What Size Generator to Run An RV Air Conditioner

One of the most loved outdoor activities is camping with family and loved ones. Many people set off on long family trips, stopping at beautiful and soul-healing camping sites to enjoy summer holidays. Instead of sweating in cramped tents, most people prefer RVs due to their safety and AC unit. An RV helps you relax and enjoy nature while staying cool in the summer heat.

However, using fuel to power the RV air conditioner is extremely costly. Using a solar generator to power all of your RV appliances, including the AC unit, is the most cost-effective and reliable choice. This page tells you what size generator to run RV AC and the best Jackery products to adopt an off-grid RV lifestyle with clean solar energy.

Products	Image	Capacity	Rated / Peak Power	Battery	Size
Solar Generator 2000 Plus		2-12kWh	6000W	LFP (Li-Fe PO4 Battery)	Length= 14.7in Height= 14.1in Width= 18.6in

How Many Watts Does an RV AC Use?

Before deciding what size generator to run RV AC, it is essential to understand how much power the AC unit uses and which solar generator will be perfect for the job. Whenever we talk about the energy requirement for an air conditioner to remove heat from a room or an RV, the term that plays the most important role is BTU. The British thermal unit is a metric unit to measure the power needs of an AC unit to cool the required area.

To figure out how big of a generator to run RV AC, all you need is the BTU value, and you can easily convert it into watts to get an ideal number. One watt is equal to 3.41 BTUs per hour. Based on this, you can calculate the power requirement of your 15000 BTU AC unit, which needs a minimum of 5100 starting Watts and 1600 running Watts. But it doesn't equate to your final power requirement because you will need extra power to run your other electrical appliances and devices in the RV.

BTU	Starting Wattage	Running Wattage
10000	1800	1200
13500	3800	1300
15000	5100	1600

What Size Generator Do You Need for An RV AC?

RV AC power consumption estimation:

To find out what size generator to run RV AC, Consider your RV's AC's BTU rating, which shows its cooling capability, to estimate its power usage. RV AC units usually feature a sticker or handbook with the relevant information. After getting the BTU rating, use these criteria to estimate operating and startup power:

Continuous wattage:

The average RV AC unit uses 12-16 watts per 1,000 BTUs. Say your AC has 13,500 BTUs; you may estimate its operating power usage as follows:

Running Wattage = 13,500 BTU / 1,000 * 12 watts = 162 watts estimated.

Initial (Surge) Wattage:

Startup wattage is 2-3 times operating watts. Thus, for the 13,500 BTU AC unit:

Starting Wattage = 2.5 * 162 = 405 (roughly).

Finding the Right Generator Size:

You must consider your AC unit's operating and starting power and any other appliances and equipment you want to operate to determine the generator size required. The formula for calculating minimum generator size:

Total Wattage = AC Running Wattage + AC Starting Wattage + Other Appliance Power Requirements

This example shows how to calculate generator size:

RV AC unit: 13,500 BTU (estimated above)

AC starts at 405 watts.

AC runs at 162 watts.

Other appliances: A 1,200-watt microwave and a couple of 100-watt bulbs total 1,300 watts.

Total Wattage = 162 (running) + 405 (beginning) + 1,300 (other appliances) = 1,867.

To be safe, add 20% to 25% to the overall wattage:

Total Wattage with Safety Margin = Total Wattage * 1.2 (20% safety margin) to 1.25 25% safety margin

1.2 * 1,867 = 2,240 watts to 1.25 * 1,867 = 2,334 watts.

Therefore, a generator of 2,000W is needed to securely power your RV AC unit and other equipment. Keep in mind that all numbers are estimates, and electricity needs may vary. Always check your AC unit's requirements and talk to a generator or RV professional for the best generator size for your needs.

Room Size	Area (Square Feet)	BTU	Generator Wattage Needed
20x30	600	14000	3000-3200
20x20	400	12000	2600-2900
15x20	300	10000	2200-2600
10x20	200	8000	1400-2100

What Types of Generator Needed to Run An RV AC?

If you want to know what size generator to run RV AC, you need to figure out which type of generator you want. You can use different types of generators to power an RV air conditioner, each with its own set of pros and cons. These include gas generators, propane generators, inverter generators, and solar generators.

RV Power Generators: All Types

Gas Generator:

A gas generator uses gasoline as its fuel source. It uses a gasoline-powered internal combustion engine, which converts the fuel into energy.

Pros:

• The fuel (gasoline) is readily accessible and widely supplied.
• It is cheap compared to other generators.
• It is able to power several home electronics at once.

Cons:

• It can be loud, perhaps upsetting your camping experience.
• Possible high fuel usage means more frequent stops for gas and more running costs.
• Air pollution from vehicle exhaust is something to consider while setting up camp.

Portable Generators:

Propane generators run on propane gas. It generates power for recreational vehicles by burning propane gas.

Pros:

• It is eco-friendly and has a low carbon footprint when burned.
• Longer run duration and lower fuel usage compared to gas-powered alternatives.
• Lower noise levels than comparable gas-powered alternatives.

Cons:

• It's possible that propane is less accessible than gasoline.
• There might be extra costs for both setup and upkeep.
• Needs related to fuel storage and management.

Inverter Generator:

The term "inverter generator" refers to a specific kind of generator that employs cutting-edge technology to reliably provide clean electricity. The fuel economy and quietness are both enhanced by the variable-speed engine generally seen in such vehicles.

Pros:

• Modern engineering and effective acoustic insulation allow for silent operation.
• These reduce power consumption.
• Produces clean and reliable power, excellent for delicate devices.

Cons:

• The initial investment is more than that of more traditional power sources.
• Fewer watts are produced than bigger gas or propane generators.
• High-draw gadgets and massive air conditioners could not work.

Solar Generator:

A solar generator is a system that uses solar panels to absorb energy from the sun and store it in batteries. This energy transforms into electricity for use in a wide range of settings and to power appliances.

Pros:

• Renewable energy is clean and sustainable.
• Zero noise and exhaust emissions while operating.
• After installation, the system seldom needs any attention and costs very little to run.

Cons:

• Solar panels and batteries have a high outlay for the initial setup.
• These provide limited effectiveness on cloudy days or in places with heavy overcast.

Types of Generators	Pros	Cons
Gas Generator	Widely available and lower upfront cost.	Noisy, high fuel consumption, emissions.
Propane Generator	Clean-burning and efficient, quieter operation.	Propane availability, higher initial/maintenance costs.
Inverter Generator	Quiet, fuel-efficient, clean power output.	Higher initial cost, limited power output.
Solar Generator	Clean, renewable energy source. Silent operation.	High initial setup cost, sunlight dependence, and limited capacity.

How Does a Generator Work With AC Units?

A generator powers an RV air conditioning system by providing electricity similar to power coming from the grid to run your home appliances. Here is an outline of its operation:

Burning fuel:

Generators create electricity from fuel, propane, or solar power. Gas or propane generators use internal combustion engines to generate mechanical energy. Solar generators use photovoltaic panels to turn sunlight into electricity. Mechanical energy generates electrical energy to spin an alternator or generator head rotor. Rotation generates current in generator wire windings.

Voltage Regulation:

Generators create AC currents. The generator supplies 120V AC, 60Hz in North America, to power AC equipment in homes and RVs. This voltage and frequency must be controlled. Electricity is distributed via the generator's outlets or distribution panel. RVs may have an onboard generator that connects directly to the electrical grid, whereas portable generators offer outlets for RVs and homes. Starting and operating the generator powers the AC unit by connecting it to the RV or home's electrical system.

Jackery Solar Generators:

Jackery solar generators and portable power stations provide clean, environment-friendly, and off-grid energy for your appliances. Here is how these generators work and provide you with green energy.

Jackery Solar Generators absorb sunlight, turn it into energy, store it in a battery, and distribute it via outlets to power electronics and appliances, including RV AC units. They are ideal for those who seek quiet, eco-friendly electricity for their RVs.

Jackery Solar Generator For An RV AC

Here is how to find out what size generator to run RV AC. The capacity of RV air conditioners (AC) determines the generator size, which is usually between 2,000 and 4,000 watts. Here are some estimated AC unit sizes and generator capacities:

10,000 BTUs (1,200 watts): A 2,000-watt generator should work.

13,500 BTUs (1,300 watts): Look for a generator with 2,200 to 3,000 watts.

15,000 BTUs (1,600 watts): Larger AC units need a 3,000–4,000-watt generator.

Jackery Solar Generator and Why Choose It to Power RV AC

Jackery is the leading global brand for energy and portable power, with lots of products that offer off-grid and clean energy. They also produce solar generators that are strong enough to power your house, RVs, and sheds. You should get Jackery solar generators as they are cheap, well-sorted, and can last decades without any issues. Here is how to calculate the working hours of Jackery Solar Generators.

Working Hours = Battery Capacity (WH) *0.85/ AC Unit Power (W)

Solar Generator 2000 Plus:

The 2042WH Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is a small and adaptable portable power station for outdoor and emergency electricity. You can charge it with solar panels, a power socket, a vehicle adaptor, or a generator. The power station provides clean, quiet power for sensitive gadgets via AC, USB, and automobile charging connectors. It provides a peak power of 4000W and is ideal for RV AC units.

Product	Solar Generator 2000 Plus
Capacity	2042 WH
Cycle Life	4000 cycles to 70% + capacity
Dimension	Length=14.7 in, Width=18.6 in, Height=14.1 in
Recharging Methods	Solar panels, wall outlet, car, generator
Output Ports	AC outlet, USB-C, USB-A, carport, DC outlet
Working Hours	10,000BTUs (1200W): (2042*0.85/1200) = 1.4H approx. 13,500BTUs (1300W): (2042*0.85/1300) = 1.3H approx. 15,000BTUs (1600W): (2042*0.85/1600) = 1.08H approx.

How to Maximize Generator and RV AC Efficiency?

After finding out what size generator to run RV AC, here is how you can maximize generator and RV AC unit efficiency.

• Use a suitable generator to reduce waste.
• Perform frequent maintenance for best results.
• To save running costs, consider a solar generator.
• Match engine speed to load using eco-mode.
• Avoid engine problems with high-quality gasoline.
• Avoid overloading and distribute power well.
• Ventilate and cool the generator.

AC Efficiency Dos and Don'ts:

• Set the AC to a comfortable temperature.
• Maintain clean AC filters and RV insulation.
• Cover windows and park in the shade.
• Increase ventilation to cut AC use.
• Do not operate the AC on low power.
• Keep doors and windows closed while cooling.
• Avoid using power-hungry devices simultaneously.
• Keep cool air in your RV by sealing leaks.
• Turn off the AC when not in use and prevent severe heat.

Final Thoughts

Let’s conclude our guide on what size generator to run RV AC here. Before you purchase a generator for your RV AC, the first thing to do is to figure out which type of generator you want. Although gas generators are a popular choice, Jackery Solar Generators are the best option as they provide clean energy for free. Jackery is the world's leading portable power system producer that offers reliable and high-quality solar generators. Enjoy an off-grid lifestyle and outdoor activities with Jackery solar generators.