How Many Watts to Run an RV? 30-Amp vs 50-Amp Explained
Convert RV plug capacities into active watts. Choose the correct backup size for mobile cooling.
The Two Types of RV Power Systems
If you want to buy a generator to boondock or camp off-grid in your RV, you first need to know what electrical system your camper uses. RVs come in two standard configurations: 30-Amp and 50-Amp.
But how many watts do those actually equal?
30-Amp RVs: 3,600 Watts
A 30-amp RV plug has three prongs and operates on standard 120-volt power. To find the total wattage capacity of the entire camper, we use Ohm's Law (Watts = Volts × Amps):
If you try to use more than 3,600 watts simultaneously in a 30-amp camper, you will trip the main breaker on the pedestal or the generator.
What Generator Do You Need for a 30-Amp RV?
A 3500-watt to 4000-watt inverter generator is the perfect match. This maxes out the RV's capacity, allowing you to run the AC unit, the microwave, and charge the batteries.
50-Amp RVs: 12,000 Watts
A 50-amp RV plug has four prongs. It operates on a 120/240-volt split-phase system. It actually provides two separate 120-volt, 50-amp legs of power.
Leg 2: 120V × 50A = 6,000 Watts
Total Capacity = 12,000 Watts
This is a massive difference! A 50-amp RV has more than triple the power capacity of a 30-amp RV, allowing for dual AC units, a washer/dryer, and electric water heaters.
What Generator Do You Need for a 50-Amp RV?
To fully utilize a 50-amp RV, you would need a massive 12,000-watt generator. However, most RVers don't boondock with that much load. A 5000-watt to 7000-watt generator with a 50-amp dogbone adapter is usually sufficient to run two AC units simultaneously.
Typical RV Appliance Wattages
| RV Appliance | Running Watts | Starting Watts |
|---|---|---|
| 13,500 BTU Air Conditioner | 1,500W | 3,000W |
| 15,000 BTU Air Conditioner | 1,800W | 3,500W |
| Microwave | 1,000W | 1,000W |
| Water Heater (Electric Mode) | 1,400W | 1,400W |