Table of Contents Show
Shopping at Costco is a great way to get some of your favorite supplies and materials reasonably priced.
The biggest benefit is that Costco has such a wide range of items.
You know you can buy food, camping chairs, batteries, and other supplies.
But can you get an RV generator at Costco?
Let’s find out.
What Is an RV Generator?
An RV generator provides electricity to an RV’s appliances and other equipment on board.
It feeds the electricity through the RV’s circuit panel to the various items and charges the RV’s batteries.
Depending on its build, your generator can get varying degrees of power.
However, all generators work pretty much the same way.
The combustion engine converts chemical energy from a fuel into mechanical energy.
The mechanical energy works with the alternator and the engine to convert it into electrical energy.
The electricity then flows through the circuits in the RV, giving you power.
What Is an Inverter Generator Versus a Generator?
There is a very distinct difference between a generator and an inverter generator.
A standard generator produces electricity by converting fuel energy into electrical energy.
Traditionally, these generators had open frames and were extremely loud.
They also always run at 100% so waste fuel if you’re not using all the power.
The power they produce was not regulated so it works for most appliances, however, sensitive electronics like computers, TVs, etc have an issue with the waveform created.
Inverter generators regulate the power output so they produce a clean sine waveform that won’t fry your electronics.
They are also able to regulate the speed of the generator and throttle down allowing you to save fuel.
Inverter generators are smaller than standard generators so are a little more portable but can be combined together to create more power if you need.
Pro Tip: Are you in search of a portable RV generator? Here are 10 Portable RV Generator Options!
Can You Get an RV Generator at Costco?
You can get an RV generator at Costco, and you’ll likely get a good price on a unit too.
Costco carries some of the best generators on the market.
And they have an excellent return policy should something go wrong.
You can return a Costco generator anytime if it doesn’t perform as it should or you simply can’t figure out how to use it.
It even has a lifetime return limit.
If it’s broken, you can either return it for a refund or have it fixed.
Also, you can make returns at the store or online, but you’ll have to pay for shipping for online returns.
Costco carries the Firman Power Emergency Generator, Generac Generators, EcoFlow Generators, and a few other brands.
You’ll find a wider variety of inventory if you purchase online.
But you shouldn’t have a problem finding a good generator if you’d rather shop in the store.
However, to shop at Costco, you must have a membership unless you purchase online.
But non-members shopping online will have a 5% surcharge on member prices.
So if you want to find the best deal, weigh the benefits of getting a membership versus the online non-member fees.
A membership costs $60 a year.
So if you want to buy a several-hundred dollar generator, that $60 will likely be worth it.
What Kind of Generators Does Costco Sell?
Costco sells just about any kind of generator you could imagine. And you’ll need to consider the variations when purchasing one for your RV. Costco carries generators that run on gas, natural gas, propane, and solar power.
They also come in an array of different wattages. You can get a generator in 160 watts up to 10,000 watts, depending on how much power you seek.
Some generators have more power than others, and your RV will need a pretty specific output to function without issue. Finding the generator that best suits your needs is crucial to a successful purchase. Either way, Costco has a wide range of options.
Are Costco Generators Any Good?
Costco RV generators offer surprisingly good value and performance.
Though you can’t get a Honda generator, you’ll have plenty of choices available.
The company also offers a great warranty value, giving customers five years of coverage on average.
Names like Generac, Yamaha, and Firman give you the best value for your buck.
If you’re looking for a specific recommendation then you can’t do better than the Firman 3200W Running / 4000W Peak Dual Fuel Inverter Generator.
It works with two different types of fuel; gasoline and propane.
It has a CO detector to auto-shutoff the generator if detects dangerous levels.
And it will put out up to 4,000 watts of energy and comes with a 3-year warranty.
Pro Tip: Should you try a solar generator instead? Can you even Power an RV With a Solar Generator? Let’s find out!
What Time of Year Do Generators Go on Sale?
You might get a good deal on a Costco RV generator a few different times of the year.
If you look to purchase a generator a month after a natural disaster, you’ll likely find it on sale.
But it’s better to have one before you really need it.
Consider shopping for a generator before or after the storm seasons for the best prices.
Try scouting generator prices in the late spring or early fall.
Whenever severe weather wanes, stores will want to unload their remaining inventory.
Is a Costco Generator Worth It?
It seems as though Costco generators offer a pretty good bang for your buck.
No matter your price point, you’ll likely find something to suit your needs.
Additionally, the variety and warranty packages offered are close to unbeatable.
You won’t have to worry about the return or exchange policy because Costco looks after your best interests.
You can find the best generator to suit your needs at a reasonable price.
What kind of generator do you need to keep your RV’s power running smooth?
