What Size Generator For 30 Amp RV – 3 Top Models

What Size Generator For 30 Amp RV - Here's The Answer

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Whether camping, trekking, or going off-grid living, a continuous and portable power source is of utmost importance. You not only need the power to run your RV but also to keep your electric gadgets charged up. These may include your smartphones, laptops, AC unit, and more. 

One of the best power sources is a portable and RV-ready 30 Amp generator. Not only does it ensure a 24/7 uninterrupted power supply, but it’s also transportation-friendly, quiet, and fuel-efficient.

But what size generator for 30 Amp RV?

Ideally, a 3000W to 3600W generator is enough to power a 30 Amp RV with power-intensive appliances. You need not go over 3600W as you might not use all the available power. Anything closer to 3600W is good to go. 

Continue reading as I discuss the generator size for a 30 Amp RV in detail, along with the 3 best generator models to choose from. 

What Size Generator For 30 Amp RV – Understand The Maths

As aforementioned, a 3000W to 3600W generator is ideal for a 30 Amp generator. 

If you’re wondering how this wattage range came about, it’s simple. 

Simply multiply the amperage (Amp) by the voltage (V) to calculate the maximum wattage required. 

In this case, the amperage is 30 Amp, and 120V is the standard operating voltage. Thus, 30 x 120 = 3600W.

In other words, a 30 Amp generator will require a 3600W generator at max. If you decide to purchase anything bigger, say, 4500W, you’ll end up wasting the remaining 900W. Hence, no point!

Again, you don’t need to buy a 3600W generator straightaway for your RV. You’ll also have to consider the approximate wattage your appliances require—for example, refrigerators, air conditioners, heaters, etc. 

Note: Always remember that the startup wattage of any appliance is always more than the running wattage. Hence, use the former for estimation.

If I talk about a refrigerator, its startup wattage is around 1600W. Its running wattage, on the other hand, is just 1010W.

If you’re to power this refrigerator via the generator, it’ll consume 1600W. So, you’ll have to add more accordingly for the other devices. 

3 Top Generators For A 30 Amp RV – Summary 

Related: Best Whole House Generator – 5 top Picks For All House Sizes

Top 3 Generator Models For A 30 Amp RV 

Here are the 3 best generators with sufficient wattage to power your 30 Amp RV day and night. Choose one according to your power needs. 

Best Super Quiet Generator For A 30 Amp RV

Westinghouse iGen4500 Inverter Generator 

Westinghouse iGen4500 Inverter Generator

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Specifications 

  • Wattage: 4500W
  • Fuel Type: Liquefied Petroleum Gas 
  • Run Time: 18 hours
  • Dimensions: 24.5 x 17.5 x 20 inches
  • Weight: 104.7 lb

The first RV-ready generator on the list is this iGen4500 from Westinghouse. Given an all-weather design, this generator promises to keep your RV powered across all weather conditions without breaking down. 

In terms of wattage, 4500W and 3700W are peak and rated wattages, respectively. Thus, the generator can easily power a medium-sized RV, including some electronic gadgets. 

Thanks to the reliable push-button and electric start system, you can operate the generator any way you want. Either use the dependable buttons on the front panel or the remote functionality from as far as 260 feet. The built-in remote start key fob is highly efficient. 

Note: Westinghouse iGen4500 can also be started using the traditional recoil system. 

There’s an intuitive LCD screen as well. It displays all the essential information about the fuel level and subsequent run time, voltage output, power output, and lifetime. Thus, you can monitor the generator’s health and determine its maintenance. 

Note that iGen4500 is a gas-powered model with a built-in 3.4 gallons gas tank. When full, it can last for 18 hours and even more with the “Economy Mode” turned on. 

Outlet-wise, you get a 5–20R 120V duplex household outlet, an RV-ready Tt-30R 30 Amp outlet, and 2 USB outlets (for gadgets). 

If you’re worried about the operational noise, rest assured of not being accused of disturbing the campers around. iGen4500 runs quietly, and its noise levels stay under 50 dB. 

Pros 

  • Low noise operation
  • Supplies clean power with the least distortions for power-sensitive devices
  • Multiple power outlets to connect multiple devices simultaneously 
  • Decent fuel tank capacity

Cons

  • Slightly bulky 
  • Remote sensor lags sometimes

Check the Westinghouse iGen4500 Inverter Generator’s latest prices on Amazon.

Best Budget Generator For A 30 Amp RV

WEN 56380i Super Quiet

WEN 56380i Super Quiet

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Specifications 

  • Wattage: 3800W
  • Fuel Type: Gasoline 
  • Run Time: 8.5 hours
  • Dimensions: ‎23.2 x 18 x 20.1 inches
  • Weight: 99.2 pounds

If you’re looking for a more portable and quiet generator for your 30 Amp RV, consider this WEN 56380i

With rated and peak wattages at 3400W and 3800W, it’s powerful enough for small to medium-sized RVs and even power-intensive electronic devices. Regarding the fuel tank, its capacity is 2.2 gallons, which guarantees at least 8.5 hours of runtime, however, at half-load.

You also get a standard LCD screen handy when monitoring the voltage, runtime, frequency, wattage, and fuel supply on the go. 

The key highlight of WEN 56380i is the minimal harmonic distortion of less than 1.2%, which helps it supply clean power to your sensitive gadgets, preventing any damage. This feature is rare at this price point! 

For maximum fuel efficiency, WEN has installed a 212cc 4-stroke air-cooled OHV engine in this generator that operates at low noise levels, roughly 55-57 dB. Additionally, there’s a “fuel shut off” feature. 

This feature turns off the main fuel supply, making the generator use the remaining fuel from the carburetor before shutting down. Hence, there is no fuel wastage or over-consumption. 

The generator includes built-in wheels and collapsible handles for easy storage and transportation. But be careful of the road bumps. 

Lastly, the included spark arrestor allows use in the forest or a park you’re heading to. 

Pros 

  • Fewer maintenance cycles and costs
  • Less fuel consumption with zero wastage
  • Highly power efficient 
  • Easy to carry and store due to compact size

Cons

  • The runtime could be better 
  • LCD screen is a bit smaller

Check the WEN 56380i latest prices on Amazon.

Best Generator For 30 Amp RV With Transfer Switch 

WEN GN4500 4500-Watt 212cc Transfer Switch and RV-Ready Portable Generator

WEN GN4500 4500-Watt 212cc Transfer Switch and RV-Ready Portable Generator

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Specifications 

  • Wattage: 4500W
  • Fuel Type: Gasoline 
  • Run Time: 13 hours
  • Dimensions: 23.25 x 18 x 18.75 inches
  • Weight: 107.8 pounds

Lastly, here’s the generator with a transfer switch – WEN GN4500

Powered by a 212cc OHV 4-stroke engine, the generator produces a starting and running wattage of 4500W and 3600W, respectively. Plus, the power generator is “clean” and safer for all power-sensitive electronic devices, such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, etc. 

This generator runs on gasoline with a built-in 4 gallons tank. When full, the tank powers the generator for a significant 13 hours at half-load. 

On the generator’s front panel, you get an intuitive LCD screen with all essential information, for instance, frequency, voltage, session runtime, and total runtime. Hence, you can monitor anything concerning the generator on the go. 

In terms of power outlets, there are four standard 120V 20A household duplex outlets, one 120V tri-prong transfer-switch-ready 30A outlet, and one 120V 30A RV outlet. 

If I talk about the design, the generator’s body is built with a compact and lightweight design. Thus, it easily fits in a small space on your trailer or camper. 

From the safety POV, the generator is equipped with a voltage regulator, low-oil shutdown, etc. 

Pros 

  • Decent fuel tank capacity to power for 13 hours when full
  • Built-in voltage regulator
  • Quick start mechanism 
  • 6 power outlets to connect multiple devices

Cons

  • No rear wheel kit 
  • Noisy operation

Check the WEN GN4500 latest prices on Amazon.

Related: Best Solar Generator For Off-Grid Living – 5 Picks + Buying Guide

What Size Generator For 30 Amp RV (FAQs)

  • How Many Watts Does A 30 Amp RV Use?

Ans: A 30 Amp RV will typically use anything between 3000W to 3600W. It’d be a rare instance when your 30 Amp RV asks for greater wattage than 3600W. 

  • What Size Generator For A 50 Amp RV?

Ans: For a 50 Amp RV, a generator of 12kW to 12.5kW capacity is deemed suitable. 

  • What Size Generator For Travel Trailer?

Ans: Most travel trailers can be powered by 2000W to 3000W generators. 

  • Will A 3500 Watt Generator Run A 30 Amp RV?

Ans: Yes, a 3500W generator can run a 30 Amp RV.

Conclusion 

So, here you go. That’s everything you should know about 30 Amp RV generator size. Although the ideal size depends on numerous factors like the RV size, total wattage required, how long each device will run, etc., it’s recommended to have at least 3000W to 3600W generator capacity.

This will also help you use some power for other purposes, like an emergency. 

If you’re unsure what generator to buy for your 30 Amp RV, check the three best options reviewed above. You won’t regret it. 

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