Choosing a portable generator for your RV
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Quick answer
Size an RV generator for the air conditioner first. Champion's wattage chart lists a 13,500 BTU RV air conditioner at 1,500 to 2,000 running watts and 2,800 to 3,500 starting watts. A quiet inverter around 3,500 running watts with a TT-30R RV outlet covers that with room for a little more. Rigs with 50 amp service can pair two inverters with a parallel kit. Check campground noise rules too: National Park Service rules cap generator noise at 60 decibels at 50 feet.
Size for the air conditioner
The RV roof air conditioner is the load that decides the generator. Champion's wattage chart lists:
| RV appliance | Running watts | Starting watts |
|---|---|---|
| Air conditioner, 13,500 BTU | 1,500 to 2,000 | 2,800 to 3,500 |
| Air conditioner, 15,000 BTU | 2,000 to 2,500 | 3,500 to 4,500 |
| Microwave | 600 to 1,200 | none listed |
| Refrigerator | 150 to 600 | 400 to 1,000 |
| Water heater (electric) | 1,200 to 1,500 | none listed |
Add the running watts of what will run together, then make sure the generator's starting watts cover the AC's start-up. Running the AC and microwave at once can push a smaller unit past its limit, so stagger big loads.
A common match: 3,500 running watts with a TT-30R
Champion's 4500W inverter (201318) lists 4,500 starting and 3,500 running watts and a 120V 29.2A RV outlet (TT-30R), plus a household duplex outlet. It is rated 61 dBA from 23 feet and runs up to 14 hours at 25% load on about 2.3 gallons of gasoline. Against the chart above, that covers a 13,500 BTU AC's starting surge, with running headroom for the fridge and lights. A 15,000 BTU unit's 4,500 starting watts sits right at its limit, so size up for the bigger AC.
30 amp and 50 amp rigs
- 30 amp RVs use a TT-30 plug. A generator with a TT-30R outlet plugs straight in with the RV's cord or a generator RV cord. Champion sells a 30 foot 30A 125V generator RV cord as an accessory for this model.
- 50 amp RVs need more power. Champion's optional parallel kit links two compatible inverters and includes a standard 50 amp RV outlet. Its 4500W model pairs with another Champion inverter of 2,800 watts or more.
Parallel kits are brand- and series-specific. Check compatibility before you buy two units.
Campground and park noise rules
On National Park Service land, federal rules prohibit operating motorized equipment, including a generator, in a way that exceeds 60 decibels on the A-weighted scale at 50 feet. Even below that level, noise can be prohibited if it is unreasonable for the time and place. Makers rate noise at 23 feet, a closer distance than the park's 50 feet, so the two numbers are not directly comparable. Campgrounds may also set their own generator hours. Check the rules where you stay, and pick the quietest unit that meets your load.
Run it safely around a camper
Generator exhaust drifts. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says to run portable generators outdoors only, away from openings, with the exhaust pointed away from doors, windows and vents. At home it says at least 20 feet from the house. Around an RV, keep the generator well away from windows, doors, roof vents and neighbors' rigs. Keep a working carbon monoxide alarm inside the camper.
What to look for when you buy
3,500 running watt inverter with TT-30R RV outlet (example: Champion 201318)
Best for: 30 amp RVs running a 13,500 BTU air conditioner
Champion lists 4,500 starting and 3,500 running watts, a TT-30R RV outlet, 61 dBA at 23 feet, up to 14 hours at 25% load and CO Shield.
Watch out: It weighs 92.2 pounds and uses recoil start. A 15,000 BTU AC is at the edge of its starting capacity.
See options on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)30 amp generator RV cord
Best for: Connecting a TT-30R generator outlet to a 30 amp RV
Champion offers a 30 foot 30A 125V generator RV cord for its RV-ready inverters, so you can park the generator away from the rig.
Watch out: Match the plug ends to your generator and RV inlet.
See options on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)Inverter parallel kit with 50 amp RV outlet
Best for: 50 amp rigs or running two air conditioners
Champion says its optional parallel kit links two compatible inverters and includes a standard 50 amp RV outlet.
Watch out: Kits are brand- and model-specific.
See options on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)RV carbon monoxide alarm
Best for: Sleeping in a camper with a generator nearby
Generator exhaust can reach openings, and CPSC tells generator users to keep exhaust away from doors, windows and vents.
Watch out: Use an alarm rated for RVs and test it before each trip.
See options on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)Questions people ask
- What size generator do I need for an RV?
- Size for the air conditioner. Champion lists a 13,500 BTU RV AC at 1,500 to 2,000 running and 2,800 to 3,500 starting watts, so about 3,500 running watts with 4,500 starting covers it.
- Can a portable generator run a 50 amp RV?
- Usually by pairing two inverters with a parallel kit. Champion's kit includes a standard 50 amp RV outlet.
- How loud can a generator be at a national park?
- Federal park rules prohibit generator noise over 60 decibels (A-weighted) at 50 feet, and unreasonable noise even below that.
- What is a TT-30R outlet?
- The 30 amp, 120 volt RV outlet. Champion's 4500W inverter has one rated 29.2A, so a 30 amp RV cord plugs straight in.
Sources
- Generator Wattage Chart, Champion Power Equipment
- 4500W Inverter (201318), Champion Power Equipment
- 36 CFR 2.12 Audio disturbances, Code of Federal Regulations (via Cornell LII)
- As Winter Storms Threaten Millions in the U.S., CPSC Issues Safety Tips, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission