Top 5 Best 50 Amp Portable Generators - 50 Amp RV Generators
Portable generators with 120/240V 50A (14-50R) plug and the list of other ports (L14-30R, L5-30R, 5-20R, 12VDC, etc.) are large, sturdy, and powerful units, capable of providing plenty of energy over a longer period of time.
50 Amp portable generators are often used as RV generators, camping generators, in emergencies, during blackouts and outages, on construction sites, and similar. They are usually powered by gas or gas/propane combination (dual-fuel models), with some larger industrial/commercial models featuring diesel engines.
Updated: August 13, 2022.
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Intro to 50 Amp Portable Generators |
Intro to 50 Amp Portable Generators
50 Amps portable generators are balanced designs offering plenty of power (up to 10kW/12kW, sometimes even more) and well suited for RVs, camping, home emergency situations, and similar.
Also, 50 Amp portable generators are heavy units, weighing 220+ (100+ kg) easily, and they can't be carried around by a single person - 'portable generator' means that they have wheels and can be towed/pushed by an adult, ATV, truck, car or similar vehicle.
In order to operate properly, these units must be maintained as recommended by their manufacturers - always keep Owner's Manual close and if unsure about something, check it first.
No matter how user-friendly modern power generators are, they are not just 'plug-and-play' devices.
When trying to find 'the best' 50 Amp portable generator, many details determine which unit is actually 'the best' one. Since these details often depend on personal requirements, needs, and habits, it is rather hard to find the best models to suit everyone.
Nonetheless, with so many models on the market, some of them do stand out. Here is our list of the Top 5 best power generators with 120/240 Volts 50 Amp power outlets (14-50R) suitable for powering RVs and all other similar applications.
| Model |
Running Watts (W) Starting Watts (W) |
Runtime (h) Noise (dB) |
Receptacle Review |
| DuroMax XP12000EH |
Gas: 9500 W Gas: 12000 W |
gas: 10 hours @50% propane: 5 hours @50% 74 dB, 23 ft |
AC: 120/240V 50A (14-50R), 120/240V 30A (L14-30R), 120V 30A (L5-30R), 2x 120V 20A (5-20R) - |
| Champion 100111 |
12000 W 15000 W |
9 hours @50% 78 dB |
AC: 120/240V 50A (14-50R), 120/240V 30A Locking (L14-30R), 120V 30A Locking (L5-30R), 2x GFCI 120V 20A Duplex (5-20R) - |
| Champion 100161 |
7500 W 9375 W |
8 hours @50% 74 dB, 23 ft |
AC: 120/240V 50A (14-50R), 120/240V 30A (L14-30R), 120V 30A (TT-30R), 2x GFCI 120V 20A Duplex (5-20R) - |
| A-iPower SUA12000E |
9000 W 12000 W |
9h @50% 78 dB |
AC: 120/240V 50A (14-50R), 120/240V 30A (L14-30R), 4x GFCI 120V 20A (5-20R) - |
| Pulsar PG10000B16 |
Gas: 8000 W Gas: 10000W |
12 hours @50% 68 dB, 23 ft |
AC: 120/240V 50A (14-50R), 120/240V 30A (L14-30R), 4x 120V 20A (5-20R); DC: 12V 8.3A - |
Note: Amazon links open in the new windows, feel free to check them for the most up-to-date offers and prices.
DuroMax XP12000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator
DuroMax XP12000EH features 8.3-gallon (~31.4 liters) fuel tank, ensuring a runtime of 10 hours at 50% throttle using gas and 5 hours at 50% throttle using a 5-gallon propane tank. Muffler design ensures an acceptable noise level of 74 dB at a 23 ft (~7 m) distance.
The engine features both recoil and electric start, automatic idle control, and a standard low oil shutoff system. Also, the unit is EPA and CARB approved for use in all 50 states.
DuroMax XP12000EH weighs 236 pounds (~107 kg) and can be loaded manually by four adults in the back of a truck - with great care, of course. The frame is very strong and features collapsible handles, while a pair of wheels feature rubber tires.
Physical dimensions are 40 x 29 x 27.5 inches (~101.6 x 73.7 x 70 cm).
Power outlets include:
- 120/240V 50A (14-50R),
- 120/240V 30A (L14-30R),
- 120V 30A (L5-30R),
- 2x 120V 20A (5-20R).
DuroMax XP12000EH allows the user to operate the generator at both 120V and 240V simultaneously or at 120V only with full power.
DuroMax XP12000EH features a great selection of power outlets, may be powered by both propane or gas, it is a rather strong generator (9500/12000W), very user-friendly, etc. Practically, the only drawback is the fact that power outlets are not covered.
For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check DuroMax XP12000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
Champion 100111 15000/12000 Watt Portable Generator
The engine features an electric start with an easily accessible battery allowing the user to recharge the battery when the unit is stored and to replace it when needed.
The physical dimensions of the unit are (L x W x H) 33.9 x 31.1 x 33.1 inches (~86.1 x 79.0 x 84.1 cm) and it weighs ~330 pounds (~150 kg) dry.
Due to its size and weight, the unit features a pair of 12-inch (~30 cm) transport wheels and a lifting hook - thanks to the foldable handles, the unit can be transported via wheels to shorter distances by a single adult.
Fuel tank capacity is 10.9 gallons (~41.3 liters), while oil capacity is 1.4 qt. - engine comes with an automatic low oil shutdown system.
Maximum runtime on a 50% load with a full tank is ~9 hours, while noise levels are at ~78 dB.
The list of outlets includes:
- 120/240V 50A (14-50R),
- 120/240V 30A Locking (L14-30R),
- 120V 30A Locking (L5-30R),
- 2x GFCI 120V 20A Duplex (5-20R).
All outlets feature a protective cover - they protect from dust and similar dirt, but they are not intended to protect outlets during rain and similar!
Champion 100111 power generator also features 5-Mode Intelligauge, displaying session & total runtime, volts, frequency, and power output.
The unit comes with a 3-year limited warranty.
Champion 100111 power generator is EPA certified and CARB compliant.
If You are looking for a rather powerful power and versatile power generator, consider this unit - there are perhaps more compact, lighter, and even cheaper units, but what You pay is what You get.
For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check the Champion 100111 15000/12000 Watt Portable Generator Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
Champion 100161 7500-Watt RV Ready Portable Generator
The unit weighs 230 pounds (~104.2 kg), allowing four adults to easily load it and unload it on the truck - with great care, of course. Physical dimensions are 27.3 x 26 x 27.8 inches (~69.4 x 66 x 70.6 cm) - Champion 100161 is also very compact power generator.
The noise level is acceptable - 74 dB from 23 (~7 m).
One of the very interesting features is the remote control - the unit can be started wirelessly from a distance of up to 80 feet (24.4 m). Also, it features classic recoil and electric starting systems.
Power outlets include:
- 120/240V 50A (14-50R),
- 120/240V 30A (L14-30R),
- 120V 30A (TT-30R),
- 2x GFCI 120V 20A Duplex (5-20R).
Despite its output power and physical dimensions, Champion 100161 features a respectable set of power outlets that also feature rubber cover protection.
For applications where huge amounts of power are not required, the Champion 100161 power generator may be an excellent choice.
For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check Champion 100161 RV Ready Portable Generator Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
A-iPower SUA12000E Gasoline Powered Generator
A-iPower SUA12000E weighs 'only' 221 pounds (~100.1 kg), and it can be loaded and unloaded on a truck by four adults - again, with great care, of course. Also, the unit features a pair of transport never-flat wheels and collapsible handles.
The unit features standard recoil and electric starting systems.
The noise level is at 78 dB.
Power outlets include:
- 120/240V 50A (14-50R),
- 120/240V 30A (L14-30R),
- 4x GFCI 120V 20A (5-20R),
- DC 12V.
A-iPower SUA12000E comes with a wide variety of covered power outlets. Also, it comes with a 2-year residential and a 1-year commercial warranty.
A-iPower SUA12000E power generator is suitable to power even larger RVs, but also it is very suitable as a construction site power generator, for camping, in emergencies, and similar.
For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check A-iPower SUA12000E Watt Gasoline Powered Generator Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
Pulsar PG10000B16 Portable Dual Fuel Generator
The engine features recoil and electric starting systems.
Pulsar PG10000B16 is one of the lighter 50A power generators weighing 209 pounds (94.7 kg) and can be loaded and unloaded on a truck by four adults - with great care, of course.
The unit also features never-flat tires and foldable handles. The noise level is very acceptable at 68 dB from a distance of 23 feet (~7 m).
Power outlets include:
- 120/240V 50A (14-50R),
- 120/240V 30A (L14-30R),
- 4x 120V 20A (5-20R),
- DC: 12V 8.3A.
Pulsar PG10000B16 features a very nice set of power outlets - unprotected power outlets.
Pulsar PG10000B16 is a very good all-around versatile power generator that can be used as an RV power generator but also in many other situations.
For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check Pulsar PG10000B16 Portable Dual Fuel Generator Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some of the most common Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about 50 Amp and other power generators.
Before going into more details about 50 Amp 120/240 power generators, how to connect them to RVs, and the differences between 30 Amps and 50 Amps RVs, please watch this video:
What size generator do I need for 50 Amps?
In theory, one needs a 12000W power generator to run 50 Amps service provided by 120/240V 50A (14-50R) receptacles:
50A x 120V x 2 = 12000W
or
50A x 240V = 12000W
Remember, the 120/240V 50A (14-50R) plug features four prongs - 2x 120V, Ground, and Neutral Wires, and can be used as 120V and 240V.
Is there a generator with a 50 Amp plug?
Yes, there are numerous power generators with 120/240V 50A (14-50R) receptacles that accept 50 Amp plugs (14-50P).
What will a 50 Amp generator run?
The list of tools and appliances depends on the actual wattage that the power generator may provide, but 10-15kW units can power very large RVs and can even be used to power homes during blackouts - when powering homes, be sure to monitor power output regularly, because even such units may be overloaded ...
Will a 9000-watt generator run a 50 Amp camper?
Yes, but You may overload the generator - make a list of devices and appliances in the RV and try not to use them all simultaneously, at least not the most energy-hungry ones.
Will a 30 Amp generator run a 50 Amp camper?
Yes, 30 Amp generator can be hooked to the 50 Amp camper, but just be aware that the maximum usable output power of such a power generator is:
120V x 30A = 3600W
Turn on the AC unit, microwave, and a few smaller devices; the next appliance, for example, the toaster, will overload the generator.
Can I plug my 50 Amp RV into a generator?
Yes, but You need a special 50 Amp generator cord.
How to make a 50 Amp generator cord?
IMHO, go online and buy a 50 Amp generator cord from a reputable brand.
The price difference between getting the required receptacle, plug, and cable and ordering a factory-made cord is negligible - actually, it may be even more expensive to try to make a custom-built 50 Amp generator cord.
Is a 50 Amp generator better than 30 Amp?
It depends on what "better" means - power generators with 120/240V 50A (14-50R) receptacles may transfer more power, but they are open-frame, classic power generators, while smaller 30 Amp power generators are very often inverter power generators with enclosed construction, making them less noisy and more energy efficient...
Will 50 Amps power a house?
Since a power generator with 120/240V 50A (14-50R) receptacles practically means 120V x 100A, 12kW or so power generators may be used to power the house almost completely.
But, they should be connected properly, or else ...
Few Final Words
Power generators, even the smallest ones, should be operated outside - these units create fumes that contain very poisonous carbon monoxide, which is a colorless and tasteless gas.
Also, 50A portable generators are not toys despite being designed as user-friendly units. Keep the unit's Owner Guide close by, and if unsure, check the instructions and/or contact support (usually via the manufacturer's official website).
And whatever You do, it is your own responsibility. For short, stay safe.
