What Size Generator Do I Need to Run a 13,500 BTU RV Air Conditioner?

Roof air conditioning is the load that sets an RV generator. This page is only that question.

Quick answer: Honda lists a 13,500 BTU RV air conditioner at 1,800 running watts and 2,800 starting watts, and Champion lists a 13.5k BTU RV air conditioner at 1,500–2,000 running watts and 2,800–3,500 starting watts. Covering both takes a running rating that clears 2,000 W and a starting rating that clears 3,500 W. A single Honda EU2200i, rated 1,800 W with a 2,200 W maximum, matches Honda's 1,800 W running figure but does not cover Champion's 2,000 W running figure or a 3,500 W start, while two EU2200i units in parallel reach up to 4,400 W and the Champion manual lists 5,000 W running and 6,250 W starting.

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Running and starting watts

Load	Running watts	Starting watts	Source
RV AC, 13,500 BTU	1,800	2,800	Honda
RV AC, 13.5k BTU	1,500–2,000	2,800–3,500	Champion

Honda's wattage guide lists starting watts, then running watts. Champion's chart lists running watts, then starting watts. This table puts every figure in the Running and Starting columns. Not listed means that source does not give a separate starting figure.

How to size it

Add the running watts of every load that will be on together, then add the single highest starting surge (Generac; Honda). Generac notes that starting watts are often 2–3 times running watts, and that standby units should get a dealer survey.

This page is the one air conditioner, not the whole coach. Add a microwave or another load only after the air conditioner start is covered. Honda lists a 1,000 W microwave at 1,500 W running and starting, which would be its own running load on top of the air conditioner.

Check a full load list on the generator size calculator.

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Run the generator outdoors only, 20 ft from the house (CPSC).

FAQ

Can one EU2200i run a 13,500 BTU RV AC?

Not if you cover both charts. The EU2200i is 1,800 W rated and 2,200 W maximum. Honda lists 1,800 W running and 2,800 W starting. Champion goes to 2,000 W running and 3,500 W starting.

Do two EU2200i units cover it?

Parallel output is up to 4,400 W, which is above a 3,500 W start and a 2,000 W running load.

What is the difference between the Honda and Champion rows?

Honda is a single pair, 2,800 W start and 1,800 W run. Champion is a range, 2,800–3,500 W start and 1,500–2,000 W run. Cover the top of each.

Where is the 15,000 BTU air conditioner?

On its own page. Honda lists that size at 3,300 W starting and 2,000 W running.