What Size Generator Do I Need for a 30-Amp RV?
What size generator runs a 30-amp RV? A 30-amp service tops out at 3,600 watts, so the right generator size depends on whether you run the air conditioner — this guide sizes it and names the surge to watch.
A 30-amp RV service runs on 120 volts, so its absolute ceiling is 120 V × 30 A = 3,600 watts. That makes sizing simple: a generator in the 3,000–4,000 watt range is right for a 30-amp rig. Whether you land at 3,000 or 3,600+ watts comes down to one thing — the air conditioner.
30-amp RV generator size
| What you run | Watts needed | Generator size |
|---|---|---|
| Lights, outlets, fridge, small appliances (no AC) | 1,500–2,500 W | 2,000 W inverter |
| The above + one 13,500 BTU RV air conditioner | ~3,000–3,500 W | 3,500–4,000 W inverter |
| Full 30-amp load | up to 3,600 W | 3,600–4,000 W inverter |
Watch the AC surge
An RV air conditioner is the sizing hurdle. A 13,500 BTU unit runs on about 1,300–1,500 watts but surges to roughly 2,800–3,000 watts for a moment when the compressor starts. That surge is why a 2,000-watt generator can run everything except the AC — to start and run the air conditioner you want at least a 3,500-watt unit, or a soft-start device to tame the surge.
Why an inverter generator for an RV
- Clean power for RV electronics, chargers and the AC control board.
- Quiet — inverters run around 53–60 dB(A), campground-friendly.
- Parallel-ready — two 2,000-watt inverters can be linked to start the AC if you already own one.
Sizing something bigger, like a home or a 50-amp rig? Use the generator sizing calculator, and compare quiet units on the best portable generators page.
Planning estimate. Never run a generator inside or under an RV; keep it downwind and away from windows — the exhaust contains carbon monoxide.
Frequently asked questions
What size generator do I need for a 30-amp RV?
A 30-amp RV service is 120 volts × 30 amps = 3,600 watts maximum, so a 3,000–4,000 watt generator is the right size. A 3,000-watt inverter runs most of a 30-amp rig, but if you want to start and run the air conditioner you should choose at least a 3,500–4,000 watt unit, because the AC compressor surges to around 3,000+ watts on start-up. Inverter models are preferred for their clean power and quiet running at campgrounds.
Will a 2000 watt generator run a 30-amp RV?
A 2,000-watt inverter generator will power a 30-amp RV’s lights, outlets, fridge and small appliances, but it cannot start a standard RV air conditioner, which surges past 2,000 watts. To run the AC you need about 3,000–3,600 watts, or two 2,000-watt inverters run in parallel. For everything except the AC, a single 2,000-watt unit is fine.
Can you run a 30-amp RV on a 3600 watt generator?
Yes — 3,600 watts is exactly the ceiling of a 30-amp service (120 V × 30 A), so a 3,600-watt generator can supply the full rated load of a 30-amp RV, including the air conditioner, as long as you don’t try to run the AC and several other big draws at the same instant. A 3,500–4,000 watt inverter is the sweet spot for a 30-amp rig.