RV owners know that a reliable generator is the unsung hero of any great road trip—unless it suddenly quits, in which case it becomes the villain of your camping horror story. We recently asked our newsletter subscribers, “What type of RV generator do you prefer?” and the responses were as varied as the smells inside a long-neglected RV fridge.
Gasoline, diesel, propane, and solar all had their loyal fans, but one fuel type roared ahead (literally, if it’s a gas generator).
Before we dive into the shocking, hilarious, and slightly predictable results, a quick reminder: This poll was taken in our newsletter, so if you didn’t vote, shame on you! Just kidding—but seriously, make sure to vote next time so your voice is heard (and so we don’t have to make up fake data).
The Great Generator Showdown: Who Won?
Here’s how the votes stacked up:
| Generator Type | Percentage of Votes |
|---|---|
| Gasoline | 45% |
| Diesel | 27% |
| Propane | 18% |
| Solar | 10% |
Gasoline Generators: The Loud, Proud, and Reliable Choice
No surprise here—gasoline generators took the crown with a commanding 45% of the vote. Why? Because nothing says “I love nature” like firing up a machine that sounds like a chainsaw orchestra. Gas generators are the old faithful of the RV world: easy to find fuel for, powerful enough to run your AC and microwave simultaneously (priorities), and loud enough to ensure your neighbors definitely know you’re boondocking.
Diesel Generators: The Beefy, Efficient Runner-Up
Coming in second at 27%, diesel generators are like the gym bros of the power world—strong, efficient, and a little more expensive to maintain. Diesel fans love the fuel efficiency and longevity, even if filling up sometimes feels like taking out a second mortgage. Plus, if you already have a diesel RV, it’s a no-brainer—why complicate your life with multiple fuel types when you can just roll with the black gold?
Propane Generators: The Clean, Quiet Underdog
Propane generators secured 18% of the vote, proving that some RVers prefer their power like their campfire stories—clean and quiet. Propane burns cleaner than gas or diesel, and since many RVs already run on propane for cooking and heating, it’s a convenient choice. The downside? Running out of propane mid-cookout is a tragedy worse than forgetting the marshmallows.
Solar Generators: The Eco-Friendly Dream (With a Catch)
Solar power brought up the rear with just 10% of the vote, which makes sense—unless you’re camping on the surface of the sun, solar has its limitations. Cloudy days, limited roof space, and the fact that running an air conditioner on solar is like trying to power a jet with a hamster wheel all play a role. Still, solar fans are a dedicated bunch, happily embracing the quiet, renewable life… and probably judging the rest of us for our gas-guzzling ways.
Why Did Gasoline Dominate? Our Expert(ish) Opinion
So why did gasoline generators win by a landslide? Three words: convenience, power, and familiarity. Gas is everywhere, gas generators are (relatively) affordable, and they deliver the brute force needed for power-hungry RVers. Diesel is great but often tied to bigger rigs, propane requires extra setup, and solar—while amazing—still isn’t quite there for full-timers who need constant, heavy-duty power.
At the end of the day, your generator choice depends on your travel style. Are you a weekend warrior who just needs to keep the lights on? A full-timer who demands reliability? Or an eco-warrior silently judging us all from your solar-powered rig? Whatever your preference, just make sure it works—because nobody wants to be that RV stuck in the dark with a dead generator and a melting pint of ice cream.
Now, go forth and generate power (responsibly, or not, we don’t judge).
