what size generator for 30 amp rv
Liam Parker
Updated on July 07, 2026
Yes, a 3500 watt will run your RV! In fact, it will run just about any size RV.
How many watts does a 30 amp RV use?
A 30-amp RV system uses 120 volts. Multiply 120 volts by 30 amps and we get a maximum allotment of 3600 watts.
What size generator do I need to run everything in my RV?
Some RVs have 30 amp electrical service, and others have 50 amp. The difference is how much power the RV can draw based on amperage and voltage. To determine this maximum amount, multiply the number of volts (120) by the number of amps (30). The total is 3,600, so a 3,600-watt generator is the biggest you can use.
How big of a generator do I need to run my RV AC?
To power the average RV air conditioner, the generator needs to have at least a 2000- 4000-watt capacity. There are a lot of factors involved in what size generator will work best for you, but for the most part, you will be able to use your AC and other appliances even with a 2000 watt generator.
How many watts generator do I need for my RV?
Most electrical equipment in RVs operate at 120 volts, independent of 30-amp or 50-amp service. To find how many watts of power you have available, you need to multiply volts times amps. For example, a 30-amp RV with a 120 V electrical source would be capable of handling about 120 x 30 or 3,600 watts of electric power.
What size generator do I need to run a 13500 BTU air conditioner?
Usually the running load of 13500 btu is near 1970 watts. It’s easily to be overload standard. If you want to run 13500 btu air condition ,please use 3000 watts generator. 3 of 3 found this helpful.
Can a 30 amp RV run on 110?
Can an air conditioner run on 110 electric power? Yes, you will be able to run your air conditioner with that level of power. However, you will not be able to run anything else because it will take up the majority of your electric power.
What can you run on 30 amp RV?
In a typical RV with a 30 amp electrical service some of the power hungry appliances and portable devices are the air conditioner, electric water heater, microwave, coffee maker, electric skillet, hair dryer, space heaters and a toaster.
Is 30 amp enough for RV?
It is never a good idea to load up one socket inside your RV with more than 1800 watts at 120 volts. Keeping in mind that a 30 amp plug has approximately 3,600 watts available to play with, it looks like there is enough power to run one A/C unit, refrigerator, and an electric water heater at once.
How do you determine what size generator you need?
Full load kW = Total amps x supply voltage / 1,000.Reserve capacity = Full load kW x 0.25.For 100 percent power, generator size = Full load kW + reserve capacity.Retail application: 50 kW + 10 watts per square foot.Other commercial application: 50 kW + 5 watts per square foot.
Will a 3500 watt generator run an RV air conditioner?
A 3500-watt inverter generator like the Champion 200987 can easily run a 15000 BTU RV AC without any issue. A typical 15000 BTU RV-specific air conditioner needs about 3300 surge watts and 2000 continuous watts to function properly, which is less than what our generator can produce.
How do I determine what size generator I need?
Add up the Total Watts to determine how much power your home is likely to use during an outage. Multiply the Total Watts x 1000 to find kilowatts. Multiply kilowatts x 1.25 to add a margin of safety and for future power needs. This is the minimum Generator Capacity required for your home.
Will A Honda 2000 generator run A camper air conditioner?
So, will a Honda 2000 generator run an RV Air Conditioner? The answer is yes, but with some caveats. A Honda 2,000 watt generator will produce 1,600 watts of continuous power and 2,000 watts peak. A moderately small 10,000 BTU air conditioner will require at least 2,000 watts on startup, and 700 watts continuous power.
How many amps does an RV AC use?
How many amps does a RV AC use? The average amperage requirement for an RV air conditioner is between 11 and 16 amps while it is running. This will vary, depending on the size of the AC, the model, and its age. Newer models are usually more efficient than older models, requiring closer to 11 amps than 16.
Will A Honda 2200 generator run A RV air conditioner?
Much like if you were to purchase a 3,000-watt generator you could run more devices in your RV, the 2,200-watt generator will work just fine with your AC unit. The 13,500 BTU air conditioner is in the middle of the road and should cool your RV just fine.
Will a 5000 watt generator run a camper?
A 5,000-watt generator is the perfect amount of power for large RVs. It offers enough juice to power your entire kitchen, lights, and a small air conditioning unit or space heater without all that much power left over.
What is the best generator for a travel trailer?
The 9 Best Generators for Travel Trailers
Westinghouse Portable Inverter Generator. WEN 56200i Portable Inverter Generator. Briggs & Stratton Portable Inverter Generator. Westinghouse Portable Generator. Yamaha Gas Portable Inverter Generator. Pulsar Portable Inverter Generator.