What Size Generator For 50 Amp RV? (Calculated)
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A generator can be a lifesaver allowing you to enjoy the benefits of 50 amp RVs and RV accessories even in rural locations.
But you can’t connect any generator to your 50 amp RV in terms of consistent power and this is where the question raises what size generator for a 50 amp RV?
Following we will reveal the answer in detail and explain the criteria for choosing the right size generator for 50 amp RV. So let’s start with the shortest answer
What Size Generator For 50 Amp RV?
A 50 amp RV generally has 2 separate 120 V electrical feeds and these can handle up to 12,000 watts. So a generator with 12,000 watts will be a top-end choice for a 50-amp RV.
But for the cost efficiency and handling of most of the common appliances choosing a 4000-watt generator will be good enough.
However, finding the exact size of a generator for a 50 amp RV is depend on the rating of certain appliances and the number of appliances you will mostly run.
| Size | Watts | Recommended Generator |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum | 4000 | DuroMax 4000 Watt Gas Powered Camping & RV Ready Portable Generator |
| Medium | 6000 | Westinghouse 6000 Rated Portable Gas-Powered Generator |
| Large | 8000 | Champion 8000-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator with Electric Start |
| Maximum | 12000 | Pulsar 12000 Peak Watts Heavy Duty Portable Dual Fuel Generator |
How to Find the Right Size Generator for 50 Amp RV?
Though 4,000 watts is the least rating to begin, it’s not the only considering when it comes to choosing the right generator for 50 amp RV as well as other appliances.
In general, the right size generator for certain appliances depends on the three power-outage scenarios.
Read More: What Size Generator For 30 Amp RV?
Determine The Amount Of Watts Cans A 50 Amp RV Use
Firstly you have to understand how much a 50 amp service can supply to determine its electrical needs.
Generally, a 50 amp service supplies a maximum of 12,000 watts as its plug has double 120-volt hot wires.
Apart from it, you can determine the wattage needed in a 50 amp RV by following a simple formula where need to multiply the amps by volts.
For example, if your 50 amp RV has 120 volts then you will get 6,000 watts. But the calculations don’t end hare.
As you know the 50 amp RV contains two hot wires, you have to multiply the result by 2 and finally, you will get the rating of 12, 000 watts.
It may now seem easy to pick a generator for the 5- amp RV. But the fact is such a powerful generator will be extremely costly and produce more power than the operator use.
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Determine the Electrical Needs
To determine the RV’s electrical needs, you have to consider the startup and running wattages of your certain appliances.
While startup wattage means the amount of power required for a certain appliance to stat, running wattage refers to the amount of power need to keep the appliance running consistently.
Let’s have a look at the startup wattage and running wattage of some common appliances
| Appliance | Starting wattage | Running wattage |
|---|---|---|
| RV refrigerator | 600 | 180 |
| Microwave oven | 1,000/1,300/1,500 | 1,000/1,300/1,500 |
| Coffee maker | 800 | 800 |
| Electric grill | 1,650 | 1,600 |
| Satellite receiver | 250 | 240 |
| Blender | 850 | 400 |
| Laptop | 200-250 | 200-250 |
| Radio | 50-200 | 50-200 |
| TV | 200 to 600 | 200 to 600 |
| Toaster | 1,150 | 1,150 |
Note: the exact electrical ratings of each appliance can be different from the chart. This chart is only for giving you a basic idea of appliances and their starting and running wattage.
Read More: What Size Generator For Travel Trailer?
Ensure enough Wattage for 50 Amps RV
As you have learned about the max wattage and electrical needs of the 50 amp RV, it’s time to learn how to ensure enough wattage for the 50 amp RV’s specific needs.
You have to start by comparing the startup wattage and running wattage. As you know RV appliances consume more power while starting up than running.
So, focus on a generator that produces enough startup wattage for certain appliances instead of considering the running wattage.
Read More: What Size Generator For Pop Up Camper?
Another key consideration is whether you have 1 or 2 air conditioning units on the rig as it also affects the needs of a 50 amp RV.
Generally, a 4,000-watt generator is good enough for a 50 amp RV with a single air conditioning unit.
But if it has 15,000 BTU A/C, the startup wattage needs will jump considerably.
So while determining enough Wattage for a 50 Amp RV, you have to keep the startup wattage of the largest appliances of RV in mind.
| RV Air Conditioner Size | Starting wattage | Running wattage |
|---|---|---|
| 7000 BTU | 1700 Watts | 600 Watts |
| 10,000 BTU | 2000 Watts | 700 Watts |
| 13,500 BTU | 2700 Watts | 1250 Watts |
| 15,000 BTU | 3500 Watts | 1500 Watts |
The refrigerator, air-conditioning unit, and microwave have the largest electrical draws compared with the typical RV.
Though many people buy a generator that meets the total wattage of all appliances, it can be overspending.
As a beginner people don’t run all the appliances at a time. Apart from it, running certain appliances at the same time can not only increase the engine’s life span but also reduce the power needs.
Even buying a generator that produces more wattage than require is also a waste of money. it doesn’t make a sense of purchasing a 12,000-watt generator if you only require 6,000 watts.
Best Generator For 50 Amp RV
1. DuroMax XP4000S Portable Generator-4000 Watt Gas Powered Camping & RV Ready
- Plenty of Power – With 4,000 peak watts and 3,300 running watts, this unit can handle heavy loads, from lights and a refrigerator to a home air conditioner and high amperage power tools
- Powerful Engine – The DuroMax 208cc OHV engine is a workhorse that provides plenty of power to handle multiple jobs, from powering high voltage appliances to heavy duty power tools
- Low Oil Shutoff – Protects your investment by automatically shutting the generator off when it senses that the oil is low
- Power Panel – The power panel includes a selection of outlets for maximum compatibility in your applications including: (2) 120V household outlets and (1) 120V 30A twist lock outlet. The panel also includes a voltmeter for measuring voltage output
- Complies with Emissions Standards – All DuroMax generators are both approved by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and CARB (California Air Resources Board) and follow strict guidelines to ensure our generators are as environmentally friendly as possible
2. Westinghouse 6000 Rated & 7500 Peak Watts Portable Generator
- 6000 Running Watts and 7500 Peak Watts; Electric and Recoil Start; Up to 13 Hours of Run Time on a 6. 6 Gallon Fuel Tank With Fuel Gauge
- Features Two GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) 5–20R 120V Household Duplex Receptacle and One Transfer Switch Ready L14-30R 120/240V Twist-Lock Receptacle; All Outlets Have Rubber Covers for Added Safety
- Plug-and-Play! Comes With Oil, an Oil Funnel, a Tool Kit, and a User’s Manual to Get You Started Right Out of the Box (Minimal Assembly Required). RV Ready : No
- Powered by a 420cc Westinghouse 4-Stroke OHV Engine Featuring a Long-Lasting Cast Iron Sleeve With Automatic Low Oil Shutdown and Digital Hour Meter
3. Champion 8000-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator with Electric Start
- Dual Fuel – Operate your 8000-watt portable generator right out of the box on either gasoline or propane, plus the unit holds 1.2-quarts of oil (included) and has a low oil shut-off sensor
- Electric start – Power up the 459cc Champion engine with the handy toggle switch, battery included
- Intelligauge – Keep track of voltage, hertz and run-time hours to easily monitor power output and track maintenance intervals
- Powerful – At 10,000 starting watts and 8000 running watts on gasoline and 9025 starting watts and 7250 running watts on propane, trust Volt Guard built-in surge protector to prevent overloads
- Champion Support – Includes 3-year limited warranty with FREE lifetime technical support from dedicated experts
4. Pulsar Heavy Duty 9500 Rated Watts & 12000 Peak Watts Portable Dual Fuel Generator
- 12, 000 peak watts/ 9, 500 Rated watts (gasoline) & 10, 800 peak watts/ 8, 550 Rated watts (LPG)
- Dual fuel capability allows you to choose between gasoline & LPG fuel sources; great for emergency situations or natural disaster as LPG may be more readily available and easy to store
- The 457cc, single cylinder, 4-stroke, air cooled, OHV engine with electric start is protected by a durable powder coated frame
- A 8 gallon fuel tank gives you up to 12 hours of continuous operation at half load when running on gasoline
- (4) 120V 20A AC outlets, (1) 120V/240V 30A twist-lock outlet, (1) 120V/240V 50A outlet, (1) 12V DC output provide ample space for powering appliances, tools, and other devices
- Convenient drop-down handles and 10” never-flat wheels for added mobility and easy storage
- Complete with low oil shut-off, 3-in-1 digital meter, and automatic voltage Regulation for less worry and hassle
- Includes propane hose & backed by a 1 Year limited
FAQs
How many watts require for a 50 amp RV generator?
The 50 amp RV includes two 120bolts hot wires and it is 12000 watts. Apart from this, the startup watts can be even more than this running wattage.
Is it possible a run a 50 amp RV on a 30 amp generator?
Of course. You can easily plug a 50-amp RV cord into the 30-amp generator using an adapter.
But make sure the adapter’s female end plug into the RV cord and the male end is connected to the power pedestal.
You may also need to use a lower wattage generator, as 50 amp RV’s typically use more power than 30 amp generators can provide.
How to determine the size of the generator for a certain RV?
Simply multiply the number of volts with the number of amps and the result will be the maximum amount of wattage required for the certain RV. Then choose the generator that meets the RVs requirement.
Will A 7500 Watt Generator Run A 50 Amp RV?
Yes, a 7500 watt generator can run a 50 amp RV. However, you will need to check the user manual for your specific model to see if it can handle the load.
Additionally, you may need to purchase an adapter in order to connect the generator to your RV.
Will A Predator 3500 Run A 50 Amp Camper?
Yes, the Predator 3500 can run a 50 amp camper. It is a powerful and efficient generator that can provide the necessary power for most types of campers.
Is A 50 Amp RV Plug 110 Or 220?
The 50 amp RV plug is a 220 volt plug.
Final words
The power needs of the certain appliances you are going to run determine the size of the generator for 50 amps RV.
So before learning what size generator for 50 amps RV, determine the number of appliances you will run most of the time and their power requirement.
Apart from this, while choosing the best size generator for 50 amps RV doesn’t avoid its specification like the ease of use and weight, noise levels for a convenient experience.
