What Are The Best Portable Remote Start Generators?
Generators are used everywhere.
Not only by people who boondock and RV camp without power hookups, but also homeowners during emergencies like natural disasters when there are power outages.
A generator with a remote start helps make life a little easier for any kind of generator user.
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There are two types of popular remote start generators.
The more powerful, loud, and heavy ones that can power home appliances, several air conditioners, and big power tools.
And the inverter generators that are quieter and produce cleaner electricity, but don’t put out as much power when compared to regular generators of the same size.
The very portable inverter generators are more popular among campers who want to power their RVs or devices while boondocking without being too disturbed by the noise.
One feature that can be found on both types, although a rare feature, is a wireless remote start.
The remote start feature lets you start the generator with a remote or key fob, so you don’t have to go outside or walk up to it and start it manually.
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In this review, we’re going to take a look at some of the best portable remote start generators available today.
Below is a comparison/specification table followed by a detailed review and more info on each generator.
Summary (Links to Amazon)
- Most lightweight – Champion 4500W Inverter Generator
- Budget Option – Champion 3500W RV Ready Portable Generator
- Pulsar 4500W Inverter Generator
- Best Open Generator Option – Westinghouse WGen7500 Portable Generator
- Best Inverter Generator Option – Westinghouse iGen 4500c Inverter Generator
- Largest Engine Size – Champion 7500W RV Ready Portable Generator
Most Lightweight
Best Open Option
Best Inverter Option
Last update on 2023-05-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Remote Start Generators Reviews & Info
1. Champion 4500W Portable Inverter Generator With Remote Start
The Champion 4500W is one of the more portable choices in this review.
It weighs almost 100 pounds, so it’s still a heavy generator, but its smaller size and wheels make it possible to transport.
It can output up to 3,500 watts continuously, with a peak of 4,500 watts.
The peak watts are the surge watts a generator can handle for a couple of seconds before it overloads.
At 61 dBa, it’s one of the quieter generators of this size.
The wireless remote start lets you start the generator from up to 80 feet away with the included key fob.
You can be inside your shop or RV camper and start it without going outside.
Of course, it can still be started with an electric or pull start.
With its 30A RV plug, it’s a perfect camping buddy for RVers. It will run a 15,000 BTU RV air conditioner and the RV microwave without issues.
Since it’s an RV plug, you won’t need any special adapters to plug a 30 amp RV into it.
Besides the 30A RV plug, it has two 20A 120V AC outlets, a 12V DC outlet, and it comes with a two USB port adapter you plug into the 12V outlet.
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If your RV, travel trailer, or fifth wheel has a 50A electrical system and plug, you’re going to need a Kohree 30A to 50A plug adapter (click to view on Amazon) to connect your RV to this generator.
Champion advertises it can run for up to 14 hours at 25% load with its 2.3-gallon fuel tank.
If the generator is low on oil, it will shut off to protect the engine.
It has wheels that make it easier to move around, and a large built in handle on the front.
Turning on the ECO mode will adjust the engine speed to only deliver the electricity it needs to power what is plugged into the generator.
This makes it quieter and perfect for when you don’t need to run any power-hungry tools like, an air conditioner or microwave.
Even though it’s an inverter remote start generator, the Champion is still parallel ready.
You can connect it to another Champion generator that is 2800 watts or higher using this kit (click to view on Amazon).
Champion includes a 3-year limited warranty and lifetime support.
The Champion 4500W Portable Inverter Generator With Remote Start is a fantastic choice for RVers who are looking for a powerful inverter generator with a remote start feature.
It’s a little heavier than some might like, but with the built-in wheels and heavy-duty handle, it’s still manageable to move around.
It’s one of the quietest generators in this review, and one of the smallest remote start generators on the market today.
PROS
- Inverter Generator
- 30A RV Outlet
- 12V DC Outlet
- 2 20A Outlets
- Wheels & Handle
- Eco-Mode
- Quiet For Its Size
- Low Oil Shut Off
- Parallel Ready
- Covered Outlets
CONS
- No Remote Start On Dual Fuel Option
2. Champion 3500W RV Ready Remote Start Generator
The Champion generator model 100554 is another powerful Champion product with 3,500 running watts and 4,375 surge watts.
It’s not an inverter generator like the one reviewed above. It doesn’t have an ECO mode or a pure sine wave inverter.
It’s also much louder, has a larger body, and is about 20 lbs heavier even though it puts out about the same amount of power.
What the Champion 100554 does have is a remote start, just like the one found on the inverter model.
This means that it also has an electric start so you don’t need to rely on the pull start. This is done with the help of a small battery placed on the unit.
It also has not only one but two 30A outlets. One being a twist-lock style and the other being a standard RV outlet. Next to those are two 20A AC wall outlets.
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If your RV, travel trailer, or fifth wheel has a 50A electrical system, you’ll need a Kohree 30A to 50A plug adapter (click to view on Amazon).
Running an RV air conditioner or microwave won’t be an issue with a generator of this size.
I recommend the inverter Champion reviewed above for RVers because of the noise and weight difference.
This 100554 model has a much larger fuel tank, but with the ECO mode on the inverter model, you’re going to save money on gas and it can put out more power.
One thing that makes this Champion generator more attractive is the more budget friendly aspect.
Inverter generators are a little more high end than regular, open generators.
Champion has put its Intelligauge feature on this remote start generator. It’s a small screen that shows the frequency, volts, and expected run time.
To make it easier to move the 120-pound generator, Champion has put wheels and a fold-up handle on the front of the frame.
Champion includes a 3-year limited warranty and lifetime support.
Overall, the Champion 3500W remote start generator is a powerful open generator that has a bit of everything.
A large fuel tank, powerful engine, an RV plug, wheels, remote start, and a noise level that isn’t bad, but I am not going to call it a quiet generator.
It’s a great backup generator to have at home in case of an emergency.
If you don’t mind the noise, it could also be a decent portable remote start generator for camping.
PROS
- Large Fuel Tank
- 30A RV Outlet
- 2 20A Outlets
- Remote Start
- Wheels & Built In Handle
- Intelligauge Screen
- Low Oil Shut Off
- Covered Outlets
CONS
- No Parallel Capability
- Noisy
- Heavy
- No Remote Start On Dual Fuel Option
3. Pulsar 4500W Remote Start Portable Inverter Generator
The Pulsar is a 3700W running/4500W surge watt inverter generator with remote start.
It’s very portable and runs fairly quiet, but it’s a little heavier than the other inverter generator in this review, weighing in at 108 pounds.
With so much power, it’s one of few inverter generators with a remote start that can run an RV air conditioner and a microwave.
It has the same 80 foot remote start range as the Champion generators.
On the side, you’ll find a 30A RV outlet, two 20A outlets, a USB port, a 12V DC outlet, an oil warning/overload indicator, and an ECO mode switch.
If your RV, travel trailer, or fifth wheel has a 50A electrical system, you’re going to need a Kohree 30A to 50A plug adapter (click to view on Amazon) to plug your camper into it.
The ECO mode will adjust the engine speed to only deliver the electricity needed to power the devices plugged in.
I recommend leaving it on ECO mode, unless you know you’re going to be using more than 3000W for an extended time.
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With its 3.2-gallon fuel tank, it will run for 15 hours at a 50% load. Which makes it very boondocking and camping friendly.
Pulsar advertises a 63 dBa noise level from 10 feet away.
A suitcase-style handle extends out of the bottom of the Pulsar generator, which, together with the built-in wheels, makes it easier to move the generator.
The Pulsar has parallel capability, so you can pair two together for even more power when needed.
That could be useful if you need to run two or more 15,000 BTU ACs.
When compared to the similar Champion 4500W inverter generator with remote start, the biggest difference is the fuel tank size and the rated watts.
The Pulsar is around 11 lbs heavier but it can output 200 more running watts, and the fuel tank can hold almost a gallon more.
Pulsar includes a 600ml bottle of 10w30 oil, a spark plug wrench, and a funnel.
Note that while the Pulsar is available in different watt sizes, not all of them have the remote start.
I am impressed by the Pulsar remote start generator. It’s really giving the Champion inverter generator a run for its money.
It has all the features an RVer is looking for with the 30A RV plug, wheels and handles, remote start, ECO mode, long run hours, 12V and USB ports, and parallel compatibility.
PROS
- Large Fuel Tank
- 30A RV Outlet
- 12V DC Outlet
- 2 20A Outlets
- Wheels & Handle
- Low Oil & Overload Indicator
- Parallel Capability
- Covered Outlets
CONS
- No Remote Start On Dual Fuel Option
4. Westinghouse WGen7500 Portable Generator With Remote Start
The last two remote start generators in this review are the heavier, more powerful kind.
Starting with the Westinghouse WGen7500, which has a whopping 7500 running watts with 9500 peak watts.
This is powerful enough to run a 50A camper with two 15,000 BTU air conditioners and a microwave at the same time.
Large open generators like these are better suited for homeowners looking to power their entire house.
Since it weighs 201 pounds, it would be heavy to drag around a campground, but not impossible.
You could also install a heavy duty cargo rack like this one (click to view on Amazon) on the back of your RV where the generator would be stored and run so you never have to move it.
Just make sure the dimensions or the cargo rack are big enough to fit the generator and never use a bumper mount hitch insert.
Westinghouse has put the remote electric start on this unit and advertises that it can be started up to 109 yards away or 327 feet.
It has the largest fuel tank out of all the generators in this review at 6.6 gallons. Those 6.6 gallons will run the generator for up to 16 hours.
There are four 20A AC outlets and a 30A twist lock outlet on the generator.
Next to the outlets, you’ll find a battery indicator and a small screen that shows volts, frequency, and runtime.
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In addition, there is also the main breaker, and a Westinghouse smart switch outlet.
Last but not least, Westinghouse has put a fuel gauge on it so you can easily monitor fuel levels.
To connect a 30 Amp RV, travel trailer, or fifth wheel to the 30A twist-lock plug, you need a 30A 4 Prong to 30A female connector (click to view on Amazon).
For 50A RV, you need this generator to 50A RV adapter (click to view on Amazon).
Westinghouse includes a 12V battery charger, oil, a funnel, a tool kit, and the remote start key fob with the generator.
There’s a dual fuel option (click to view on Amazon) that allows you to use propane or gasoline.
It’s the only dual fuel option in this review that has a remote start.
The Westinghouse WGen7500 is a powerful generator that will power an entire home or large RV.
Note a 50 amp RV can use up to 12,000 watts. This generator gets close to that, but it still won’t be able to supply as much power as a 50A shore power connection.
If you don’t mind the weight and the noise, you’re going to like how reliable and multi-functional this remote start generator is.
It will run for a long time with its large fuel tank, and the wheels and folding handle will assist you when moving it on your own.
PROS
- Large Fuel Tank
- Most Powerful
- 4 AC Outlets
- 30A Outlet
- Long Distance Remote Start
- Wheels & Handle For Portability
- Screen Shows Frequency, Volts, Run Time
- Low Oil Shut Off
- Covered Outlets
- Remote Start Dual Fuel Version
CONS
- No Parallel Capability
- Noisy
- Heavy
- 30A Outlet Not RV Ready
- No 12V Outlet
5. Westinghouse iGen 4500c Inverter Generator
This remote start inverter generator by Westinghouse is the smaller and quieter option when compared to the open generator reviewed above.
With 3,700 running watts and a 4,500 peak watt rating, it’s more powerful than the Champion inverter generator in this review but about the same as the Pulsar.
Weighing 105.8 lbs, it’s not too heavy for a generator of this size.
There are two 20 amp outlets, a 30 amp RV outlet, and two 5V USB ports. All outlets have dust covers.
The remote start key fob is advertised to have a 260 foot range.
There’s an ECO mode, auto choke, battery charging port for the electric start, circuit breakers for each outlet, and a CO auto shut-off sensor.
A built in LED display shows the estimated runtime, power output, fuel levels, voltage, and the lifetime run hours.
There are also LED indicators for the low oil, overload, and output ready sensors.
When idling, the noise levels are only 52dBA. That’s pretty good for a generator with this kind of power capabilities.
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The gas tank holds 3.4 gallons. It can run up to 18 hours with a low load on ECO mode.
You can parallel connect this remote start generator to another Westinghouse generator using a Westinghouse parallel kit (click to view on Amazon).
Included with purchase is an oil bottle, funnel, spark plug wrench, remote start fob, and a charger for the electric start battery.
For portability, there are wheels on the back and a built in handle on the front.
The Westinghouse iGen 4500c Inverter Generator has a surprising amount of features.
It’s a fantastic option for RVers and a good emergency power source to have a home.
The RV ready 30 amp outlet is a lot easier to use than the traditional twist lock generator outlets.
I really like that it has a CO sensor that will automatically shut it off.
It’s one of the best remote start inverter generators in this review.
As a bonus, the dual fuel option that can use propane also has a remote start feature.
PROS
- Inverter Generator
- 30A RV Outlet
- 2 20A 120V Home Outlets
- 260 Foot Remote Range
- Wheels & Handle
- Eco-Mode
- Quiet For Its Size
- Low Oil Shut Off
- Parallel Ready
- Covered Outlets
- Remote Start Dual Fuel Option
CONS
- No 12 Volt Outlet
6. Champion 7500W RV Ready Portable Generator With Remote Start
Why not end the way we started, with a Champion generator?
This one is one of Champion’s most powerful remote start generators and also the largest and heaviest in this review.
With 7500 running watts and 9375 surge watts, it will power your entire home or RV when boondocking/dry camping.
It can even handle two 15,000 BTU RV air conditioners with no issues.
The wireless remote start is the same as on the smaller models, which lets you start the generator from up to 80 feet away.
It’s not an inverter generator, so it doesn’t have an ECO mode. It’s very loud, and not as efficient.
It will run up to 8 hours at 50% load on a full 6-gallon tank.
Every outlet on the side of the Champion 7500-watt generator is covered, and Champion has done a great job in terms of the number of outlets.
This is the only remote start generator in this review that has both a 30 and 50 amp outlet.
The 30 amp is a standard generator twist lock. To plug in a 30 amp RV you will need a 30A Generator to 30A RV adapter (click to view on Amazon).
The 50 amp outlet is compatible with 50A RV plugs. So no adapter is needed for 50 amp RVs.
If you have a 30A to 50A RV adapter, you can use that to plug a 30 amp RV into the 50A outlet.
I want to mention that the 50 amp outlet will not supply the full 50A RV power you get when you plug into shore power.
A 50 amp RV can draw up to 12,000 watts, and this generator only supplies 7,500 running watts.
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Besides the 30 and 50 amp outlets, there are four 20A outlets to power your standard 120V devices.
Champion has put the same Intelligauge we saw on their smaller models on this model, so you can monitor the frequency, volts, and expected run time.
At 207 pounds, it’s slightly heavier than the similar Westinghouse iGen 7500c, but it has more ports.
It’s very similar to the Westinghouse overall, but the Westinghouse shines with its 109 yard remote control max distance.
Champion includes a 3-year limited warranty and lifetime support.
Just like the Westinghouse, the Champion 7500Wr is a powerful but heavy remote start generator that will power an entire house or RV camper without issues.
It’s the kind of generator you want to keep in the garage in case of emergencies, like a power outage.
I like the cast iron sleeve that covers the top of the generator for durability reasons.
PROS
- Large Fuel Tank
- 50A RV Outlet
- 30A Outlet
- 4 20A Outlets
- Remote Start
- Wheels & Handle Built In
- Intelligauge Screen
- Low Oil Shut Off
- Covered Outlets
- Cast Iron Sleeve
CONS
- No Parallel Capability
- Noisy
- Heavy
- No Remote Start On Dual Fuel Option
- 30A Outlet Not RV Ready
What To Look For In A Remote Start Generator
Minimal Noise
For campers and even homeowners, generator noise is an issue. Generators are loud, especially the large open ones.
Inverter generators use plastic sides with insulation that surrounds the motor and dampen noise.
This makes them quieter, but they are the more premium option.
They’re also harder to fix since all the parts are smooshed together to help make the generator body smaller and easier to enclose with a shell.
The outer shell adds a little more protected for outdoor use since the engine parts aren’t exposed.
The more watts the generator puts out, the bigger the engine and the more noise it makes.
If you are an RVer, getting a quieter and more portable inverter generator with remote start is not only going to make camp life better for you but also for those camping around you.
If the remote start generator is for emergency home use, and you have a place far from the main house you can store it, a large traditional generator that makes a ton of noise won’t be that big of an issue.
Never run a generator inside your home. They put out dangerous fumes and are best to use far away from people.
Weight
Most remote start generators are larger than what an RVer would normally take with them camping.
The lightest in this review is almost 100 lbs. That’s a lot of weight to move around for a camping trip.
That being said, some RVers still bring extra large generators like these.
You can get a heavy duty cargo rack on the back of your RV where the generator will be stored at all times.
You could also get a small ramp to help you drag it into the bed of a truck.
There are ways to move and transport heavy portable generators, but weight is definitely something to consider if you are a regular camper.
You can check out smaller, more lightweight generator options here.
They don’t have remote start like the ones in this review, but they make up for it in portability and sound.
Watts
When looking at generators for RV or home use, the number of watts they can output is an important factor.
Homes need a lot more power than a 30 or even 50 amp RV. That’s why I recommend the highest watt remote start generators in this review for home use.
A 30 amp RV can use up to 3,600 watts at a time.
The 3500 to 4500 watt generators have running watts around 3,600 watts and are perfect for 30 amp RVs.
You will be able to use the appliances inside like you normally would when hooked up to 30 amp power.
For this reason, a 30 amp RV owner probably won’t need anything larger than 3,500 to 4,500 watts from a generator.
If you have a large 50 amp RV and you want to run one AC unit at a time, a smaller 3500 watt generator will work great
If you want a little more power to run a few smaller appliances, a larger 7500 watt generator is the better way to go.
It will not be exactly like being plugged into 50 amp power, but it gets you more than halfway there.
To learn about the differences between 30 and 50 amp RVs check out this post here.
Conclusion & My Recommendation For Best Remote Start Generators
We have looked at and reviewed several portable generators with remote star, but which one is the best for your needs?
It depends on what you plan on using it for.
RVers might not need a 7,500 watt generator, but homeowners might if they want to power their entire home with it.
My recommendations are based on a comparison of the total package you get with the generator.
Best Remote Start Inverter Generator – Westinghouse iGen 4500c Inverter Generator
Westinghouse makes some of the best generators out there. Their remote start inverter generator has a ton of features and the portability you want for RV use.
Best Open Remote Start Generator – Westinghouse WGen7500 Portable Generator With Remote Start
The remote start range on the Westinghouse generators really make them some of the best options out there.
Frequently Asked Questions About Remote Start Generators
How Do I Connect A Remote Start Generator To My RV, Travel Trailer, Fifth Wheel?
I have written a post that answers this question, click here to read it.
What Kind Of Oil Should I Use In My Gas Generator?
If you’re going to be starting the generator in all temperatures (even below -10°F), use Castrol 5W-30 synthetic oil.
If you’ll be starting it in above freezing temperatures only, use Castrol 10W-30.
What Size Remote Start Generator Do I Need?
Electronics and appliances that require a lot of watts are things like air conditioners, heaters, refrigerators/freezers, microwaves, water heaters, stoves, and ovens.
You need to consider what appliances you want to power, and if you need to power more than one at the same time.
When you know how many watts your appliances require, multiply the number by 1.25 to add a margin for safety.
For RVers, if you have a 13,500 BTU AC, you should choose a generator with at least 3000 running watts.
For a 15,000 BTU AC, I recommend at least 4000 running watts.
If you only need to power a small camper and electronics like laptops, TVs, and a coffeemaker, I recommend considering a small inverter generator.
Check out this post with my top inverter generator recommendations.
How Often Should I Change/Refill Oil?
The manual that came with the generator will tell you what the specific company recommends.
Generally, a new generator should have its oil changed after its first 30 hours, then every 100 hours of run time.
Can I Refill Gas While The Generator Is Running?
No, turn off the generator and let it sit for two minutes before refueling.
What Kind Of Gasoline Should I Use?
Use unleaded fuel with a minimum of 87 octane rating.
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What Is An Inverter Generator And How Is It Different From A Conventional Generator?
An inverter generator produces a cleaner current by creating a high-frequency AC current and turning it into DC, then back to a stable AC current.
With access to both 12V and 120V power, it’s common to see 12V and USB outputs on inverter generators.
A conventional generator only produces the AC current.
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While inverter generators aren’t as powerful as conventional generators, they’re quieter, lighter, more fuel-efficient, and often have a parallel capability so you can connect two if you need more power.
What Does The ECO Mode On An Inverter Generator Do?
The ECO mode adjusts the engine speed to generate only the electricity needed to power whatever you have plugged into the outlets.
If you’re going to be powering a 200W device for hours with a 3000W generator, use the ECO mode.
But if you’re going to power a 2500W device, turn off the ECO mode to not put extra strain on the generator.
Sometimes electronics have surge watts, so then it can be a good idea to turn off ECO mode while starting up.
Then turn the ECO mode on when the appliance has started and is running.
Does The Remote Start On A Generator Work Through Walls?
Yes, as long as the generator isn’t too far away, the remote start feature works through walls, even concrete walls sometimes.
Are Remote Start Generators Waterproof?
None of the generators in this review are waterproof, and it’s not recommended to run them when it’s raining outside.
They also shouldn’t be used indoors or inside a garage that is connected to the main house.
What Is The Smallest Generator With Remote Start?
In this review, the smallest generator with a remote start is the Champion 4500W Portable Inverter Generator With Remote Start.
It’s not technically the lowest as far as watt output goes, but it’s the most lightweight and has the smallest unit size.
Have any more questions about remote start generators for RV and home use? Leave a comment below.
