6 Best 2 Stroke Outboard Motors For Easy Storage In Rv To Unlock New Waters

You pull your RV into a stunning lakeside campsite, the water a perfect sheet of glass reflecting the mountains. The only problem? The best fishing spots and hidden coves are a mile across the water, completely inaccessible from shore. This is where a small inflatable boat and an outboard motor transform your RV from a simple camper into a true adventure basecamp. For RVers, where space and weight are everything, the simple, lightweight 2-stroke outboard is the perfect tool for the job.

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Why 2-Strokes are an RVer’s Best Friend

The biggest advantage of a 2-stroke outboard is its incredible power-to-weight ratio. They pack more punch for their size than their 4-stroke cousins, which is a huge deal when you’re the one lifting it in and out of a storage bay. A 5hp 2-stroke can weigh 20 pounds less than a comparable 4-stroke. That’s the difference between an easy lift and a strained back.

Their real magic for RV life, however, is storage flexibility. A 4-stroke motor has an oil pan, just like your car. If you lay it down on the wrong side, oil can leak into the cylinder, creating a smoky, fouled-up mess when you try to start it—or worse, it can leak all over your storage compartment. Most 2-strokes, because they mix oil directly with the gas, can be stored in almost any orientation without issue. This is a game-changer when you’re trying to Tetris an engine, a grill, and camp chairs into a tight space.

Finally, there’s simplicity. A 2-stroke has fewer moving parts. This means there’s less to break when you’re bouncing down a washboard road to a remote lake. They are often easier and cheaper to service yourself, a critical skill for any RVer who values self-sufficiency. While you do have to mix oil and gas, and they aren’t as quiet or emissions-friendly, the tradeoffs are well worth it for the sheer portability and worry-free storage they offer.

Tohatsu M5B: The Lightweight Powerhouse

If there’s a "sweet spot" motor for most RVers, the Tohatsu 5hp is it. Weighing in at around 44 pounds, it’s manageable for one person to handle but has enough grunt to push a 10-foot inflatable with two adults and some fishing gear across a lake, even with a bit of a headwind. It hits the perfect balance between being powerful enough to be useful and light enough to not be a burden.

Tohatsu has a stellar reputation for building reliable, no-frills motors that just work. They are often the manufacturer behind other brands, including some Mercury and Nissan models. The M5B is known for starting easily and running consistently, which is exactly what you want when you’re miles from the launch ramp. It’s not the lightest motor on this list, but it’s arguably the most versatile for its weight class.

Think of it this way: a tiny 2-3hp motor might struggle if the wind picks up, limiting you to calm mornings. A bigger 8-9hp motor is a two-person lift and takes up significantly more space. The 5hp Tohatsu gives you the confidence to explore larger bodies of water without demanding a huge penalty in weight or storage real estate.

Yamaha 8 HP Enduro: Unmatched Reliability

For the RVer who plans to explore remote Alaskan coves or navigate tidal rivers in the Everglades, reliability isn’t just a feature—it’s a safety requirement. This is where the Yamaha Enduro series shines. These are commercial-grade motors, designed to withstand daily abuse in harsh, remote environments around the world. They are the Toyota Hiluxes of the outboard world.

The "Enduro" designation means they are built with heavier-duty components, simpler electronics, and a robust design that can tolerate less-than-perfect fuel. They are made to be field-serviceable and to run, run, and run some more. This peace of mind is invaluable when you’re a long way from help.

Of course, this toughness comes with tradeoffs. At around 57 pounds, the 8hp Enduro is noticeably heavier than the smaller motors and requires more effort to move and mount. It’s also a premium product with a price tag to match. This isn’t the motor for occasional weekend jaunts. It’s an investment for the serious adventurer who depends on their equipment to get them out—and back—safely every single time.

Mercury 3.3M: Ultimate Portability Pick

Sometimes, the best tool is the one you’re most likely to bring with you. The Mercury 3.3M (and its nearly identical Tohatsu/Mariner cousins) is the definition of an easy-to-bring-along motor. Weighing a feathery 29 pounds, it’s effortless to carry one-handed and can be tucked into the tightest corner of an RV bay. If you’ve ever decided against bringing the boat because you didn’t want to wrestle with a heavy motor, this is your solution.

This motor is not designed for speed or heavy loads. Its purpose is simple, efficient propulsion. It’s perfect for pushing a small 8-foot tender from your RV to a secluded beach, trolling for trout in a small mountain lake, or navigating a quiet, no-wake canal. It has a forward and neutral gear (reverse is achieved by spinning the motor 180 degrees), keeping it mechanically simple and lightweight.

The sheer convenience of this motor cannot be overstated. It takes up so little space and weighs so little that there’s never a reason to leave it behind. For the RVer who just wants to get on the water with minimum fuss, the 3.3M is the ultimate "no excuses" outboard.

Suzuki DT4: A Compact & Dependable Choice

Suzuki has a long history of making excellent small outboards, and the older 2-stroke DT4 is a fantastic example. It sits in a great spot, offering a bit less power than the 5hp models but weighing a bit more than the ultra-light 3.3hp class. At around 50 pounds, it’s still a one-person job to move and mount, and its compact design makes it easy to store.

What often set the Suzukis apart was their smooth and relatively quiet operation for a 2-stroke. They are well-engineered, dependable motors that earned a loyal following. For an RVer with a small aluminum jon boat or a square-stern canoe, the DT4 provides ample power for exploring lakes and slow-moving rivers without the extra weight and bulk of a 5hp or 6hp motor.

Finding a clean, used DT4 can be a great value. They represent a solid, middle-of-the-road option that doesn’t excel in any one category but does everything well. It’s a reliable workhorse that will get you on the water without demanding too much in terms of storage space or muscle.

Hangkai 6HP: The Ultra-Budget Travel Motor

Let’s be direct: Hangkai and similar "clone" outboards are the ultra-budget choice, and they come with significant caveats. These motors are mass-produced, often based on older Yamaha or Tohatsu designs, and sold at a fraction of the price of their name-brand counterparts. For an RVer on a tight budget who just needs a motor for a handful of trips a year, they can seem very tempting.

The tradeoff is quality control and parts availability. You might get one that runs perfectly out of the box, or you might get one that needs the carburetor adjusted, bolts tightened, and the fuel lines checked before it will even start. You must be mechanically inclined and willing to tinker. If something major breaks, finding the right replacement part can be a frustrating treasure hunt.

So, who is this motor for? It’s for the RVer who understands the risks, is comfortable with a wrench, and whose primary goal is getting on the water for the lowest possible cost. It is not the motor you want to rely on if you’re exploring a remote coastline. But for poking around a familiar lake close to your campsite, it can be a viable, if risky, way to unlock the water on a shoestring budget.

Used Johnson 4HP: A Timeless Classic Find

Before you buy a new budget motor, consider looking for a used classic. The Johnson and Evinrude 2-strokes from the 1980s and 90s are legendary for a reason. They are incredibly simple, overbuilt, and ridiculously easy to work on. Parts are still plentiful and cheap, and there’s a massive community of enthusiasts online who have documented every possible repair.

A model like the Johnson 4HP "Seahorse" is a prime example. It’s light enough to carry easily, simple enough that most repairs can be done with a basic toolkit, and it was built to last for decades. These motors were made before complex electronics and plastic components became the norm. A well-cared-for example is a testament to timeless engineering.

When shopping for one, the key things to check are compression (it should be strong and even between cylinders), the condition of the lower unit oil (milky oil means bad seals), and for excessive corrosion. Don’t be scared by a faded cover or chipped paint; it’s the mechanical condition that matters. For a few hundred dollars, you can often find a motor that is more reliable and easier to maintain than a brand-new budget clone.

Storing Your Outboard Safely in an RV Bay

Tossing an outboard into a storage bay is a recipe for a greasy, fuel-smelling mess. Proper storage is simple and ensures your motor is ready to go and your RV stays clean. The goal is to prevent leaks and stop the motor from becoming a 50-pound projectile during a sudden stop.

First, always run the carburetor dry before you store it for more than a day. With the motor out of the water, simply disconnect the fuel line and let it idle until it sputters out. This prevents fuel from turning to varnish inside the tiny passages of the carburetor, which is the number one cause of starting issues.

Next, figure out how to secure it. The best method is a simple wooden bracket you build to hold the motor upright, clamped in place just like it would be on a boat’s transom. If you must lay it down, place it on its tiller arm side. To be safe, follow these steps:

• Place a heavy-duty plastic tray or an oil-absorbing mat on the floor of the bay. This will catch any gear oil drips from the propeller shaft or unburnt fuel/oil mix from the exhaust.
• Position the motor on the tray. Whether upright in a stand or laying on its side, make sure the powerhead is slightly higher than the propeller to encourage any drainage to go out, not in.
• Secure it firmly. Use bungee cords or, even better, small ratchet straps attached to anchor points in the bay. You need to ensure it cannot slide, roll, or tip over while you’re driving.

A small 2-stroke outboard isn’t just another piece of gear to cram into your RV; it’s a key. It unlocks the hidden fishing spots, the secluded beaches, and the quiet coves that turn a good camping trip into an unforgettable adventure. By balancing weight, power, and your own budget, you can find the perfect motor to expand your horizons and discover what lies beyond the shore.