What size generator do I need for my RV?
Three tiers by shore-power setup and air conditioning: 2,000 W basics, 3,600 W one-AC, and 7,500 W dual-AC — with the surge math that separates a working setup from a tripped breaker.
The three tiers
| Setup | Running watts | Biggest startup | Generator size |
|---|---|---|---|
| No AC: lights, 12 V fridge, charging, microwave, water pump | ~600–1,000 | ~1,300 (microwave/pump) | 2,000–2,200 W |
| One 13,500 BTU roof AC + basics (30 amp) | ~1,900–2,400 | ~4,900 (AC compressor) | 3,000–3,600 W |
| Two 15k BTU ACs + residential fridge (50 amp) | ~4,000–5,000 | ~4,900 (second AC start) | 6,500–7,500 W |
Roof AC figures: 10k BTU ≈ 900 W running / 2,000–2,600 W start; 13.5k BTU ≈ 1,300 W running / 3,800 W start; 15k BTU ≈ 1,600 W running / 4,900 W start. Only the biggest starter counts against surge — the rest contribute running watts.
Why 2,000 W struggles with air conditioning
The compressor startup spike is the whole problem. A 13,500 BTU AC drawing 1,300 W running spikes to ~3,800 W for a quarter-second at start — over a 2,000 W generator's surge rating before anything else is plugged in. Two ways around it: buy the 3,000–3,600 W tier (which also matches a 30 amp pedestal's 3,600 W ceiling), or install an AC soft-start kit (~$100–300) that cuts startup draw roughly in half and lets a 2,200 W inverter start a small AC. Soft-start is the cheaper path if you already own the inverter.
30 amp vs 50 amp rigs
A 30 amp RV physically can't draw more than 3,600 W (one 120 V leg × 30 A), so buying above 3,600 W gains nothing through the shore cord. A 50 amp RV has two 120 V legs — 12,000 W theoretical ceiling — but real dual-AC loads peak around 5,000–7,000 W. A 6,500–7,500 W generator is the match; above that you're paying for watts the coach can't use unless you run electric heat or a residential fridge with ice maker too.
The pick
Weekender, no AC: a quiet 2,200 W inverter — 50 lb class, sips fuel. 30 amp + AC (most common): a 3,500–3,600 W dual-fuel inverter; 30 A TT-30 outlet, ~65 lb. 50 amp dual-AC: a 7,000 W class open-frame inverter or conventional unit. Verify the load list in the generator size calculator — RV appliance presets are included.
FAQ
Do I need dual fuel (gas/propane) for an RV?
Propane mode matters for boondocking: the RV's onboard propane tank runs a dual-fuel generator for days without extra jugs, and propane stores indefinitely between trips. Expect ~10% less wattage on propane — check the model's propane rating clears your startup figure, not just the gas rating.
Can I charge my RV battery bank with the generator?
Yes — the converter/charger draws 300–1,000 W depending on the coach, well inside even the 2,000 W tier. For bigger banks, the battery bank sizer tells you how much runtime the recharge needs.
The 3,000–3,600 W dual-fuel inverter class is the RV workhorse: 30 A outlet, AC-capable surge, quiet enough for campgrounds.