RV Generator Size: Watts for Camping Comfort

Reading Watts on a Generator Listing

Generator listings for RV use usually show two watts figures: a starting watts figure and a running watts figure. The starting figure is the higher one and appears first in many titles. It represents the brief surge an appliance draws when it starts, such as a compressor or a motor. The running figure is the continuous output the generator can supply while appliances are already running. The U.S. Energy Information Administration explains that electricity is measured in watts, a unit of power, on its measuring electricity page cited at the end of this article.

In a generator title, the first number is often the starting watts and the second is the running watts. Some listings state only one figure, and the bullet list or the maker's page usually says which one it is. The running versus starting watts article explains the difference in more detail.

What the RV's Appliance Labels Tell You

The watts figure you need depends on the appliances you intend to power: the roof air conditioner, the microwave, the refrigerator, the water heater, and the converter. Every appliance carries a label that states its power draw. The label usually lists a running figure and, for appliances with motors or compressors, a starting figure. Read the labels and note the highest starting figure among the appliances you plan to run at the same time.

This site does not publish a wattage table or an appliance worksheet that sizes a generator for a specific RV. The appliance labels and the generator maker's page are the sources for the figures you need. When you compare two generator listings, look at the running watts figure, because that is the continuous output the generator can supply.

• Roof air conditioner: read its label for the starting figure
• Microwave: read its label for the running figure and any starting surge
• Refrigerator and water heater: read their labels and note whether they run on electricity or propane

Inverter, Open Frame, Portable, and Standby as Listing Words

RV buyers commonly look at portable generators and inverter generators. Inverter is a listing word for a generator that produces AC power through an electronic inverter. Open frame is a listing word for a portable generator with an exposed frame. Portable means the unit has wheels or handles and is meant to be moved. Standby is a listing word for a permanently installed generator that starts automatically, which is a different purchase than an RV generator. The inverter generator guide compares inverter generators on stated details.

A large portable generator appears when a listing's starting watts figure is the highest in the catalog. The large portable generators for hurricanes guide covers that range. For RV camping, a portable generator you can carry or roll is the usual choice.

Fuel as a Listing Term for an RV

Generator listings state the fuel they accept: gasoline, dual fuel, or tri fuel. Dual fuel means the generator runs on gasoline and propane. Tri fuel means gasoline, propane, and natural gas. Propane is common in RV camping because many RVs carry a propane tank, but this site does not give fuel storage or refilling advice. The fuel type is a shopping choice, not a sizing figure.

The dual fuel generator guide lists generators that state gasoline and propane. The tri fuel generator guide lists generators that state gasoline, propane, and natural gas.

A Battery Power Station as an Alternative for an RV

A portable power station is a battery unit that lists its capacity in watt-hours and its continuous AC output in watts. The watt-hour figure is the amount of energy stored; the watt figure is the rate at which the unit can deliver power. The two figures are different, and the watts versus watt-hours article explains the difference.

An RV owner who wants battery power for small electronic devices without carrying fuel may consider a power station. The portable power stations for hurricanes guide and the power stations for apartments guide compare power stations on stated details. This site does not promise what any power station will run.

Shopping Before Hurricane Season in Florida

The National Weather Service states that hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30 each year and advises preparing before the season begins. The Florida Division of Emergency Management publishes a disaster supply kit checklist, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention publishes hurricane preparation guidance. Both pages are cited at the end of this article. If you are buying a generator to keep at home as well as for the RV, plan the purchase before the season starts. For a mid-size portable generator, see the 3000 to 5000 watt generator guide.

Before you buy, read the generator safety page published by the Florida Division of Emergency Management. That page covers generator operation in general terms. Also ask the RV park or campground where you plan to stay about its generator rules, because many sites have their own policies.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

What is the difference between starting watts and running watts?

Starting watts is the brief surge an appliance draws when it starts, and running watts is the continuous load while it runs. A generator title often lists starting watts first and running watts second.

How do I know how many watts my RV appliances need?

Read the label on each appliance. The label states the power draw in watts. Note the running figure and the starting figure for appliances with motors or compressors, such as the roof air conditioner. The generator maker's page and the appliance labels are the sources to read.

Can I use a battery power station instead of a generator for my RV?

A power station lists capacity in watt-hours and continuous output in watts. The two figures are different. Whether a power station or a generator fits your RV depends on the appliances you plan to power, which this site does not promise.

What does dual fuel or tri fuel mean on a generator listing?

Dual fuel means the generator runs on gasoline and propane. Tri fuel means gasoline, propane, and natural gas. These are fuel choices.

When should I buy a generator for RV use in Florida?

The National Weather Service states that hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, and its preparation page advises preparing before the season begins. The Florida Division of Emergency Management publishes a hurricane supply checklist and a generator safety page. Read both before the season starts, and ask the RV park or campground about its generator rules.

Can this site tell me the exact generator wattage for my RV?

No. This site compares listings on stated details and does not publish a wattage table or appliance worksheet for sizing an RV. Read the appliance labels and the generator maker's page for the figures you need.