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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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
- Champion Power Equipment 200986 4500
- Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment iGen2200 Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
- Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator with Electric Start
- DuroMax XP4400E Gas Powered Portable Generator
Image | Product & Features | Ratings | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Portable Inverter | Champion Power Equipment 200986 4500-Watt
| 9.7 | Buy Now On AmazonBuy Now On eBay |
Portable Generator | Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment iGen2200 Super Quiet
| 9.5 | Buy Now On AmazonBuy Now On eBay |
Electric Start | Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter
| 9.1 | Buy Now On AmazonBuy Now On eBay |
Best Affordable | DuroMax XP4400E Gas Powered Portable Generator
| 8.8 | Buy Now On AmazonBuy Now On eBay |
1. Champion Power Equipment 200986 4500-Watt – Portable Inverter Generator
The 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.
2. Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment iGen2200 Super Quiet – Portable Generator
The 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.
3. Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter – Electric Start Generator
The 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.
4. DuroMax XP4400E Gas Powered Portable Generator – Best Affordable generator
The 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.
What Size Generator for 50 Amp RV – FAQs
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!