Powering an RV requires careful sélection du générateur because RVs have unique electrical demands — primarily the air conditioner’s massive starting surge — combined with strict noise and weight constraints that don’t apply to Maison sauvegarde. Here’s exactly what you need to know.
The RV Power Demand Profile
The single largest load in most RVs is the roof-mounted air conditioner. A typical 13,500 BTU RV AC needs 2,800-3,500W to start and 1,200-1,800W to run. Everything else — lights, réfrigérateur, TV, charger — adds only 200-500W total. This means your generator selection is almost entirely driven by the AC starting requirement.
RV Appliance Wattage Breakdown
| Appareil | Watts courants | Watts de démarrage | Priorité |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13,500 BTU Roof AC | 1,200-1,800W | 2,800-3,500W | Haut (comfort) |
| RV Refrigerator (electric mode) | 300-400W | 300-400W | Moyen (can run on propane) |
| Microwave | 1,000-1,500W | 1,500W | Faible |
| TV + DVD | 150-250W | 250W | Faible |
| LED Lighting | 50-100W | 50-100W | Haut |
| Battery Charger/Converter | 300-800W | 300-800W | Haut |
| Cafetière | 800-1,200W | 1,200W | Faible |
Inverter Générateurs: The RV Standard
Inverter generators are overwhelmingly the preferred choice for RV use because they are quiet (50-60 dB — about the volume of normal conversation), lightweight (40-60 lbs vs. 120+ lbs for conventional), and fuel-efficient (they adjust engine speed to match load). The two most popular RV generator configurations are:
- Single 3,000-3,500W inverter generator — Runs the AC plus essentials. Exemples: Champion 3400W Dual Fuel, Westinghouse iGen4500.
- Two 2,000-2,200W inverter generators + parallel kit — Run just one for quiet overnight batterie chargement; connect both for AC operation. Exemples: Honda EU2200i pair, Champion 2500W Dual Fuel pair.
RV Generator Noise Rules
Most RV parks and campgrounds enforce noise limits — typically 55-60 dB à 25 feet during quiet hours (généralement 10 PM to 7 SUIS). Conventional generators at 70-80 dB will get you asked to shut down. Inverter generators at 50-60 dB are campground-friendly even at full load.
