• A 50 amp RV needs a generator that can deliver at least 12,000 watts for full use, but you might get by with around 8,000 watts if you are careful with your appliances.
• Think about the number of air conditioners, microwaves, and other large appliances you want to run at once. More devices mean more wattage required.
• Portable generators in the 8,000 to 12,000 watt range are usually needed for 50 amp RVs. Not all generators this size include a 50 amp plug, double check before you buy.
• Running all your RV’s appliances at the same time will require a larger generator, but if you only use a few items at once, you can go smaller and save money.

If you want to power a 50 amp RV with a generator, look for something between 8,000 and 12,000 watts, depending on whether you need to run everything at once or just a few big appliances. Most people find about 10,000 watts is enough for regular use, but heavy users, think running both air conditioners, microwave, and other appliances, all at once will want the full 12,000 watts. The exact size depends on your RV’s equipment and how you plan to use the generator.

How 50 Amp RV Electrical Systems Work

Let’s clear up one thing: a 50 amp RV plug is not just a bigger version of a 30 amp plug. It delivers more than double the current, and it does so using two separate 120V legs. With a 50 amp service, you actually get up to 12,000 watts at full capacity (50 amps x 120 volts x 2 legs). That lets you power nearly all of your RV’s systems at once, from big air conditioners to microwaves and electric heaters.

But, most people never run every appliance all at once. It is possible to get by with less if you are strategic about how and when you draw power.

Why Not Just Get the Biggest Generator?

You could just buy the biggest thing you can afford, but you may not need to. Large generators are bulky, loud, and burn more fuel. It is smarter to match your needs instead of just going for the biggest number.

The right size generator for a 50 amp RV covers your actual usage, not just the maximum possible load.

How Many Watts Does a 50 Amp RV Need?

The total wattage you need is tied to both how much you want to run at once, and your RV’s appliances. To figure out how much generator you need:

• Add up the wattage for every appliance you might run at the same time
• Consider surge wattage (appliances like air conditioners often need extra to start)
• Leave a buffer of at least 10% to avoid pushing your generator too hard

Common RV Appliance Wattages

Some RVs have two air conditioners. That matters a lot. If you want to run both together, you need much more wattage. A single air conditioner can be handled with as little as 3,500 surge watts, but two units with the fridge and a microwave on top could chase you right up to the 8,000 or 9,000 watt mark. And that’s before adding other devices like a coffee maker or toaster!

Don’t forget surge wattage. ACs and fridges need extra power when starting up, even if running watts look low.

Calculating Your Generator Size

Let’s run through an example. Say you want to use these in your 50 amp RV at the same time:

• Both rooftop air conditioners
• Microwave
• Refrigerator
• Television

Calculation:

• 2 AC units: 1,500 x 2 = 3,000 running, 3,500 x 2 = 7,000 surge
• Microwave: 1,000 running
• Refrigerator: 600 running, 1,500 surge
• Television: 200 running

Total running watts: 3,000 + 1,000 + 600 + 200 = 4,800

Highest surge total (if everything cycles on at once, which is rare): 7,000 (from ACs alone)

So you need at least 7,000 surge plus about 5,000 running, realistically, about 10,000 watts is comfortable so your generator is not maxed out all the time. Add extra if you like to use other heavy loads like a toaster or water heater together.

Aim for a generator size where your regular load is about 80 percent of its top rating. This keeps things reliable and quiet.

Generator Types for a 50 Amp RV

There are big differences between portable generators, inverter generators, and installable units. Not all are created equal for RV use.

Portable Generators

Most large RV users go for a portable generator. Units in the 8,000 to 12,000 watt range can be moved, though they aren’t exactly lightweight (expect 200 pounds or more). Many users look for wheels or handles. Running one of these can annoy neighbors with the noise, but brands with better mufflers or inverter designs help.

The main thing? Check for a true 50 amp RV plug (14-50R receptacle). If not, you can use adapters, but those can limit the wattage you can actually draw.

Inverter Generators

Many people prefer inverter generators because they give cleaner power (better for sensitive electronics). But single inverter units usually top out at around 7,000 watts. You can link two inverter generators together with a parallel kit, but this makes things heavier, more expensive, and more complex.

If you focus on low-noise and want to protect laptops or TVs, this is a good option. If you need to run two ACs plus more, standard portables win on value.

Built-In RV Generators

Some Class A and high-end fifth wheels actually have onboard generators. These are usually gas or diesel standbys. They are sized for the RV and automatically connect to your electrical system. You pay more, but they can run everything at once, and installation is smooth.

If you travel a lot and camp off grid, a built-in generator saves you hassle. For weekenders or short trips, portable models work fine.

Parallel Operation: Doubling Up Generators

Want inverter quality, lower noise, and portable handling, but need big power? Some people use two smaller inverter generators in parallel. For example, two 4,500 watt units can be joined for 9,000 running/10,000 surge. This works, but has a few downsides:

• Cost is much higher than one big portable
• Synchronization cables and adapters add complexity
• Still noisy with both running
• Maintenance and fuel goes up, two engines to care for

If you prioritize clean power and flexibility, this approach has its perks. For most 50 amp RVers, a single larger portable is easier.

Gas, Diesel, or Propane: Which Fuel Type Is Best?

You’ll see all three fuel options for RV generators.

• Gasoline is the easiest to find and usually the cheapest up front. Downside: less storage life, and some fumes.
• Propane burns cleaner and stores better, great for long trips and extended storage. Generators often run quieter too. But you get slightly less power per gallon than gasoline, so factor that in.
• Diesel is common for built-in units on bigger RVs. Excellent for high run times, rugged, and also stores decently. Drawback? Heavier, more expensive units, and fuel is not everywhere.

Most portable generators for 50 amp RVs are gas or dual-fuel (gas/propane). Dual-fuel models give you flexibility if one is not available. Keep in mind: Propane requires larger fuel tanks for the same run time since it has less energy per gallon than gasoline.

Fuel Tank Size and Run Time

You will want enough run time to get through the night without shutting down to refuel. Big portable generators often deliver 8 to 10 hours at half load with a 6 to 8 gallon tank. Using more appliances, your run time drops. Inverter gensets can be more fuel-efficient at low loads.

RV Plug Types and Adapter Cords

A true 50 amp RV plug is a four-prong 14-50R connector (two hot legs, one neutral, one ground). Some big generators offer this direct. Cheaper or smaller units often have two 30 amp outlets; adapters can combine these (if the generator supports it) for extra wattage, but you should verify what actually gets delivered to your RV.

If your generator only offers a 30 amp outlet, you can use an adapter to plug into your RV, but you will be limited to half the amperage (3,600 watts). That’s going to be frustrating for a big 50 amp rig.

Always match the generator’s rated output to your RV’s maximum input. Using adapters changes convenience, not capacity.

Noise Level: Something Most People Ignore… Until They Camp

The loudest generators can make relaxing at your campsite impossible. You might be okay with higher decibels at a tailgate, but in the woods, you (and your neighbors) will want quiet.

Here’s a basic reference for sound levels:

Lower is better. If you camp a lot where it’s quiet, or use generator-required sites often, it might be worth picking a slightly lower power, lower noise inverter, and managing your loads more strictly. But for true full-power, you may have to live with a bit more noise.

Popular Generator Models for 50 Amp RVs

Here are a few types people buy, avoiding those big-name brands you hear everywhere. Each one has a real-world reputation, not just the fanciest website.

• Pulsar PG15KVTWB – This dual-fuel portable generator gives you up to 12,000 running watts, a real 50 amp outlet, and is known for being reliable, if a bit heavy on the fuel.
• Westinghouse WGen9500DF – Dual-fuel, with an RV-ready 50 amp port. Reports say it runs a pair of ACs and a microwave comfortably, and is pretty quiet for its size.
• Champion 100111 12,000w Portable – People like the simple maintenance, direct 50 amp output, and the price. Sound is average, but gets the job done for big fifth wheels.
• Firman H08051 Hybrid – This 8,000 watt gas/propane model can be paired with another Firman for more output if needed, and is easy to move for the size.

Always check if the exact model you select includes the 14-50R plug, since variations exist.

Tips for Using a Generator With a 50 Amp RV

• Balance Your Loads: Spread usage between the two 120V legs. Try not to rely on only one side for your heavy appliances.
• Start Big Loads Separately: Let one AC start before flipping the second. Wait before microwaving with both ACs blasting.
• Install a Surge Protector: Protect your RV’s electronics when using portable power. You can get decent ones for a reasonable cost.
• Let the Generator Warm Up: You get longer life and steadier voltage by giving your generator a minute or two before flipping on your big appliances.
• Keep Extra Fuel on Hand: It’s easy to run short, especially if you add extra guests, hot days, or decide you need the coffee maker one more time before bed.

Do You Really Need to Power Everything at Once?

This is worth pausing over. Most of the time, you are not running two ACs, a microwave, a blow dryer, and every other appliance at the same moment. If you’re willing to limit use, a sort of power shuffle, you can save money and weight by going a little smaller.

For example, if you camp mostly in moderate climates and only run one AC at a time, you can bump down your sizing. Just be honest about your habits, some people mean to be careful but end up frustrated when they cannot use what they want, when they want.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use a 30 amp generator with a 50 amp RV?
  Yes, with an adapter, but you are limited to 3,600 watts, enough for lights, fridge, TV, and sometimes one small AC. You cannot run everything. This is more for emergencies or short trips, not regular use.
• Is it OK to run two 30 amp generators with a parallel kit?
  Yes, if both are capable, and properly synced, this can get you up to 7,000 running watts or more. Check your parallel kit’s limit and outlet type.
• What happens if I overload my generator?
  Most good generators have built-in protection and will trip the circuit. You will lose power to the RV until you reset. If you ignore sizing, running a generator maxed out all the time shortens its life quickly.

Bottom Line: Matching Generator to Lifestyle

There is a real temptation to over-buy “just in case.” But carrying an extra 200 pounds and spending more than you need rarely pays off unless you camp far from help or run very large loads regularly. Some people buy a huge generator and rarely use even half its capacity. Others regret trying to make a small 30 amp model work, especially in hot climates or with family aboard. Honestly, the best answer is to add up your real usage, factor in your camping habits, and size the generator with a little overhead to match.