When it comes to RVing, having the right generator is essential for powering your electrical equipment, appliances, and other necessary devices while on the road. One of the most common questions RV owners have is what size generator they need for their 50 amp RV. This is a critical decision, as choosing the wrong size could result in insufficient power or wasted fuel.
In this article, we’ll discuss the various factors that influence the size of the generator needed for a 50 amp RV, and guide you through the process of selecting the right machine for your needs. Whether you’re looking to power essential appliances like air conditioners, refrigerators, or lighting, understanding how to size a generator for your RV is key to ensuring you have a smooth and enjoyable camping experience.
Understanding 50 Amp RVs and Their Power Requirements
What Does a 50 Amp RV Mean?
A 50 amp RV service provides two 120-volt power lines, each delivering up to 50 amps of electricity, for a total of 12,000 watts. This means that a 50 amp RV has the capacity to supply more power than a 30 amp RV, making it suitable for larger rigs with multiple appliances running simultaneously, including dual air conditioners, heavy-duty appliances, and more.
If your RV is equipped with two air conditioners, a microwave, and a host of other electrical equipment, a 50 amp power service will allow you to run everything at once without worrying about overloads.
What Appliances Will You Need to Power?
The first step in determining the size of the generator for your 50 amp RV is to consider the electrical needs of your appliances and equipment. Common items that require power include:
- Air Conditioners (two, if you have a larger RV)
- Refrigerators and Freezers
- Microwave
- Lights
- Water Heater
- Entertainment Systems (TV, stereo, etc.)
- Coffee Makers, Blenders, and Other Kitchen Appliances
Each of these items draws a specific amount of electricity, which you need to account for when selecting the appropriate size generator.
Calculating Power Consumption
To calculate the total wattage your RV will require, you’ll need to know the power consumption of each appliance. These numbers are typically listed in the appliance manuals or on the equipment itself.
- Air conditioners: 1,200–2,000 watts each (running)
- Refrigerator: 200–600 watts (depending on size)
- Microwave: 1,000–1,500 watts
- Water heater: 1,500–3,000 watts
- Lights: 50–200 watts per light
- TV: 100–400 watts
Once you add up the total wattage, you’ll have a clearer idea of how much power you need.
How to Choose the Right Generator Size for Your 50 Amp RV
Choosing the right generator size involves understanding how much power you need and how much your chosen generator can provide. For a 50 amp RV, you’ll typically need a generator that can provide at least 12,000 watts of power, but this can vary depending on your specific needs.
Step 1: Determine Your Total Wattage Requirements
As mentioned earlier, the first step is to calculate the total wattage required by your appliances. The basic formula to follow is:
Total Wattage = (Air Conditioners + Refrigerator + Microwave + Lights + Other Appliances)
This will give you the total number of watts you need to run everything simultaneously.
For example, let’s assume your RV has the following appliances:
- 2 Air Conditioners: 2,000 watts each = 4,000 watts
- Refrigerator: 600 watts
- Microwave: 1,500 watts
- Lights: 200 watts
- TV: 100 watts
- Other appliances (coffee maker, water heater, etc.): 1,000 watts
Total Wattage = 4,000 + 600 + 1,500 + 200 + 100 + 1,000 = 7,400 watts
Step 2: Account for Startup Watts
Many appliances, especially air conditioners, require a surge of power when they first start up. This is known as “startup watts” and can be significantly higher than the running wattage. For example:
Air conditioners can require 3,000–4,000 watts to start, but only 1,200–2,000 watts to run.
A microwave may need 2,000 watts to start up.
So, while your running wattage might be 7,400 watts, you’ll need to factor in the startup wattage. A good rule of thumb is to add 25-30% more power to your generator’s capacity to account for these spikes.
For our example, adding 30% for startup watts would mean:
Total Wattage Needed = 7,400 watts + 30% = 9,620 watts
Step 3: Choose a Generator with Enough Capacity
Once you have your total wattage requirements (including startup watts), choose a generator that provides at least that amount of power. For a 50 amp RV, a generator that provides between 8,000 to 12,000 watts will generally be sufficient.
Here are some examples of suitable generator sizes:
8,000-watt generator: This is a good choice for smaller RVs or if you don’t plan to run multiple heavy-duty appliances at the same time.
10,000-watt generator: This provides a good balance of power for most 50 amp RVs, capable of running two air conditioners, a refrigerator, lights, and more.
12,000-watt generator: Ideal for larger RVs or if you want to run multiple appliances and air conditioners at once without worry.
A 12,000-watt generator is often considered the sweet spot for 50 amp RVs, as it gives you plenty of leeway for surge power while being efficient.
Types of Generators for 50 Amp RVs
When selecting a generator for your 50 amp RV, you’ll have a few options in terms of the type of generator to choose from:
Inverter Generators
Inverter generators are quieter, more fuel-efficient, and provide cleaner power. They are a great choice for RV owners who need a quiet generator for camping or staying in areas where noise is a concern. They also produce stable voltage, which is important for sensitive electronics.
Pros: Quiet, fuel-efficient, clean power.
Cons: Typically more expensive and have lower wattage outputs compared to traditional generators.
Traditional Generators
Traditional generators, such as open-frame or dual-fuel models, are larger and louder but tend to provide more power for the price. They can be a good choice for RV owners who need higher wattages and aren’t concerned with noise as much.
Pros: High wattage, more affordable, rugged.
Cons: Louder, less fuel-efficient, less portable.
Dual-Fuel Generators
Dual-fuel generators are capable of running on both gasoline and propane, giving you flexibility in terms of fuel options. This is an excellent choice for RVers who want to have backup fuel options in case of emergency or when one fuel type is in short supply.
Pros: Flexible fuel options.
Cons: Can be heavier and more expensive.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Generator for a 50 Amp RV
Fuel Efficiency
When choosing a generator for your 50 amp RV, you want to consider fuel efficiency, as running a generator for extended periods can quickly consume a lot of fuel. Inverter generators are typically more fuel-efficient than traditional generators, and dual-fuel generators offer flexibility.
Noise Level
Some campsites or RV parks have noise restrictions, so you may want to consider how noisy the generator is. Inverter generators are often much quieter than traditional open-frame generators.
Portability
If you plan to move your generator frequently, portability is important. Smaller inverter generators are more portable and easier to handle, while larger generators may require a cart or special mounting for transport.
Budget
Generators can vary significantly in price. While larger generators with higher wattages may be more expensive, they can be a better long-term investment if you plan on running multiple appliances or equipment at the same time.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing the right generator size for your 50 amp RV depends on understanding your total power needs and accounting for startup watts. For most 50 amp RVs, a generator providing between 8,000 to 12,000 watts should be sufficient. Whether you choose an inverter generator, a traditional model, or a dual-fuel machine, make sure it meets the power requirements of your electrical equipment. By carefully evaluating your needs, you’ll be able to select a generator that ensures smooth operations and a more enjoyable RV experience.
Choosing the right generator for your RV can ensure you have the power you need for a comfortable and stress-free camping experience. Whether you’re powering air conditioners, lights, or other appliances, a reliable generator is a must-have for your RV setup.
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