Choosing The Right Generator For Your Camper's Ac Unit

how big generator to run camper ac

Air conditioners are one of the largest appliances in an RV, requiring a lot of power to run efficiently. To determine the right generator size, you need to consider the starting watts (the initial burst when the unit is turned on) and running watts (the power required to keep it running). For a 15,000 BTU air conditioning unit, your generator should be able to handle a minimum of 5,000 starting watts and 2,000 running watts.

Additionally, you need to account for the power requirements of other appliances you plan to run simultaneously. This includes items such as refrigerators, microwaves, and televisions. It is recommended to have more power than not enough to avoid overloading the generator.

Different types of RVs have different power requirements. For example, a Class B Van with one AC unit typically needs a generator with 2,000 to 3,600 watts, while a Class A RV with three AC units (15,000 BTU each) may require 10,000 to 12,500 watts.

When choosing a generator, you also need to decide between a portable generator, which sits outside your RV, and a built-in generator, which is hardwired to your vehicle. Portable generators are generally less expensive but require manual fuel changes and can be heavy and loud. Built-in generators, on the other hand, are more expensive but offer higher wattage ranges and connect directly to your RV's fuel tank.

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RV AC units typically require 1,200-2,400 watts of electricity to run

RV air conditioners are a great way to keep your camper cool and comfortable in hot weather. They are, however, one of the largest appliances in an RV and require a lot of power to run efficiently.

When choosing a generator for your RV air conditioner, it is important to consider the starting (or surge) watts and the running (rated) watts required by your unit. The starting wattage is almost always higher than the running wattage and is important to ensure your generator can handle the initial burst when the unit is turned on.

It is also important to consider the other appliances you will be running simultaneously with your AC unit. This could include items such as a refrigerator, microwave, TV, or lights. Each of these appliances will add to the total wattage required, so you will need to ensure your generator can handle the load.

In general, it is better to have a generator with more power than you need rather than not enough. A 2,000 to 4,000-watt generator should be sufficient for most RV AC units, but you may need to go higher depending on your specific set-up and power demands.

By choosing the right size generator for your RV air conditioner, you can ensure you stay cool and comfortable during your camping trips.

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A 15,000 BTU AC unit will require more power than a 13,500 BTU unit

When it comes to air conditioning units, a higher BTU rating means a higher cooling capacity. A 15,000 BTU unit will therefore be able to cool a larger space than a 13,500 BTU unit. This increased cooling power does, however, require more energy.

A 15,000 BTU air conditioning unit will require about 5,100 starting watts and 1,600 running watts. A 13,500 BTU unit, on the other hand, will draw less power, requiring about 3,800 starting watts and 1,300 running watts. This means that a 15,000 BTU unit will require a larger generator to function.

The starting wattage of a generator is almost always higher than the running wattage, and it is the more important number to consider when determining whether a generator can handle a certain load. If a generator has enough power to get an appliance started, it will also have enough power to keep it running. However, it is still possible to max out a generator by turning on too many appliances.

In addition to the wattage ratings for your RV's air conditioning units, you will also need to pay attention to the ratings for other large appliances such as your refrigerator, microwave, fans, and television. This is because, in reality, you will rarely be running just one appliance at a time.

Therefore, when choosing a generator, it is generally better to have more power than you need rather than less. A generator that is slightly too large for your RV can come with other issues, however, such as increased bulk and noise.

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A 2,000-4,000-watt generator should work for most RV AC units

A 2,000-4,000-watt generator should be powerful enough to run the air conditioning unit of most RVs. The right generator size for your RV depends on the specific equipment you have, and AC units are often the appliance that requires the most power.

A 15,000 BTU air conditioning unit has a greater cooling capacity but will require more power, about 5,100 starting watts and about 1,600 running watts, on average. A 13,500 BTU unit draws less power, about 3,800 starting watts and about 1,300 running watts. A 15,000 BTU air conditioner may need only 2,000 watts of electricity to run, but it might need as many as 3,000 watts to start the motor. That means if your RV generator only puts out 2,000 watts, you'll never start the A/C.

RV air conditioners are typically either 15,000 BTU or 13,500 BTU, although other sizes exist. This is the cooling capacity of your AC. AC units with more cooling capacity will come with a higher BTU rating.

In addition to the wattage ratings for your RV’s air conditioning units, you will have to pay attention to the ratings for your rig’s other large appliances. This includes things like your refrigerator, microwave, fans, and television unit. The reality of RV life is that you will rarely be running just one appliance at a time.

A 2,000-4,000-watt generator will be powerful enough to run the AC unit and other appliances in most small-to-medium-sized RVs. Larger RVs, travel trailers, and fifth wheels may require something that can handle loads up to 5,000 watts or higher.

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A 2,500-2,800-watt generator is often a good minimum for 30-amp RVs with AC units

A 2,500-2,800-watt generator is a good minimum for 30-amp RVs with AC units. This is because a 30-amp RV with a 120 V electrical source can handle a maximum of about 3,600 watts of electric power. Therefore, a 2,500-2,800-watt generator will be able to supply the same amount of power as shore power.

However, it is important to note that the size of the generator you need depends on the specific equipment in your RV. For example, a Class C RV with one AC unit typically requires 2,800 to 4,000 watts, while a Class A RV with two AC units (15,000 BTU each) requires 5,500 to 8,000 watts.

Additionally, when choosing a generator, it is important to consider the starting and running wattage requirements of your appliances. The starting wattage is the initial burst of power needed to turn on the appliance, while the running wattage is the lower amount of power needed to keep it running.

For example, a 15,000 BTU air conditioning unit requires approximately 5,000 starting watts and 2,000 running watts. Other appliances, such as a refrigerator, microwave, or television, will also have their own power requirements, which you should take into account when selecting a generator.

In general, it is better to have more power than you need rather than not enough. Therefore, if you are unsure, it is recommended to choose a generator with a higher wattage to ensure that you have sufficient power for all your appliances.

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You'll need to account for the wattage of other appliances you plan to run

When determining the right generator for your camper, it's important to consider the wattage of other appliances you plan to run simultaneously. Appliances such as a refrigerator, microwave, television, and coffee maker can add up quickly, increasing the total power demand. For example, running a 1500-watt air conditioner, a 1200-watt microwave, and a 1000-watt coffee maker would require a generator with at least 3700 watts of power.

To calculate the total electrical power demand, make a list of all the appliances, electronics, and devices you plan to use simultaneously. Add up the maximum rated wattage of each component to estimate the total anticipated power draw. This information can usually be found on the nameplates of the devices, listing operating voltages and rated loads in watts or amps.

It's also important to consider startup power spikes. Some appliances, such as microwaves, refrigerators, and pumps, may require a higher wattage when they are first turned on to start internal motors and compressors. For example, a large air conditioning unit may require up to 15,000 watts of power at the start-up, which then significantly decreases once the unit is running.

  • Small travel trailer (under 20 ft): A 2000-3000 watt portable generator or inverter generator is sufficient for essential items like lighting, water pumping, and battery charging.
  • Mid-size travel trailer (20-30 ft): A 3000-4000 watt inverter or standard portable generator is recommended to power items such as lights, furnace, water heating, and a microwave.
  • Larger 5th wheel/travel trailer (30-40 ft): For running dual ACs, large washers/dryers, and multiple televisions, a 5000-7500 watt standard generator is suggested.
  • Class C camper van (under 25 ft): A 2000-3000 watt portable generator or inverter generator can power basic items such as charging, water pump, and refrigerator.
  • Class A motorhome (30-40 ft): A 6000-8000 watt standard generator is recommended for powering one roof AC, water heater, lighting, and a second AC or microwave.

It's important to choose the appropriate generator size to ensure adequate electrical capacity and prevent issues such as tripping breakers or damaging equipment. An electrician can also help measure precise energy use if needed.

Frequently asked questions

You need to know the starting (surge) watts and running (rated) watts required by your AC unit. You can find this information on the manufacturer's label or in the manual. Once you have this information, you need to calculate the total power demand (watts) of all the appliances you plan to run.

A 2,500-2,800-watt generator is a good minimum threshold for 30-amp RVs with AC units. A 3,600-watt generator will give you the same amount of power as shore power.

A 12,000 or 12,500-watt generator is your top-end option.

This depends on the specific equipment you have. A Class B van with one AC unit will need 2,000 to 3,600 watts, while a Class A RV with three AC units will need 10,000 to 12,500 watts.

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