RV generators, as we know, come in all types, shapes and sizes. Selecting the best generator for your RV can be a daunting task. You’ll have to figure out which type of generator is right for your RV or how much juice you’ll need to run the appliances you use throughout your travels.

For instance, if you know you’re only going to need to run a few small appliances and charge the RV’s deep cycle batteries, a smaller quiet portable generator, such as the Honda EU2200i Inverter Generator, is going to be the best generator for your RV/travel trailer.

Whereas if you’re traveling in peak summertime and you’ll be off the beaten path for a while, you’ll probably need an RV air conditioner on the rooftop, and a few major appliances, so the best generator for your RV might be a larger model such as the Champion 3800-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Generator.

In this article, we walk you through the process of selecting a portable generator for your RV or travel trailer. We talk about the pros and cons of each generator fuel type, and then some of the ways you can determine how much power you’ll need, and finally are our reviews on some of the best RV generators on the market today. Let’s get started!

• —Read More—: Best Quiet Portable Generators – Noise Comparison

Best Generators for RV & Travel Trailer

Image	RV Generator	Running/Starting Watts	Generator Fuel Type	Running AC Unit?
	Honda EU2200i Quiet Portable Inverter Generator	1800W/2200W	Gasoline
	Champion 3400-Watt RV Ready Generator	3100W/3400W	Dual-Fuel	15k BTU
	Champion 3800-Watt RV Ready Generator	3800W/4750W	Dual-Fuel	15k BTU
	Yamaha EF2000iSv2 Portable Inverter Generator	1600W/2000W	Gasoline
	Westinghouse WGen3600 Portable Generator	3600W/4650W	Gasoline	15k BTU
	Briggs & Stratton P3000 PowerSmart Inverter Generator	2600W/3000W	Gasoline	13.5k BTU

Our Picks for the Best Generator for RV

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Honda generators are Number 1 when it comes to reliability, durability, and portability. They are also significantly quieter than other brands. The Honda EU2200i Portable Inverter Generator is our pick for the best generator for RV. It delivers 10 percent more power than the legendary top-selling Honda EU2000i model, both have the same quality and represent the leading edge of portable power technology.

Not only is the Honda EU2200i one of the best portable generators for your RV, it’s one of the quietest RV generators available. It produces even less noise than a normal conversation, which is ideal for using at RV campgrounds or anywhere you need reliable power with minimal noise. The Honda EU2200i is also surprisingly fuel-efficient – it can run up to 8.1 hours on just 0.95 gallons of fuel at 25% load.

The Honda EU2200i is a great option for most RVers because it’s a combination of portability, capability, and low-noise level. 1800 rated power is enough to power most devices you need on a camping trip. When need more power to run your RV’s rooftop AC, you can connect 2 of Honda EU2200i portable generator in parallel to get up to 4400 surge watts, 3600 rated watts. Or another way is to buy the below model.

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The Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Generator was our top pick of the best quiet RV generator. It was even quieter than the Honda EU2200i under a 1,500W load. And unlike the Honda EU2200i, this Champion generator runs on either gasoline and propane and can power your RV air conditioner.

When running on gasoline it produces 3400 starting watts and 3100 running watts and will run for 7.5 hours at 25% load. On propane 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. That’s enough to run a wide variety of devices and appliances that you may have.

What makes this generator more enticing is the fact that this generator is RV ready. Meaning it’s specifically designed for RV use. It has a 120V 30A RV (TT-30R), two 120V 20A household outlets (5-20R), a 12V DC automotive-style outlet with a dual USB adapter. Additionally, it is also parallel ready and has the ability to connect with another Champion 3400 Watt for increased power output.

Video: Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator Reviews

Those are the models that we rate are two of the best generators for your RV and the specific needs of your trip. But if you don’t like them, read on to figure out the ideal model.

Propane vs Gas vs Diesel Generator – Which is Best for Your RV?

For many RVers, the first consideration when shopping for an RV generator is what type of fuel they would like to burn. RV generators can be powered by propane, gasoline, or diesel. Some models allow you to switch between fuel types. Each of these fuel types can differ greatly in how they function, how long they last, how much they cost, and in how easy it is to gain access to them as well. Similarly, the best generator for your RV will vary depending on the type of fuel you are considering.

1) Propane RV Generator

• Click here to read our reviews of the best propane generators

Like the name implies, a propane RV generator utilizes propane as the fuel source to convert to electricity. Propane requires a tank separate from the generator itself. These tanks can be the same kind used for fueling heaters and grills, or you can rely on a larger, stationary tank that must be periodically refilled by a service truck.

Pros:

RV propane generators beat out other options when it comes to portability and safety. Propane is considered a clean-burning fuel – it’s nontoxic and produces fewer emissions than some other fuel types do.

Unlike gasoline and diesel, propane will not degrade in storage, so it is a viable option for people who rarely or sporadically use their generator. Propane is also safer to store. Except in the coldest of environments, propane works well. If you are in an area where the temperature is below zero °F then gasoline might be a better option for you. For us, storing gas is an issue because we are so prone to wildfires and gas is highly flammable.

An RV generator using propane can require less maintenance than one that using gasoline or diesel. Gasoline and diesel leave carbon deposits in your engine and exhaust, which need to be cleaned from time to time. These fuels also leave residue in fuel lines and system parts, adding additional maintenance. Propane has none of these effects upon engines, making propane generators easier to maintain. Some of the best propane-powered RV generators won’t require any fuel maintenance, other than ensuring your tank is adequately full.

Cons:

The only drawback of RV generators using propane is that they aren’t quite as efficient as gasoline or diesel RV generators. The reason that they might use more fuel than other types of RV generators is simply a matter of physics. The amount of energy, or energy density, that propane is capable of producing when it burns is simply less than both diesel or gasoline.

The fact that there are very few portable generators for RV that only use propane. Most propane-powered generators are hybrid or dual-fuel, which can be powered by either propane or gasoline.

One of the best generators for RVs that is powered only by propane is the Sportsman GEN4000LP Propane-Powered Generator (4000 watts surge/3250 watt continuous). This generator is significantly less expensive than other similar-sized dual-fuel generators.

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2) Gas-Powered RV Generator

Gas-powered RV generators are the most common, due to the ease of access and relatively low cost of gasoline – it’s not necessarily the best option for all situations, but it’s what you’ll see most RV generator units using.

Pros:

Gas-powered RV generators tend to be less expensive than other models. Gasoline is very available so it’s very easy to refill a gas powered generator or keep reserve fuel around. RV generators using gasoline generally more efficient fuel than their propane-powered cousins so you can power more RV’s appliances at a given time. But gasoline less efficient than diesel. Theoretically, diesel has an energy density of 35.8 megajoules per liter (MJ/L), and gasoline has an energy density of 34.2 MJ/L). Propane, however, only has an energy density of 26 MJ/L.

Cons:

Gas-powered RV generators require more upkeep and care than other fuel models. Gasoline is slightly more dangerous to store than propane and diesel, as it has a very low flash point, and is an extremely flammable liquid. Gasoline also has a relatively low shelf life, and most blends begin breaking down or absorbing moisture within a month. Even gasoline that is several years old is viable, but it may contain elements that will break down or wear engine parts.

If you have a mid-sized RV that uses a moderate amount of power, then a gas-powered generator is probably the best option. Most of the best generators for RVs that we review in this article are gas-powered.

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3) Diesel Generator

Diesel-powered generator is the most powerful of the generator types when comparing apples to apples. Diesel-powered generators are the best choices if your RV runs on diesel fuel like many Class A motorhomes so you only need to use one fuel source. They are cleaner burning than gas-powered generators.

Pros:

Diesel generators require less upkeep and are more efficient than other fuel types. They are typically preferred for their efficiency and low maintenance. Diesel is the most efficient of generator fuels, most diesel generators provide more horsepower per gallon of fuel than comparable gas-powered generators.

Cons:

Although diesel generators have a reputation for being more durable than gas, if they are not run regularly they may be more prone to breaking down. Like gasoline, diesel will burn even after years of storage, but it may degrade the workings of your engine. Diesel is also much more expensive than gasoline or propane and harder to find. The generators themselves are typically the most expensive.

The Generac 5,000-Watt Diesel Portable Generator is a very good option to consider if you’re after a diesel-powered generator.

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4) Dual-Fuel RV Generator

Dual-fuel generators allow the user to switch between gasoline or propane. One of the biggest reasons people prefer the dual generators is convenience. If you are in your RV traveling across the United States, you may not be able to find propane or natural gas, but typically gasoline is available at every exit and in small towns. Therefore, you may choose to run the fuel type that you prefer, but have another fuel as a backup in case you run out somewhere along the way.

When it comes to the best gas-powered generators for RVs, most RVers recommend models from Honda and Yamaha. They are generally more fuel efficient and much quieter than other cheaper generator models. But when it comes to dual-fuel generators, the Champion dual-fuel generators are the most frequently recommended. Most of Champion’s dual-fuel generators get solid reviews. We’ve heard very little negative feedback from actual users.

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What Size RV Generator Do You Need?

To find out the best generator for your RV, you will need to determine the right size of the generator. RV generators come in various sizes available range from 500-watt generators to 4000-watt generators, all the way up to 6500 watts. The number of options is actually quite impressive.

How much power you use will determine the size of RV generator you’ll need. The 2,000-2,500 watts portable generators are the best option for RVers who only use a moderate amount of power and to charge the deep cycle batteries. The 3,000-4,000 watts portable generators will power everything in your RV including your RV air conditioner, which we think is also the most ideal option.

An RV with a 13,500 BTU air conditioner will probably need a 3000 generator, and an RV with a 15,000 BTU air conditioner will need at least a 3300W generator. That is, of course, if you don’t turn on any appliance simultaneously with the AC. You also need to know that most RV generators have a starting watt and running watt rating. For example, the Champion 3400 Watt RV Ready Dual Fuel Inverter will produce 3400 starting watts and 3100 running watts on gasoline.

So a 3,400W RV generator might give you up to 3,400W to start that air conditioner, but for long-term use might only be rated 3,100W. So after your 3,400W RV generator starts your 13,500 BTU air conditioner which might run at 2000W, you have around 1,100W to use on other items.

We recommend not compromising on the size of RV generator you purchase. When boondocking or dry camping and it’s a hot day, you’ll be thanking yourself for investing in a high wattage generator that powers your rooftop A/C alongside your coffee machine. The best generator for your RV should be the one that is enough power to run everything you need on a camping trip.

Without an RV air conditioner, the portable generators under 2,500 watts, such as Yamaha EF2000iSv2 or Honda EU2200i inverter generator, would be enough to run most of devices and appliances in your RV, including microwaves or refrigerators.

Inverter vs. Conventional Generators – Which is Best For RV?

When you’re shopping for an RV generator, you’ll see two basic types: old school conventional generator and newer inverter-style generator. Which is the best generator for RV?

Conventional Generators

Conventional generators, such as the Westinghouse WGen3600, have been around for quite a while, and the basic concept behind them has remained essentially unchanged. They consist of an energy source, usually a fossil fuel such as diesel, propane or gasoline, which powers a motor attached to an alternator that produces electricity.

The motor must run at a constant speed (usually 3600 rpm) to produce the standard current that most household uses require (in the U.S., typically 120 Volts AC @ 60 Hertz). If the engine’s rpm fluctuates, so will the frequency (Hertz) of the electrical output.

Inverter Generators

Inverter generators, such as the Honda EU2200i, produce DC power and then convert it to AC current via digital magic. This allows for the on-demand production of the electricity you actually need, meaning a quieter, more efficient operation – all in a lighter, smaller machine. And some come with surge protecting GCFIs, which gives a more stable power stream akin to power lines. The rub comes at the price. Inverter generators cost 3–5 times more than a conventional one.

Which Type Should I Buy?

The best generator for your RV may boil down to what you’re powering. If you’re only looking to keep the milk fresh in the mini-fridge or need big power for air conditioning unit, a cheaper conventional generator may be right for your RV. But if you need to keep sensitive equipment like computers online, a smaller inverter generator with surge protection might be better for your needs. Inverter generators are designed to mirror a pure sine wave inverter, they are safer to run laptops, cell phones, monitors, tablets and other vulnerable electronics in your RV.

Inverter generators also differ widely from conventional generators when it comes to noise. Inverter generators are designed to be comparatively quiet. Quieter engines, special mufflers, and sound-dampening technology are used to reduce noise to amazingly low levels. All of the quietest RV generators available are inverter generators. An inverter generator running low, could be the equivalent of people conversing (50-65 dB). Instead, many conventional generators can have the same noise range as a lawnmower.

Many of the new inverter generators are surprisingly small and lightweight for the electrical generation punch that they pack. Sizes of just a couple of cubic feet and weights in the 30 to 50 pounds range are not uncommon today. For example, the Yamaha EF2000iSv2 weighs only 43 pounds while produces up to 2000 peak watts (Honda EU2200i is 47 pounds).

To give you a better idea, we’ve compiled a comparison table below, and indicated which type of generator comes out on top for each of them. So you can easily select the right type of portable generators for your RV.

Click on the image to enlarge it

Best Generator For RV Reviews

Now it’s time to look at some of the best and quietest RV generators available to you.

#1. Honda EU2200i Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator – Best & Quietest Generator for RV Camping

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In our opinion you can’t go wrong with Honda portable generators, they are the NUMBER #1 when it comes to reliability and quality. Honda portable generators are famously fuel efficient and quiet. The Honda EU2200i Portable Inverter Generator is one of the Honda’s top-selling generators and it’s our pick for the best RV generator. It delivers 10 percent more power than the legendary top-selling Honda EU2000i model, both have the same quality and represent the leading edge of portable power technology.

The Honda EU2200i is surprisingly quiet. It generated only 57 dB from 20 feet, which was quieter than most, or maybe all, RV generators we’ve ever seen. To put that into perspective, the noise will be somewhere between listening to a normal conversation and sitting in a private office.

Plus, while this inverter generator puts out up to 1800 watts at full load, it is incredibly lightweight and portable, only less than 47 pounds. So if a lightweight design and quiet operation are your top priorities when shopping for an RV generator, the Honda EU2200i is probably the best choice for you.

Overall, from our own reading reviews from buyers on Amazon.com, talking to the real users, and browsing many RV forums, we can tell that the Honda EU2200i inverter generator is the best generator for RV and camping. It would be enough power to run most devices you need when RV camping, but if you need more power to run RV air conditioning unit, you can add a second EU2200i to double your power, up to 4,400 watts max.

#2. Champion 3400-Watt Dual-Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator – Best Quiet RV Generator for RV Air Conditioner

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The Champion 3400-Watt Dual-Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator was our top pick for the best quiet RV generator. It was even quieter than the Honda EU2200i under a 1,500W load. And unlike the Honda EU2200i, this Champion generator can handle a 15k BTU A/C unit and runs on either gasoline and propane. This is a huge advantage for those in an RV or Travel Trailer as many already have propane on board. Although, when operating on propane the generator does not produce as much power.

You can also run two RV air conditioning units at the same time by connecting two generators together via the optional Champion Parallel Kit.  The Champion Parallel Kit is designed to easily clip-on and connect to two 2800 Watt or more inverters and comes travel-ready with standard 50A RV outlet with enough power to start and run two 15k BTU RV air conditioners. That truly is convenient in such a way that you can easily get more power when you need it, without having to trade up for a larger, heavier RV generator.

You get more power without sacrificing portability. For that reason, we think the Champion 3400-Watt Dual-Fuel RV Ready is the best generator for your RV if you’re looking for a generator model that is able to handle your A/C unit in the hot days while has the ability to extend the power whenever you need.

The Champion 3400-Watt Inverter Generator has a run time of up to 7.5 hours on a full tank of gasoline or 14.5 hours on a 20 lb. propane tank at 25% load. It features a push-button electric start and a built-in Volt Guard to protect your devices from sudden voltage spikes and power surges. It includes 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.

#3. Champion 3800-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Generator

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If you need more power from your RV generator but you don’t have much money to spend, and a quiet operation isn’t your top priority, then the Champion 3800-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Generator is a very good option to consider.

This unit provides more power than the Champion 3,400W dual-fuel inverter generator but is only half of the price. When using a 20-pound propane tank, it’s capable of producing 4275 starting watts and 3240 running watts, and will run for 20 hours at 25% load – the running time is much longer than that of the Champion 3,400W. When running on gasoline, it produces about 4750 starting watts and 3800 running watts, and will run for 9 hours at 50% load.

You can use this generator to run a 15k BTU A/C unit and several appliances in your RV simultaneously without any issue. As one of the best generators for RVs that Champion offers to the market, the 3800-Watt Dual Fuel already comes with a standard 30A RV outlet. It also features Volt Guard built-in surge protector which prevents overloads and keeps your RV’s appliances safe.

There are also plenty of outlets available: a 120V 30A RV (TT-30R), a 120V 30A locking outlet (L5-30R), and two 120V 20A household outlets (5-20R). The convenient electric start includes a battery, plus Cold Start Technology ensures a quick start in cold weather. Finally, Champion’s thoughtful packaging make setup hassle-free, plus the foldaway handle makes it easy to store, while the never-flat tires in the included wheel kit make transport a cinch.

Overall, if you’re looking for an inexpensive portable generator that will give you an awesome power, the Champion 3800-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator is one of the best generators you can buy for your RV. Though with a noise level of 68 dBA from 23 feet, it can be quite a bit loud.

#4. Yamaha EF2000iSv2 Gas-Powered Portable Inverter Generator – Best Small Generator for RV

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When it comes to the best portable generator for RV and camping, most people recommend models from Honda and Yamaha. They are generally more fuel efficient, more versatile, and much quieter than portable generators from other brands. We think you can’t go wrong with either of those two. They get so many positive reviews from both owners and fellow professional reviewers. And the fact that we’ve heard very little negative feedback from users about Honda’s and Yamaha’s generators.

The EF2000iSv2 Gas Powered Portable Inverter is Yamaha’s top-selling generator. It competes directly with the Honda EU2200i in price, features, and noise level, but it delivers 10 percent less power (200W) and has a slightly smaller engine – which makes it lighter than the Honda (44.1 lbs).

The Yamaha EF2000iSv2 produces 1600 watts of running power and 2000 starting watts. This is not the one for running multiple devices in your RV at the same time. And also not enough power to start up a 13,500 BTU air conditioner. However, if you use a small window air conditioner in your RV, this portable generator would work without any issues.

Additional features include an Oil Watch Warning System to prevent engine damage, a 12-volt DC outlet and included cables to charge any 12-volt battery. Easy-to-read fuel gauge. The parallel function lets you connect an additional generator for extra amperage. Gasoline petcock allows you to shut the gas off and run the carburetor dry for storage.

#5. Westinghouse WGen3600 Gas-Powered Portable Generator – Best Cheap Generator for RV

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The Westinghouse WGen3600 Portable Generator is a great option if you’re after an inexpensive RV generator that is powerful enough to do most jobs for which you might use it. Like the Champion 3,800W dual-fuel above, this Westinghouse generator is an open frame generator. The biggest advantage of an open frame generator is the price. It can be significantly less when compared to a similar-sized inverter generator. With that cost saving does come a heavier and louder unit.

The WGen3600 runs at 3600 running watts and 4650 peak watts due to its solid Westinghouse engine. The engine in this unit is 212cc and OHV, contained in a cast iron sleeve for strength and protection. When a 4-gallon fuel tank is full, the engine can run for approximately 18 hours at a 25% load. The WGen3600 comes with two 5-20R 120V household duplex receptacles, one RV-ready TT-30R 30 Amp Receptacle, and one L5-30R 30 Amp Receptacle. All have rubber covers for added protection. The unit is also made for easy use. It comes with modern parts, such as the helpful, intuitive control panel. The operation is easy for most adults.

With such many convenient features and a warranty up to 3 years, this is definitely one of the best generators for RV you can buy without breaking the bank. But if you’re looking for a really quiet RV generator for using at campgrounds, we’d suggest you consider another model.

#6. Briggs & Stratton P3000 PowerSmart Gas-Powered Portable Inverter Generator

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Engineered to be ultra portable and ultra powerful, the Briggs & Stratton P3000 PowerSmart Inverter Generator is the ideal power-house for dry camping or boondocking. With a 3,000 starting watts/2,600 running watts output, this is a monster that produces enough power to run just about everything you need, where ever you want to go – from the most basic tailgate essentials to higher-wattage items including: big screen TVs, crock-pots, small refrigerators, microwaves and a 13,500 BTU RV air conditioning unit (not all at the same time).

The P3000 comes equipped with all the bells and whistles you might expect from Briggs & Stratton, including an auto-idle mode recommended for best fuel economy, a standard fuel gauge and a handy LCD display “StatStation”. The Briggs & Stratton StatStation display – although it might sound simple, this digital readout shows you exactly how much power you’re sucking – and prevents a nasty power overload.

In addition to the RV ready connection, including one 12V DC outlet and one 120V 30A RV outlet, you will take advantage of the 4 onboard 120V outlets, as well as the USB connection. If you often travel with lots of gear, these dedicated outlets would come in handy – providing a charge to your phone, camera, and many devices with ease.

But what really impressed us about this generator was the fact that while it weighs up to 84 lbs, it is very easy to move around. At the back of the generator you’ll find two beefy air-less wheels and at the front a telescopic handle – allowing you to drag the generator around with you effortlessly. Not to mention, up-top there is twin lift handles that allow two people to lift this generator with ease.

Overall, the Briggs & Stratton P3000 PowerSmart is one of the best generators for RV camping and power outages with plenty of power and so many awesome features.

The post What’s the Best Generator For Your RV? appeared first on Green Living Blog.

Unfortunately, it’s not easy to find out the best quiet RV generator that fits your needs. Manufacturers use a variety of terms when describing features about their generators: Power Output, Run Time, USB Ports, Advanced Features, etc. But most of them never provide the actual Noise Levels, or Decibel Ratings, of their models. This is all we need to determine how quiet an RV generator is. You can go to a dealer who is willing to actually demonstrate the generator for you, but this may make you feel uncomfortable. And the fact is most dealers won’t do this before you make a purchase.

Luckily, we’ve actually conducted a noise test on some of the quietest RV generators on the market today, including generators from Honda, Yamaha, Champion Power Equipment, Briggs & Stratton, and Wen. We’ve written down the actual decibel ratings of each model and show you in a table below. And it turned out that the noise levels of an RV generator depend significantly on whether it is operating under ECO mode or under a load (1,500W heat gun). And surprisingly enough, one of the largest RV generators in our test was the quietest RV generator under a load, and its price was very affordable.

• The Quietest Portable Generators Reviews – Noise & Decibel Comparison
• What’s The Best Propane Generator?
• Best generator for RV – Reviews and Buying Guide 

Best Quiet RV Generators (Scroll down to see reviews)

Image	RV Generator	Noise Levels (Eco Mode 20')	Noise Levels (1500W 20')	Running/Starting Watts	Running AC Unit?
	Champion 3400W Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator	62 dBA	65 dBA	3100W/3400W
	Honda EU2200i Portable Inverter Generator	57 dBA	67.4 dBA	1800W/2200W
	Honda EU3000iS Gasoline Portable Inverter Generator	60.5 dBA	70 dBA	2800W/3000W
	Yamaha EF2000iSv2 Gas Portable Inverter Generator	57.5 dBA	68 dBA	1600W/2000W
	Briggs & Stratton P3000 PowerSmart Series	61 dBA	74 dBA	2600W/3000W
	WEN 56310i CARB Compliant Inverter Generator	63 dBA	71.7 dBA	2800W/3100W

Our Recommendation For You

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Much to our surprise the largest inverter generator that we tested was the QUIETEST RV GENERATOR UNDER A LOAD. The Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator really impressed us! Not only was it the quietest generator under a load, it was relatively quiet in eco mode.

What makes this generator more enticing than the super quiet operating levels is the fact that this generator is RV ready. It runs off Gasoline or Propane straight out of the box and comes with a battery for easy electric start. Additionally, it can be paralleled (connecting two generators together to provide double the power), although this unit is supposed to provide enough power for an RV Air Conditioner, 13.5k or 15k BTU.

Many people opt 2000W generators for their RVs, such as the Honda EU2200i Portable Inverter Generator. These generators would be enough for most of your power needs, but one of the major disadvantages of them is that they can’t handle your RV’s air conditioner, as most RV air conditioners will need somewhere between 2800 – 3500 watts to start. This is a very important factor when selecting the best quiet generator for your RV as summer is coming soon and your RV can get uncomfortably hot without air conditioning. That’s why we think 3000W to 3400W (starting watts) units are more suitable.

However, if you’re using a window air conditioner unit (10,000 BTU or less) in your RV, a 2000W portable generator would work without any issue. A 10,000 BTU window AC unit has surge wattage of 1800 watts and a running wattage of 1200 watts.

Video: Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator Reviews

Understanding Noise/Decibel Levels

Have you ever heard of decibels? Do you ever wonder what they are and why they are used to determine which is the quietest RV generator in our test?

The decibel (abbreviated dB) is the unit used to measure the intensity of a sound. The decibel scale is a little odd because the human ear is incredibly sensitive. Your ears can hear everything from your fingertip brushing lightly over your skin to a loud jet engine. In terms of power, the sound of the jet engine is about 1,000,000,000,000 times more powerful than the smallest audible sound. That’s a big difference!

On the decibel scale, the smallest audible sound is 0 dB. And 0 dB is also the quietest sound audible to a healthy human ear. The relative loudness that we perceive is a subjective psychological phenomenon, not something that can be objectively measured. Most of us perceive one sound to be twice as loud as another one when they are about 10 dB apart; for instance, a 70-dB RV generator will sound twice as loud as a 60-dB generator. Yet that 10-dB difference represents a tenfold increase in intensity. An 80-dB RV generator will sound about four times as loud as a 60-dB RV generator, but in terms of acoustic intensity, the sound it makes is 100 times as powerful.

Here are some common sounds and their decibel ratings. These ratings are taken while standing near the sound

Any sound above 85 dB can cause hearing loss, and the loss is related both to the power of the sound as well as the length of exposure. You know that you are listening to an 85-dB sound if you have to raise your voice to be heard by somebody else. Eight hours of 90-dB sound can cause damage to your ears; any exposure to 140-dB sound causes immediate damage (and causes actual pain). So protecting ears is another reason why you should buy a quiet RV generator.

Inverter vs. Conventional Generators – Which is Quieter?

Inverter generators differ widely from conventional generators when it comes to noise. Inverter generators are designed to be comparatively quiet. Quieter engines, special mufflers, and sound-dampening technology are used to reduce noise to amazingly low levels.

Conventional generators are the most widely used today, also because they have been around the longest. They run on diesel, gasoline or propane, which in simple terms, powers a motor attached to an alternator that produces electricity. The motor of conventional generators run at a constant speed (typically 3600 rpm) in order to produce a stable flow of electricity.

Inverters, on the other hand, are a recent technology, which adjusts the electrical characteristics of the power produced using microprocessors and special electronics. Unlike conventional generators, inverter generators can control generator motor speed accordingly. This means that the engine can adjust according to the power load needed, saving fuel and substantially reducing noise. To give an idea, an inverter generator running low, could be the equivalent of people conversing (50-65 dB). Instead, many conventional generators can have the same noise range as a lawn mower.

Designed to mirror a pure sine wave, inverter generators are also safer to run laptops, cell phones, monitors, tablets and other vulnerable electronics in your RV. So if you want a quiet generator for your RV and camping trips – inverter generators are the best choice.

Video: What are the differences between inverter generators and conventional generators?

The Best Quiet RV Generators You Can Buy

Now we’re ready to look at some of the best quiet RV generators available to you, and they come from a big selection of various brands. Some are from brands you would consider the industry leaders, such as Honda or Yamaha. We know you would like the quietest generator possible, but at the same time there are a lot of other things you’ll need to take into consideration before you find the right one for you. Therefore, besides looking at exactly how loud each RV generator is, we’ll look at the other benefits of each model.

#1. Champion 3400-Watt Dual-Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator – Best Quiet RV Generator For The Money

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The Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator gets our first spot not only as it was the quietest RV generator under a load in our test, a 3400W output makes it a perfect solution for powering RV’s air conditioning unit, up to 15,000 BTU. More importantly, even though this Champion inverter generator produces a whopping power output of 3,400 watts, it’s still very affordable. At roughly the same price as the Honda or Yamaha, yet 1500 Watts larger, dual fuel and electric start, this quiet RV generator is easily one of the best for the money.

When it comes to generators, more power will always equal more decibels. The Champion 3400-Watt inverter generator, however, produced less noise than most 2000W generators on the market. Under 1500W load, it operated at only 65 dB from 20-feet away, which was quieter than all RV generators in the test. You can stand next to it while carrying on a comfortable conversation. With Eco mode turned on and with no load, it was louder than the Honda eu2200is but still sound pretty quiet. We’d characterize the sound level as similar to that of a car at idle. With such a quiet operation, this generator is suitable for use at virtually all campgrounds in American where generators are allowed.

Not only is this one of the quietest RV generators on the market, it comes with many great features that the best RV generators should have. The convenient electric start includes a battery, plus Cold Start Technology ensures a quick start in cold weather. This is an RV ready generator, it operates off gasoline or propane. On gasoline, the generator will produce 3400 starting Watt and 3100 running Watt, and will run for 7.5 hours at 25% load. It produces 3060 starting Watt and 2790 running Watt, and will run for 14.5 hours at 25% load when using a 20-pound propane tank.

It’s also unlikely you would ever need this considering the large power output, but as with any decent RV generator you’ll be able to hook it up to another Champion inverter generator for double the power, although we’re not sure you would need the parallel port unless you live in a mansion.

If you’re looking for a smaller unit with a lower price, consider the Champion 3100-Watt RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator. This quiet RV generator has almost the same noise level as the 3,400W unit, it was even quieter in Eco mode. And it comes with a convenient Wireless Remote Start, which allows you to start and stop your generator from up to 80 feet away.

#2. Honda EU2200i Gas-Powered Portable Inverter Generator – Most Reliable Quiet RV Generator

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In our opinion you can’t go wrong with Honda generators, they are the NUMBER #1 when it comes to reliability and quality. And this Honda EU2200i Portable Inverter Generator is one of the best quiet RV generators offered by Honda. This is also one of the best-selling portable generators of all time.

Sound is one of the major advantages of Honda portable inverter generators. In Eco mode with no load, the Honda EU2200i was extremely quiet. It generated only 57 dB from 20 feet, which was quieter than most, or maybe all, RV generators we’ve ever seen. To put that into perspective, the noise will be somewhere between listening to a normal conversation and sitting in a private office. Under 1500W with Eco mode off, the generator generated about 67.4 dB at 20 feet, which was a bit louder than the Champion 3,400W inverter generator. You can barely hear the noise when sitting in your RV though.

What makes this popular portable generator one of the quietest RV generators in the industry?

The EU2200i is powered by the Honda GXR120 engine – which is a legendary engine. This four-stroke engine was originally developed to power 110-lb. to 175-lb. rammers—heavy duty construction equipment used to compact soil or other granular material—at multiple elevations with ease. It includes a special cast-iron cylinder sleeve and a high carbon-steel, dual-ball bearing crankshaft that provide improved engine strength and lasting durability.

A very compact muffler, combined with the OHC engine layout, reduces operation noise by one decibel (dB) compared with the current Honda GX100 engine that powers the outgoing EU2000i generator. A simple but innovative lubrication system with a dual-breather chamber optimizes engine lubricating performance. In addition, an automatic decompression system allows for easy engine starting, while an Oil Alert feature prevents the engine from operating if the oil level is too low.

The Honda EU2200i inverter generator is packing 2,200 starting watts, and the running watts is 1,800, which is enough for powering most appliances in your RV. If you want to use it with the air conditioning unit, you can add a second EU2200i to double your power, up to 4,400 watts max.

With less than 47 lbs in weight and a built-in handle, the EU2200i is very easy to transport and store. It is also designed for quick and easy starting. Honda’s automatic mechanical decompressor system significantly reduces the amount of force needed to start the engine. This was the only model that started on the first pull every time—even after we drained the fuel tank dry.

#3. Honda EU3000iS Gasoline Portable Inverter Generator

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Yes! You can wire two of the Honda EU2200i inverter generator in parallel for additional power. But you don’t have to. This Honda EU3000iS Gasoline Portable Inverter Generator is enough for virtually everything you need. It provides up to 3,000 watts of power which can start up and run a wide variety of appliances in your RV, including a furnace, refrigerator, microwave, water heater, and most 13,500 BTU RV AC units. Even if you need more power than that, two models can be paralleled with a cable to produce up to 6000 watts.

Along with the EU2200i, the EU3000iS is one of the quietest RV generators offered by Honda. With a noise rating of only 60.5 dB in Eco mode and 70 dB under a 1500W load, it was only as loud as most 2,000W inverter generators on the market.

The Honda EU3000iS Generator is by far one of the simplest generators to operate due to its excellent panel design. Starting on the top left there is a parallel operation outlet that doubles its power with another unit. Below it there is an output indicator, overload alarm, and oil alert. It provides two 20-Amp 120v AC outlets to accommodate regular appliances and a 23-Amp twist lock outlet for power tools.

This quiet RV generator is said to be a fuel efficient if it uses less fuel while it runs for a longer period of time. Thanks to the exclusive eco-throttle, it runs 7.2 to 20 hours on just a single tank, depending on the load – ideal for maintaining overnight power. Eco-Throttle also allows the generator’s engine to automatically adjust the engine speed to produce only the power needed for the application in use and helps to reduce exhaust emissions. This CARB-compliant model also features a U.S. Forestry-approved spark arrestor for safe use in parks and forests.

#4. Yamaha EF2000iSv2 Gas-Powered Portable Inverter Generator

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Not only is this one of the best quiet RV generators you can buy but it’s easily one of the most versatile, if not “the most versatile” inverter generators. In at just 44.1 pounds with the ability to power a wide range of applications for an extended time, the Yamaha EF2000iSv2 Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator is a perfect choice not only for most RVers but also for anybody who requires power on the go or wants to be prepared in case of an emergency or disaster.

The Yamaha EF2000iSv2 competes directly with the Honda EU2200i in price and features, but it delivers 10 percent less power (200W) and has a slightly smaller engine. Even though the Yamaha EF2000iSv2 has a smaller engine, it’s slightly louder than the Honda EU2200i – 57.5 dB in Eco mode with no load and 68 dB under a 1,500W load. This is a very small difference and both are two of the quietest RV generators you can buy. But we think that if you’re shopping for top class of RV generator, the Honda EU2200i is really the better choice.

The Yamaha EF2000iSv2 produces 1600 watts of running power and 2000 starting watts. This is not the one for running multiple devices in your RV at the same time. And also not enough power to start up a 13,500 BTU air conditioner. However, if you use a small window air conditioner in your RV, this portable generator would work without any issues. Additional features include an Oil Watch Warning System to prevent engine damage, a 12-volt DC outlet and included cables to charge any 12-volt battery. Easy-to-read fuel gauge. The parallel function lets you connect an additional generator for extra amperage. Gasoline petcock allows you to shut the gas off and run the carburetor dry for storage.

Overall, like with the Honda EU2200is, you can’t go wrong with this Yamaha EF2000iSv2. It’s not a cheap generator but it’s easily one of the best quiet RV generators that you can buy. It’s well engineered and designed for portability and maximum power. It’s very easy to carry around and transport while providing excellent smart features that protect your investment while providing power wherever you need it.

#5. Briggs & Stratton P3000 PowerSmart Series Gas-Powered Portable Inverter Generator

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The Briggs & Stratton P3000 PowerSmart Series is one of the best RV generators for dry camping and boondocking. With a 3,000 starting watts/2,600 running watts output, this is a monster that produces enough power for all important electronics in your RV, including a 13,500 BTU RV air conditioner. If you don’t think that’s enough power, it also has parallel capability so you can connect two units together for more power. Additionally, it’s equipped with (4) household outlets, (1) 12V 30-amp locking outlet with RV adaptor DC charging outlet and a USB port. Hence if you’re looking for a single generator that can power everything you need on a camping trip, and has the ability to extend its capacity when needed, this is a great choice.

Even though is this one of the best quiet RV generators on the market, it’s the loudest generator under a load we’re reviewing today. At 20 feet in Eco mode with no load, the Briggs & Stratton P3000 produced a noise level of about 61 dB. Under 1,500W load, it jumped to 74 dB, which was a bit louder than the Honda EU3000iS and much louder than two of our top picks. However, this is completely acceptable for an RV generator with such a robust engine.

The Briggs & Stratton P3000 PowerSmart Series is larger than the briefcase-style generators, although Briggs & Stratton have made it as portable as possible for you. The design of the handle and the wheels make it feel like you’re wheeling a suitcase around the airport. The weight is roughly 30 pounds heavier than some of the 2,000-watt models, which isn’t too much of a difference.

#6. WEN 56310i CARB Compliant Inverter Generator 3100W – Best Cheap Quiet RV Generator

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The WEN 56310i CARB Compliant Inverter Generator is a great choice for anybody who does not have much money to spend. You couldn’t buy any other quiet RV generators with such a low price. In terms of quality, there is no way this cheap RV generator can be better than the Champion, Honda, Yamaha, or Briggs & Stratton units. But as you can see it’s 2x to 3.5x less expensive. You could buy 2 WEN units and have one laying around for spare parts and still be a thousand bucks ahead compared to buying a Honda or Yamaha.

One of the really impressive things is the fact that even though this WEN inverter generator was not optimized for silence, it still manages to output just 63 decibels of noise from 20 feet under Eco mode with no load. Under a 1,500W load, it produced only 71.7 dB at 20 feet, which was still quieter than the Briggs & Stratton P3000 PowerSmart Series.

This RV generator generates 3100 surge watts and 2800 rated watts of power. It packs a larger engine, a 212cc 4-stroke OHV that combines with the 1.85-gallon fuel tank to deliver over 7.5 hours of run-time under 50% load. The front panel is loaded with two 3-prong 120V receptacles, a single 120V 30A AC NEMA twist lock receptacle, one 12V DC receptacle, and dual 5V USB ports for charging your cell phone or external battery bank.

Overall, the WEN 56310i is a good quiet RV generator for you if you’re on the budget. For the price that you have to pay for the Champion 3,400W dual-fuel, you could get 2 of WEN inverter generators and connect them in parallel to have up to 6,200W, which is enough power for everything you have in your RV.

Other Things to Consider When Buying A Quiet RV Generator

You now know which are the best quiet RV generators on the market that you should consider. But there are some final problems that you need to overcome before you lock in on the perfect model. You need to ask yourself the following questions :

How big of a generator do I need for my RV?

The answer to this question is very much determined by another: How big of a generator do I need to run my RV air conditioner? Your air conditioner will likely take the most wattage by far, so you need to start here. You also need to know that it takes more power to start the air conditioner than it does to keep it running. The minimum wattage of the generator you need is equal to the starting wattage of your air conditioner.

So an RV with a 13,500 BTU AC will probably need a 3000W generator, and an RV with a 15,000 BTU AC will need at least a 3300W generator. That is of course, if you don’t turn on any appliance simultaneously with the AC. You also need to know that most generators have a max wattage rating and a running wattage rating. So a 3000W generator might give you up to 3000W to start that air conditioner, but for long-term use might only be rated 2800W. So after your 3000W generator starts your 13,500 BTU air conditioner which might run at 2000W, you have around 800W to use on other items.

Without an RV air conditioner, the models under 2,500 watts would be enough to run most of devices and appliances in your RV, including microwaves or refrigerators.

Which fuel will my RV generator use?

The second important thing to consider when shopping for a quiet RV generator is what type of fuel they would like to burn. RV generators can be powered by gasoline or propane (LP). Gasoline is more popular thanks to its cheap price, fast burning nature, and the fact that it can be easily stored in containers, so you can carry more gasoline with you than you can carry propane. Gasoline is also a more efficient fuel than propane, most of the best quiet RV generators currently available are gas-powered.

Some generators allow you to switch between gasoline and propane. They are called dual-fuel or hybrid generators. The Champion 3,400W RV Ready Inverter Generator is the only model in our rating that is dual-fuel.

Dual-fuel generators provide solutions to fuel availability issues that invariably arise in times of crisis when you need a temporary emergency backup power source typically configured with the LP tank fueled generator. Dual fuel generators also give users options when the fuel storage or clean-burning benefits of propane are preferred, while having the ability to utilize a more mobile free-standing generator for more routine applications with gasoline. This additional level of versatility has been very popular with RV owners, affording them a valuable alternative with the flexibility to switch between propane and gasoline fuel sources and reasonably valued below the alternative of owning and operating both a gas and a propane generator of equivalent size.

The post Best Quiet RV Generators – Decibel & Noise Test appeared first on Green Living Blog.

Well, there are many things need to be considered when it comes to selecting a power inverter but if you have enough money to spend for a pure sine wave inverter, the answer would be “Yes! It’s worth every penny”. The best pure sine wave inverters tend to incorporate very expensive, high power capable digital components. They not only help you to get the most out of battery bank, but also protect even the most sensitive electronics that you have. The result is your devices work safer and much more efficiently.

This guide will walk you through everything you should know before you buy a pure sine wave inverter for your RV, boat, truck, home backup system, or solar battery bank. It will help you find the one that best matches your needs. We also review some of the best pure sine wave inverters on the market that will help you narrow down your choices.

• Choosing the Best Solar Batteries for Your Solar Power Storage

Best Pure Sine Wave Inverters on the Market

Image	Pure Sine Wave Inverter	Running Watts	Voltages	Best For
	Magnum MS Series Inverter/Chargers	2kW to 4kW	12V, 24V, 48V	Home Backup, Solar, Off-Grid, RV, Marine
	AIMS Power Pure Sine Wave Inverter Chargers	600W to 12kW	12V, 24V, 48V	Home Backup, Solar, Off-Grid, RV, Marine, Car, Truck
	Xantrex Freedom SW Series 12V Inverter/Charger	2kW/3kW	12V	RV, Marine, Home Backup, Solar, Off-Grid
	Go Power! GP-SW3000-12 3000-Watt Pure Sine Wave Inverter	3kW	12V	Trucks, RV, Marine, Home Backup, Solar Off-Grid
	Samlex America PST Series Pure Sine Wave Inverter	300W to 3kW	12V, 24V, 48V	Car, Truck, RV, Home Backup, Solar, Marine
	Outback Power FXR 120V Series Inverter Charger	2kW to 3600W	12V, 24V, 48V	Large Solar Off-Grid/Grid-tie Systems, Home Backup
	Xantrex PROWatt SW inverter	540W, 900W, 1800W	12V	Commercial truck, RV, Marine, Small Solar PV Systems
	VertaMax PURE SINE WAVE Inverters	1.5kW/3kW	12V	Car, Solar, Off-Grid, RV, Back Up Power

Here are Our Top Picks

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One of the most advanced pure sine wave inverters/chargers for home backup and off-grid systems is the MS Series Inverter/Charger from Magnum Energy. The pure sine wave output of this inverter is very clean and highly recommended for computer equipment, televisions, stereo amplifiers and sensitive radio equipment. It’s available for 12V, 24V, and 48V systems in various sizes (2000W to 4000W) to meet the demands of a wide range of electrical systems.

Like other Magnum inverter chargers, the MS Series pure sine wave inverter includes five-stage smart battery chargers for charging batteries from any 120V AC source such as a generator, AC utility power or 120V AC shore power hookup. Best of all, when installed in a solar PV system, this inverter will work perfectly with most MPPT charge controllers on the market. The result is more energy and more run time on cloudy days. For more details, read our detailed reviews below.

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The AIMS Power Pure Sine Wave Inverter Charger is one of the best pure sine wave inverter chargers for you. It’s very popular today not only because of its reliability but also the ability to support a wide range of applications, battery types, and you can easily find a model that fits the size of your system. It is available in 12V, 24V, and 48V from 600W to 12kW.  The most common sizes are 2000W and 3000W at 12V, which are being used the most for RV deep cycle batteries.

Like the Magnum inverter, the AIMS pure sine wave inverter charger is an all-in-one device. The inverter converts DC power to AC power, while also automatically charging a battery bank when the city or generator power is available. When connected to AC power, the unit charges and maintains the required battery bank. As soon as the AC power is disconnected or city power is lost, the inverter switches to the DC battery source.

What’s A Pure Sine Wave Inverter?

Finding the best pure sine wave inverter for you is not easy, especially if you don’t understand what a pure sine wave inverter is.

Power inverters are devices which can convert electrical energy of DC form into that of AC. They come in all shapes and sizes, from low power functions such as powering a car radio to that of backing up a building in case of power outage. Inverters can come in many different varieties, differing in price, power, efficiency and purpose. The purpose of a DC/AC power inverter is typically to take DC power supplied by a battery (12 volts) or a group of batteries (24 volts or 48 volts), and transform it into a 120 volt AC power source operating at 60 Hz, emulating the power available at an ordinary household electrical outlet.

On the market today there are two different types of power inverters, modified sine wave and pure sine wave inverters. These inverters differ in their outputs, providing varying levels of efficiency and distortion that can affect electronic devices in different ways.

Pure Sine Wave Inverters

Pure sine wave inverters are able to simulate precisely the AC power that is delivered by the utility, or may be better. They are used to operate sensitive electronic devices that require high-quality waveform with little harmonic distortion. In addition, they have high surge capacity which means they are able to exceed their rated wattage for a limited time. This enables power motors to start easily which can draw up to seven times their rated wattage during startup. Virtually any electronic device will operate with the output from a pure sine wave inverter.

Usually pure sine wave inverters are more expensive than modified sine wave inverters due to the added circuitry. The best pure sine wave inverters could cost about 3-4 times as much as a modified sine wave inverter of the same power. For example, the AIMS 2000W Pure Sine Inverter and the AIMS 2000W Modified Sine Wave Inverter.

This cost, however, is made up for in its ability to provide power to all AC electronic devices, allow inductive loads to run faster and quieter, and reduce the audible and electric noise in audio equipment, TV’s and fluorescent lights.

Modified Sine Wave Inverters

A modified sine wave is similar to a square wave but instead has a “stepping” look to it that relates more in shape to a sine wave. The waveform is easy to produce because it is just the product of switching between 3 values at set frequencies, thereby leaving out the more complicated circuitry needed for a pure sine wave.

The modified sine wave inverter provides a cheap and easy solution for powering devices that need AC power. It does have some drawbacks as not all devices work properly on a modified sine wave. And even some equipment may seem to be working fine, but may run hotter than with a pure sine wave inverter and reduce the life of it.

Pure Sine Wave vs. Modified Sine Wave – Why Pure Sine Wave is Better?

Some electronic devices may pick up inverter noise while operating with modified sine waveform. Using fluorescent lighting can be problematic when using modified sine wave inverters. Most of the equipment on the market is designed for use with pure sine wave inverters. Some appliances, such as refrigerators, air compressors, water pumps, clocks or speed motors will not produce full output if they don’t use pure sine wave current, moreover they may damage the equipment. Some loads, such as light dimmers will not work without pure sine wave at all.

Pure sine wave inverters, on the other hand, will work properly with any electronic device that requires sensitive calibration. They also can reach a higher voltage level, which causes the load to perform better than modified sine wave inverters can provide. Plus, one of the biggest advantages of pure sine wave over modified sine wave is that it consumes much less energy. A modified sine wave inverter can consume up to 30% more energy than with a pure sine wave inverter. This is very important to a small power system.

How to Size Your Pure Sine Wave Inverter

The best pure sine wave inverters for you should have enough capacity to power the devices you have. If you only need to use one device at a time, then that’s the only one you’ll need to look at. The situation does get more complicated as you add more devices, but it’s still a relatively simple calculation.

You will have to figure out how much wattage your devices require. This information is usually printed somewhere on electronic devices, although it may show voltage and amperage ratings instead. If you are able to find the specific wattages for your devices, you’ll want to add them together to get a bare minimum figure. This number will be the smallest pure sine wave inverter that could possibly suit your needs, so it’s a good idea to add between 10 and 20 percent on top and then buy a pure sine wave inverter that size or larger.

The other factor to keep in mind when determining the necessary size of a pure sine wave inverter is the difference between Running Watts and Starting Watts.

Starting Watts is the wattage that a pure sine wave inverter can supply for short periods of time when the demand spikes, while Running Watts is the limit for normal operation. If your devices draw a combined total of 1000 watts, then you need to buy a pure sine wave inverter that has a running watts rating of 1000 watts. A pure sine wave inverter that is rated at 1000W starting and 500W running just won’t cut it in that situation.

Starting/Running Watts for Common Devices

Bear in mind that if you’re going to be using your pure sine wave inverter for an RV air conditioner, always consider a model that has a running watts rating of at least 2000W and a starting watts rating of at least 3000W.

Some of The Best Pure Sine Wave Inverters For You

1. AIMS Power 12V Pure Sine Wave Inverter Charger – Best Pure Sine Wave Inverter for Home Backup

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One of the most popular pure sine wave inverters for home backup systems is the AIMS Power 12V Pure Sine Wave Inverter Charger. This inverter is available in various sizes (from 600W to 4000W) to meet the demand of electrical system in your home. If you’re running a window air conditioner, the 4000W model would be an excellent choice. This inverter is also a great choice for RVs, cars, trucks, renewable solar, off-grid, and marine applications (as it has conformal-coated (marine-coated) boards, making it marine-grade and resistant to dust and/or water vapor that may travel through the air and could otherwise be damaging to the unit).

The Aims Power pure sine wave inverter is an all-in-one inverter. Not only does it take DC power and convert it to AC, but it can also automatically charge a battery bank and automatically switch when connected to AC power. This inverter has 2 inputs, DC and AC. When connected to AC power, the unit will pass the AC power through it (generator, shore power, outlets), as well as charge and maintain the battery bank. As soon as the AC power is disconnected, the generator is shut off or city power is lost, the inverter will automatically switch to the DC battery source.

One of the features that makes it the best pure sine wave inverters for home electricity backup is an average 10 millisecond transfer time with the built-in transfer switch. This feature is awesome as it makes the inverter a nearly uninterrupted power supply (UPS) when combined with a battery bank. This pure sine wave inverter also features a battery-type selector, which helps user regulate the voltage going into the battery bank. This capability can be a big money-saver since treating the battery bank properly will maximize its lifespan.

Must-have accessories:

• AIMS Power REMOTELF Remote Switch with LCD Monitoring Screen

2. Xantrex Freedom SW Series 3000 Watt Inverter/Charger – Best Pure Sine Wave Inverter for RV, Boat

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When it comes to electrical power, RVers need reliable devices that work easily – exactly when they should. Let’s face it, they’ve got more to think about than whether their electrical system is working: like taking the perfect panoramic shot, fishing, hiking, or watching the game highlights in the parking lot of their favorite sports arena. In the RV industry, Xantrex is one of the most reliable names. And the Xantrex Freedom SW Series 3000 Watt Inverter/Charger is one of the best pure sine wave inverters that Xantrex offers to RVers.

The Freedom SW 3000W inverter/charger is packed with features and it is one of the most advanced pure sine wave inverters on the market today. It features premium sine wave output with high surge capability and temperature compensated, power factor corrected, multi-stage charging to meet power needs of demanding loads including inductive motor loads. It provides 3000 watts of utility grade AC power to operate commonly used AC-powered electronics such as plasma television sets, microwaves, entertainment systems, computers, printers, power tools, refrigerators and much more. This is a great choice for RVs with an air conditioner. With a powerful 150A built-in smart charger, it will charge your battery bank very fast.

Video: Xantrex Freedom SW Inverter/Chargers

We’ve found that this is one of the best pure sine wave inverter/chargers for charging your battery bank with a generator. It features a “Generator Support Mode” which allows the inverter to step in to assist the generator when AC loads exceed the capacity. An optional automatic generator start feature protects batteries by starting up the generator to charge the batteries while continuing to supply AC. With an optional remote ON/OFF switch, you can link the inverter to the ignition switch to prevent unwanted battery discharge when the alternator isn’t providing power.

• Read more: What’s the quietest generator for RV?

Multi-stage charging is the best way to restore a battery’s charge and extend battery life. The Freedom SW 3000 pure sine wave inverter/charger is power factor corrected for maximum efficiency and uses a 3 stage charging system (bulk, absorption, and float) plus a manual equalize feature to charge AGM, flooded, and Gel batteries. The equalize feature helps to retain maximum battery capacity by removing crystals that form on the plates. Using the optional system control panel, you will be able to program charging rates to match manufacturer’s specifications. The charger also compensates for battery temperature using the included sensor.

Overall, this is definitely one of the best pure sine wave inverter chargers you can buy. It’s a perfect inverter for the boat, home solar PV system, and backup system as well. If you’re looking for a lower capacity pure sine wave inverter/charger, we would highly recommend you take a look at the Xantrex Freedom SW 2000W.

Must-have accessories:

• Xanbus System Control Panel for Xantrex Freedom SW

3. Magnum MS Series Inverter/Charger – Best Pure Sine Wave Inverter for Off-Grid System

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The Magnum MS Series Inverter/Charger is a pure sine wave inverter designed specifically for the most demanding off-grid applications. Besides off-grid systems, it is also very popular for RV’s and marine use.

This pure sine wave inverter and power-factor corrected charger provides clean, reliable inverter power with a total harmonic distortion of less than 5%. Flash programming allows easy memory upgrades. The transfer relay shifts power automatically in 16 milliseconds whenever shore power is lost, preventing crashes from damaging sensitive electronics. The inverter/charger keeps its cool, with dual variable-speed brushless cooling fans.

Like other Magnum inverter/chargers, the MS Series includes five-stage smart battery chargers (with Bulk, Absorption, Float, Equalization and Battery Saver-which maintains your batteries in storage without drying them out). Ruggedly marinized for corrosion protection in the saltwater environment, the MS Series includes conformal coated circuit boards, an aluminum powder-coated chassis and top and stainless fasteners. Available for 12V, 24V, and 48V systems in 2000, 2800 and 4000-watt sizes to meet the demands of a wide range of electrical systems.

Overall, if you’re looking for the best pure sine wave inverter for your off-grid system, or electrical system in your RV or boat, you could stop here. Even though the inverter is limited to 4000W, but as more energy is required, you can connect multiple inverters in parallel to get more capacity. You do not need an additional remote control unit to operate the power system, but if you want remote monitoring and control capability, an optional remote control can be located up to 150′ away from the power center.

Must-have accessories:

• MAGNUM ME-RC50 Remote Panel

4. Go Power! GP-SW3000-12 3000-Watt Pure Sine Wave Inverter

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If you’re looking for a high end, high capacity pure sine-wave inverter, we’d highly recommend you give the Go Power! GP-SW3000-12 3000-Watt Pure Sine Wave Inverter a serious look. This is one of the highest quality pure sine wave inverters in the industry. It supports AC devices rated up to 3000-Watt delivering 3000-Watt of continuous AC power with a high surge capacity for devices that require up to 6000-Watt to start.

The high capacity, compact, easy-to-use and easy-to-install design of the GP-SW3000 make it the best pure sine wave inverter for full-time RVers, long-haul trucks, utility vehicles, work trucks, and marine applications.

5. Samlex America PST Series Pure Sine Wave Inverter

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Founded in 1991, Samlex America is one of the most trusted names in the inverter industry. The company operates factories and assembly facilities in Europe, Asia, and North America. Samlex offers inverters from 120 to 3,500 watts, along with a variety of battery chargers and communications converters.

The Samlex America PST Series is the best pure sine wave inverter that Samlex offers to the market. This inverter is available in many different sizes, from 300W to 3000W and capable of working with systems ranging from 12V to 48V in input range. So you can easily find the size that meets your power needs. All of them feature powerful microprocessors, and a built-in transfer switch capable of driving highly reactive and capacitive loads.

The Samlex America PST series is best for temporary or intermittent loads. If you plan to use devices for extended periods or want to power devices such as a water pump, air compressor or power tools, you may want to consider the more efficient SA series of inverters from Samlex.

If you’re looking for an inverter/charger from Samlex America, consider the Samlex Evolution, or EVO for short.

Must-have accessories:

• Samlex RC-15A (Remote Control for PST-600 and PST-1000 Inverters)
• Samlex RC-300 (Remote Control for PST-1500, PST-2000 and PST-3000 Inverters)

6. Outback Power FXR Series Inverter Charger – Best Pure Sine Wave Inverter for Large Solar Off-Grid/Grid-tie Systems

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Outback is an American company founded in 2001 and headquartered in Arlington, WA, and is specialized in the design, production and sales of mobile and marine solutions, power backup systems and renewable energy systems. In particular, Outback specializes in the manufacturing of solar products suitable for off-grid applications. Their products have been used in extreme conditions for example in Alaska and Africa, but also in rural areas in Latin America and southern California.

The Outback Power FXR Series Inverter/Charger is the most recent generation of Outback’s pure sine wave inverters, which can be used in grid-connected, off-grid, or even hybrid applications. This is definitely one of the best pure sine wave inverters for you.

Both off-grid and grid-tied functionality in one unit:

• Seven programmable modes, including GridZero and Support Mode and built-in networked communications
• Advanced Battery Charging (ABC) with expanded charging voltages and time parameters, enabling system designers to accommodate the specific charging profiles and algorithms of new and emerging energy storage technologies including Lithium Ion, Aqueous Ion and Flow chemistry batteries
• Easy system upgradability in the field

The Outback FXR pure sine wave inverter/chargers can be paired with a MATE3s remote to add OPTICS RE to remotely monitor and control system performance from any location. Available in power ranges from 2000W-3600W, multiple units may be stacked and connected with other OutBack Power electronics for more seamless system integration and the ability to function in a wide variety of applications, and system sizes.

Up to nine inverters can be combined in a 3-phase system with the 12V, 24V or 48V models, and up to 36kW in a grid-tied 24V or 48V system. The exclusive modular system architecture means that increased power output is just an additional FXR inverter/charger away.

Must-have accessories:

• OutBack Power MATE2 Digital Display System Control Flush Mount

The post The Best Pure Sine Wave Inverters To Buy appeared first on Green Living Blog.

When selecting a truck winch, there are a lot of factors to consider. You need to consider the amount of power needed based on your truck’s size and weight. You need to consider what type of winch is best for your truck. And you also need think about how much money would you want to spend. We can’t tell you what winch is best for your truck because that depends on your truck and your budget. But we’re trying to provide you everything you should know before you make any purchasing decision.

• More: Guide to Choosing The Best winches for Jeeps?
• More: What’s the best GPS device for your truck?

Best Truck Winches: Our Picks

When it comes to electric truck winches, Warn’s winches are definitely the Number #1. For almost 70 years now, they have been making the highest-quality electric winches in the industry. So it’s no surprise that they’re known in every corner of the planet, in every country. No matter where you trail, from the mountains of Tibet to the deserts of the Sahara, to the deep forests of Oregon – Warn is the winch you want and can depend on.

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The Warn ZEON Winches with Synthetic Rope are some of the best truck winches from Warn that most serious off-roaders want to have. With a robust electric motor and a modern sleek look, they have become some of the most popular winches on the market today.

Warn Zeon winches are available in 3 popular sizes: 8,000 lb., 10,000 lb., and 12,000 lb. If your truck is a midsize pickup truck, like a Toyota Tacoma or Nissan Frontier, the best choice for you is the Warn ZEON 10-S Winch 10,000 lb. capacity. If your truck is a full-size truck, like a Ford F-150 or Chevy 1500, the Warn ZEON 12-S Winch 12,000 lb. capacity would be optimal for you.

VIDEO: Warn Zeon Winch

If you want to control Warn’s truck winches by a wireless remote, get the Warn 90287 Wireless Remote. It can control your winch from anywhere within a 50 feet range of your vehicle without the need for hard-wiring or splicing. This remote will work on any Warn truck winch with a 5-wire control pack or contactor. The Warn Zeon Platinum series winches have already been integrated this feature.

Other best truck winches to buy:

Image	Truck Winch	Capacity	Type of Rope	Best For
	Warn ZEON 10-S Winch	10,000 lb.	Synthetic Rope	Mizsize + Full-size Trucks
	Warn ZEON 12-S Winch	12,000 lb.	Synthetic Rope	Full-size Trucks
	WARN M8000 Winch	8,000 lb.	Wire Cable	Compact Pickup Trucks
	Smittybilt X2O 10,000-lb Waterproof Synthetic Rope Winch	10,000 lb.	Synthetic Rope	Mizsize + Full-size Trucks
	WARN 95960 ZEON Platinum 12-S Winch	12,000 lb.	Synthetic Rope	Off-Road, Full-size Trucks
	Mile Marker HI-Series 12,000-lb. Hydraulic Winch	12,000 lb.	Wire Cable	Full-size Trucks
	Mile Marker 76-53260W Electric Winch	15,000 lb.	Synthetic Rope	3/4 ton Pickup Trucks
	WARN 68801 16.5ti Thermometric Winch	16,500 lb.	Wire Cable	Heavy-duty Pickup Trucks
	Superwinch 1511201 Tiger Shark 12V Winch	11,500 lb.	Synthetic Rope	Full-size Trucks

How to Choose The Best Truck Winch?

What Size Winch Do You Need for Your Truck?

The first and also the most important thing to consider when selecting a winch for your truck is the size of the winch. You need to establish how strong the winch needs to be for it to be useful to you. The best truck winches should have enough pull capacity to pull your off-road truck out of a sticky situation.

With many truck winches rated for different pulling weights, it can be hard to know exactly what you need. A generally accepted formula is to choose a winch that is rated for at least 1.5 times the gross vehicle operating weight rating (GVWR).

In the United States, the Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) puts trucks into classes ranged from 1 to 8 (smallest to largest) based on GVWR. GVWR refers to the maximum operating weight a truck can possibly carry while driving including the truck itself. GVWR classes have nothing to do with what parts the truck is fitted with, how beefy the suspension is, or what the truck looks like. They are solely based on weight. So if a truck’s GVWR is 10,000 pounds, that’s the most the manufacturer and government have certified the truck to possibly weigh with fuel, passengers, and cargo. These classes exist for safety regulation, commercial designation, and registration purposes.

Most trucks that need a winch live in class 1, 2, and 3.

Class 1 (Pickup Trucks):

The class 1 truck GVWR ranges from 0 to 6,000 pounds (0 to 2,722 kg). Examples of trucks in this class include the Toyota Tacoma, Dodge Dakota, Nissan Frontier, GMC Canyon, Chevrolet Colorado, Honda Ridgeline, and Ford Explorer SportTrac. The best truck winches for trucks in class 1 should range from 8,000 lb. to 10,000 lb., such as the Smittybilt 97495 XRC Winch – 9500 lb. Load Capacity.

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Class 2 (Full-Size Pickups):

The class 2 truck GVWR ranges from 6,001 to 10,000 pounds (2,722 to 4,536 kg). Examples of trucks in this class include the Dodge Ram 1500, Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, Toyota Tundra, and Nissan Titan. Class 2 is commonly referred to as a full-size pickup. The best winches for trucks in class 2 range from 9,000 to 15,000 pounds. If your truck is in this, we would suggest you buy the Warn Zeon winches 12,000 lb.

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Class 3 (Heavy-Duty Pickup):

The class 3 truck GVWR ranges from 10,001 to 14,000 pounds (4,536 to 6,350 kg). Examples of vehicles in this class include the Dodge Ram 3500, Ford F-350, Silverado 3500, and the GMC Sierra 3500. Today these trucks tend to have a curb weight (weight empty but ready-to-drive) around 6,000+ pounds and can tow up to 30,000+ pounds.

The best truck winches for trucks in class 3 should have more than 15,000 pounds pulling capacity. A 16,500 lb. winch like the WARN 68801 16.5ti Thermometric Winch is our preferred choice.

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BIGGER IS ALWAYS BETTER

When it comes to truck winches, bigger is always better by any means. The fact is 1.5X is just a minimum. Certain factors can quickly cause your winch capacity to be exceeded so you need to think about your intended usage. Be aware that certain terrains and situations can put a much greater demand on a winch over the typical 1.5 multiplication rule of thumb. For instance, a common cause for winching is mud. Mud, however, has an incredible suction force on a stuck vehicle and in many cases that 1.5 rule of thumb is far inadequate. Steep hills and frequent winching also put a great demand on a truck winch. Thus, having a bigger winch might save you a lot of time and effort in such situations. Also, a bigger winch is less likely to stall, less likely to overheat, needs less cool down time, and has more power when you need it most.

Bear in mind that 1.5X would be enough for 95% of your winching needs, but for the remaining 5%, go bigger. It’s always a good idea to at least double your truck’s gross vehicle operating weight rating when choosing a truck winch.

Electric vs. Hydraulic Winch – Which Type is Right For You?

Which type of winch is best for your truck – hydraulic or electric? The biggest difference between the two is duty cycle. Because it’s powered by the steering pump, you can winch until the cows come home with a hydraulic motor as long as your engine is running. By comparison, an electric winch typically uses the battery of a vehicle in order to power the winch’s motor. It will only work if the vehicle battery is charged, and it is possible for an electric winch to drain a battery quickly. So it’s important to set up the battery system on your truck correctly if it’s using a winch.

Electric Winches

Electric winches are more common and the first choice for most trucks. Most of the best truck winches we suggest to you in this post are an electric winch. One of the main advantages is that they are often easier to install. If there is a need to transfer the winch from one vehicle to another, one must simply reinstall only the winch. Off-roaders will appreciate an electric winch more, because it can be fast and efficient, and has enough power to pull them out of a rut. As it is only run on the battery of the vehicle, it does not require the expense of installing the hydraulic pump to power it.

Another key advantage of an electric winch is that it doesn’t require the engine to be running to use them. This is important, as there are many situations in which your truck can be stuck and not has an operating engine. Anyway, an electric winch is also significantly cheaper than a hydraulic winch of the same pulling capacity.

Hydraulic Winches

Most any other big job is going to require a hydraulic winch, offering heavy duty capability and raw durability. The installation of a hydraulic winch will require more components to power it, but you cannot put a price on the efficiency and strength gained. For instance, a tow truck would require a hydraulic winch, but would also utilize a built-in hydraulic pump system to power the heavy duty winch.

In the truck world, hydraulic winches are less common. But because of the fact that hydraulic winches are able to run constantly without having to worry about overheating or failing, many folks still like to install them for their trucks. If you are planning on using a hydraulic winch for your trucks, one of the most important things you should know is that the hydraulic winches run off the steering pump, therefore, the engine must be running in order for it to operate.

Mile Marker makes some of the best hydraulic winches for trucks on the market. If you’re looking for the best truck winch with a hydraulic motor, Mile Marker’s hydraulic winches are the way to go.

Synthetic Rope vs. Wire Cable

When it comes to deciding what winch is best for your trucks, an important thing you need to decide is what type of rope to get. You have two basic choices, wire cable, and synthetic rope.

Wire Cable

Wire cable has been around for a long time in the winch world and is still very popular today, mainly because it is very strong and rugged. Made from strands of carbon steel, wire cable is the traditional choice for winch line. It’s what is wound around the winches that come directly from the factory. This kind of winch line has a lot of things going for it; it’s heat resistant, abrasion resistant, relatively inexpensive, and is low maintenance. However, it does has several drawbacks.

Wire cable can rust, as well as develop sharp burrs as it wears, requiring gloved hands to operate. These burrs can easily cut through skin like a knife. One of the most dangerous issues with the wire cable is it stores a lot of energy meaning if it snaps it can slice a person in half. Wire cable is also significantly heavier than synthetic rope.

Synthetic Rope

Synthetic rope entered the off-roading world in the 90’s and has become very popular due to its safety benefits. Its biggest safety feature is unlike steel winch cable; synthetic rope doesn’t store anywhere near as much kinetic energy. This means if it were to snap it’s less likely to cause any serious damage to anyone or anything. And in the event of a break, you can tie a knot into it and the winch can continue doing its jobs. That’s great, especially in an emergency.

Being lighter than wire cable also gives synthetic rope an advantage on trucks that are sensitive to weight, especially over the front axle. Synthetic rope’s high flexibility and low weight make it much easier to handle than steel with the added benefit of not kinking the way wire cable can. Synthetic rope is also very strong, modern synthetic rope can be much stronger than wire cable.

If the synthetic rope is such great, does it mean the best truck winch for you is definitely a synthetic rope winch? Well, synthetic does have its share of disadvantages. Drawbacks include susceptibility to UV exposure, chemicals, heat, and abrasion, all of which can substantially weaken the rope. Because of this, quality synthetic ropes come with a protective anti-abrasion sleeve that slides the length of the rope as well as a special protective coating. To protect against heat buildup from the drum brake, either a heat sleeve or more heat-resistant material can be used on the portion of the line that wraps around the drum. Another disadvantage to the synthetic line is that it can hold water, which can add weight or even freeze in cold weather, turning your winch into a useless ice block.

Because of those disadvantages, it’s important to choose a truck winch with a  synthetic rope that features weather and water resistance, such as the Smittybilt X2O Waterproof Synthetic Rope Winch. This is one of the best inexpensive waterproof truck winches with a synthetic rope on the market, along with the Warn winches.

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Who Makes The Best Truck Winch?

#1: Warn Winches

Warn is definitely number 1. The toughness that’s built into every WARN winch has become almost legendary, so it’s no surprise WARN winches are the best-selling winches of all time. As far as we know, most Warn winches have been made in the USA, that’s probably why they’re such expensive.

#2: Mile Marker Winches

As the official supplier of winch equipment for the US Military, the reliability of Mile Marker winches is a foregone conclusion. In fact, the hydraulic Mile Marker winch is the only winch that is approved for Humvees in the US Military, making it a great choice for anyone who’s excited to do some serious off-roading.

When it comes to hydraulic winches — Mile Marker winches are the best.

#3: Superwinch Winches

Superwinch makes some of the best winches for trucks, Jeeps, and ATV. 45 years ago, the first Superwinch began as a project of Ford Motor Company. Nowadays, the company is one of the largest manufacturers of winch systems and accessories in the world. Superwinch winches have an outstanding reputation in the marketplace for their superior design, reliability and value proposition and have established a loyal following among off-road enthusiasts.

The key benefit of Superwinch truck winches is that they are simple, reliable, and high performance but the price is very reasonable, less expensive than Warn and Mile Marker winches.

#4: Smittybilt Winches

Smittybilt offers many high-quality winches for pickup trucks at an affordable price. If you want the best truck winch but can’t afford Warn and Mile Marker, Smittybilt winches are a great alternative to buy. With the price that you have to spend for a wire cable Warn winch, you can easily get a premium winch from Smittybilt with a synthetic rope.

If you go to Amazon.com and search for Smittybilt winches, you’d see they have got a lot of positive reviews from buyers and some of them are even living in the best-selling list.

Some of The Best Truck Winches On The Market Reviews

1. Warn 95950 ZEON 12-S Winch with Synthetic Rope – Best Truck Winch For Full-Size Pickups

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The Warn 95950 ZEON 12-S Winch is a great choice for full-size pickups such as the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500. It features a symmetrical design, making it easier to install in tight spaces and bumpers. On the top of the winch is the solenoid pack. With Zeon models, this can actually be removed to fit the winch into an even tighter space on your bumper (a remote solenoid pack would have to be purchased, but WARN makes those, and we carry them, so you’re covered there).

The Warn Zeon 12-S winch has been updated with even better components and features. The gear set has been updated to a 3 stage planetary system, and the motor has a completely new design for WARN. What does this mean to you? It means faster winching line speeds and a quieter operating winch. Warn has also increased the drum diameter. The casing is made of cast aluminum, which acts as a much larger heat sink, giving the Zeon a lower operating temperature. You can use your Zeon winch with better cycle times, with less chance of overheating.

In addition to a sleek design and an advanced electric motor, the 12,000-pound-rated winch receives Spydura synthetic rope. Unlike the typical synthetic rope winches, the Warn Zeon 12-S winch has the IP68 rating. Meaning, you can submerge the winch in 5 feet of water for up to 30 minutes without any water intrusion inside. Of course, it’s also dust, mud and dirt proof, so you can readily trail just about anywhere you want, and the WARN Zeon winch is ready to go there with you.

Overall, if you’re looking for the best truck winch with a synthetic rope, the Warn Zeon 12-S winch is a perfect choice. And with a limited Lifetime Mechanical Warranty along with a 7-year electrical warranty, you can’t go wrong with it.

2. WARN M8000 8000-lb Winch – Best Winch For Compact Pickup Trucks

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The WARN M8000 Winch has been trusted by off-roaders for over twenty years. This 8,000 lb. capacity winch offers outstanding reliability and value. Its low-profile design allows for a variety of mounting options, making it perfect for most compact pickup trucks, such as Ford Ranger, Chevy S10, GMC Sonoma, and Mazda B Series. This winch (and it’s synthetic rope counterpart, the Warn M8000-S) is 100% made America.

The best truck winches have a powerful motor. The M8000 comes with a series wound, 12V 4.8 HP winch motor which provides sufficient power to pull any object without fear of failure or disappointment. This is actually the source of strength of the powerful performance that is associated with the winch.

A number of other features make the operation of the Warn 8000 lb winch easier and highly friendly. These are the presence of a 12ft long remote control, availability of automatic brake free spooling clutch, hundred ft long and 5/16 inches thick wire cable, fairlead roller provide enough strength and reach to get any vehicle out of any nasty terrain.

3. Smittybilt X2O 10,000-lb Waterproof Synthetic Rope Winch – Best Truck Winch For Mid-Size Pickups

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If you’re looking for a well-built and reliable winch for your truck, look no further than the Smittybilt X2O 10,000-lb Waterproof Synthetic Rope Winch. This 10,000 lb winch is surprisingly high-quality at a very reasonable price and features an integrated wireless remote control for ease of use and maximum versatility.

The Smittybilt X2O Winch has been enhanced in almost every area for increased performance and trouble-free operation. It features a Series Wound 6.6 HP motor that is completely sealed, as well as a 3-Stage Planetary Gear System. The X2O winch features a completely waterproof 500 AMP solenoid pack that can be mounted in 2 different locations, depending on your application needs. It also includes a new controller that can be wired to the winch or unplugged for trouble-free wireless operation.

All of those features plus a waterproof synthetic rope make the Smittybilt X2O 10,000-lb Winch one of the best winches for trucks on the market. At the current price, this is a great deal.

4. WARN 95960 ZEON Platinum 12-S Winch – Best Truck Winch for Off-Road

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The Warn ZEON Platinum 12-S winch is the toughest, most technologically advanced truck winch on the trail today. It’s designed with the wheeling enthusiast in mind. Compared to the Warn Zeon series winch, the Platinum Zeon series offers a 20 percent faster line speed, extreme IP68-rated waterproofing, and a high-performance motor package.

The ZEON Platinum Advanced Wireless Remote is a sophisticated smart device. It controls the operation of the winch, the clutch and much more. The winch’s manually operated clutch lever has been eliminated, putting the clutch right in operators’ hands, not on the winch. In fact, ZEON Platinum is the only winch today with this Advanced Remote Controlled Clutch. The Advanced Wireless Remote also controls up to two accessories. You can tie in lights, an air compressor, or other auxiliary gear. It also delivers instant feedback on the winch motor temperature and vehicle battery charge level

One of the key features that makes Warn ZEON Platinum 12-S winch one of the best winches for most full-size trucks is its Symmetrical Design. This design helps ZEON Platinum match current vehicle styling. The black satin finish and stainless steel hardware resist corrosion, and a robust aluminum housing adds strength and durability. The innovative convertible control pack allows flexibility to remove the pack and mount it separately from the winch. It can be mounted in tight spaces, or fit into a low-profile look.

Overall, we think the Warn ZEON Platinum 12-S winch is one of the best truck winches for off-road that you can buy today.

5. Mile Marker HI-Series 12,000-lb. Winch – Best Hydraulic Winch for Full-Size Trucks

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Whether you’re an off-road enthusiast or a professional, Mile Marker has a hydraulic winch for your needs. The Mile Marker HI-Series 12,000-lb Winch is perfect for owners of full-size trucks. This winch is powered by the power steering pump, allowing uninterrupted pulls for hours on end and operating in all climatic conditions. It will provide full power pulls without fear of overheating as long as the engine is running.

The Mile Marker HI-Series 12000 Hydraulic Winch was intended for permanent mounting in the front or rear of a vehicle. The solenoid control valve is integrated into the winch body, and therefore always remains in the same location as the winch itself. This system includes all necessary hoses, solenoid control valve, remote control, roller fairlead with fasteners, and winch cable. To adapt to your truck power steering pump, the winch requires a vehicle specific 35-series vehicle adapter kit.

Overall, as the official supplier of winch equipment for the US Military, there is no doubt that Mile Marker’s hydraulic winches are best. If you’re looking for the best truck winch with a hydraulic winch motor, then you can stop here.

6. Mile Marker 76-53260W Electric Winch with Synthetic Rope – Best Winch for ¾ ton Trucks

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The Mile Marker 76-53260W Electric Winch is perfect for ¾ ton trucks such as the Ford F-250, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, GMC Sierra 2500, and Ram 2500. It’s a winch that is heavy on power, but light in weight. Featuring a compact design, it weighs in at less than 63 pounds, with an impressive pull strength of 15,000 pounds.

Because of the light weight, this winch mounts easily and is an excellent choice for trucks looking for big winch power without adding big winch weight to the vehicle’s front end. Fully-sealed, submersible, water, mud, and snow proof, the all-metal, 3-stage planetary gear train provides the durability and reliability you can depend on in the most extreme situations and elements.

7. WARN 68801 16.5ti Thermometric Winch – Best Truck Winch For Heavy-Duty Pickups

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What do you get when you combine 16,500 lbs. of pulling power with all the innovative features of the WARN ti-series? The WARN 16.5ti winch. The highest capacity, most technologically advanced truck winch in Warn’s lineup.

The 16.5ti features the full diagnostic ability of WARN Thermometric technology, plus the extreme sealing, durability and reliability that the WARN ti-series of winches are known for. The new, more efficient design delivers faster line speeds and lower amp draw. It’s beefed up where needed, and features a new aluminum solenoid housing cover. Not to mention 90 feet of aircraft grade, 7/16″ wire rope.

The post Best Truck Winch To Buy in 2019 appeared first on Green Living Blog.

There’re many factors to consider here, such as what type of winch rope should be used, how much capacity is enough for a Jeep, which brand is the best to buy, and finally how much do you want to spend. Depending on your needs and budget, this is our detailed guide that will help you make the best-possible winch purchase. Don’t forget to check out our guide to choosing the best battery for your Jeep with a winch at the very end of the post.

• Read More: How to choose the best Winch for Your Truck?

Best Winches for Jeeps: Editor’s Picks

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If you’re looking for a well-built and reliable winch for your Jeep, look no further than the Smittybilt X2O Waterproof Winch. This 10,000 lb winch is surprisingly high-quality at a very reasonable price and features an integrated wireless remote control for ease of use and maximum versatility. When you or someone else gets stuck on a trail, this winch can make a recovery far easier and quicker. It will survive all kinds of trail conditions, in part because it’s waterproof. This winch will work on any 1987 to 2018 Jeep Wrangler YJ, TJ, or JK. You can get this winch with a steel cable or synthetic rope.

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If you’re after a winch with the highest quality in the industry, there is no better choice than the Warn’s winches, and the WARN 92815 ZEON Platinum 10S with Wireless Remote is our favorite model. Warn’s winches are known as the most expensive winches on the market, but they are the absolute best winches for your Jeeps for many reasons. Durable, reliable, strong, and fast. In the toughest situations, Warn winches perform by far better than the rest. If there’s extra room in the budget, Warn winches are the way to go.

How to Choose The Best Winch For Jeeps?

What Size Do You Need?

When it comes to deciding what winch is best for your Jeep, an important thing you will need to decide is what size winch to get. Obviously, the heavier the vehicle, the stronger the winch you will need to pull yourself out of a bad situation, a good rule of thumb is your winch should be at least 1.5 times the weight of your Jeep. If your Jeep is stock other than the winch you will be adding, you can just multiply your gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) by 1.5. You can think of the GVWR as a weight limit for your Jeep — a weight limit set by the manufacturers. GVWR take into account the base curb weight of the vehicle plus the weight of any optional accessories, cargo, and driver.

The GVWR is designated by manufacturers. While you’d think it’d be easy to find online, it isn’t. Instead, go out to your rig and find it! All Jeeps have the GVWR marked on the body. It’s usually on a tag on the driver side door jamb.

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee

With winches, Bigger Is Always Better! Even though 1.5X is the industry standard, the best winches for Jeeps should have the capacity that is more than that. For instance, a common cause for winching is mud. Mud, however, has an incredible suction force on a stuck vehicle and in many cases that 1.5 rule of thumb is far inadequate. Steep hills and frequent winching also put a great demand on an electric winch. Trying to save a buck on that winch purchase by getting a smaller winch could be a huge mistake in such situations! Also, a bigger winch is less likely to stall, less likely to overheat, needs less cool down time, and has more power when you need it most.

So, how much pull is enough?

Jeep Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

For most Jeep models, a good 9.500 lb. or 10.000 lb. winch, such as the Smittybilt 97495 XRC Winch or the Warn 89611 ZEON 10-S Winch, will be more than enough for 99% of your winching needs. Most people are around 5500 to 6500 lb for a fully built rig so the best winches for Jeeps should never be less than 9000 lb. Also, keep in mind it’s rare to actually approach anything close to a 15.000 lb. pull, so getting a winch with a rating of more than 15.000 lb. might be a waste of money. We would say a 9.5k-12k winch will be sufficient for pretty much any Jeep out there.

Warn 89611 ZEON 10-S Winch – Click to See on Amazon

Synthetic Rope vs. Steel Cable – Which is Better?

Once you find out what capacity you’re looking for, you have to choose what rope you want to have: steel cable or synthetic rope?

Steel Cable

Steel cable is the traditional choice. It has been around for a long time in the winch world and is still very popular today, mainly because it is very strong and rugged. It’s what is wound around the winches that come directly from the factory. This kind of winch line has a lot of things going for it; it’s heat resistant, abrasion resistant, relatively inexpensive, and is low maintenance. However, steel cable does has several drawbacks.

Steel cable can rust, as well as develop sharp burrs as it wears, requiring gloved hands to operate. These burrs can easily cut through skin like a knife. One of the most dangerous issues with steel cable is it stores a lot of energy meaning if it snaps it can slice a person in half. Steel cable is also significantly heavier than synthetic rope.

Synthetic Rope

There are reasons why most of the best winches for Jeeps on the market today come with the synthetic rope.

Synthetic rope is much less likely to cause injury than steel cable in the event of a break, as it’s lighter and loses tension rapidly, falling to the ground. If a break were to happen, the synthetic rope can also be re-braided in the field using the proper technique. It is a temporary fix to get you out of a bind, but it’s more than you can do with a broken steel cable. What most people like about synthetic rope is it is easier to handle than the steel cable considering the steel cable’s rust and sharpness, so you don’t necessarily need a glove when handling the synthetic rope.

Despite being much thinner and weighing only 1/7 of what steel cable does, synthetic rope is very strong. It is also highly flexible, easy to handle and floats – making it perfect for winching from mud or water.

On the downside, synthetic rope requires much more maintenance than steel cable does. Synthetic rope is very susceptible to UV exposure, chemicals, heat, and abrasion, so you might get your winch a cover to protect it from damages. For some Jeepers who live in a very cold area, you have to be very careful when your synthetic rope gets wet since it can retain water and can easily freeze and your winch will be turned into nothing but a piece of the ice block.

So, Which Should I Get?

Either style of rope will get the job done as long as they are in good condition. When it comes down to it, maintaining your winch and the terrain you ride factors in, but mainly it’s your personal preference. The facts are here, it’s up to you make the decision.

The best winch for your Jeep is the best-possible one you can afford. A winch with the synthetic rope is strong, flexible and safe, but it would be significantly more expensive than a winch with the steel cable. An inexpensive steel cable winch, such as the Smittybilt 97495 XRC 9500 lb. Winch, may save you a lot of money.

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Electric vs. Hydraulic Winch – Which should you choose?

Electric winches are the most common types of the winch, they are widely available and typically inexpensive. Shopping around for deals and a great selection will be easy. On the other hand, there are very few manufacturers who offer hydraulic winches on the market. In fact, most hydraulic winches on the market are Mile Marker’s hydraulic winches and they are also the only winches that worth considering.

An electric winch is exactly as its name would suggest: it is electrically powered by a vehicle’s battery, and as a result, its duty cycle is limited by the amount of juice in your battery. An electric winch can give you five minutes of full power pulling with a dead engine, but seldom do electric winch-equipped Jeeps have the electrical system necessary for continuous use. The real benefit of an electric winch is that it doesn’t require the engine to be running to use them. This is important, as there are many situations in which your Jeep can be stuck and not has an operating engine.

On the other hand, a hydraulic winch is powered by a vehicle’s power steering pump. What this means is that they are capable of an extended, seemingly endless duty cycle for longer pulls and a persistent flow of pulling power. You can winch all day, every day with a hydraulic as long as the engine is running. However, for the occasional use most Jeepers subject a winch to, an electric winch is more than adequate.

Which winch is the best winch for Jeeps? Essentially, there’s no wrong decision either way. But what this guide boils down to is the fact that electric winches are far more universal. There are many more models of electric winches available, and they can be installed on just about any Jeep version with mounting kits. Additionally, they are much easier to install or remove, and often include more choices in slick features than their hydraulic counterparts. Generally, we think an electric winch is best suited to your needs, but if you’re interested in a hydraulic winch, the Mile Marker H-Series Hydraulic Winch – 10,500-Lb is a great one to consider.

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What’s The Best Winch Brand For Jeeps?

Here’s an overview of some of the top winch manufacturers on the market.

#1. Warn Winches

Warn is definitely NUMBER 1. The toughness that’s built into every WARN winch has become almost legendary, so it’s no surprise WARN winches are the best-selling winches of all time. As far as we know, most Warn winches are made in the USA, that’s probably why they’re such expensive.

In 1959, it was Warn Industries that developed the very first recreational winch. WARN winches have been a staple for off-roaders ever since. They’ve maintained their spotless reputation over the years by simply being one of the best. Time and again, WARN winches outperform the competition in head-to-head tests. Whether you need a winch for your Jeep, truck, SUV, ATV, or even a commercial application, Warn Industries has you covered.

#2. Superwinch Winches

Superwinch makes some of the best winches for Jeeps on the market, such as the Superwinch Tiger Shark 11500 lb. 45 years ago, the first Superwinch began as a project of Ford Motor Company. Nowadays, the company is one of the largest manufacturers of winch systems and accessories in the world. Superwinch winches have an outstanding reputation in the marketplace for their superior design, reliability and value proposition and have established a loyal following among off-road enthusiasts.

#3. Smittybilt Winches

Smittybilt offers many high-quality winches for Jeeps at an inexpensive price. If you can’t afford to Warn, Smittybilt winches are a great alternative to buy. Smittybilt has been making the XRC series winches for several years. It’s a popular winch with many 4×4 and off-road enthusiasts, and is known for its strong Smittybilt construction and real-world reliability. The X2O series winches have all the great attributes of the standard XRC series, but with a few more features such as wireless remote, dynamic braking system.

One of our preferred models is the Smittybilt Gen2 X20 10,000-pound winch with synthetic rope and wireless remote. This is a perfect winch for those of you having 1987 and up Jeep Wrangler, and are looking for a waterproof, very well-built winch that comes with a synthetic line on it.

#4. Mile Marker Winches

As the official supplier of winch equipment for the US Military, the reliability of Mile Marker winches is a foregone conclusion. In fact, the hydraulic Mile Marker winch is the only one that is approved for Humvees in the US Military, making it a great choice for anyone who’s excited to do some serious off-roading. Although it’s their patented hydraulic winch that they’re most known for, Mile Marker also offers a full line of electric, ATV, industrial, and utility winches.

#5. Rough Country Winches

Rough Country makes some of the best electric winches for Jeeps and trucks. Rough Country winches have a relatively high quality but are less expensive than Warn, Superwinch, and Mile Marker winches. That’s probably because Rough Country (and Smittybilt) has been making their products in China, while most of Warn, Superwinch, and Mile Marker winches are made in the USA.

Best Winches For Jeeps Reviews

Now, it’s time to see some of the best winches for Jeeps on the market that we think you should buy.

1. Smittybilt X2O Waterproof Synthetic Rope Winch 10000 lb. Review – Best Jeep Winch For The Money

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If you’re looking for a well-built and reliable winch for your Jeep, look no further than the Smittybilt X2O Waterproof Synthetic Rope 10,000 lb Winch. This 10,000 lb winch is surprisingly high-quality at a very reasonable price and features an integrated wireless remote control for ease of use and maximum versatility.

The X2O winch features a Series Wound 6.6 HP motor that is completely sealed, as well as a 3-Stage Planetary Gear System. It features a completely waterproof 500 AMP solenoid pack that can be mounted in 2 different locations, depending on your application needs. It also includes a new controller that can be wired to the winch or unplugged for trouble-free wireless operation.

2. WARN ZEON Platinum 10,000 lb. Winch with Wireless Remote – Best Waterproof Winch for Jeep Wrangler

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The WARN ZEON Platinum is the absolute best winch for Jeep Wrangler owners who like to push the limits on the trail. It is the winch of choice for your Jeep when off-road driving is more often your style of driving and on-road use is only when necessary.

The 10.000 lb pulling capacity highlights the true value of a high-performance motor with stronger gears. The heat-treated ring gear delivers a 20% faster line speed. Pulling a 100′ of rope at that speed, the Zeon Platinum winch makes towing serious business. The use of the remote-controlled system makes using this winch must easier. With the remote-controlled system, you are afforded longer distances to operate the winch. The addition of the mechanical cone brake offers an additional measure of control while operating the winch.

The Warn Zeon Platinum winch is a durable, lightweight and extremely waterproofed winch features an aluminum structure with a flat black powder coated finish and stainless steel fasteners. This design affords the winch the maximum in corrosion resistance. The overall look and design are fitting for the adventurous one while still offering the practical nature for on-road driving.

You can get this winch with a steel cable or synthetic rope.

3. WARN VR 12-S 12,000 lb. Synthetic Rope Winch Review – Best Winch For Jeep Commander, Jeep Grand Cherokee

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The WARN VR 12-S Synthetic Rope Winch is one of the best winches for Jeep owners who demands a winch that will perform under the most extreme conditions in the world. It’s driven by a powerful motor designed specifically for winching and features a waterproof Albright contactor for excellent electrical reliability. An all-metal tie plate system adds structural rigidity and reduces noise while a patented cone brake system holds the full rated load, even when powering out.

All of the new VR winches now come with standard duty synthetic rope, pre-wound onto the drum right out of the box. The VR winch line has also been equipped with an industry leading tie plate to replace the earlier tie rod configuration, adding structural integrity and strength to your winch, and to add to ease of use, all VR winches now come pre-wired and ready to install right out of the box.

4. Superwinch Tiger Shark 11500 With Roller Fairlead Review

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The newest line of recovery winches from Superwinch is the Tiger Shark. This entry-level model offers many of the same features as the high-end Superwinch models but at a fraction of the cost. The sealed 6 horsepower series-wound motor efficiently delivers quick, safe line pulling and will respond to an increase in load by slowing down or reducing the current to minimize the risk of overheating the motor and damaging from rain, snow and blowing dust. In addition, the winch comes with a handheld 12″ rubber remote you can have an easier time with optimal range.

When using the winch at an angle, the Superwinch roller fairlead guides the wire cable onto the winch drum. It is designed to reduce friction so the cable is protected from wear that can cut short its service life. The roller fairleads also keep the cable from building up on one side of the drum.

5. Warn 87310 9.5xp-s Winch with Synthetic Rope Review – Best Synthetic Rope Winch with Fastest Line Speed

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If you’re looking for the best winch for your Jeep with the longest duty cycle and fastest line speed, consider the Warn 9.5xp-s Winch with Synthetic Rope. This winch is the fastest of any Warn winch under load, yet it weighs just 87 pounds. Its 9,500-pound bottom-layer line pull comes from a heavy-duty 6hp motor connected to a three-stage planetary gearset. It also incorporates a continuous duty control box that allows for long, hard pulls.

In addition to its fast and powerful motor, the full face contact drum seals and end housing gaskets deliver extreme-duty water resistance. A high gloss, chip resistant powder coat finish over chromate coated alloys affords superior corrosion resistance.

6. Mile Marker H-Series Hydraulic Winch 10500 lb Review – Best Hydraulic Winch For Jeeps

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For the off-road enthusiast looking for the power of a hydraulic winch, the Mile Marker H-Series Hydraulic Winch 10500 lb is a perfect choice.

This hydraulic winch is independent of its solenoid control valve and offers the most versatility for recovery operations due to its ability to be mounted to the front or rear of the vehicle as a permanent or detachable system. Completely element proof construction, corrosion and water resistant, the power and strength of the H-Series hydraulic winch is harnessed using the vehicle’s power steering system as its power source, allowing for a continuous and reliable power supply without any battery drain. These features make it the best winch for Jeep Wrangler owners who do a lot of winching.

The winch features two speed spooling, a mechanical lock system, stainless steel tie bars and fasteners, 100’ of steel cable, 10,500 pounds of pulling capacity and requires a vehicle specific 34 Series valve adapter kit for installation and operation.

Bonus: Best Battery For Winching

What’s the best battery for your Jeep Wrangler with an electric winch? Batteries are not a built-in part of an electric winch but they are one of the most important parts as they are the power source of the winch.

The problem is that the starting batteries in your Jeep are designed primarily to start the engine, but may not be suited to handle the discharges required by winching. Starting batteries do not like being deeply discharged and will die when used this way often. A typical deep cycle battery can handle the discharges but may not have enough cold cranking amps to be a good starting battery.

So, what’s the best battery for winching? The answer is a marine battery (or a dual-purpose battery). These batteries are more robust and capable of both starting your Jeep and deep discharge cycles. And the best type of marine battery is AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat). If you go with a standard car battery, find the largest one that will fit, highest amps, highest Cold Cranking Amps (CCA). A good idea is to add a second marine battery to your Jeep devoted solely to winching.

Optima and Odyssey provide the best marine batteries on the market, they should be the first options for considering. The Optima Yellow Top D75/25 Dual-purpose battery and Odyssey Thunder Marine Dual Purpose are good choices here for most Jeep Wrangler.

The post What’s The Best Winch for Your Jeep? appeared first on Green Living Blog.

If you’re searching for the best GPS for your truck, the information below will help you understand how to choose the best GPS for trucking that fits your needs. There are many factors to consider and so many options available, it can be a hard choice to make. Also, to help you narrow down your choices, we’ll also review some of the best truck GPS models on the market that we think are worth your money.

Best Truck GPS Overall

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After spending more than 60 hours researching the latest truck GPS models and asking many experienced truck drivers, we recommend the new Garmin dēzl 770LMTHD 7-Inch GPS Navigator as the best truck GPS for most people. This is a GPS device that is designed dedicated to trucks, you’ll find it’s easier to use and more driver-friendly than any other competitor. For a reasonable price, you get Garmin’s highly rated interface, lifetime maps of North America plus lifetime HD digital traffic, more precise voice directions, excellent navigation tools, and the ability to connect with your smartphone via Bluetooth to get extra trip info or to share your location so other people can track your progress.

There are many great features but our prefered feature is “Customized Truck Routing”. Garmin dēzl 770LMTHD has detailed maps for North America that also include truck-related restrictions – like bridge heights, sharp curves, weight limits and more – and related information for most major roads and highways. Just enter your vehicle profile information (customizable by height, weight, length, width and hazardous materials) and find truck-preferred routes suitable for the size and weight of your truck. This is awesome and we think your truck will love. Overall if you are looking for the best truck GPS, then we think the Garmin dēzl 770LMTHD is a perfect choice for you.

Video: Garmin dēzl GPS for Truck

WHY Garmin? We’ve found the Garmin GPS for truckers to be very reliable. By reliable, we don’t mean infallible. All GPS units can and will make errors. But, in our experience, and many other truckers we know, Garmin makes the least number of mistakes. We’ve tested several GPS models, including models for cars, trucks, and RVs, we find them easier to set up and operate than most others on the market. The onscreen programming is easy to set up and they are nice and clear and easy to read.

If Garmin’s truck GPS units are not your choice, Rand Mcnally and TomTom, the two other largest GPS makers for trucks, are a great option to consider. The three companies now offer the best truck GPS units on the market.

Why You Need GPS for Your Truck?

Many people now rely on their smartphone GPS apps for turn-by-turn directions. Google Maps, Waze, Apple Maps are great, their up-to-the-minute traffic information is hard to beat. But these apps have their limits. Most apps use 3/4G connectivity that need a data connection to calculate a route, so if you find yourself in a rural area or other dead zones with limited connectivity, you may wind up hunting around for the right road or asking for directions at a local gas station. And many people like to keep their phones free for calls and music. There’s nothing more frustrating than having your phone’s screen switch from the nav display to an incoming call just as you’re reaching a tricky interchange.

Trucking GPS devices tend to be more expensive, but they are much better than a smartphone GPS app for many reasons. The best truck GPS devices don’t require internet connectivity to access maps and satellites, they use satellite signals, the system keeps track of your position and guides you along the plotted route with visual instructions on the display and verbal instructions via a computer-generated voice. Therefore, if you drive a lot in an area with a poor 3G/4G connectivity or if you don’t own a smartphone (there are a lot of people who don’t own or want a smartphone) then a dedicated truck GPS is the best option.

Using a GPS device in your truck to navigate to your destination is also much easier than using a phone thanks to handy features such as built-in databases and displays. These features clearly show what lane to be in at interchanges and which highway signs to follow (the best Garmin truck GPS devices show 3D views which are great at guiding you through interchanges), a speed-limit display for the road you’re on, a variety of driver and safety alerts, and more natural, landmark-specific voice directions.

Some of the best truck GPS models, such as the Garmin DezlCam LMTHD 6-Inch Truck Navigator, come with a built-in dash cam that automatically captures and saves footage of any collision, which can make all the difference when a fault is being determined.

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One of the best things we can get from a GPS app, such as Waze, is the real-time traffic and road info which are very helpful if you’re driving around city streets. Now many truck GPS devices, such as Garmin’s, TomTom’s and Rand McNally’s can connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth or cables to give you live traffic information as what you can get from an app.

Tips for Choosing The Best Truck GPS?

When it comes to choosing the best truck GPS, here are things you’ll want to look at:

1. Screen size:

You may be tempted to save a buck by opting for a device with a tiny 3.5-inch screen, but a larger screen is helpful for being able to view the maps and turn-by-turn directions at a glance, which means that you’ll potentially end up spending less time scrutinizing the screen and more time scanning the road ahead. The best GPS for trucks should have a screen size not less than 5-inch. Visibility improves as size increases. Touch screens are easier to use on larger screens. The 7-inch screen has become the preferred size for truck GPS devices. Most truckers with 7-inch GPS were satisfied with their choice.

Bigger Is Usually Better – large vehicles such as trucks and RVs often have windshields that are further away from the driver than in passenger cars. Also, trucks often have larger windshields overall, permitting larger GPS devices without blocking your view of the road. A big-screen 7-inch screen GPS is easier to see in large cabs. Some GPS makers, such as Rand McNally, offer even larger screens, such as the 8-inch Rand McNally OverDryve 8Pro Truck GPS.

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2. Lifetime Map Updates:

This is probably the most important thing to look for when selecting the best truck GPS. Map updates not only add new roads to the locally stored map, but also fix errors in older maps (street names, traffic directions), and refresh the database of points of interest (POIs), removing dead entries for closed businesses and adding new destinations. Paying for these updates can get expensive over the long run, but paying a bit extra on the front end for lifetime map updates can save you money and dramatically lengthen the lifetime of your GPS device.

TomTom and Garmin offer lifetime maps of North America (USA and Canada) for all of their truck GPS models. While Rand Mcnally only offers lifetime maps for its “LM” series, including TND 730 LM and TND 530 LM.

3. Built-in Dash Cam

The best GPS for trucks don’t really need a built-in dash cam, but you should consider it. Dash Cam recorded visuals might be a crucial legal evidence to protect you in an unfortunate accident or from an insurance fraud. Sometimes you will be lucky enough to capture a rare footage on your cam that can be viral on YouTube and other social media. Remember, you can’t compare these dash cams with your professional video camera or smartphone camera.

Many GPS makers are offering truck GPS stand-alone units with integrated dashcams. Garmin also sells a unit that, in addition to the dashcam, features lane departure and forward collision warnings. The Garmin DezlCam LMTHD 6-Inch Truck Navigator yet has a Snapshot feature that allows you to capture still images — and even remove the unit from your truck to take pictures of any collision damage.

Some footages recorded from Garmin DezlCam’s built-in Dash Cam (very good quality):

4. Traffic Data

Like built-in dash cam, real-time traffic data isn’t a must. But if the truck GPS device that you’re looking at offers free “lifetime” traffic data, then this issue becomes a no-brainer. For those who live in areas where traffic isn’t a huge issue, traffic data isn’t really necessary. However, for truck drivers in major metropolitan areas where gridlock can be an issue, such as San Francisco, traffic services like TomTom’s HD Traffic and Garmin’s HD Digital Traffic can mean the difference between getting home in time for dinner and sitting in a jam caused by a baseball game.

5. Customized Truck Routing

This is another important feature to take into account when it comes to choosing a new GPS device for your truck. The best truck GPS units should have the truck route feature. Most models reviewed in this article come with this feature.

Customized Truck Routing allows for the creation of truck profiles which allows you and other truck drivers to enter the dimensions of the truck like length, width and weight. This information allows the GPS units to create customized routes that are suitable for the size and weight of the truck.

Best Truck GPS Reviews

1. Garmin dēzl 770LMTHD 7-Inch GPS Navigator Review – Best GPS for Trucks Overall

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After spending more than 60 hours researching the latest truck GPS models and asking many experienced truck drivers, we recommend the new Garmin dēzl 770LMTHD 7-Inch GPS Navigator as the best truck GPS for most truck drivers. Its advancements in technology make trucking WAY more convenient than in the good old days.

Key Features:

• 7.0-inch glass display
• Lifetime maps of North America, plus lifetime HD Digital Traffic
• Custom truck routing for the size and weight of your truck
• Truck & Trailer Services Directory, plus points of interest (POIs) highly-rated by truckers
• Road warnings, including sharp curves, bridge heights, weight limits and more
• Display resolution: 800 x 480 pixels
• Voice-activated navigation (via Garmin Speak), Bluetooth, compatible with Garmin backup cameras (sold separately), microSD card (not included)

Customized Truck Routing

One of the features that makes dēzl 770LMTHD the best truck GPS is its simple-to-use “Customized Truck Routing” feature. dēzl 770LMTHD has detailed maps for North America (USA and Canada) that also include truck-related restrictions – like bridge heights, sharp curves, weight limits and more – and related information for most major roads and highways. Just enter your vehicle profile information (customizable by height, weight, length, width and hazardous materials) and find truck-preferred routes suitable for the size and weight of your truck.

Lifetime Maps & HD Digital Traffic

The dēzl 770LMTHD comes bundled with lifetime maps of North America and lifetime real-time traffic. The models with “LMT” in the name mean “free Lifetime Maps & Traffic”. They’re ready to go, right out of the box with no subscription or update fees and no expiration dates. Traffic information is constantly updated. And map updates are available for download up to 4 times a year. So you can always have the most up-to-date maps, points of interest and navigation information available at your fingertips.

Best GPS for truck drivers should come with best real-time traffic service. Garmin’s HD Digital Traffic is one of the best traffic services out there. It delivers updates as often as every 30 seconds over the HD Radio system. That means, driving 60 mph, your dēzl 770LMTHD can receive traffic messages up to every half-mile. On the road, a few seconds’ notice can save minutes or even hours of delay. HD Digital Traffic can tell you how many minutes of delay to expect and if there are any possible detours. It can even confirm whether or not you are on the fastest route. It has a greater coverage area to include interstates, highways and secondary roads – in fact, up to 3 times more side road coverage.

3D Views

When navigating with a Garmin dēzl GPS, you have several options for how to display the map onscreen, including both 2D and 3D map view modes. 3D map view will display 3D images of surrounding buildings as you navigate. However, 3D building data is not available in all areas, and are most commonly present in major urban areas.

Truck-specific POIs and Services

Need help finding places to go? Locate POIs that professional drivers care about – and have given high ratings – including truck stops, weigh stations, parking, lodging, Wi-Fi and more. You can even search and filter truck stops by brand name or by your preferred amenities, such as showers, scales, Wi-Fi and truck wash.

If the unexpected happens, you can make smarter decisions on the road. The Truck & Trailer Services directory lists more than 30,000 truck repair and service locations in the U.S. and Canada, including those offering after-hours road service.

And More…

The Garmin dēzl 770LMTHD Truck GPS comes with all features the best truck GPS has to offer, including voice command, Bluetooth, Smartlink compatible, wireless backup camera compatible, friendly display. If you’re looking for the best GPS for your truck, this is a perfect choice. If you’re looking for a model with a built-in dash cam, consider the Garmin dēzlCam LMTHD 6-inch.

2. Rand McNally TND730 7” IntelliRoute GPS Truck Navigator Review

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The Rand McNally TND730 IntelliRoute GPS is one of the best GPS for commercial truck drivers who need a system with an as fast as possible processor for quicker route calculation, point of interest searches, route comparisons, and faster screen-to-screen transitions. This truck-specific GPS unit incorporates hours of testing by truck drivers and was designed to help truckers in each phase of their work day, from planning to driving. With 35% more truck routing information than other GPS units, the device leverages Rand McNally proprietary truck data and know-how derived from over 70 years in the commercial transportation industry.

Key Features:

• 7.0-inch HD touchscreen
• Wifi connected services check the weather, fuel prices, real-time traffic, and estimated toll costs
• Lifetime Maps
• Real-time Traffic sold separately (a receiver + 1-year subscription cost about $60-$100)
• Advanced lane guidance: Be prepared, whether you’re approaching a turn or heading through a complicated intersection
• Compatible with backup camera

Designed for Professional Truck Drivers

The TND730 IntelliRoute is designed to be the best truck GPS unit for professional truckers. One of the key features is RoadWork. Research on the trucking industry reveals that the most persistent problem truckers face is delays caused by road construction. RoadWork provides real-time data on road construction along the route plotted by a driver. Armed with this information, a truck driver is able to be proactive in determining what route to take for optimal efficiency. Plus, TND730 IntelliRoute also provides the up-to-date US and Canadian postal codes, and toll costs, as well as information about weigh stations, rest areas, service plazas, and welcome centers.

One of the key features that makes TND730 IntelliRoute one of the best truck GPS units is its fast, quad-core processor. Although its prior generations (TND720LM) have been fast, the TND730 is positively speedy when it comes to plotting routes and providing other information needed by a truck driver.

3. TomTom Trucker 600 GPS Device Review – Best Budget Truck GPS

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Dutch navigation provider TomTom has jumped into the North American truck GPS business with its Trucker 600 GPS Device. TomTom is a giant in Europe but this is its first attempt to crack the US truck navigation market. This device folds around a six-inch screen and can be paired with a smartphone (either iPhone or Android system) to enable the traffic function. It also comes with a secure locking mount so it won’t come tumbling off your windshield when the defrost fan is turned on.

TomTom trucker 600 functions well enough without the phone-driven traffic function, but it’s worth connecting since it does come with lifetime traffic as well as lifetime trucking maps of Canada and the US. Also, TomTom’s MyDrive app allows you to plan a route on your home computer, send it to your phone, and when you start the truck in the morning the route will be automatically downloaded to the GPS. TomTom traffic services need your device to be connected to the Internet to receive the latest information.

Like Garmin and Rand Mcnally, TomTom has “Customized Truck Routing” feature. The unit switches easily between truck, van, auto and bus modes.

The post The Best GPS For Your Truck appeared first on Green Living Blog.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you should know about RV surge protectors and how to choose the right one. We’ll also look at some of the best RV surge protectors on the market that we think you should buy. There’re a lot of options out there and they are not the same. We’d highly recommend you consider models from a reputable company (that we listed in this post). The cheapest RV surge protector from an obscure manufacturer may not provide much protection when it’s actually needed.

Best RV Surge Protectors: Editor’s Picks

When it comes to choosing the best RV surge protectors, 50 Amp or 30 Amp, Progressive Industries and Surge Guard are two of the most trusted surge protector brands in the world. They are both located in the USA and offer excellent customer services.

Image	Product	Rating	Portable/Hardwire	Over/Under Voltage Protection
	Surge Guard 34850 Portable Surge Protector with LCD Display	50A	Portable
	Progressive Industries EMS-PT50X Portable RV Surge Protector	50A	Portable
	Surge Guard 35550 Hardwire Surge Protector	50A	Hardwire
	Progressive Industries HW50C Hardwired EMS Surge & Electrical Protection	50A	Hardwire
	Camco 50 AMP Power Defender Voltage Protector	50A	Portable
	Surge Guard 40240 50 Amp Hardwire RV Surge Protector	50A	Hardwire
	Surge Guard 44750 30-Amp with Ground	30A	Portable
	Surge Guard 34830 Portable Model with LCD Display	30A	Portable
	Progressive Industries EMS-PT30X Portable RV Surge Protector	30A	Hardwire
	Surge Guard 35530 30A Hardwire Surge Protector	30A	Hardwire

Why Do I Need An RV Surge Protector?

Where do your RV get power from? A generator, solar panel system, or shore power? In fact, most RVs today get power from an outlet on a pole located in the campsite to run appliances as well as to recharge the deep cycle batteries. These electrical outlets are older, poorly maintained, or wired in a Do-it-yourself fashion by someone who lacked proper training. Most problems aren’t too dangerous to people or animals, fortunately. The most common problem is under-voltage, over-voltage and spike can occur when the voltage suddenly increases in some cases.

RV surge protectors are like insurance policies or like a condom. They are designed to offer high and low line voltage protection, and power-line monitors, which continual check the shore power circuits for proper operation. If something changes, they cut power to the RV, thereby protecting your expensive electrical devices. We may never need a surge protector for our RVs but when the electrical supply goes wrong, this thing is priceless. The best RV surge protectors can cost you few hundred dollars, but let’s think about what could be ruined due to the improper electrical power supply:

• RV air conditioner units at $500 to $1,300 each
• RV refrigerators at $1,000 to $3,000
• Televisions at $250 to $1,000 each
• Mobile phone, microwave, washer and dryer
• Blown control boards on RV appliances
• And more…

And even worse:

There are a multitude of dangers at RV campgrounds

• Mis-wired or damaged pedestals: such as no neutral, no ground, reverse polarity. These can all cause immediate damage to many or all of your 120V appliances and/or cause personal injury.
• Power Surges: Everyone can usually relate surges to storms but, in reality, surges can be caused by other external sources such as blackouts, power or industrial plants powering on or off, and even within the RV park by power inconsistency.
• Low or High Voltage: 120V appliances operating ranges are 102V to 132V. Operating appliances below or above this operating voltage will cause heat buildup. Voltage below 102V or above 132V will cause appliance degradation damage, while voltages below 95V or above 140V can cause immediate damage.

What the Best RV Surge Protectors can do for you

• The best RV surge protectors will not only protect the coach from voltage surges, they automatically test pedestal wiring and voltage and won’t allow power to the coach if there are any electrical issues.
• The best models also incorporate a time delay to prevent short cycling and protect the coach’s A/C system.
• Should you have low voltage or high voltage conditions, they will automatically cut power to protect the coach, and automatically return electrical service when safe power returns.
• What more?  Some models will even SELF-SACRIFICE to save the coach should the RVer accidentally plug into an incorrect power source or a surge that exceeds its protection rating.

Best 50 Amp RV Surge Protectors & Reviews

1. Surge Guard 34850 Portable Surge Protector with LCD Display Reviews – Best Overall

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The Surge Guard 34850 Portable Surge Protector with LCD Display is the best 50 amp surge protector available. This is an upgrade version of the Surge Guard 34750, which is one of the most popular RV surge protectors so far. The 34850 has 3850 Joules of power surge protection. It can be used for all travel trailers 30 amp and 50 amp without any issue.

Key Features:

• 3850 Joules surge protection
• 6500 amps spike protection
• 120/240 volts, 50 amps
• Protects RV from faulty park power
• Built-in intelligence
• Automatic reset on power restoration
• Shuts off power when: overheating Plug/Receptacle, Open Ground, Open neutral, Low (<102V) and High (>132V) Voltage
• Continuously monitors for: Surge Failure, Voltage and amp draw, Reverse polarity (miswired pedestal, elevated ground voltage)
• Convenient plug disconnect handles
• Weather resistant
• LIFETIME warranty

Overviews:

The Surge Guard 34850 Portable Surge Protector protects your RV from faulty park power by automatically shutting off power when an open neutral (which can cause severe electrical damage) or low (<102V) and high (>132V) voltage is present. It also shuts off if a reverse polarity is present.

Plus, this unit continuously monitors and checks for spikes or irregularities in the power supply that your RV is pulling from. If anything were to ever become a problem, the surge protector will stop the power flow to your RV before it can damage any of your electrical system or equipment. When it shuts off the power for this or any other cause, it will automatically reset once the power problem has been corrected. However, there is a 128-second delay built in to allow the head pressure to bleed off on the RV’s air conditioner prior to reconnecting the power.

The built-in LCD display is continuously monitoring voltage and amp draw. The Display also monitors and reveals faults like reverse polarity, miswired pedestals, elevated ground voltage. You can relax and enjoy your vacation knowing that the Surge Guard 34850 portable surge guard is standing guard to protect your electrical appliances from unforeseeable power problems.

Overall, we are confident that the Surge Guard 34850 is one of the best RV surge protectors you can buy. You can’t go wrong with it.

2. Progressive Industries EMS-PT50X Portable RV Surge Protector Reviews

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The second best 50 amp RV surge protector on our list is the Progressive Industries EMS-PT50X Portable RV Surge Protector. This surge protector has a sleek and compact design that makes it easy to use and store. With all weather shield assembly, you can confidently use it anytime and anywhere without any issue. One of the things that we love most of this model is that it’s made in the USA. So there is no doubt if say it’s built with the great dependability and safety in mind.

Key features:

• Weather Resistant designed for Outdoor Use
• Security Locking Bracket
• Rugged Pull Handle
• Tough Lexan Housing
• All Weather Shield Assembly
• Designed for Outdoor Use
• Lifetime Warranty (excludes All Weather Shield Assembly)
• Made in the USA

Overviews:

The EMS-PT50X is the newest in the line of Progressive Industries portable surge protectors and is the best surge protector that the company has been making so far. Progressive Industries listened to what customers had to say and made some impressive new improvements to the design and function of this model.

It protects your 50 Amp RV from 5 modes of electrical issues. The smart technology utilized by the PT50X provides high & low voltage protection, whenever source power falls below 104 Volts, or rises above 132 volts and will automatically shut down power to the RV. The EMS will monitor the power and once the AC power rises above 104 volts, or below the 132-volt level, the time delay indicator flashes for the present time and then automatically restores power to the RV. And the all new weather protection shield keeps your RV’s power cord out of the rain.

3. Surge Guard 35550 Hardwire Surge Protector Reviews

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If you’re looking for the best RV surge protector that can be permanently installed within the bay of your coach, preventing potential theft and damage from the elements, the Surge Guard 35550 Hardwire Surge Protector is one of the best options to buy. This 50 amp hardwired Surge Guard monitors shore power continuously and shuts off when it detects power surges, open ground, open neutral, low or excessive voltage, miswired pedestals, or reverse polarity that could damage electronic equipment in your coach.

Key features:

• Automatic reset on power restoration
• Multi-mode surge suppression
• Automatically shuts off the power when the following is present: Open ground, Open neutral, Low (<102V) and High (>132V) Voltage, Miswired pedestal, Reverse polarity
• Caution indicator light indicates: Elevated ground voltage, Surge failure indication
• 128-second reset delay protects A/C Compressor
• 3850 Joules of power surge protection
• Easy installation

Overviews:

The Surge Guard 35550 Hardwire Surge Protector is an upgrade version of the Model 34560, which has been very popular in the RV world. The Surge Guard 35550 offers almost the same features and benefits as the portable unit, the only distinction is that it’s designed to be installed in the RV and you will need an optional LCD display (Model 40298 Remote Power Monitor LCD Display) to monitor what is passing through the device.

When connected to the Surge Guard hardwire, the optional plug and play LCD Display, with 16 information fault screens, shows more detailed information regarding incoming line voltages, current being used, and fault conditions than with just a Surge Guard unit alone.

4. Progressive Industries HW50C Hardwired EMS Surge & Electrical Protection

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The Progressive Industries 50 Amp HW50C Hardwired EMS Surge & Electrical Protection is permanently installed in your coach so it is always watching out for you and it is kept safe behind locked doors. When Progressive Systems says they are monitoring, they really are – 24 hours a day. The response rate is lightning fast at 1 billionth of a second!

The Progressive Industries HW50C is not just a surge guard, it is a management system that gives you Multi-Modes of surge protection, L-N, L-N, L-G, L-L, and N-G, with a joule rating of 3580, and an 88,000A surge current. It has a state-of-the-art computer and microprocessor programmed with software that constantly assesses for all the power problems you could imagine. It turns off power in any of these situations, accidental 220V, open ground, reverse polarity, open neutral, or AC frequency deviations. It is also watching out for high and low voltage spikes and instantly shuts down power if there is a drop below 104 volts or a rise above 132 volts.

Once the electrical power rises above 104-volts, or below the 132-volt level, the time delay indicator flashes for the preset time and then automatically restores power to the RV. Remote digital readout features built-in surge fault indication, amperage meter, voltage meter, frequency meter, 3-mode surge protection, reverse polarity protection, open neutral/open ground protection, lost/open neutral protection, and AC frequency protection. The digital monitor comes with a 14’ cord that snuggly attaches to the port on the EMS. The display is continuously showing power information displaying each message for two seconds at a time.

Combined with the fact that all the Progressive Industries surge protectors have been making in the USA, we believe the Progressive Industries 50 Amp HW50C is one of the best 50 amp surge protectors for you and your RV.

Progressive Industries EMS-HW30C & HW50C | Video by Progressive Industries

5. Camco 50 AMP Power Defender Voltage Protector With Integrated Surge Protection

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Camco has three separate manufacturing facilities in the US, where it creates and assembles many of its high-quality RV accessories. The Camco 50 AMP Power Defender Voltage Protectors are the only models that Camco offers to the market and have quickly become popular and industry exploded. These are certainly some of the best RV surge protectors that you can buy from.

The Camco Power Defender Voltage Protector helps protect your RV from damage caused by low or high voltage and power spikes and surges. It automatically disconnects when dangerous voltage levels are detected and reconnects when voltage levels stabilize. Reconnect Delay protects sensitive equipment, such as AC units, by not rapidly cycling power. Includes diagnostic lights for visual indication of faults. Water resistant unit incorporates integrated multilevel surge protection and diagnostic lights for visual indication of faults.

The best part of this 50 amp surge protector is that it’s a high-quality model but the price is extremely competitive. Also, Camco’s customer services are awesome. That’s probably why Camco products are the preferred choices of many serious RVers in the USA.

6. Surge Guard 40240 50 Amp Hardwire RV Surge Protector with LCD Reviews

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The Surge Guard 40240 50 Amp Hardwire RV Surge Protector is the most expensive RV surge protector that we’ve ever seen and is the one that provides what you can’t get from any other on the market. Besides everything you can get from the Surge Guard 35550, it’s able to protect your RV against max spike current up to 130,000 Amps, which is the highest number in the industry. Plus, the Source Power Connection Diagnostics feature is great, it did a good job of monitoring the condition of the power being supplied to the RV. When it detects there is a dangerous condition, it will disconnect before any damage can occur.

Key Features:

• 60A full rated contactor (75A resistive) mounted on vibration isolators to ensure quiet operation.
• Over/under voltage protection. Contactor opens outside of (102-132V) range after 8-second delay.
• Over/under frequency protection. Contactor opens outside of (54-70Hz) range after 30- second delay.
• Source power connection diagnostics. Contactor will not close or will open in the event of an open line, open neutral, open ground conductor, or reverse polarity condition
• Brown/blackout protection 2 min 15-second delay is initiated after removal of power to ensure AC compressor head bleed off. Feature can be disabled on remote.
• Bypass switch – Low Voltage between 95- 102VAC and open ground faults can be bypassed by toggling the remote front panel switch to the Bypass position.

We believe that if you pick the Surge Guard 40240 50 Amp Hardwire RV Surge Protector, you would never have to worry about your RV whenever hooking it up to power pedestals for shore power at campgrounds, parks and other locations. This is one of the best 50 amp surge protectors you can buy.

Best 30 Amp RV Surge Protectors Reviews

1. Surge Guard 44750 30-Amp with Ground Reviews

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The Surge Guard 44750 30-Amp with Ground is the most economical and offers two types of electrical protection, surge suppression and ground fault protection. It does not protect against miswired pedestals, low-high voltage or open neutral conditions.

This is the best 30 amp RV surge protector for you if you just want to protect your RV’s electronics from power surges. Rather than purchasing individual surge strips for individual circuits and appliances, this model protects the entire RV and its contents. It is perfect for Towables, 5th Wheels and Class C Motorhomes.

When a power surge or voltage spike occurs, the Surge Guard instantaneously shuts off the power to the RV and automatically resets when the power is restored. When a ground fault condition occurs, power is disconnected in 25/1000ths of a second to protect the RVs wiring, appliances and to prevent fire hazards. Once the ground fault is corrected the reset button must be activated to continue power.

2. Surge Guard 34830 Portable Model with LCD Display

This model offers the same features and benefits as the Surge Guard 34850 50 amp. But it’s designed for RVs with 30 Amp service.

3. Progressive Industries EMS-PT30X Portable RV Surge Protector

This model offers the same features and benefits as the Progressive Industries EMS-PT50X 50 amp except it’s designed for RVs with 30 Amp service.

4. Surge Guard 35530 30A Hardwire Surge Protector

This model offers the same features and benefits as the Surge Guard 35550 50A Hardwire Surge Protector – 50 amp except it’s designed for RVs with 30 Amp service.

The post The Best Surge Protector For Your RV appeared first on Green Living Blog.

Random orbital polishers, also called dual-action polishers, are the EASIEST and SAFEST electric polishers. They don’t apply torque to the surface, and assures the buffer never concentrates its energy in one spot, unlike regular rotary polishers which can easily apply too much pressure to the paint and burn right through it if you are not skilled, requiring a new paint job.

Random orbital polishers are lightweight and easy to control on both horizontal panels and vertical panels. You can use them to remove swirls, polish paint to a high gloss, apply a wax or paint sealant and even use them to remove the wax or paint sealant after it has dried. The free rotating spindle assemblies make these polishers very safe for regular polishing and waxing.

Because of these advantages, random orbital polishers are the best choice for both beginners and professionals. They are also the best choice for you if you don’t want to seriously kill your car paint by using a rotary polisher improperly. To help you buy the best random orbital polishers, we’ve teamed up with some auto detail experts to put together this list of the best random orbital polishers you can buy right now:

1. Meguiar’s MT300 Pro Power DA Polisher Reviews – Best Random Orbital Polisher Overall

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Among all the best random orbital polishers that we suggest to you, the Meguiar’s MT300 Pro Power DA Polisher is the one that we love most. This polisher is very easy to use, has an ergonomic and great balanced design, a smooth operation, and on top of that, it comes with a great price compared to other high-quality polishers on the market. Even you’re a beginner, with the MT300 you can polish your car like a professional detailer and keep your car looking fantastic every day.

Meguiar’s MT300 Professional Dual Action Random Orbital Polisher | Video by Meguiar’s

The Meguiars MT300 removes imperfections that were formerly only removable by a rotary polisher, but it maintains the user-friendly features of a random orbital polisher. It features a 500-watt polishing power which delivers the power and torque needed and demanded by enthusiasts and professionals alike. It uses the same gentle dual action motion and 8mm throw that enthusiasts and professional detailers know and trust even on the most sensitive or durable paint finishes.

The best part of this dual-action random orbital polisher is its compact and ergonomic design. The design that makes even a young girl can polish a car easily and get incredible results. At 5.4 pounds, the MT300 is heavy enough to be effective but light enough to be comfortable, your arms won’t get tired after a couple hours of buff work.

How to Polish like a Pro with Meguiar’s MT300 | Video by Meguiar’s

Overall, we believe the Meguiars MT300 is one of the best random orbital polishers you can buy. You can use it for any type of paint in any condition and your car will regain its like-new shine.

2. TORQ BUF501X 10FX Random Orbital Polisher Kit – Best Kit to Buy

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TORQ Tool Company makes some of the best car polishers that everyone enjoys and affords. The TORQ BUF501X 10FX Random Orbital Polisher Kit has an affordable price but very high quality, it includes everything you need to polish paint, remove swirls and scratches, spread wax and sealant, and much more. If you don’t have much time for shopping and researching, this kit is probably the best option to buy.

The TORQ 10FX Random Orbital Polisher is a professional-grade dual-action car polisher that enables users of all skill levels to achieve a flawless finish in their garage. It features a 700-watt motor which is more powerful than the Meguiar’s MT300. Its digital speed controls transmit every bit of power from the motor at 6 distinct speed settings for precise control on sensitive or intense detailing jobs. Smooth startup and power engagement ensures better control and reduces product sling and accidents.

One of the best parts of the TORQ 10FX, like some other best random orbital polishers, is the user-friendly design. Onboard digital controls and display deliver ideal comfort, ease of use, precision, accuracy, and improved safety. The streamlined digital display and power controls are ergonomically integrated directly above the hand grip, all within thumb’s reach.

Plus, unlike many cheap random orbital polishers on the market, the power controls of the TORQ 10FX are extremely intuitive, making it comfortable and easy to control speeds without ever taking your hands off the machine or eyes off the paint. The intuitive design keeps your eyes and attention on the job for improved safety and faster results. The streamlined and ergonomic design of the TORQ 10FX deliver the most comfortable polishing experience possible to the user.

There are a lot of things going for the TORQ BUF501X 10FX Random Orbital Polisher. It’s one of the best-detailing tools designed for you and will cut your polishing time in half.

3. Rupes LHR15 Mark II BigFoot Random Orbital Polisher – Best for PROs

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We’ll tell you why the Rupes LHR15 Mark II BigFoot Random Orbital Polisher is rated as one of the best random orbital polishers for professional detailers. Because it offers the smoothest and most efficient operation we’ve ever seen. The amazing Italian design of the Rupes LHR15 Mark II delivers the most comfortable polishing experience possible to the user. That’s probably why it’s one of the most expensive random orbital polishers on the market.

The Rupes LHR15 Mark II Big Foot is built with everything that made the original Rupes LHR 15ES. With improvements made to both the body, chassis, and motor, the Rupes LHR15 Mark II provides 30% more efficient than the original machines, making correcting your paint smoother than ever before. With a unique 15mm throw, it covers more surface area than most typical orbital polishers which have a throw between 4 and 8mm. A bigger throw also gives this polisher the ability to run smoother and correct defects faster than a conventional dual action polisher.

Also new on the LHR15 Mark II are rubber inserts inside the tool that improves the handling and provide a better level of comfortability while in use. The new rubber tool rest on top of the machine allows you to set the polisher down pad-up and not contaminate either your pad or the paint you’re working on.

Overall, if you’re looking for not only the best random orbital polisher on the market but a professional-grade polishing tool that is built to last, then you can’t go wrong with the Rupes LHR15 Mark II Big Foot.

4. PORTER-CABLE 7424XP 6-In Variable-Speed Orbit Polisher – Best for Beginners

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The PORTER-CABLE 7424XP 6-In Variable-Speed Random Orbit Polisher is one of the best random orbital polishers for beginners. More than half of the people that we know are using it to polish their cars. That because this polisher is very safe and easy to use, it’s also much less expensive than most other models of the same quality.

The PORTER-CABLE 7424XP features a 4.5 Amp motor and electronic variable-speed dial that operates at 2500-6800 OPM. It’s capable of working at faster speeds than the original 7424, which enables to remove more paint imperfections. In addition, it has an improved switch design for greater durability. The body of the polisher has been redesigned with improved ergonomics to give the operator more comfort and control than the original model.

However, even though the body has been improved to be easier to use, the PORTER-CABLE 7424XP still requires two hands (one positioned on the body, the other on the auxiliary handle) to guide and hold the tool to the surface. It is lightweight (only 6 pounds) but doesn’t perfectly fit in the palm of the hand like the Rupes LHR15 Mark II Big Foot.

5. Griot’s Garage 6″ Dual Action Random Orbital Polisher

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By far, the Griot’s Garage 6″ Dual Action Random Orbital Polisher is the best random orbital polisher from Griots Garage. It has established a reputation among detailers and enthusiasts for having the ability to remove just about any paint imperfection imaginable including water spots, swirls, oxidation and even light scratches!

The Griot’s Garage 6″ is engineered with the same powerful 7-amp, 850-watt motor that eliminates paint defects with ease. It features a strong 5/16’ stroke and six variable speeds, from 2800 to 6800 OPM (oscillations per minute). Any standard dual-action backing plate will fit so you can use your favorite polishing pad selections and sizes.

Griot’s Garage 6″ Dual Action Random Orbital Polisher | Video by Griot’s Garage

This is the 3rd generation Griot’s Garage polisher which is redesigned for more comfort. A new rubberized adjustable hand grip increases user comfort and helps isolate polishing vibration. The new ergonomically designed exterior features molded hand and finger grips for improved comfort. A domed and rubberized palm grip allows for precise control during aggressive polishing. The speed selector dial and power switch have been moved to more convenient locations allow you to focus more on the task at hand – polishing paint!

Overall, we would recommend you buy this random orbital polisher, and also recommend the extra-long 25 ft cord. The longer cord is more convenient than an extension cord and it is gauged to deliver maximum power to the polisher for safe, efficient operation.

6. Flex XC 3401 VRG Dual-Action Orbital Polisher

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The Flex XC 3401 VRG Dual-Action Orbital Polisher is one of the best random orbital polishers of Flex Power Tools – a German company which was founded in 1922. The company offers some of the top-of-the-line polishers for customers around the world.

The Flex XC3401VRG delivers serious power with the convenient variable speed trigger. Meaning at full squeeze you are running at the maximum speed setting you choose. However, unlike other random orbital polishers, if you let off the trigger, the polisher slows down. There is also a convenient lock feature that you can lock in your maximum speed setting without using the trigger. Your speed setting is set by a dial that reads 1 – 6. The control you have doesn’t stop with the speed, but the ergonomics as well.

The Flex XC3401VRG also comes with many other technological advancements that make it one of the premier buffers on the market. It uses seven-fold microprocessor electronics: with consistent speed control by tachometer generator, soft start, accelerator trigger switch, restart protection after power interruption, overload protection, temperature monitoring, and speed selection. The oscillating motion moves the buffer precisely 8mm during one orbit. The handle is removable and easy to hold so you can detail for hours with no problems.

When you use the Flex XC3401VRG to polish your car you will find that this polisher is very simple to use and gets the job done fast. It’s by far one of the best random orbital polishers for professional detailers and beginners as well. But like the Rupes Mark II BigFoot, this is one of the most expensive random orbital/dual action polishers on the market.

7. Griot’s Garage BG21 THE BOSS Long-Throw Orbital Polisher

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The Griot’s Garage BG21 THE BOSS Long-Throw Orbital Polisher is a high-powered dual action orbital polisher designed to make quick work of paint defect removal. It has a 21mm orbit, which represents a 162% increase in orbit throw compared to a conventional orbital’s 8mm throw. A pad that rotates in a larger orbit does more work per pass, your liquids are more effective, and you get results that surpass expectation.

Manufactured with a 900-watt motor, 7.5 amp motor, THE BOSS G21 Long-Throw Orbital Polisher has no trouble removing different types of swirls and paint defects. It’s also included an anti-fatigue feature in the form of a Trigger Lock Button. This feature allows the power trigger to be held in place while polishing the paint. You will find this is a great feature particularly when you have to work for an extended amount of time!

Overall, the Griot’s Garage BG21 THE BOSS is certainly one of the best random orbital polishers available. But the difference between it and the #1 Meguiar’s MT300 Pro Power DA Polisher may not seem significant, we think the Meguiar’s is the better choice for the price.

The post Best Random Orbital Polishers of 2019 Reviews appeared first on Green Living Blog.

There’s no secret remedy for keeping cool in extreme heat while camping in an RV, in fact the best option is to install an air conditioner on top of your RV. Not only does it cool your RV’s interior air and create a comfortable environment, but it also improves the air quality inside your RV.

However, since an air conditioner uses a lot of electricity and can make a lot of noise, choosing a new air conditioner for an RV can be very stressful. Picking the right one from all the available models requires some careful consideration. RV air conditioners can’t be selected in the same way as a regular window air conditioner in your home because of the fact that most RVs have a lot less insulation so they are not very efficient to heat and cool. Plus, everyone knows that an RV is mobile and most RV air conditioners are installed on top of the RV, so that the best model should be able to withstand wind gusts, heavy rains and even hurricanes.

If you’re looking for a portable AC to use in your RV, this list of the smallest portable air conditioners on the market might be helpful.

Best RV Air Conditioners For You

1. Dometic Brisk II Air Conditioner – Quietest RV Air Conditioner

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This is not only one of the best RV air conditioners on the market, it’s also the quietest model that you can buy. It is best-in-class of any standard RV rooftop air conditioner for weight, air flow and capacity. Tested for use in extreme conditions.

The Dometic Brisk II Air Conditioner is incredibly robust, it features a carbon steel base that had been proven the durability by coming through vibration tests lasting for 30 hours. So you can be confident that this RV air conditioner will overcome any harsh or unusual road and weather condition. While being one of the toughest air conditioners around, its 410A refrigerant is kinder to the environment.

Another advantage of the Dometic Brisk II is its large air openings which promote superior airflow and cooling capacity up to 15%, while the EPP foam housing both reduces weight and also contributes to improved cooling. The most important thing that makes this unit the best choice for every RVers is that it’s quieter than most others on the market. This due to the fact that its components including the motor, compressor and evaporator are bracketed together for vibration-free, quiet operation. Long copper lines and dual rubber bushings are also responsible for minimizing noise and vibration.

With Domestic’s 2-year warranty, quiet operation, lightweight and capable of performing in any environment, it won’t let you down.

2. Dometic Penguin II Low-Profile Rooftop Air Conditioner – Best Low Profile RV Air Conditioner

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A unit with a larger profile creates more drag and sacrifices some fuel efficiency, which means it could end up costing you more money than a low-profile model in the long run. The Penguin II Rooftop Air Conditioner is the leading low-profile RV air conditioner in the industry and is a powerful cooler perfect for both ducted and non-ducted applications (air distribution box available separately).

With a low-profile under 10 in./25.4 cm, the sleek shroud reduces wind resistance while the vehicle is moving. A rib-reinforced base pan delivers lasting strength, while its R410A refrigerant is more eco-friendly and releases heat efficiently.

Domestic also offers a heat pump version of this model. The heat pump is thermostatically controlled by the Comfort Control Center II (CCC2) in both ducted and non-ducted applications. The controls automatically activate the LP gas furnace at 30 degrees for continuous relaxation.

3. Coleman Mach 15 15,000 BTU Heat Pump Air Conditioner

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If you want to get the most out of your RV air conditioner no matter what the season, consider this Coleman Mach 15 15,000 BTU. This unit will heat as well as cool thanks to a unique reversing valve that converts the cooling powers into an efficient and powerful heating system. Unfortunately, this heat pump doesn’t come as a full unit when you buy from retailers, you’ll have to buy Coleman 9233A4551 Heatstrip Assembly to provide a source of warm air (5800 BTU).

The Mach 15 is equipped with a 1/3 HP fan motor, the largest used in an RV air conditioner, delivering cool air at 325 CFM. It features the same streamlined shape that enhances the style and operational efficiency of all the Coleman-Mach line of RV air conditioners.

Overall, this RV an all-around solid value in cooling performance. The quality built Coleman Mach 15 is one of the world’s best RV air conditioners.

4. Atwood 15026 Air Command AC with Heat Pump – Most Efficient RV Air Conditioner

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Most RV air conditioners require a generator of at least 3kW. This Atwood 15026 Non-Ducted A/C Unit offers up to 15,000 BTU of cooling capacity but can be operated on as little as a single 2,000 watt generator. This due to the fact that this unit is designed to be one of the most energy-efficient RV air conditioners in its class. So if you already have a 2000W generator in your RV, then you wouldn’t want to miss this one.

• Read more: What is the best quiet RV generator?

This high-efficiency RV air conditioner with heat pump offers comfortable camping in temperatures between 45 and 159 degrees Fahrenheit. Using a heat pump conserves up to 4 times more energy than a furnace because it pulls warm air in from outside instead of generating its own. This maintains your set temperature inside when ambient temperatures get as low as 45 degrees Fahrenheit outside, which is perfect for unexpected chilly nights and mornings.

Non-ducted systems include flip down thermostats and remote controls and will fit most standard 14 x 14″ roof cutouts making Atwood Air Command an easy upgrade. Atwood’s RV air conditioners come with a 2-year warranty on all models.

The post Best & Quietest RV Air Conditioner of 2019 appeared first on Green Living Blog.

Today, we want to dive into those questions and provide a specific guide to choosing a new charger that will definitely suit your needs.

After carrying out more than 100 hours of research, we’ve learned that one of the most common causes of deep cycle battery failure is a “bad” charger. A bad deep cycle battery charger could have a whole range of elaborate and very unpleasant consequences for the deep cycle batteries. If you want your battery to have a long life and provide the best performance, you should understand the importance of charging your deep cycle batteries with a proper charger.

Most deep cycle battery chargers are designed to diagnose, recover, charge and maintain a wide range of batteries, in a wide range of applications. Some specific chargers are designed only for AGM or Gel or Wet cells. And some trickle chargers can be left on a battery indefinitely. These would be used on a vehicle that is not used all the time or is stored away for the winter like RVs and boats.

To get the best deep cycle battery charger, there is a very important thing you have to do right now: read carefully everything discussed in this guide. But if you don’t have time to read, these are our top picks for the best deep cycle battery chargers currently available:

Best Deep Cycle Battery Chargers: Our Picks

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No matter what type of deep cycle battery you have or what kind of applications you’re going to use with your battery charger, we’re confident that the NOCO Genius UltraSafe Smart Battery Chargers will suit your needs. These are some of the safest and most advanced on the market.

NOCO Genius smart battery chargers are designed to charge 6V, 12V and 24V lead-acid and deep cycle batteries up to 500 amp-hours and they can also effectively maintain deep-cycle batteries in your RVs, boats, cars, and lawn & garden vehicles. We love the fact that these chargers are able to charge 2x faster than ordinary battery chargers, they can also be used to jump-start dead batteries and repair damaged batteries.

Sometimes, you’ll want a charger that can charge your deep cycle battery as fast as possible but won’t hurt the battery life, if so you should consider this Schumacher Wheeled Battery Charger with Engine Start. Its 40-amp fast charge mode can charge a battery in 1 to 3 hours. This charger is actually a multi-functional charging device. It includes a tester and gives professionals a wide range of charging rates and helps in fleet operations. It also has the ability to analyze electrical and starting system problems.

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How to Choose the Best Charger for Your Deep Cycle Battery

When it comes to choosing a new deep cycle battery charger, it is important to choose one that charges your battery as accurately and efficiently as possible. Choosing the right charger is very important to ensure not only all requirements are met but also the charger is not over specified resulting in a more costly solution than required. Determining which charger is best suited your needs depends on battery type, battery capacity, how fast you want to charge your battery, and power sources (household outlets, solar power, or generators).

Choosing a Charger Based on Deep Cycle Battery Type

What kind of deep cycle battery have you got? Lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries (including AGM, wet cell, and gel batteries) work with all kinds of battery charger as long as they’re suitable, but if you have a Gel battery, you should know that this type has a very narrow charging profile and it’s not easy to find the right charger for it. And due to each type requires the different charging characteristics, understanding how they work with a charger is the key to get the right one for your deep cycle battery.

1. Charging Flooded Lead-Acid Batteries

First, let’s start with flooded lead-acid batteries. This is the most common type of deep cycle battery in use today.

Flooded batteries allow fluid in the form of hydrogen and oxygen gas to escape during charging and they do require regular maintenance. However, charging flooded batteries is much easier than other types of deep cycle batteries since these batteries can be overly charged with less risk of damage. Taking advantage of this feature, the flooded batteries can be charged by any deep cycle battery charger on the market in which the output voltage matches the input voltage of the battery.

The biggest disadvantage of charging flooded batteries with a conventional charger is that it can take a long time to fully charge. And even longer if you use a cheap charger with a low output current. Therefore, flooded batteries should be charged with the best deep cycle battery chargers on the market to reduce the charging time.

A multi-charge charger, like the Schumacher Wheeled Battery Charger with Engine Start, is a very good choice. With higher charge currents and multi-stage charge methods, your battery can be charged very fast. We love the fact that this charger has a wide range of charging rates so it’s suitable to charge your flooded battery system of any scale.

2. Charging AGM Deep Cycle Batteries

One of the leading advantages of AGM deep cycle batteries is these batteries can be charged 5 times faster than flooded deep cycle batteries of the same amp-hour rating. AGM batteries are the most common battery type used in marine applications.

However, unlike flooded batteries, AGM batteries are sensitive to overcharging and they also do not like heat. Therefore, if your deep cycle battery is AGM, choosing the best charger would be a bit more complicated.

A charge to 2.40V/cell (and higher) is fine. However, the float charge should be reduced to between 2.25 and 2.30V/cell (summer temperatures may require lower voltages). A battery charger that is dedicated to charging 12V flooded lead acid often have a fixed float voltage setting of 14.40V (2.40V/cell), using it could overcharge the AGM battery.

To protect and maximize the life of your AGM battery, you should select a multi-stage charger that has a setting for AGM. And because AGM batteries can be fully charged very quickly, we would highly recommend that you buy a charger that has max charge current less than 25Ah.

Our top two picks will work just fine with any AGM battery, but there is a charger that is specially designed for charging AGM batteries and we’re confident that this is one of the best chargers for AGM batteries currently available. We’re talking about the Optima Digital 1200 12V Performance Battery Charger and Maintainer.

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This Optima’s battery charger features many built-in technologies and microprocessors which enhance the performance of 12V AGM batteries, recovers deeply discharged batteries and helps extend battery life. And if you already have an Optima’s marine battery, this charger is probably the best choice.

3. Charging Gel Deep Cycle Batteries

GEL and AGM technology differ. Remember that the technology of a Gel battery is not the same as an AGM battery, which has its own charging requirements. If your charger offers different modes, select the correct one for your battery. If you use the AGM setting to charge a Gel battery, it won’t fully charge and, over time, it could actually damage your Gel battery.

Gel batteries actually predated the AGM type but are losing market share to the AGM’s. But Gel batteries are still quite common in solar storage systems.

Gel batteries tend to have VERY NARROW charging profiles and can be damaged easily by charging them inappropriately. If you have a Gel battery, do not charge it with a conventional car battery charger. There are several methods for charging gel batteries, however, constant voltage charging is the best way. For this type of charging, a fixed, regulated voltage source is used to charge the battery.

There are two modes for constant voltage charging: fast charging and float charging. Smart chargers have both that modes and automatically switch between them. The best deep cycle battery chargers will monitor the ambient temperature and adjust the charging parameters accordingly.

We think the NoCo UltraSafe Smart Battery Chargers are a very good choice for charging most Gel batteries, but if you don’t like them, we believe that this BatteryMINDer 12V 2/4/8 Amp Wet/Gel/AGM Battery Charger will satisfy you.

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This charger is regulated and will not overcharge, no matter what amp selection you make. It is just a matter of how fast you need to charge the battery. Plus, when used as a maintainer, it is guaranteed to maximize the battery life and improve storage capacity. The temperature compensated long-term maintenance stage will add years of service.

4. Charging Lithium-ion Deep Cycle Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries cannot absorb overcharge. When fully charged, the charge current must be cut off. A continuous trickle charge would cause plating of metallic lithium and compromise safety. They should also operate safely within the designated operating voltages as the battery becomes unstable if inadvertently charged to a higher than specified voltage.

For better battery life and performance, choose a charger that has a setting for lithium. And because all lithium-based batteries are safer at a lower charge, you should consider a model that has a low amp-hour rating (20Ah or less). This NOCO Genius G15000 is a very good choice.

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Choosing a Charger Based on Power Source

1. Charging Your Deep Cycle Battery with a Generator

• Read More: What’s the best quiet RV generator you can buy?

Using a generator is the fastest way to charge your deep cycle battery during the power outage or when you need to charge deep cycle batteries in your RV as fast as possible. Most inverter generators have a 12V DC output built into them, however, trying to charge a battery using this is almost a waste of time. The 12V DC output is usually limited to around 8 amps, the voltage can fluctuate and is not suited to effectively charge your deep cycle battery.

The best way to charge your deep cycle battery with a generator is to connect a Smart Charger to the 120V AC outlet of the generator. A smart charger uses 2 or more stages to charge the battery bank exactly the way it wants to be charged depending on its state.

All smart chargers that mentioned above will work fine, but if you frequently have to use a generator to charge your battery, there is no one better than the Xantrex TRUECharge2 12V (20A, 40A, 60A) Battery Chargers. These are some of the best deep cycle battery chargers on the market. They are best suited for charging with a generator as they feature low electrical interference and can protect your deep cycle battery against voltage fluctuations and unexpected shutdown.

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2. Charging Your Deep Cycle Battery with Solar Panels

We have discussed the best chargers for solar batteries in our previous guide to choosing the best deep cycle battery for solar power systems. But here are some basic terms that you should know about charging your deep cycle battery with solar panels.

In solar power systems, the batteries cannot be charged without a Solar Charge Controller. A solar charge controller manages the power going into the battery bank from solar panels. It ensures that the deep cycle batteries are not overcharged during the day, and that the power doesn’t run backwards to the solar panels overnight and drain the batteries.

However, a good solar charge controller is relatively expensive and in many cases isn’t necessary. For example, you have a couple of 100-watt solar panels and you only use them once time per month when you go camping with your family. But how do I charge my battery with a solar panel without buying a solar charge controller?

There is a simple way to do that – using this CTEK D250S Dual is a 5-step charger. This is a smart deep cycle battery charger which is designed to obtain energy from DC sources such as alternators, solar panels or wind power and optimises this power to meet the charging requirements of different battery banks.

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CTEK is a Swedish company which is known as one of the global market leaders in battery management solutions. And the CTEK D250S Dual is a 5-step charger is also one of the best deep cycle battery chargers on the market. It features a built-in MPPT solar battery charger (Maximum Power Point Tracker) that helps the solar cells produce power as efficiently as possible by taking the most efficient source of energy from the solar panels automatically, and then using the power to charge the battery.

3. Charging Deep Cycle Battery While On the Water

You’ve been looking around for a way to help pump some juice from the outboard alternator and deliver it to your trolling batteries to extend run times, decrease on-shore charge times and increase battery life. If so these are things you should know.

• Read more: Things to consider when buying a new marine battery charger

To effectively deliver some juice from the outboard alternator into deep cycle batteries on your boat, you’ll need a DC alternator on-board charger, not a standard on-board charger. This particular type of charger takes voltage from the engine’s alternator and directs it to the trolling motor batteries so that they will be recharged while the engine is running from one fishing hole to the next.

The best and most efficient DC alternator on-board charger on the market is the MinnKota MK-2-DC Dual Bank DC Alternator Charger that you can buy from Amazon. This charger is engineered with advanced corrosion protection to withstand the destructive effects of saltwater. It can be used only for flooded and AGM batteries.

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Choosing a Charger Based on System Voltage (12V/24V/36V/48V)

Most deep cycle battery systems that we have is 12V. 12 volts is simplest and most standard, used in cars, RVs, trolling motors and boats. If you want a small simple power system, 12 volts will probably be easiest. But in some applications such as marine or home solar energy systems, where we often build large battery banks that store hundreds or even thousands amp-hours, the 24V or 36V or 48V system has some technical advantages over the 12V system.

You can use a 12V battery charger to charge one 12V battery at a time, but charging your batteries in such way is almost a waste of time. The best way to charge deep cycle batteries in the 24V/36V/48V systems is using a smart charger that provides an adequate output voltage.

There are many battery chargers on the market for these systems. They come in many different shapes and sizes and price. Our favorite models are Schumacher’s INC Digital Chargers (36V/48V) – these are some of the most reliable and best deep cycle battery chargers you can buy.

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Batteries in these systems also can be charged with a multiple output charger, like a three or four bank unit in this case, with each battery getting its own connection at battery voltage.

What Size Charger Do I Need for My Deep Cycle Battery?

How many amp hours does your deep cycle battery store? Deciding how big your deep cycle charger needs to be is determined by the size and type of your battery. We all know that the more current you put into the battery, the faster the charging. However, using too large a charge current on a small battery can lead to boiling and venting of the electrolyte. It’ll shorten the battery’s long-term health. Charge current needs to match the ability of the battery to absorb the energy.

Maximum amperage that batteries can accept vary depending on battery chemistry:

• A flooded battery can accept a charge rate of up to 25 percent of its capacity
• A Gel battery has a higher acceptance rate of as much as 30 percent of its capacity
• An AGM battery accepts the highest charging amps, as much as 40 percent of its capacity

If you have a 100Ah flooded lead-acid battery, the best deep cycle battery chargers should have maximum charge currents of 25Ah or less that would take about 4 hours to recharge it if the battery were completely dead. Some folks wanting quick recharge should look for a charger with more amps. If you’re not in a hurry, you can select a smaller charger.

We don’t know what will happen tomorrow, so the best solution is selecting a charger that can provide a fast-charging mode and a slow-charging mode, like our top picks.

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