by Dean
(Calgary Canada)
Question: What is the minimum size RV generator that I need to run my 26’trailer with air conditioning as well as the microwave or TV?
Answer:
We cannot give you a specific answer because we do not know the specifications of your air conditioner, microwave, TV nor how long you intend to running them nor in what combinations.
However, we can help you decide on the right size by having you research and answer the following questions: Follow the steps outlined below.
You especially need to give step 1 and step 2 some careful consideration or you could end up buy a unit that will either be to small or too large for your needs.
Step 1
- How long do I need the generator to run while I use the air conditioner, the microwave and the TV or whatever?
Step 2
- Which appliances (air, microwave, TV) will I operate at the same time
Step 3
- How many watts does the air conditioner draw at start up
- How many watts does the air conditioner draw while it is operating
- How many watts does the microwave draw at start up
- How many watts does the microwave draw while operating at the highest setting
- How many watts does the TV draw at start up
- How many watts does the TV draw while operating
Note: The wattage draws of most appliances can be found in the specifications page of your owners manual or on a sticker or plate attached to the appliance.
Here is a chart that might be helpful in assessing your overall power use:
| Appliance | Watts* | Amps* | |
| Air Conditioner 13,500 Btu | 1700 | 14 | |
| Air Conditioner 15,000 Btu | 1950 | 16 | |
| Blender | 300 | 2.5 | |
| Coffeemaker | 900 | 7.5 | |
| Computer (desktop) | 100 | 8 | |
| Computer (printer) | 240 | 2.0 | |
| Converter (30 amp) | 550 | 4.5 | |
| Converter (40 amp) | 650 | 5.5 | |
| Converter (75 amp) | 1050 | 8.5 | |
| Heater (electric) | ** | 12.5 | |
| Hair Dryer | 1200 | 10.0 | |
| Iron | 1200 | 10.5 | |
| Microwave 450 Watt | 900 | 7.5 | |
| Microwave 650 Watt | 1,300 | 10.5 | |
| Refrig/Freezer | 600 | 5-8 | |
| TV | 100 | .75 | |
| TV Satellite & Receiver | 170 | 1.5 | |
| VCR | 90 | .75 | |
| Washer/Dryer (RV type) | 1900 | 16.0 |
* Normal running operation amps/watts; start up may draw more power
** See wattage info for your specific heater
Step 4
- Are there other appliances that some one might be tempted to use at the same time (refrigerator, hair dryer, PC, etc,…)
Step 5
- Add up the watts for the appliances that might run at the same time
Step 6
- Go online and look at some websites that sell generators
For example Amazon sells many different sizes and brands of portable generators. We came across one that seemed to fit your description with a little extra power that might come in handy:
No products found.
Remember that not all generators are built to run full time or on full load for more than several hours. Please make sure that you find out what the output is and how long the generator can run at a specific load level.
We hope this helps you in your search for the right generator for your specific application.
Jill Miller is the founder of Your RV Lifestyle. Trading corporate America for the open road, Jill, along with her partner Jose, began their RV journey, making an unconventional start by wintering in New Jersey. A natural adventurer, she was motivated by a desire to explore the USA and beyond, embracing the varied landscapes, communities, and cultures across the country.
For Jill, the allure of RV living was not about material accumulation, but rather the pursuit of an adventurous, fulfilling lifestyle. A lover of golf, bicycling, hiking, and line dancing, she has carried her passions across the country, engaging with them in diverse settings. Jill’s commitment to the RV lifestyle came after years of careful research, numerous consultations with RV owners, and personal trials, including living in a rental RV.