What Size Generator for RV with 2 AC Units: A Comprehensive Guide

To determine the right size generator for your RV with two AC units, you'll need to consider the power requirements of each unit. Typically, a 13,500 BTU AC unit requires around 13.5 kilowatts of power, while a 15,000 BTU unit requires around 15.3 kilowatts.

The total power requirement for both units is around 28.8 kilowatts. However, it's generally recommended to add 10-20% to this total to account for other appliances and electrical loads.

You can also consider the type of generator you need, such as a portable or inverter generator. Portable generators are often more affordable, but they can be noisier and less fuel-efficient. Inverter generators, on the other hand, provide cleaner power and are often more fuel-efficient.

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RV air conditioners are energy-intensive appliances that demand a substantial amount of power to operate smoothly, drawing around 1,300 to 1,500 watts each.

To determine how much electricity you need, consider the size of your RV and the number of appliances you plan to use. For small RVs with limited interior space, a compact solution like the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro Solar Generator is more suitable.

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Your total wattage requirement is an essential baseline to determine because it dictates what size generator you'll need. If you want to operate multiple high-wattage appliances, you'll need a higher-capacity generator.

To calculate your generator size, consider the combined wattage of your A/C units and add a cushion for power surges. Experts recommend using generators with a capacity that exceeds the combined wattage of the A/C units.

Here are some average wattage and estimated run times for common RV appliances:

Remember to estimate the run time for each appliance and device to determine the total watt-hours required. A safe estimate is to leave room for surge power and a bit more room to avoid draining the generator's battery completely.

Choosing the right generator for your RV with two AC units is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable trip. A good starting point is to determine the total wattage requirements of your appliances, including the two AC units. Typically, a 2,000-watt inverter-generator can power a small RV, while a 4,000-watt generator can handle a larger RV with more appliances. However, if you have two AC units, you'll need a more powerful generator to handle the increased load.

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To calculate the total wattage requirements, consider the wattage of each appliance, including the AC units. A 5,000 BTU window AC requires 900 watts, while a 10,000 BTU window AC requires 1,400-1,800 watts. For two AC units, you'll need to double these numbers. Additionally, consider other appliances like lights, refrigerators, and microwaves, which can add up quickly.

Here's a rough estimate of the wattage requirements for a mid-size RV with two AC units:

Based on this calculation, a 5,000-7,500 watt generator would be a good starting point for a mid-size RV with two AC units. However, it's essential to consult the user manual for your specific appliances and consider factors like fuel tank capacity and AC efficiency when choosing a generator.

Calculating generator size is crucial to ensure your RV stays cool and comfortable during power outages. You'll want to use a generator with a capacity that exceeds the combined wattage of your A/C units to account for power surges.

Experts recommend using generators with a capacity that exceeds the combined wattage of the A/C units due to power surges. For instance, a 4,000-watt generator might appear sufficient, but power spikes require a more robust generator. Depending on soft-starters, a 3,000-watt generator with soft-starters or a 6,000-watt generator might be needed.

To determine what size generator you need, consider what you want to run in the event of a power outage. Do you want to only power your AC or also power other essential appliances like the water heater, freezer, and refrigerator?

RV air conditioners are energy-intensive appliances that demand a substantial amount of power to operate smoothly. Standard A/C units commonly used in RVs draw around 1,300 to 1,500 watts each. The potential need to run two A/C units simultaneously necessitates a generator that can handle their combined power consumption.

Your RV air conditioner has two distinct energy requirements: start-up and running wattage required. The initial burst needed by most electrical devices upon startup typically exceeds their normal operating consumption – this is referred to as starting power or peak load requirement.

To find what size generator you need to power more than one appliance, you'll need to add together the wattage (make sure to include the starting wattage) of all the appliances you want to power. For example, if your list of appliances looks like this:

Because the starting wattage is 24,100, you'd need at least a 25kW generator.

To maximize generator + AC efficiency, it's crucial to balance multiple appliance loads effectively. Your RV air conditioner, for instance, requires more starting watts than running power.

Adjusting usage times is a great strategy for optimizing energy consumption in an RV life setting. You can use high-energy-consuming devices at different intervals rather than all at once to avoid exceeding the maximum output capacity of portable generators.

Inverter generators are ideal for this strategy since they adjust their engine speed to match demand, saving gas and extending the lifespan of the equipment. They're also quiet and fuel-efficient compared to other types.

Using appliances during cooler parts of the day or night can help reduce the strain on the generator. This is because the AC won't need to run full blast, allowing you to use a smaller generator to power several items.

Avoid turning everything on at the same moment, as this can cause a start-up surge that may overload even the best RV generators. This can lead to potential damage and long-term issues in its functionality reliability.

Maintaining a regular maintenance routine is essential for maximizing the efficiency of your generator while using AC in your RV. This includes balancing multiple appliance loads effectively and adjusting usage times strategically.

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If you're looking for a generator to power your RV with 2 AC units, you'll want to consider the size of your generator carefully. A 5000-7500W portable generator, solar generator, or inverter generator is recommended for large 5th wheel/travel trailers (30-40 ft) with 30-amp or 50-amp electrical systems.

To determine the right generator size for your RV, you'll need to check your RV's amp rating and use the calculation: Amps (A) x volts (V) = watts (W). This will give you the total watts you need to power your devices.

For RVs with 2 AC units, you'll need a generator that can handle a high total load. According to the table, a 5000-7500W generator is recommended for large 5th wheel/travel trailers (30-40 ft) with 30-amp or 50-amp electrical systems.

A 6000-8000W generator, PowerKit, or portable power station is recommended for Class A Motorhomes (30-40 ft) with 30-amp or 50-amp electrical systems. This is because these RVs require a lot of power to run their AC units, water heater, and other appliances.

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You should also consider the type of generator you need. A portable generator, solar generator, or inverter generator can be a good option, depending on your RV's electrical system and your needs.

Here are some generator options to consider: