What Size Generator do I Need to Power an RV with 2 AC Units?

What Size Generator do I Need to Power an RV with 2 AC Units?

A modern RV is a technical wonder. Constant access to the internet, a comfortable kitchen, and even air conditioning units inside these vehicles are modern realities. People can travel the world in their own mobile home, which is equivalent to a stationary one, using these modern vehicles, and enjoy all the amenities. The only remaining question is “where to get the electricity to power all the devices inside the RV”? The simplest, most reliable, and convenient option is using a generator.

Generator for Air Conditioner

An air conditioner is one of the most power-hungry units in any RV. To power it, you need a generator that can withstand the required load and provide enough energy. Moreover, the best generator for the RV air conditioner should provide the required amount of energy in plenty so that at high operating speeds, and in case of using other electrical devices, there would be no problems with the power supply.

What Size Generator for RV with 2 AC Units is Needed?

To understand which generator is needed for your air conditioners, you must first determine the maximum amount of energy they can consume. If we take an average value, when the air is cooled, there may be a shortage of electricity to power the air conditioner, and it will simply turn off. Thus, the performance and durability of your AC will be significantly reduced. On average, an air conditioner consumes 1300 to 2400 watts. There are two options available here.

You can supply a separate generator for each of your air conditioners. Thus, the load on each of them will be halved. Of the minuses, it is necessary to take into account that more fuel may be needed in this case.

The second option is to power both air conditioners with a single unit. It is the simplest way which is used by many RVs owners. There is no need to refuel two generators and waste more money on their amortization.

How to Choose the Best Option

When choosing what size generator for an RV with 2 air conditioners would be best, it is necessary to take into account the power consumption of your air conditioners and other devices that you use inside your RV. You can use a generator that provides more power than is required, but the higher the power reserve, the more fuel is required to run it. As a result, the cost of using household appliances inside the home rises dramatically. In this case, too much voltage within the network can be hazardous.

To choose the most suitable option, you can calculate the amount of energy consumed by your appliances based on the following list:

  • AC unit: 1300–2400 watts
  • Laptop: 20 to 50 watts
  • TV: 43 to 600 watts
  • Washer: 1,000 to 1,500 watts
  • Coffee maker: 900 to 1,200 watts

Depending on the number of devices, you can choose the best option based on the power supplied and the fuel consumption for its generation.

How Big a Generator for a 50 amp RV with 2 Air Conditioners Do You Need?

There are two main types of RVs: 30 Amp and 50 Amp. Considering a 50-amp RV, it has two separate 50-amp feeds. It means that such an RV will handle 12,000–12,500 watts of power. Thus, the best choice would be a generator that delivers exactly the right amount of power.