. Personaly I knew what I was buying. An open generator that is going to make some sort of racket so I made a very nice enclosure and mine produces 65db at 5 feet. All generators of this price that are air cooled and not enclosed make a lot of noise. It’s more of a matter of what you or your neighbors can tolerate.
Question:	if battery goes dead can it be started manually
Answer:	yes, but only if using propane as a fuel source. if using gasoline then the recoil start won't work without a charged battery attached. I have tried it, and Champion customer service confirmed this.

Product features

Champion 3500-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Generator

Champion’s 3500-watt RV Ready generator features Dual Fuel, allowing the 224cc engine to run on either gasoline or propane. Featuring Intelligauge, Volt Guard and Cold Start Technology, this unit includes a propane hose and provides up to 9 hours of run time on gasoline or 10.5 hours on propane.

Key Features

Start Type: Recoil

Voltage (V): 120

Voltmeter: Intelligauge

Engine Size (cc): 224

Fuel Type: Gasoline, Propane

Gasoline Capacity (gal.): 3.8

Oil Type: 10W-30

Oil Capacity (qt.): 0.6

Low Oil Shut Off

Emissions: EPA

For home.

For work.

For play.

Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator with Electric Start

Champion Power Equipment

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Champion Power Equipment 100263 3400-Watt Portable Inverter Generator is the perfect combination of versatility and convenience whether you need power for your home, RV or project. The convenient electric start includes a battery, plus Cold Start Technology ensures a quick start in cold weather. Connect your sensitive electronics with confidence since this inverter produces only Clean Power (˂ 3% THD). Designed for safety with a low oil shut-off sensor, this inverter has a 0.6-quart oil capacity (recommended 10W-30). Operate your Dual-Fuel generator right out of the box on gasoline or propane, and easily switch fuels with a quick turn of the fuel selector dial. Using gasoline, the 192cc Champion engine produces 3400 starting watts and 3100 running watts, and will run for 7.5 hours at 25% load. It produces 3060 starting watts and 2790 running watts, and will run for 14.5 hours at 25% load when using a 20-pound propane tank. Champion’s Inverter Technology includes smart Economy Mode, which can reduce the electrical load, providing quieter operation, extended engine life and better fuel economy. Included are a 120V 30A RV (TT-30R), two 120V 20A household outlets (5-20R), a 12V DC automotive-style outlet with dual USB adapter, plus a propane hose with a built-in regulator. Operates at 59 dBA from 23 feet – about the same noise level as normal conversation. The optional Parallel Kit provides a quick clip-on connection which allows you to increase output by connecting up to two 2800-watt or higher inverters. Also included is a standard 50-amp RV outlet with power to start and run two 15,000 BTU RV air conditioners. Fully assembled with foldaway handle for easy storage and built-in handles and never-flat tires for easy transport. Buy this EPA certified and CARB compliant generator with confidence – Champion Support and our nationwide network of service centers will back up your purchase with a 3-year limited warranty and FREE lifetime technical support.

Dual Fuel – Operate your 3400-watt portable generator right out of the box on either gasoline or propane, plus the unit holds 0.6-quarts of oil (recommended 10W-30) and has a low oil shut-off sensor
Convenient Electric Start with 3-Position Ignition Switch – Battery included, plus Quick Touch Panel allows you to access all your controls in one spot.Noise Level :59 dBA at 23 feet. Frequency 60 Hz
Ultra-Quiet Operation – 59 dBA is perfect for RVs, tailgating, your next project or backup power for your home, featuring 3400 starting watts and 3100 running watts with up to 7.5 hours run time on gasoline
Clean Power for Sensitive Electronics – RV Ready with a 120V 30A RV, plus two 120V 20A household outlets with clean electricity (less than 3% THD) and 12V DC outlet with dual USB adapter
Champion Support – Includes 3-year limited warranty with FREE lifetime technical support from dedicated experts

User questions & answers

Question:	start a 13500 btu AC
Answer:	We have a 13,500 BTU A/C in out 2004 Mountaineer and this generator starts and runs it with no problems. We leave the generator in "economy" mode all the time and it naturally revs up when the A/C starts up, but has never failed to do its job. Also, we run it only on propane... it's never had a drop of gasoline in it.
Question:	Looks like it would weigh more with the battery and starter. Not much heavier than the 75531i
Answer:	Rope start backup.
Question:	How to connect to 500 gal tank
Answer:	mine is connected to our 500 gal tank but it took some work going back & forth between the tech at champion (have to get the right one) and my propane company. i had propane company put a quick disconnect valve at the house, where the propane goes into the house on the low side of the step down valve, then i had them make me a 20' hose that connects to the diaphragm / hose that champion provides minus their regulator. There is a limit on how long the new hose can be as the pressure will drop with distance and you do need a minimum about of gas pressure for it to work. (see other answer from Champion here). Triple check w/ both Champion & your propane company. Also when you turn it on to run, the gen will have to pull out the air in the hose, takes several short cranks on the gen and if it's cold out you may end up having to pull the cord - takes some practice w/ the choke. Once the propane is flowing it's easier to restart if you don't disconnect the hose from either end. I used it this way for 22 hrs recently and it worked like a charm. Don't forget to check the oil regularly. The diaphragm must be exposed to ambient air pressure but also must stay dry.
Question:	Does this come with the lp hose? And what connection is it
Answer:	Yes it does. The hose connection is std. 3/8 propane connection like a barbeque uses.

Product features

Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator with Electric Start

Our 3400-watt inverter with electric start features Dual Fuel, allowing the 192cc engine to run on either gasoline or propane. Enjoy a quiet 59 dBA for up to 7.5 hours on gasoline or 14.5 hours on propane, and increase your power with the optional Parallel Kit which includes a 50-amp RV Ready outlet.