What Size Generator for 50 Amp RV - Things to Consider

When you’re looking to buy a generator for your 50 amp RV, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. The size of the generator will depend on how much power you need to run all of your appliances. You also need to make sure that the generator is compatible with your RV.

This blog post will discuss what size generator you need for your 50 amp RV and some of the things you should consider when making your purchase.

How many watts are 50 amps?

A 50 amp RV provides 240 volts of power and requires a generator that can provide 3000 watts. The number of amps required by your appliances will determine how many watts you will need to supply each appliance with electricity.

How many watts are 50 amps

For your convenience, here is a list of various electrical appliances for a motorhome and the number of watts they will require:

  • Electric Blanket – 120 watts
  • Radio – 50 watts
  • Hair Dryer – 1800 watts
  • Air Conditioner – 3600 watts
  • Microwave Oven- 800 watts
  • Television- 150 to 300 watts
  • Laptop Computer- 90 to 180 watts
  • Coffee Maker- 1200 watts

Refrigerator 600 to 2700 watts Keep in mind that the wattage requirement for appliances will vary from model to model. If you have a larger RV, you may want to get a generator with more wattage capacity.

Make sure that the unit can run all of your appliances before purchasing it. You should also consider how long you will be using your generators at one time and how often you plan on using them when making this decision.

How will size impact the generator’s performance?

In general, a more significant generator will provide more wattage than a smaller one. This is because there is more surface area for the heat to dissipate on larger generators. However, it’s important to note that a larger generator may be too large and heavy for your RV.

The size of the generator you get will depend on how much wattage you need and its application. This blog post has provided some guidelines for choosing a generator based on your RV’s size.

What size generator for 50 amp RV?

When choosing a generator for your 50 amp motorhome, we recommend getting one that has at least 3500 watts. This will ensure that you have enough wattage to run all of your appliances and provide power for another day if necessary.

What size generator for 50 amp RV

The unit should also be easy to carry and transport so you can take it with you wherever you go. Remember that the generator should be small enough to fit in your RV but big enough to power all of your appliances.

How To Choose The Right Size Generator For 50 Amp RV: Things To Consider

Do you travel in your RV all year long? Do you spend more than 8 hours in the driver’s seat every day? If you answered “yes”, we recommend getting a larger generator (at least 6000 watts) to ensure that your appliances are powered for an extended time. This will allow you to run your appliances overnight and into the next day if necessary.

Why is wattage important?

Wattage is what determines how much electricity each appliance will need from the generator. The more watts an appliance has, the more electricity it will require.

It’s important to purchase a generator with wattage that can provide enough power to run all of your appliances. If you don’t have a generator that provides enough wattage, it can damage your appliances and cause a fire hazard.

How will the size of the generator affect its performance?

In general, a larger generator will produce more electricity than a smaller one. However, this is not always true because large generators have a problem with overheating. If you purchase a large generator, it will need to have an extra-large surface area so the heat can dissipate more efficiently.

How will the size of the generator affect its performance

In addition, larger generators are often too heavy and cumbersome for smaller RVs. Ultimately, you should get a small generator to fit in your RV but big enough to power all of your appliances.

Please note that the generator should also be able to run all of your appliances at one time without straining or overheating.

Will wattage determine how much I spend on fuel?

No, the wattage will not affect the amount of money you spend on fuel. Wattage determines how many appliances you can run at one time, while fuel consumption is how much your generator uses when running.

If you purchase a 500-watt generator, it will only power the items with 500 watts. Therefore, if your appliances are in high demand, you may need to buy more than one generator to run everything at once.

How long can I expect my generator to last?

It’s difficult to estimate how long a generator will last, and a generator’s wattage, its size, and how much you use it all impact its durability.

However, the average lifespan of a good quality generator is about 8-12 years with continuous use. You can also increase your generator’s lifespan by keeping it clean and storing it in a cool, dry place when it’s not being used.

How long will my generator run on a full tank?

It depends on the size of the generator and how much wattage you have running at one time. For example, if you have a 5000-watt generator that is 100% full, it will last for about 10 hours when the wattage is turned to 50% capacity.

How long will my generator run on a full tank

However, if you have a 5000-watt generator that is 50% full, it can last much longer because it has a greater capacity for energy. In this case, the generator may be able to last 12-16 hours if the wattage is turned to 50%.

50 amp power center

If your RV’s existing power center has a lower wattage rating than what you need, then it is important that you get a generator that will provide more wattage than the average appliance in your RV.

For example, if you want to run an air conditioner and the power center in your motorhome is rated for 3200 watts, you will need to get a generator capable of producing at least 3800 watts. This should provide enough power to run your air conditioner and other appliances in your RV.

50 amp power center with limited space

If you have room for only one generator, then it is recommended that you get a unit with a lower wattage rating.

For example, suppose your RV’s power center has a 3100-watt rating and you want to run an air conditioner or other high-demand appliances. In that case, you should get a 2800-watt generator since it will have the capacity to provide the required amperage for your RV while allowing some room for other appliances to be used.

50 amp power center with ample space:

If your RV provides space for two generators, you can get a unit with more wattage capacity than your appliances require.

This way, you can use the generator to power any appliance without worrying about overloading it. For example, if you only plan on running a refrigerator and air conditioner at the same time, then your 2800-watt generator can power these appliances without any problems.

50 amp power center with ample space

Things To Consider When Buying A 50 Amp RV Generator

There are many generators available in the market today. However, it’s not always easy to choose a unit that will meet all of your needs.

If you want to get the most out of your generator and ensure that it operates properly for many years, then you should consider all factors before making a purchase.

Size

This will depend on how much wattage you need and where you plan to use it. Although our 300-watt guide is a good start, we recommend that you look at the wattage for each of your individual appliances and estimate how much power they will require.

For example, suppose you want to use a microwave oven and an electric blanket simultaneously. In that case, you should get a generator with more watts than what is typically recommended for these devices.

On the other hand, if you plan to run a small TV and a portable AC unit, you can get a generator with lower wattage. If you can’t afford to purchase multiple generators for your RV, we suggest that you purchase the highest wattage unit you can afford and use it only when necessary.

Appliances

There are many appliances available in the market today. If you can, try to estimate how much power these appliances will require before purchasing a generator. This will allow you to determine the wattage needed to operate them properly during your camping trip.

What size generator for a travel trailer?

If you have a travel trailer, we recommend that you get a generator with 4500 watts of capacity. This will provide enough power to run your refrigerator and other appliances without any issues. Is quietness important?

What size generator for a travel trailer

If so, then look for generators that offer low noise levels during operation. These models produce about 40 decibels of sound when they are turned on, making them relatively quiet compared to other models that produce about 58 decibels of sound.

What size generator to run a camper?

If you are looking for a generator that will power your camper, look for one with at least 6000 watts of capacity. This will ensure that your appliances operate properly without any problems.

Quiet portable generator with 50 amp RV outlet

There are many generators available in the market today. If you want a portable generator that will run quietly during operation, then we suggest that you look for one with low noise levels.

We especially recommend looking at models that operate at about 50 decibels of sound, making them relatively quiet compared to other models that produce about 58 decibels of sound. If you want a generator that will use less fuel and operate quietly, then look for one with these features. We have reviewed some of the best generators in this category in our guide. We hope our suggestions will help you find the right unit for your RV so it can serve you well during your camping trips.

Best 50 Amp Portable Generators

  1. Champion Power Equipment 200986 4500
  2. Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment iGen2200 Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
  3. Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator with Electric Start
  4. DuroMax XP4400E Gas Powered Portable Generator
Image Product & Features Ratings Price
Portable Inverter

Champion Power Equipment 200986 4500-Watt

Champion Power Equipment 200986 4500-Watt

  • Portable generators are a great choice for backup power, construction sites, outdoor events, and more.
  • With a running wattage of 4500 and a peak wattage of 9000, this generator has the power you need to get the job done.
9.7
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Portable Generator

Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment iGen2200 Super Quiet

Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment iGen2200 Super Quiet

  • Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment iGen2200 is a brand of portable generators.
  • It features an easy-to-use control panel, two 120V outlets, and a 12V DC outlet.
  • With its durable construction and quiet operation, the iGen2200 is ideal for any situation.
9.5
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Electric Start

Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter

Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter

  • Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator is a great choice for those who are looking for a portable generator.
  • This inverter generator can run on gasoline or propane, so you’ll be able to use it no matter what type of fuel is available to you.
  • Finally, this generator has a durable design that makes it ideal for use while camping or tailgating.
9.1
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Best Affordable

DuroMax XP4400E Gas Powered Portable Generator

DuroMax XP4400E Gas Powered Portable Generator

  • A portable generator is a great option for backup power during an outage or to use while camping or tailgating.
  • The DuroMax XP4400E gas-powered portable generator is a great option because it has a 4400-watt surge capacity and can run up to 8 hours on a single tank of gasoline.
  • It also has a built-in carrying handle and wheels, so it’s easy to move around.
8.8
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1. Champion Power Equipment 200986 4500-Watt – Portable Inverter Generator

Champion Power Equipment 200986 4500-Watt Portable Inverter Generator - Most Silent Portable GeneratorThe Champion Power Equipment 200986 4500-Watt Portable Inverter Generator is a gasoline-powered generator that runs quietly. It has an electric start, which means it can be started easily by anyone in your group, and you will not need any batteries to do so.

This model provides about 4500 running watts and has a maximum power of about 5000 watts. This generator is small in size, but it can provide you with enough power to run your appliances in an RV when needed.

It weighs about 40 pounds and has a dimension of 24 x 18 x 14 inches, so it’s easy to move from place to place without any problem.

Specifications

Product Information Details
Voltage 120 Volts
Engine Displacement 212 Cubic Centimeters
Engine Type 4 Stroke
Frequency 60 Hz
Wattage 4500 watts
Weight 95 pounds

Features

It has two 120-volt outlets and one 12-volt outlet, making it ideal for powering small appliances or electronic devices.

The engine runs at a loud 79 dB, so it may not be ideal for use in residential areas. Additionally, the unit only has a fuel tank capacity of 1.5 gallons, so it may not be suitable for long periods of use. Finally, the generator weighs in at 95 pounds, so it’s not very portable.

  • 4,500 running watts
  • 5,000 starting watts
  • Quiet operation. It produces about 58 decibels of sound when turned on.
  • Relatively quiet compared to other generators in this category that produce about 60 decibels.
Pros
  • It is powerful to run large appliances.
  • Its fuel efficiency and runtime are really good.
  • It is quite affordable.
  • You can easily start it by pressing a button.
Cons
  • Its display screen is difficult to read when there’s the sun.
  • Cables are not included in the package, and you have to buy them separately.

 

 

2. Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment iGen2200 Super Quiet – Portable Generator

Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment iGen2200 - Super Quiet Portable Inverter GeneratorThe Westinghouse iGen2200 Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator is a quiet portable generator that has low noise levels. It uses a technology called the Infinite Sound TM technology, which helps reduce the sound level to about 50 decibels of power output.

This model is self-sustaining and can provide you with enough power to run your appliances when you’re on a camping trip. It is light, weighing only about 37 pounds, and has a dimension of 21 x 18 x 16 inches.

The machine also features two 120-volt outlets and one 12-volt outlet, so it can be used to power small appliances.

Specifications

Product Information Details
Voltage 120 Volts
Engine Displacement 80 Cubic Centimeters
Engine Type 4 Stroke
Runtime 12 hours
Wattage 2200 watts
Weight 46 pounds

Features

This unit produces about 2200 running watts and has a peak power of about 2600 watts. It is small in size, weighing only 37 pounds, making it easy to move from place to place using the built-in handles on the unit.

The generator also runs quietly at about 50 decibels, which makes it suitable for use both indoors and outdoors.

  • 2,200 running watts
  • 2,600 starting watts
  • Quiet operation. It produces about 50 decibels of sound.
  • Lightweight and portable, weighing only 37 pounds.
  • Two 120V outlets and one 12V outlet so it can be used to power small appliances or electronic devices.
Pros
  • It is safe to run sensitive electronics.
  • Its noise level is quite low.
  • It is compliant with EPA and CARB.
  • Its economy mode function improves fuel efficiency.
Cons
  • It is a bit difficult to check the oil level.
  • It doesn’t come with a fuel gauge.

 

 

3. Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter – Electric Start Generator

Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready - Portable Inverter Generator with Electric StartThe Champion Power Equipment 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator is a gasoline-powered generator that runs quietly.

It has both electric starts and pulls start capabilities, which makes it easy for anyone in your group to operate the machine. The unit weighs about 50 pounds and has a dimension of 28 x 19.7 x 15 inches, which makes it easy to move from place to place.

Specifications

Product Information Details
Voltage 120 Volts
Engine Displacement 192 Cubic Centimeters
Gasoline Capacity 1.6 gallon
Frequency 60 Hz
Wattage 3400 watts
Weight 95.7 pounds

Features

It runs on about 3400 running watts and has a peak power of 4500 watts. It is not the most powerful unit out there, but it can provide you with enough power to run your appliances when needed.

The unit is also relatively portable with a weight of 50 pounds and has dimensions of 28 x 19 x 15 inches. It features two 120-volt outlets and one 12-volt outlet, making it suitable for powering small appliances or electronic devices when you’re on an RV trip.

  • 3400 running watts
  • 4500 starting watts
  • Quiet operation. It produces about 60 decibels of noise when turned on.
  • It is easy to transport because it weighs only 50 pounds and has dimensions of 28 x 19 x 15 inches.
  • Two 120V outlets and one 12V outlet so it can be used to power small appliances or electronic devices.
Pros
  • You can run it on propane as well as gasoline.
  • It is quite easy to start.
  • You can get all the generator’s control in the quick touch panel.
  • It comes with a variety of outlets.
Cons
  • Short runtime compared to other modes.
  • Its tank size is smaller.

 

 

4. DuroMax XP4400E Gas Powered Portable Generator – Best Affordable generator

DuroMax XP4400E Gas Powered Portable Generator - Best Affordable generatorThe DuroMax XP4400E Gas Powered Portable Generator is a gasoline-powered generator with electric start and pulls start capabilities. It runs quietly when in operation, putting out about 58 decibels of sound.

This model also runs at 4,400 watts and has a peak power of 5500 watts, so it can provide you with enough power to run your appliances when you’re on an RV trip.

The generator weighs about 95 pounds and has dimensions of 27 x 21 x 18 inches, making it easy to move from place to place using the wheels included with the unit.

Specifications

Product Information Details
Voltage 120 Volts
Engine Type 4Stroke
Tank Capacity 4 gallon
Frequency 60 Hz
Wattage 4400W
Weight 100lbs

Features

This unit produces about 4400 running watts and has a peak power of about 5500 watts. It’s relatively portable with a weight of 95 pounds and has dimensions of 27 x 21 x 18 inches.

The unit has both electric starts and pulls start capabilities, so anyone in your group can use it during an emergency or when camping outdoors.

  •  4400 running watts
  • 5500 starting watts
  • Quiet operation. It produces about 58 decibels of sound.
  • Heavy-duty and durable, so it can be used for a long time.
  • Features both electric start and pull start capabilities, making it easy to use by anyone in your group when needed.
Pros
  • It is easy to set up and operate.
  • It is budget-friendly.
  • It comes with a large fuel tank.
  • It comes with many outlets for convenient operation.
Cons
  • Its noise level is quite high, which is 69 Db.
  • It may not work that well at 100% load.

 

 

What Size Generator for 50 Amp RV – FAQs

Is fuel efficiency important?
As you probably know, gasoline can be expensive. If this is a concern for you, then consider buying a generator that will use less fuel and save you money in the process. These models generate about 9 to 12 gallons of fuel per hour and run at about 50% load. However, choose a generator with more wattage capacity if you want raw power.
Will you use the generator in different areas?
If so, then look for one that is portable and easy to move from place to place. These generators have an average weight of about 45 pounds, which makes them light enough to carry from one camping site to another without any problem.
How much electricity does a 50 amp RV use?
It varies depending on which appliances you use. Generally speaking, a 50 amp RV uses about 30 amps to power the air conditioner and about 20 amps for other appliances and devices. The generator capacity should be chosen based on these estimates, so you know how much wattage is needed.
What do you mean by Connecting 50 amp RV to the generator?
In order to operate the appliances in your RV, you have to connect them to a generator so they can run when electricity from the grid is not available. This connection requires three cables: one cable with a male plug for connecting an appliance to an outlet on the generator and two cables with female connectors to connect the generator to your sockets or outlets in your RV.
Is the best generator for 50 amp RV gas or diesel?
Today, the market is filled with both types of generators, and you can choose one that suits your budget and preferences. Most gasoline-powered generators are lighter than their diesel counterparts, so if portability is a concern for you, this may be a better option when compared to a diesel generator.
What Is A 50 Amp Service?
In order to operate your RV appliances, you will need 50 amp service from a power source and a generator. If you want to connect your RV to this power source, the campground has to offer the correct type of electrical outlet for this purpose. You can ask the management if they have a 50 amp service, so you know how much wattage to buy when choosing a generator.
What type of wattage is needed for 50 amp service?
In order to select the correct wattage, you have to estimate how much electricity your appliances use on an average camping trip. A good rule of thumb is to take 20% off your total RV wattage and add at least 10%.
Can I Plug A 50 Amp RV Into 30 Amp Service?
Yes, you can by using a 30 to 50-amp adapter. This is an essential investment if you only camp in areas that mostly offer 30 amp service, but it’s always best to check the availability of 50 amp service, so you know what type of generator to buy.
What is the Difference Between 30 Amp Service and 50 Amp Service?
A 50 amp service is larger than a 30 amp service, and it can carry more power with a more negligible effect on voltage drop. The smaller the amps are, the more likely you are to experience voltage drop, and it’s always best to check if your campsite has 50 amp service, so you know how much wattage to buy when buying a generator.
Do I Need a Transfer Switch?
If you want to use several electrical appliances, then it’s best to invest in a transfer switch. This device is plugged into a 50 amp service and connects your appliances to the generator using the correct cables. The best transfer switches are automatic and detect if your RV battery is drained because of too much power usage.

 

Our Verdict

You need a generator with a capacity of at least 7000 watts to handle 50 amp service. There are many types of generators available, but the best choices for you are gasoline-powered models because they are portable and can be easily carried to different camping sites.

When choosing the correct wattage, estimate how much electricity your appliances use in an average camping trip and take 20% off this total. Add at least 10% to this number for backup power.

Invest in a transfer switch if you want to use several appliances when camping because this is the only way to make the connection between your generator and 50 amp service.

We hope this article provides helpful information as you shop for a new generator! Stay safe and have fun on your next trip!

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