How Large a Generator Should I Purchse for My RV
Recreational vehicles require a power source for the living quarters to run lights, appliances, and often to charge the RV's batteries. If the RV will not be plugged into a permanent power source, a generator can supply the needed electricity.
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Significance of Sizing
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Using the proper size generator is critical, but under sizing is a common mistake. Using a generator that is too small can cause frequent shutdowns in power and risk damage to both the generator and the appliances or equipment it is running. Conversely, using the right size generator leads to a longer life of the generator, easier maintenance and better performance. When it comes to generator size, more is better than less.
Load
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Load refers to all the equipment or appliances to which the generator will be supplying power. Load of an RV must be determined in order to properly size the generator needed. Generators can be purchased with load maximums of 3400 to 8500 watts for recreational use.
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Calculating Load
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To calculate the load, make a list of everything to which the generator will be supplying power. This will include appliances, such as microwaves and refrigerators, as well as lights. In addition, charging the batteries, will increase the load requirement for the generator.
Each piece of equipment should have power requirements listed on a faceplate or in the owner's manual. Every piece will have a starting wattage along with a running wattage. The starting wattage is higher and should be used to figure the load.
Add the wattage of each piece of equipment to determine the load and purchase a generator with at least that much output.
It is recommended that you consult with a certified electrician as well. The electrician can verify the load calculation and offer safety suggestions.
Watts
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If the equipment lists energy requirements in amperes instead of watts, multiply the amperage by the volts (also listed on the faceplate) to determine wattage.
Physical Size
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While figuring size for the load is important, the physical size of the generator should also be considered. When traveling in an RV, space is a premium and the generator should match the RV size. That is, larger RV's can use larger generators.
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References
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