Can You Use A Generator When Camping With An Rv With 50 Amp Service?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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A 50-amp RV with a 120 V electrical feed is capable of handling 12,000 watts of electric power. This means

a 12,000 or 12,500-watt generator could be your top end choice

.

Can you sleep with a generator on in an RV?


NEVER sleep in the RV with the generator running

! Before you start and use the generator inspect the exhaust system. Do not use it if the exhaust system is damaged. Test the carbon monoxide detector every time you use the RV.

Can you plug in RV with generator running?


Yes, you can run an RV generator while plugged into shore power

. We get how this may cause concern as it seems counterintuitive, but remember that RV generators are built with a transfer switch, thus all the power will come from the shore power while the generator will remain charged and risk-free.

How big of a generator do I need to run a 50 amp camper?

A 50-amp RV with a 120 V electrical feed is capable of handling 12,000 watts of electric power. This means a

12,000 or 12,500-watt

generator could be your top end choice.

What kind of generator do I need for RV?

Diesel.

Diesel generators

are best if your recreational vehicle runs on diesel fuel. This enables you to use a single fuel source for both your generator and your camper. The best diesel generator for RVs also produces more power than propane and is safer to store because it’s nonexplosive.

How big of a generator is needed to run an RV?

Standard sizes for portable generators for RVs are

2,000 to 4000 watts

but can be as large as 12,000 watts. Bigger is better in some situations, but bigger also means heavier, less fuel efficient and noisier. No one wants to pack extra pounds on an RV unless it’s necessary.

How many hours can you run a RV generator?

It is safe to run both built-in and portable RV generators for their

8-24 hours

of run time expectancy as long as they are being properly ventilated, have enough fuel (are not “running on fumes”), and are properly outfitted for use in extreme weather conditions.

What does a generator run in an RV?

When the generator is running it provides current to the

electrical appliances and electric outlets

in the RV so you can plug in things such as computers, hair dryers, coffee makers, etc. A built in generator gets its fuel from the RV’s fuel tank.

Should you turn your generator off at night?

When you lose power, so do most nearby gasoline stations. So try to preserve fuel by using only necessary appliances and lights.

Turn the generator off overnight

(your neighbors will be happy, too). A refrigerator/freezer will be fine for without power.

What size generator do I need for camping?

Generally, a

2000-watt

inverter generator is sufficient to power these common camping appliances.

How many amps does my RV need?

The key to living on

30 amps

is to not exceed the amperage of an individual circuit, and to not exceed a total of 30 amps at any given time. With a better understanding of your RV’s electrical system and some simple electrical formulas you can live comfortably on 30 amps with little to no problems.

What size generator do I need to run my 30 amp RV?

What Size Generator Is Needed for a 30 AMP RV? You will usually need a generator that can supply

at least 3,000 watts

. You will not be able to go over 3,600 watts. Ideally, you will find a generator somewhere in the middle or closer to 3,600 watts so that you always have enough power for different situations.

How many watts does my RV need?

A

2000-watt unit should be plenty for you

. However, those who wish to run the air conditioner or microwave will need something offering 3000 watts—and in some cases even more.

How big of a generator do I need to run an RV air conditioner?

To power the average RV air conditioner, the generator needs to have at least a

2000- 4000-watt capacity

. There are a lot of factors involved in what size generator will work best for you, but for the most part, you will be able to use your AC and other appliances even with a 2000 watt generator.

Will a 5000 watt generator run a camper?


A 5,000-watt generator is the perfect amount of power for large RVs

. It offers enough juice to power your entire kitchen, lights, and a small air conditioning unit or space heater without all that much power left over.

How do you use a portable generator on an RV?

What size generator do I need to run a 13500 BTU air conditioner?

If you want to run 13500 btu air condition ,please use

3000 watts

generator.

How much gas does an RV generator burn per hour?

How much fuel does an RV generator use? A 4,000-watt diesel RV generator will consume about one gallon of fuel for every 3 hours it runs at half capacity. If it’s run at full capacity you can expect to get about an hour on

one gallon of fuel

.

How far should a generator be from a camper?

Finally, a portable generator should be located

at least 10 feet

away from any windows on your house or RV. And never place it UNDER your RV to keep it safe from thieves and weather (which I have indeed seen more than once).

How long can I run my Onan generator in my RV?

Depending on the model, the average safe length of time for a portable RV generator is

8 to 20 hours

. RV generators can run for days on end if they are maintained properly. Depending on the generator type, you can keep them running for a few hours or a few days.

Will a generator charge my RV battery?

Does an RV Generator Charge House Batteries?

Yes, your RV generator, when plugged in and running, will charge your house batteries

and power any 120-volt appliances.

David Evans
Author
David Evans
David is a seasoned automotive enthusiast. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and has a passion for all things related to cars and vehicles. With his extensive knowledge of cars and other vehicles, David is an authority in the industry.