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COMPARISON OF PORTABLE AND RV GENERATORS FOR HOME STANDBY USE

This is a comparison of a 3,000 and 5,000 watt portable generator compared to the same sizes in Onan RV generators. We used our experience and costs based on Santa Rosa, CA.  Not all areas of the country will be the same or have the same conditions.

Cost is only one factor. Carefully consider the safety, security, setup and storage issues shown on the chart.  Please read the summary at the end of this chart as too!  Whether you agree or now we want you to be informed. No matter what you decide to purchase we would like to have your order. 

We have RV generators from 2,500 watts (2.5 kW) to 12,000 watts (12 kW), in gasoline, propane and diesel. We have portable generators from 1,000 watts (1 kW) to 15,000 watts (15 kW) in gasoline, diesel, propane and natural gas. The majority of portable generators are gasoline powered.

We will be offering portable kits which include a generator, transfer switch, cord and outlet box for one low price. To see our kits click Portable Kits. COMING SOON!

If you are considering a portable for a residential use, see our chart at Portable vs Stationary. For more information about fuels see Generator Fuels.

 

COMPARISON OF CATEGORIES BETWEEN PORTABLE AND RV GENERATORS

CategoryTypicalPortableRVPortableRVWinner
3,000 Watts 2,800 Watts 5,000 Watts 5,000 Watts 2,800 Watt 5,000 Watt
ModelsPortable vs RVHonda EB5000 Onan MicroLite 2800Honda EB5000Onan Marquis Gold 5000  
Time of NeedOn Road and ParkedCan't be used while mobile.Usable alwaysCan't be used while mobile.Usable alwaysRVRV
SizeCompact is Preferred26L x 18W x 21.1H24L x 16.5W x 12.3H26L x 18W x 21.1H24L x 16.5W x 12.3HRVRV
WeightLighter is Preferred134.5 lbs113 lbs  RVRV
Remote Control/StartAutomatic PreferredNo Auto-startAuto-start StandardNo Auto-startAuto-start StandardRVRV
Auto ChokingAutomatic PreferredNo Auto-chokeAuto-Choke StandardNo Auto-chokeAuto-Choke StandardRVRV
Remote Panel and Cables Available?Start GenSet from inside RVNoYes, OptionNoYes, OptionRVRV
Move In/OutPermanent DesirableRequired to Run in Open AirOperates in Closed CompartmentRequired to Run in Open AirOperates in Closed CompartmentRVRV
Setup or ConnectingPermanent DesirablePull Out, Reconnect with Each UseAlways ConnectedPull Out, Reconnect with Each UseAlways ConnectedRVRV
Transfer of PowerManualManual OnlyManual OnlyManual OnlyManual Only--
Unattended OperationUnattended desirableShort Periods OnlyRuns UnattendedShort Periods OnlyRuns UnattendedRVRV
Operation by FamilyDesirableUsually difficultAutomatic OperationUsually difficultAutomatic OperationRVRV
Weather ProtectionDesirableRequires shelter or move out/inOperates in Closed CompartmentRequires shelter or move out/inOperates in Closed CompartmentRVRV
SecurityDesirableEasy to steal if left outLocked in CompartmentEasy to steal if left outLocked in CompartmentRVRV
Security During OperationHighly DesirableMust go outside to start and refuelRuns Automatically in CompartmentMust go outside to start and refuelRuns Automatically in CompartmentRVRV
Fuel Tank TypeStrongest PreferredUsually plastic Usually steel propane tank or built-in RV TankUsually plastic Usually steel propane tank or built-in RV TankRVRV
Fuel Tank SizeLarger better than smaller3.4 gallons50+ gallons4.5 gallons50+ gallonsRVRV
Run Time per TankLonger is betterat 1/2 load 10 hours
at full load 57 hours
at 1/2 load 160 hours
at full load 80 hours
at 1/2 load 11.2 hours
at full load 5 hours
at 1/2 load 83 hours
at full load 40 hours
RVRV
RefuelingAutomatic PreferredEvery 10 hours @ 1/2 load 80+ hoursEvery 5-11 hours @ 1/2 load 40+ hoursRVRV
Storage of FuelDesirable, if safeFuel cans outside
or inside
In RV TanksFuel cans outside
or inside
In RV TanksRVRV
Fuel TanksRV manufacturerNoYesNoYes
Fuel Economy@ Full LoadPoorExcellentPoorExcellentRVRV
Refueling SystemAutomatic PreferredBy hand with cans, stop generatorRefueled With RVBy hand with cans, stop generatorRefueled With RVRVRV
Fuel TypePropane or Diesel  PreferredGasolinePropane, Diesel, GasolineGasolinePropane, Diesel, GasolineRVRV
Preferred FuelPropane or RV Engine FuelPropane, No Pourable FuelsPropane, Diesel, Gasoline from RV Tank OnlyPropane, No Pourable FuelsPropane, Diesel, Gasoline from RV Tank OnlyRVRV
Generator CostLower is better than higher $2,822$3,500 $2,011$4,200RVPortable
Estimated Install Labor (electrician)Lower is better than higher$100$400$100$600RVRV
Other PartsCords, plug$50None$50NoneRVRV
Total Initial CostLower is better than higher$1,972$2,066 ($94 more) Propane or Diesel Higher$2,161$3,033 ($872 more) Propane or Diesel HigherPortablePortable
Cost Per Hour to Run @ 1/2 LoadLower is better than higher0.34 gallons per hour or $0.60 hr0.30 gallons per hour or $0.52 hr1.0 gallons per hour or $2.00 hr0.60 gallons per hour or $1.20 hrRVRV
Estimated Life HoursLonger is better than shorterchecking factschecking factschecking factschecking factsRVRV
Years of LifeLonger is better than shorterchecking factschecking factschecking factschecking factsRVRV
Cost Over 10 yearsLower is better than higherchecking factschecking factschecking factschecking factsRVRV
NoiseLower is better than higher49-59 dBA< 59 dBA in compartment72 dBA< 65 dBA in compartmentRVRV
Oil CapacityLarger better than smaller< 1 Quart3 quarts2 Quarts3 quartsRVRV
Adds to value of RV?According to RV DealersNoNo $2,000NoYes $4,000RVRV

Even though the Portable is cheaper overall, by almost double in the 5,000 watt size and only $204 more in the 10,000 watt size; you have to ask yourself, is it worth the savings. 

If you, (or your family members if you are out of town, sick or injured),  must struggle one time to haul the portable out, plug it in and refuel it in foul weather at night every 4-11 hours, is it worth the difference in savings.

Read the list over a few times and you should conclude that unless you love to get cold and wet, stay up late and play survivor, your better off to have an installed system that is totally automatic.

REMEMBER: Cost is only one factor. Carefully consider the safety, security, setup and storage issues shown on the chart.  Please read the summary at the enc of this chart as well.  Whether you agree or now we want you to be informed. No matter what you decide to purchase we would like to have your order. 

We have residential generators from 8,000 watts (8 kW) to 45,000 watts (45 kW), in propane, natural gas and diesel. We have portable generators from 1,000 watts (1 kW) to 15,000 watts (15 kW) in gasoline, diesel, propane and natural gas. The majority of portable are gasoline powered.

We will be offering portable kits which include a generator, transfer switch, cord and outlet box for one low price. To see our kits click Portable Kits. COMING SOON!

If you are considering a portable for a residential use, see our chart at Portable vs Stationary. For more information about fuels see Generator Fuels.

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