How Big Generator to Run RV AC?

Electricity is something that we all need and cannot survive without. It has been able to advance the human race. Technology has also led to changes in camping. This is true when it comes to using an air conditioner in an RV. It is indeed uncomfortable having to stay in a hot trailer. This is why you will be wondering what size generator will be able to run your AC in your RV.

How Big Generator to Run RV AC?

If you want to know how Big Generator to Run RV AC, you need to keep in mind that air conditioners need a lot of energy when getting started and also to keep running.  When wanting to power an average size RV AC, you will have to get a generator that has at least 2000 – 4000- watt capacity.

Many points need to be kept in mind when figuring out what size generator to get for your particular AC. Often it will be possible to utilize an AC along with other appliances with a 2000 watt generator.

There are many different generator sizes present. This can make it tough choosing which one to get for your adventuring requirements. Keep in mind that not all RV’s or travel trailers need a 4000-watt generator. The following aims to explain different AC unit capacities along with what is needed to run them.

Generators and AC Units

A generator works with a certain amount of energy inside. Whenever you run some appliance, some amount of allotted energy gets used.

RV generators tend to have two measurements. This includes start-up energy needs along with a running energy need. When it comes to the start-up energy requirements, this is often the one that will employ the most energy which the generator can give for the AC. When it has run for some time, some of this energy goes back to the allotted amount of energy.

For instance, if you have a generator that can provide 2000 watts and your air conditioner utilizes 1800 watts when starting up, moreover, then running it requires around 650 watts, you will have 1,350 watts remaining to employ for the remaining appliances within the RV. This is after it initially does the startup.

When looking for a generator, purchase one which is more than what is needed to simply get the AC running.  When this is not done, you will not have leftover energy that can be used to power other appliances.

If you have a 200-400 watt buffer present from how much energy is needed from the start-up energy needs, you can save yourself from getting an energy shortage. So Briggs & Stratton P2400 generator can be a nice option for you. You can read Briggs and Stratton P2400 inverter generator review. 

Some generator sizes to consider

When you visit a store to buy a generator you will see that there are many options available. You can get large ones and small ones as well. There are generators that have a 400-800 watt capacity. There are also others that have a 3400-4000 watt capacity.

Generators like these will usually be portable. Despite this, they still pack much despite their size. When you simply need to charge your phone, you can buy any sized generator. But when it comes to air conditioning, you have to get something bigger. This is because an AC uses a lot of energy.

If you want to remain on the safe side, it may be better to get a generator with approximately 2200 watts. It is a common type and most individuals find it better to handle. This is if you will not use your AC much.

What can be run with this kind of generator can be with a 10,000 BTU AC, however, the lights within your microwave or maybe coffee maker. You can run smaller appliances such as these but it is recommended that you do not do this all at one time.

If you are looking for a larger generator that will run more than a small AC unit, consider a 3200-watt one. This can handle some larger AC units along with a few more appliances.

If you want to be sure then consider a 4000-watt generator. It can tackle large RVs and many appliances.

Estimation of energy needs of different appliances

If you want to figure out which generator to purchase according to the watts that other appliances will need, we give you an average estimation of this. It includes some common appliances that can be found in an RV.

A refrigerator will use around 700 watts. A microwave will employ about 625 watts. 1000 watts is what a coffee maker will use. A VCR will use about 100 watts. Your phone charger uses an estimated 10 watts and a lightbulb of 60 watts. If you have a toaster this will use around 850 watts and a dishwasher 1500 watts. From this, you can see that it is important to look for a generator that will be able to handle your AC.

Figuring out your requirements

You need to do some math if you want to figure out which generator to get. The size of your RV is important here along with the number of appliances that you will be using. This can help answer the question.

If you have a big RV or wish to use many appliances, more energy will be needed. You may need to think about how much energy you want to use for each appliance and when you want to use this.

The unit of measurement that is often used for AC units tends to be BTU. It stands for British Thermal Unit. 

So, for instance, if the room size is 20 x 30 ft. and the area is 600 square feet, you will need 14,000 BTUs. The generator wattage required for this will be 3000-3200 watts.

If the room size is 20 x 20 ft. and the area is 400 square feet, you will need 12,000 BTUs and the generator wattage should be about 2600-2900.

A room size that is 15 x 20 ft. and an area that is 300 square feet will need 10,000 BTUs and the generator wattage needed will be about 2200-2600.

A 10 x 20 ft. room size and a 200 square feet area will need 8,000 BTUs and the generator wattage needed will be 1400-2100.

Most generators are able to give an AC unit the amount of energy it requires. You need to keep in mind the amount that the AC units need for their BTU’s along with how much the generator needs. Read more about How Many Watts Does an RV Air Conditioner Use?

Tips to use the generator efficiently when AC is on

If you do not want to be faced with any problem, you should carry out your research and use the generator effectively. There are different factors that influence life along with energy needs for generators plus AC units. We are simply giving you a generalization of what you can expect when selecting a generator. You should know how to maximize your generator whilst catering to the requirements of the RV.

When going camping you should enjoy nature and be frugal with the resources present.

Try and run the AC as little as possible. This means that you should run it at certain times in the day. Try and not to run it at full power. Keep in mind when you are in the RV during the day. When making breakfast for instance you can switch off the AC to save energy.

When you are not using the lights, turn them off. This can save heat as well as energy bills.

Try and clean your filters as well as an overall unit often. Try and avoid keeping the AC running for much time.

You can circulate the air within the RV by simply turning on your fan. Try and avoid blasting your AC on full power and that for only limited amounts of time during the day. The RV will not cool quickly and much energy will be employed. It is better to turn it on low and slow.

It is better to use certain appliances in the evening or even at night time. These should be those that are not dangerous to use. You can charge phones for instance. This can be done to balance out the energy used. When all the appliances are not running at one time, you can function slightly more efficiently.

When you are not using an appliance, unplug it. Sometimes the plugged-in items such as TVs can still use energy also when they are “off”.

You may want to find alternatives because of the huge amount of energy employed by the AC. You can utilize solar-powered items that can help support your energy consumption or also replace the generator. This is possible but usually, it can turn out to be an expensive as well as unpredictable investment. You should know the pros and cons of getting solar panels installed before opting for this option.

From the above, you can tell that there are different ways to handle your AC unit when in an RV. There are many generators that are able to be used for different types of AC units. There are also different factors involved and you need to do your research so that you can get the best one for your needs.