How much power do you need for a 30 amp RV? What size generator should you get for your RV?
These are common questions we get asked, and luckily, the answer is pretty simple.
For a 30 Amp RV, you’ll need a generator that can produce at least 3600 watts of power.
If you’re considering buying a generator for your 30 Amp RV though, there are other things you need to consider beyond just how much power you need.
So before you buy any generator, make sure to keep reading.
As we provide a complete buyer’s guide on all the factors you need to consider when buying a 30 Amp RV generator.
Plus, we answer some of the most common questions about 30 Amp RV generators.
Factors to Consider Before Buying an RV Generator
When you’re shopping for a 30 Amp generator, there are several factors you need to keep in mind.
And some of the most important include:
- Power Output
- Cost
- Run Time
- Noise Level
- Fuel Source
- Ports & Outlets
- Size & Weight
- Features & Upgrades
So let’s take a closer look at each of these factors in turn.
Power Output
The first and most important factor to consider when buying a generator for your 30 Amp RV is its power output.
Because as we mentioned earlier, for a 30 Amp RV, you’ll need a generator that can produce at least 3600 watts of power.
However, there’s a bit more nuance to the power output of a generator, beyond its stated wattage.
So let’s take a closer look at power output and generators.
Understanding Wattage
Before going any further, it’s important to first understand why a 30 Amp RV requires at least 3,600 watts of power.
And the best and easiest way to understand this is with a simple formula:
Volts x Amps = Watts
Because once you understand this formula, you can easily see why you need 3,600 watts of power for a 30 Amp RV, knowing that RVs run on a 120 Volt electrical system.
Volts (120) x Amps (30) = Watts (3,600)
Peak Watts Verses Rated Watts
Another important thing you need to keep in mind when shopping for an RV generator is the difference between peak watts and rated watts.
As most generators will have two power ratings listed, one for peak watts and one for rated watts.
Peak Watts – Maximum or surge power output that a generator can produce.
Rated Watts – Continuous power output that a generator can produce.
As peak watts are meant to handle momentary spikes in power usage (like when you turn on a large appliance, such as an air conditioner).
While rated watts are what you need to run most appliances and devices on a continuous basis.
So, when shopping for a generator for your 30 Amp RV, look for one that has at least 3,600 watts of rated power output.
As this will ensure that the generator has the needed continuous power output to run the RV.
Cost
The next factor to consider when buying a generator for a 30 Amp RV is your budget and the cost of the generator.
As 30 Amp RV generators can cost anywhere from $350 to as much as $1,000.
So you need to look for a generator that not only fulfills your needs and wants but also one that stays within your budget.
Fortunately, there are plenty of great affordable options out there that should fit both your needs and budget.
As a general rule though, we would recommend avoiding super cheap off-brand generators, just to save a little money.
And instead, invest in a quality name brand generator, even if that means you have to spend a little more.
As quality well-built generators might cost a little more but they will also be much more reliable as well as durable.
Which is worth every penny when RVing and boondocking.
Plus, quality well-built generators also tend to last much longer compared to cheap generators, making them a better long-term investment.
Run Time
Another important factor you need to consider when shopping for a 30 Amp RV generator is its run time, or how long the generator can run on a single tank of fuel.
Because you want to select a generator that can power your RV for as long as possible, which primarily comes down to the generator’s fuel efficiency and the size of its fuel tank.
However, most 30 Amp RV generators will have a run time of between 8 hours and 18 hours.
Of course, the generator’s run-time will also be greatly affected by the amount of load your putting on the generator.
As generators running at a reduced load or lower power output will run for substantially longer compared to a generator running at a higher load or higher power output.
Noise Level
Noise level is another important factor to consider when looking at RV generators, especially if you plan on doing a lot of campground camping.
As you want to select a generator that will produce the least amount of noise, while still being able to power your 30 Amp RV.
30 Amp RV generator’s noise levels can range from 50 to more than 70 decibels, depending on the model.
And generators that produce close to or less than 60 decibels of noise, are considered to be quiet.
Keep in mind though that the quieter the generator the more expensive it will usually be.
Because while some generators produce as little as 50 decibels of noise, they tend to be much more expensive, costing as much as $1,000.
So, if you’re on a budget, look for a generator that produces between 60 to 65 decibels of noise.
As this is still considered to be a relatively quiet generator.
Fuel Source
Most standard 30 Amp generators run off of gasoline.
However, some dual fuel models will run off of gas or propane, which can add a lot of versatility to the generator.
As you’ll be able to use either fuel source, depending on what’s available or what’s cheaper.
As a general rule of thumb though, gasoline offers more power output, while propane is generally more fuel-efficient, and is less costly.
Available Ports & Outlets
The number of available ports and outlets is another factor to consider when choosing an RV generator.
As you want to make sure the generator has enough ports and outlets to power all your RVing and camping needs.
The most important outlet that the generator needs to have though is a 30 Amp RV outlet.
Because, without this 30 Amp RV Outlet, you will not be able to plug your 30 Amp RV into the generator and get the full wattage output you need.
Size & Weight
One of the final factors to consider when looking at 30 Amp RV generators is the size and weight of the generator.
As you want to make sure the generator will not only fit in your RV or truck bed but also be light enough to move around if needed.
Luckily though most 30 Amp RV generators tend to be on the more compact and lightweight side, usually weighing around 100 pounds or less.
Features & Upgrades
The final factor to consider when choosing a generator for your 30 Amp RV is what features the generator offers.
As some generators offer additional features that can come in handy around the campsite and add a lot of versatility to the generator.
And some of the most common add-ons and upgrades to look for are:
- Electric Start
- Remote Start
- Wheel Kit
- Portability Kit
- LCD Displays
- Fuel Gauge Indicators
- Automatic Shutoff
- Low-Oil Shutdown
- Weatherproofing
- USB ports
What Size Generator Do You Need for a 30 Amp RV Air Conditioner?
To understand what size generator you need for a 30 Amp RV air conditioner you need to understand the three main AC sizes found on RVs and their required wattage, which we’ve highlighted below.
- 11,000 BTU RV AC – Starting (2250W), Running (1100W)
- 13,500 BTU RV AC – Starting (2750W), Running (1250W)
- 15,000 BTU RV AC – Starting (3500W), Running (1500W)
So as you can see from above, the three most common types of air conditioners found on 30 Amp RVs are either 11,000, 13,500, or 15,000 BTU ACs, which each have their own specific wattage requirements.
For example, a smaller 11,000 BTU RV AC will use 2250 watts during startup and 1100 watts while running.
While a larger 15,000 BTU RV AC will use 3500 watts during startup and 1500 watts while running.
Keep in mind though, that you will almost never be running the AC by itself.
As you will almost also be using other items in the RV while running the AC, such as lighting, fans, small appliances, and electronics.
So when choosing a generator to run a 30 Amp RV air conditioner, you also need to account for these additional power requirements as well.
Because of this, to run an 11,000 or 13,500 BTU AC on a 30 Amp RV, you should have a generator that has a rated wattage output of at least 3600 watts.
And to run a 15,000 BTU AC on a 30 Amp RV, you should have a generator that has a rated wattage output of at least 4000 watts.
Will a 3500-Watt Generator Run a 30 Amp RV?
Based on the formula Volts (120) x Amps (30) = Watts, a generator with a wattage output of 3600 watts will power a 30 amp RV.
However, a 30 Amp RV, doesn’t need a generator that produces exactly 3600 watts of power to work.
As you just need a generator that is close to 3600 watts with a 30 Amp outlet.
Because of this, a generator with 3500 rated watts should provide more than enough power to run a 30 Amp RV.
Will a 2500-Watt Generator Run an RV Air Conditioner?
In general, no, a 2500-watt generator will not provide enough power or wattage to properly run an RV rooftop air conditioner.
Because while it might be technically possible to run a small 11,000 BTU RV rooftop AC with a 2500-watt generator.
Once you account for the other appliances and devices in the RV using electricity, a 2500-watt generator would quickly be overloaded.
In addition, if your RV has a larger 13,500 or 15,000 BTU rooftop AC, then a 2500-watt generator wouldn’t even be enough power to run the AC by itself.
As RV 13,500 BTU rooftop ACs typically require 2750 watts at startup and 1250 watts while running.
While RV 15,000 BTU rooftop ACs typically require 3500 watts during startup and 1500 watts while running.
Can I Plug My 30 Amp RV into a Generator?
A 30 Amp RV can be plugged into a generator, as long as the generator has a 30 Amp RV outlet and it has enough rated watts to adequately power the RV.
Is a 30 Amp RV Plug 110 or 220?
A 30 Amp RV plug is 120 volts, as it has three prongs, one that’s connected to a 120-volt hot wire, another that’s connected to a neutral wire, and another that’s connected to a ground wire.
Additional Resources
To see the best generators for a 30 Amp RV, check out our article “10 Best 30 Amp RV Generators (Ranked/Reviewed)“.
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