Overall, using a Honda EU2200i generator to power one air conditioner is definitely possible. In fact, the majority of 2,000-watt generators can also power an AC unit. A soft starter is the only other tool you will require.
Although it may be tempting to skip the soft starter, it is essential for maintaining your appliances and gadgets in working order and preventing damage.
Your AC unit and the generator’s lifespans will both be shortened if a soft starter is not used for this application.
So, keep in mind how miserable the heat was the last time you planned an RV vacation, and be sure to include an AC unit and a soft starter to your shopping list!
In This Article...
How big of a generator do I need to run the AC in my RV?
One of the most beneficial inventions of our time, electricity has been a primary driver of human progress for millennia in fields like medicine and science as well as modern conveniences. Particularly when it comes to the world of camping, that field of greater technology living is not constrained.
But when we comprehend technology, we can employ it to its fullest potential. Sometimes we struggle with where to begin and how to make anything work. This is also true of the air conditioning in your RV. A heated trailer is the worst thing ever! So what size generator should you buy to power your RV’s air conditioning?
For them to start up and stay operating, air conditioners need a lot of electricity. The generator must have a minimum output of 2000–4000 watts in order to run the typical RV air conditioner.
There are many variables that will determine what size generator would work best for you, but for the most part, a 2000 watt generator will allow you to run your air conditioning and other appliances.
Given the wide range of generator sizes available, it will take a closer examination to determine which one would meet your exploring needs. We will examine the AC unit capacities and what is needed to run it because not every RV or travel trailer will require a 4000-watt generator.
Although it’s wonderful to know that you have so many alternatives, this piece will help you by explaining how generators operate in detail. It will also assist you in determining the ideal generator size for your needs and those of your adventure.
For a 13500 BTU RV air conditioner, what size generator do I need?
To run your RV’s air conditioning, you simply need a generator with enough power. A 13500 BTU air conditioner can be powered by a 3000-watt portable generator.
The majority of the time, you’ll also have a few other appliances running in addition to your RV rooftop AC unit.
You may discover my suggestions for the best generator for RV air conditioners at the conclusion, including both rooftop and portable RV AC.
How many watts does an RV air conditioner require to operate?
Let’s say you want to know if your Honda 2,000-watt generator is capable of powering a 15,000 BTU RV air conditioner.
There are two techniques to determine how many watts your air conditioner uses:
- Examine the AC label. You should find a specified wattage under the “Power” segment on the label or specification sheet.
- Simply perform the calculation using the BTU capacity.
The label may be checked with ease. The issue is that either the RV AC doesn’t have a label or we misplaced the specs sheet.
Do not fret. Using this straightforward technique, you can compute the RV AC watts pretty easily:
The RV AC will need to be powered by roughly 100 watts of electricity for every 1,000 BTU of cooling output.
This is caused by the average RV AC unit’s 10 EER rating. A 15,000 BTU RV AC with a 10 EER rating, for instance, will consume 1,500 watts of power. However, you will probably need at least 3,500W of power to get this air conditioner on (start-up wattage).
Okay, what if you knew your generator’s amps rather than its wattage? For instance, you must determine how many amps an RV air conditioner consumes if you have a 50 amp generator. Here’s how to go about it:
- On a 115V circuit, all RV AC units operate. You can use this crucial information to determine, for instance, how many watts a 50 amp RV AC uses.
- You must multiply amps by voltage to obtain watts.
- How many watts can a 50 amp generator produce, for instance? easy calculation 5,750 Watts x 50A 115V. In essence, a generator with 50 amps is equivalent to one with 5,750 watts.
You can perform this calculation manually or using one of these two watts-and-amps calculators:
Can an inverter with 2000 watts power an RV air conditioner?
The usual roof air conditioner for an RV is rated at 13500 or 15000 BTUs; when in use, these air conditioners normally consume 1300–1600 Watts. These ACs can, however, temporarily consume up to 7500 Watts when they are starting.
The inverter’s rated power must be between 3000 and 4000 Watts in order to effectively power an RV air conditioner. However, you would only require 2000 Watts of inverter power if you used a soft starter mechanism.
Does Honda produce generators for RVs?
Honda generators ignite the fun and keep it burning brightly. They’re ideal for camping, RVing, tailgating, and other activities. They are also excellent for backup power in homes. Honda generators are at the cutting edge of portable power technology because they have Honda Engines that are quiet and simple to start along with a variety of cutting-edge features. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that professional athletic events frequently use Honda Recreational Generators as their official generator!
Which generator size is required for my RV?
Let’s begin with the fundamentals. The movement of electrons is all that electricity is. More information on it can be found in our page defining the distinction between electricity and energy. A higher amperage indicates more electrons are flowing, which results in more electricity. Amperage is the volume of electrons that flow.
The two most popular electrical service capacities utilized inside RVs are 30 amp and 50 amp. Because a 50-amp service can manage a larger volume of electrons than a 30-amp service, it can handle more electrical power than a 30-amp service. The amount of electrical power is calculated by multiplying amperage by voltage. The majority of RV electrical equipment runs on 120 volts, whether the service is 30-amp or 50-amp.
You must multiply volts by amps to see how many watts are available. For instance, a 30-amp RV with a 120 V power source might manage 3,600 watts of electrical power, or 120 x 30.
What size generator is necessary to power a 30 amp RV air conditioner?
There are a few factors to take into account while searching for a good RV generator for your small to medium-sized RV. How big should a generator be for a 30 amp RV?
Everything relies on how much electricity you require as well as the devices and equipment you intend to use frequently. You will require more electricity the more you want to use. Simple as that!
A 30 amp RV is often on the smaller end (in comparison to a 50 amp RV), therefore smaller RVs use less energy.
The key piece of advise I would provide is to look into a quiet inverter generator first for lesser power profiles. Compared to their competitors, they do have a somewhat higher price tag, but the noise reduction is invaluable (to you and those around you)!
The best 30 amp RV generators typically have a wattage of between 3,000 and 4,000. (assuming a small AC unit). To determine which options are best for you, look through the details below.
What size generator do I require for a 15k RV air conditioner?
You will need a larger generator if your camper, RV, or vehicle has air conditioning!
These days, 15,000 BTU air conditioners are standard equipment in most recreational vehicles. This size of unit needs 3,500 watts of power just to turn on. The device requires just about 1,500 watts once it is operating. You will want a generator with at least 3,500 “surge watts if your RV only has one air conditioning unit.
As an alternative, you could change your air conditioner by including a “soft start. As a result, the device only needs 1,800–2,000 watts of power to kickstart. 1,500 watts will still be required to keep it functioning. After installing a soft start, many boondockers have claimed to be able to run a 15,000 BTU air conditioner with a 2,200 watt Honda generator. The most well-known soft start, named “Easy Start,” is produced by MicroAir (See them on Amazon).
Obviously, you will need a larger generator if your RV has two or more air conditioners. If you have two units, you will want a generator with a minimum surge power output of 5,000 watts. This is due to the fact that you still need 3,500 watts to kick start the second air conditioning unit after the first one has started and settled down to using only 1,500 watts. You still have another 2,000 watts available to power other equipment, watch television, and run a microwave once both units have dimmed to a combined 3,000 watts.
Can a 13500 BTU air conditioner be powered by a 3500 watt generator?
The air conditioning system in your RV consumes the most power. A typical 15,000 BTU air conditioner needs roughly 3,500 watts of power to start up and 1,500 watts to stay running. A 15,000 BTU air conditioner is typically used in RVs. A 13,500 BTU unit, which uses a little bit less electricity, is appropriate for small RVs and trailers.
A 15,000 BTU air conditioner should be startable if you have a 3,500 watt generator. You will still have another 2,000 watts of generator electricity available once it is operational for additional appliances. Even a 1,000 watt microwave can be operated. A 1,500 watt hair dryer or toaster will still work. Most of these other appliances run for no more than two to ten minutes.
A 13500 BTU RV air conditioner uses how many amps to run?
Using 120VAC, RV air conditioners operate (standard alternating current used in homes). While some of the larger and more varied RVs have two, the majority just have one air conditioner. They are graded according to their BTU-based cooling capacity. Although some are 15,000 BTU, the normal size is 13,500 BTU.
The Coleman 13500 btu rv ac, which is rated at 13.3 amps, and the Dometic 13500 btu rv ac, which draws 12.413.3 amps, are two extremely popular versions. All campgrounds, save for the worst ones, will have enough electricity to run at least one RV air conditioner of this kind.
Note: If you have a 15000 BTU RV air conditioner, you’ll need additional power at the campsite or from your RV generator because its amp draw is a little higher—13 to 15 amps.
How many amps are needed to power an air conditioner in an RV?
A roof air conditioner can draw up to 16 amps to start up, but while operating, it only consumes 13 amps. Depending on the model number and size, different types of AC units have different specifications. The typical air conditioner requires 12 to 16 Amps to run at maximum efficiency, while some models require more.
Consider the amps the air conditioner can handle as well as how many hours per day you want it to operate when purchasing an AC unit for your RV. Be aware of this while installing something in your rig since adding a new appliance can necessitate additional wiring work.
- Fortunately, 12V power inverters may be purchased and come in a variety of designs and sizes. Other variants can fit inside the electrical panel of an RV or boat, with the typical size being similar to that of a laptop! Some versions even include built-in battery chargers, so you won’t have to worry as much about running these things on AC power draining your car battery (AC Requirements: How Much Amps AC Requires in RV).
- As one may imagine, RVs don’t need as many amps for air conditioning. That means we’ll have lots of extra space to plug in microwaves, lights, TVs, and anything else we desire! Keep in mind that new appliances like these can need more amperage when purchasing them.
- Consider power inverters as well if you’re installing any electrical devices, such as TVs or microwaves! These will enable you to use 12V outlets for these gadgets without having to carry about a variety of converters.