A generator is the only thing that can guarantee non-stop enjoyment in your RV. If you are buying it for the first time, figuring out the right size and model could be quite daunting. What size generator for 30 amp RV and which are the best RV generators for a long-term service?
The key is figuring out the amount of electricity you need. You may need to run the AC, refrigerator, and a few other electronics. Getting the capacity wrong means that you have to be cautious with your usage.
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What is a 30-amp Service?
What does it mean when people say they drive a 30 amp RV? Well, this amp figure refers to the intensity of the electrical current.
There could be a 30-amp or 50-amp service. A 30 amp motorhome refers to a 120V RV standard that supplies 3,600W. This kind of service uses a single 30 amp breaker, TT-30 plugs, and three-prong receptacles.
On the other hand, the wattage count of a 50-amp service will be more, up to 12,000W. It has four-prong plugs and two 50amp 120V feeds. This service is more powerful that allows the motorhome for more electrical consumption. You can run bigger electronics and more appliances in a 50 amp RV.
Even if you are driving a 30 amp RV, you can plug it into a 50 amp outlet with the help of a 30-to-50 amp adapter. Plug the adapter into the camp’s 50-amp power supply and insert your RV’s 30-amp cord into the adapter’s female end.
What Size Generator for 30 Amp RV?
What could be the perfect 30 amp RV generator? The unit has to be powerful enough to handle all the electrical needs of your motorhome and yet should be compatible with the 30-amp service.
How powerful the generator should be if you need to keep your freezer, lights, and AC on along with running a few other appliances from time to time? In case if you are wondering what size generator for 30 amp RV you need, purchase a unit that is at least 3,000W.
How do you do the calculation? There is a simple way to do that. With a 120V power outlet, multiply this figure by 30 amps, which yields 3,600W. This is the full capacity of a generator that will be compatible with a 30 amp camper.
You don’t need the full capacity unless you are dry docking, camped somewhere without access to the regular power outlets, or in an emergency.
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How to Calculate Your Electrical Needs
Weighing up what size generator for 30 amp RV requires calculating the power consumption of all the electrical appliances that you use continuously while on the move.
The biggest drain comes from the refrigerator, AC, and heater (in the colder months). Add the watts or amps of these machines with the wattage of other appliances that you will be running in the motorhome.
Multiply the total by 120 to find out the total amps. The final figure will give you an idea about the estimated power consumption in the RV. There should be a label on each of the machines containing importing pieces of information including its wattage (or amp). If you can’t find the label, search online with the model and make.
To give you a better idea, here is a demo assessment of the average power consumption of a 30 amp motorhome. For example, a refrigerator is 4 amps, coffee machine 4 amps, and AC at start up 12 amps. The lights, TV, and other appliances could add another 4 amps. These 24 amps will need 2,880 watts (24 x 120) to work properly.
This is likely to be an average figure. Of course, it could be more or less depending on your usage. Upgrading or adding an appliance to the roster will increase consumption. You have to understand how many extra watts you have to add or upgrade appliances later.
Remember that you won’t be able to run appliances that add up to over 30 amps. So, you will never need more than 3,000 watts.
Which Generator with 30 Amp RV Plug is the Best Choice?
You know what size generator for 30 amp RV, but which unit could be the best choice for such a motorhome? Here are a few recommendations that you can use as your RV’s power source.
Champion 7753i (3100W)
This Champion 7753i generator provides plenty of juice for keeping every electronics in your camper running. It has a smart economy mode to save a load of fuel.
There is a quick touch panel for easy access to control options. Arguably, the most impressive feature is its quiet operation so you can run it any time day or night, without disturbing others.
Honda EU3000iS (3,000W)
This Honda EU3000iS unit is expensive, but it offers excellent performance. This compact and portable unit guarantees a reliable run for years to come. The gas-powered machine runs quieter than expected with a 196cc engine.
You can use propane too by using a conversion kit. The latest inverter technology makes sure that you can plug into sophisticated electronics like phone and laptop.
Another good thing is that the unit features an Eco-Throttle and more eco-friendly than other units.
Yamaha EF3000iS (3,000W)
This Yamaha EF3000iS is undoubtedly one of the quietest portable 30 amp RV generators out in the market. The silent output is further enhanced by Yamaha’s Noise Block technology.
However, noiseless performance is not the only highlighting feature of this unit. The presence of the inverter technology for an eco-friendly output and Smart Throttle for a better fuel economy proves that Yamaha has designed this for modern consumers in mind.
The gas-powered 171cc engine can run for 18.6 hours at a stretch on a full tank of gas (3.4 gallons). The runtime is quite impressive, considering that this one is a 3,000W unit.
With a clear idea about what size generator for 30 amp RV and a few product recommendations, you now will have no problem picking up the right unit for your camper.
You can also check the best 30 amp RV generators on Amazon here.
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