What Size Generator for A Travel Trailer

You'll need a 2,000 - 7,500W generator to power your travel trailer, but the right size generator for a travel trailer will depend on the appliances. If you travel a lot in a travel trailer or an RV, you will require some power supply to run all your appliances and recharge your devices. The first option that would usually come to most people’s minds is a generator, but these require a steady gasoline supply and can be quite noisy.

Since a generator is necessary for a travel trailer, especially when you go off the grid and away from urban centers, you will need something reliable, quiet, and requires minimal maintenance. A Jackery Solar Generator can be ideal for this, as it can run most of your outdoor or RV appliances using renewable solar energy. A solar generator is also ideal for use inside and outside your travel trailer.

Key Takeaways

A generator is one of the most essential aspects of living comfortably in your home away from home, and this section covers some of the key points that this guide discusses in detail.

• You’ll need a reliable and sustainable power supply to run all the appliances in your travel trailer.
• The bigger the travel trailer, the more appliances you’ll need and the larger the capacity of the generator you’ll need to purchase.
• Jackery Solar Generators are a reliable, sustainable, and portable option that can be safely used inside your travel trailer and run most of your appliances.

Do I Need a Generator for My Travel Trailer?

Yes, if you spend all your time in a travel trailer, you will need to get yourself a generator so you can run all your kitchen and other appliances and recharge all your essential devices. Just like a solar generator for a food truck will have specific requirements, the one you choose for a travel trailer will also depend on the appliances you need to run.

A travel trailer or an RV generator is crucial to making the time spent in your trailer as comfortable as possible, especially since you’re likely to spend long durations in it when you’re off the grid.

But before we get into greater detail, you must understand what a travel trailer is. A travel trailer is essentially the most affordable way to enjoy the RV life in what’s known as a recreational vehicle. They’re typically referred to by various different names, including fifth-wheel trailers, bumper pull campers, camper trailers, truck campers, and so on.

There are several scenarios in which you might need a generator for your travel trailer, which will vary based on your lifestyle and travel patterns. For starters, you’d need a generator if you’re parked at an RV campsite for a few days or even longer. It will also come in handy if your travel trailer is your bug-out vehicle and you need to evacuate your home for an extended period until it’s safe to return.

What Size Generator for Travel Trailer

The right size generator for your travel trailer could range between 2,000 - 7,500W. This will depend on its physical size and its electric output. First, the generator must physically fit into your trailer since it will likely be short on space. Then, you’ll also have to add up the sum of the wattage of all the appliances you intend to use simultaneously. This value you get will determine the minimum wattage you’ll need the generator to produce.

The ideal generator will also depend on the size of your travel trailer, and the list below offers a picture of the basics:

• Small Travel Trailer (under 20 ft.): A small travel trailer typically has a 30-amp electrical system and will require a 2,000-3,000W generator.
• Mid-size Travel Trailer (20-30 ft.): A mid-size travel trailer will need between 3,000-4,000W generators.
• Larger Travel Trailer (30-40 ft.): A larger travel trailer will have many more appliances and will need a 5,000-7,500W standard generator.

The table below offers a lot more detail so you can decide the size of generator you need for your travel trailer.

How to Determine What Size Generator for a Travel Trailer

As mentioned earlier, the size of the travel trailer generator you need will depend on the generator’s physical size and your power needs. The trailer’s power infrastructure will play a key role here, so you must evaluate this to help you choose the right option.

Different trailers typically have different power limits, which play a key role when choosing a generator. Smaller to mid-sized trailers typically have a 30-amp electrical system, whereas larger trailers will typically have either a 30-amp or a 50-amp system. A 50-amp system can draw increased wattages and take more substantial loads in terms of the appliances used in the trailer.

Regardless of the 30 or 50-amp capacity, most appliances in your trailer will use a 120-volt current like the ones in your home. So when you choose a generator, you must know the inlet plug’s configuration, the devices that must be run simultaneously, and your basic voltage requirements.

The table below will clarify the different appliances you’ll likely use and their starting and running wattages.

How to Calculate Your Total Power Needs

The first thing you’ll need to do when calculating your total power needs is to list all the appliances you intend to run in your camper when you’re off the grid. This will allow you to calculate the maximum rated wattage of all of them so you know how much power you need to draw.

So, suppose you want to run a 1,150W portable air conditioner, a 1,200W microwave, and an 850W coffee maker; you will require at least a 3,200W battery generator. The more appliances you have, the more peak wattage you’ll need to ensure you can easily run your appliances without any hassle in the process.

To do this, you’ll need to understand a few important terms, and the list below explains them in detail.

• Starting Wattage:An appliance's starting wattage is also known as its surge wattage, and it refers to the amount of watts it will draw when it starts. It can also refer to the starting wattage a generator can provide.
• Running Wattage:The running wattage refers to the power an appliance draws after it drops from its initial surge wattage upon startup to its regular operation.
• Power Rating: The power rating refers to the number of watts or power being transferred from the mains or the generator to run the device. For example, a smartphone has a power rating of between 5-29W, meaning it will draw a maximum of 29W from the mains to run it.

Determining the Generator Size 

There are three key steps to determining the size of the generator to comfortably run all the appliances in your travel trailer. These are described below.

Step 1: Size of the Vehicle

A smaller RV will have limited space inside it and will also have fewer appliances running simultaneously, but a larger travel trailer or RV will have a lot more space and more appliances as a result. So, you will need a larger generator for it.

Step 2: Determining the Usage Pattern of Your Appliances

If you’re staying in an RV park with a hookup, you’ll need more appliances than off the grid with no utilities. You’ll also have to determine how many appliances will have to run continuously, such as a portable refrigerator, an AC, and so on. The more appliances you need to run at all times, the larger the generator you’ll need.

Step 3: Calculate How Much Power Your Appliances Need

The total wattage of the appliances you’re running will create a baseline by which you can determine how big a generator you’ll need. Suppose you will operate lots of high-power appliances like a hair dryer or an electric kettle. In that case, you’ll need a much bigger generator than if you’re only running smaller appliances.

For example, a portable air conditioner will use 1,150W, whereas a coffee machine will use about 850W. You’ll simultaneously have to calculate the wattage of all the appliances in your travel trailer.

Aside from the wattage, you’ll also need to calculate the run time to determine the total watt usage, for which you can use the following formula:

Watts x run time (in hours) = watt-hours

For example, if your laptop has a wattage of 60W and you need to run it for three hours, here's how the formula will apply:

60W x 3H = 180Wh

So, your laptop will need about 180Wh of capacity from your generator. You can use the same formula to calculate the watt-hours of all your appliances.

Types of Generators for a Travel Trailer

You will come across multiple options when you search for the different types of generators you can use to run your travel trailer’s appliances. However, these are generally divided into two broad categories based on the fuel they rely on and their use cases.

Built-In Generators VS. Portable Generators

Your first choice is between a built-in generator and a portable generator, both of which have pros and cons. I have listed them below for your reference.

Built-in Generator

A built-in generator is a full home generator that comes pre-fitted into most motorhomes and is designed to run all the appliances it uses.

Pros

• They’re integrated or wired into the travel trailer by default.
• They feature automatic setup and have a push-button start feature.
• They can generate up to 12,000W+ of power.

Cons

• It relies on the RV’s fuel tank, so you’ll have to account for the increased fuel consumption.
• They’re difficult to access and maintain.
• There’s a higher risk of exhaust leaks with built-in generators.

Portable Generator 

A portable generator doesn’t come fitted into the RV, which means you typically have to find a place to store it. However, it’s much more affordable, and many people choose this rather than replace a broken built-in generator.

Pros

• A portable generator generates up to 8,000W of power.
• It’s typically connected from the outside, but its portability also allows you to store it inside.
• It’s easy to access and maintain on the go.
• It has a much lower risk of exhaust leaks, making it safer.
• It’s typically a lot more affordable than a built-in generator.

Cons

• It requires a separate fuel tank.

Gas, Diesel VS. Solar Generator

Another choice you have is between gasoline or diesel generators that rely on fossil fuels and their renewable alternative, solar generators. Their pros and cons are listed below to help you decide which to choose.

Gas or Diesel Generators

A gas or a diesel generator is one of the most popular generators people buy, but their downside is that they’re not suitable for indoor use as they can be loud and emit harmful emissions.

Pros

• They’re affordable for most people to purchase.
• They’re widely available in the market both online and offline.

Cons

• They can be very noisy and are not suited to be used indoors or inside a travel trailer.
• They emit harmful emissions, which means they must be placed far away from your motorhome.
• They require a separate supply of gasoline, which you will have to account for in your budget.

Solar Generators

A solar generator uses renewable solar energy to run most of the appliances inside your travel trailer. They’re portable and quiet and also don’t release any poisonous emissions, so they can be safely stored inside your motorhome without any concern. You can also carry them with you wherever you go, so you will never have to worry about having a sufficient power supply at any time.

Jackery Solar Generators offer all these benefits and more, making them ideal for use inside your travel trailer and also outside if you decide to go overlanding or camping in a tent. A solar-powered RV is also not restricted by fuel stops, so you can make the most of your day and run your appliances on the move.

Pros

• Their portable nature allows you to take them with you wherever you go.
• They rely on solar energy, which makes them a renewable and sustainable option compared to others that use fossil fuels.
• They don’t release any harmful emissions, making them safe to store inside your travel trailer without worrying about your safety.
• They require minimal maintenance.

Cons

• The initial setup costs will be high.
• They require a steady supply of sunlight to ensure you can run most of the appliances inside your travel trailer.

Jackery Solar Generators for a Travel Trailer

If you search for the best manufacturers of solar generators, portable power stations, and solar panels, you will find Jackery one of the best-ranked options. The Jackery Solar Generators combine the Jackery Portable Power Stations and the Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels. When you place the solar panels under direct sunlight, they absorb solar energy and convert this into DC electricity. This is then passed through the pure sine wave inverter in the portable power station to convert it into AC electricity.

The Jackery Solar Generators are robustly made and can be taken outdoors, making them ideal for you to use inside your travel trailer or even outside, where they might be exposed to the elements.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus has a fairly decent capacity to run most of the appliances inside your travel trailer. It’s also expandable, so you can add battery packs and solar panels. The solar panels can be folded, which allows you to carry them wherever you go, and the portable power station can also be wheeled with a handle.

You can quickly recharge the generator using solar charging or even a wall charger, which makes it a rather versatile option compared to gasoline or other portable generators that rely on fossil fuels.

Appliances Running Time:

• Smartphone (29W) = 59.8H
• Portable Air Conditioner (1150W) = 1.5H
• Coffee Maker (550W) = 3.1H
• Microwave (1050W) = 1.6H
• Outdoor Electric Grill (1700W) = 1H

Customer Review:

“Amazing! It was definitely expensive, but I did appreciate the coupon. I went off-grid with it, and we loved it. We live in a camper and power up everything for at least 2 days without charging. I'm very happy that we got it.” - Marcin.

Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro

The Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro is a large-capacity solar generator that offers ample power to run 99% of the appliances inside your travel trailer. Like the previous model, it offers a portable design with foldable solar panels and a portable power station you can wheel anywhere. This allows you to use it both indoors and outdoors.

It has a long-lasting battery that you can charge using solar charging or a wall charger, and it is also cold-friendly so you can safely use it in places where temperatures drop rather low.

Appliances Running Time:

• Smartphone (29W) = 88.6H
• Portable Air Conditioner (1150W) = 2.2H
• Coffee Maker (550W) = 4.6H
• Microwave (1050W) = 2.4H
• Outdoor Electric Grill (1700W) = 1.5H

Customer Review:

“We took our Explorer 3000 Pro with us on a dry camping trip, which was a total success. Instead of having to rely on our generator like we normally do, the Jackery literally carried any load we needed it to, and the solar recharging was awesome!” - Andrew.

How to Choose a Travel Trailer Generator

If you’re wondering how to choose the right travel trailer or RV generator, you will have to account for multiple factors that will all guide your decision, some of which include:

• Price: The generator’s price is an important factor to consider, but when it comes to generators for travel trailers, the quality is usually equivalent to the price.
• Noise Levels: The generator you choose shouldn’t be noisy as that can make it a nuisance indoors and outdoors, as well as to the people around you.
• Portability: The generator should also be portable so you can take it with you even if you’re leaving your travel trailer behind, and it doubles up as a camping generator.
• Quick Recharging: Quick recharge speeds are also important as they ensure that you can run your appliances without any interruptions.

FAQs

What size of solar generator do I need for my travel trailer?

The right size of the solar generator you need in your travel trailer will depend on how many appliances you need to run, such as a coffee maker and a portable air conditioner. For example, if you’re using the Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro to run your portable air conditioner (1,150W) and a coffee machine (550W), here’s how you can calculate the working hours:

Working Hours = Battery Capacity in Wh × 0.85 ÷ Operating Wattage of the Appliance = 3,024Wh × 0.85 ÷ 1,700W = 1.5H

Note: The 0.85 is the power conversion factor multiplied by the battery capacity to account for power loss when charging the appliances.

Will a 2,000-watt run a 30-amp camper?

Yes, a 2,000-watt generator will run a 30-amp camper, as the highest wattage a 30-amp camper has is 3,600 watts. On average, a 2,000 - 2,500W solar generator is a good fit for a 30-amp camper or travel trailer.

Will a 5,000-watt generator run a camper?

Yes, a 5,000-watt generator can easily run a camper. Still, it is usually ideal for smaller to mid-sized campers as larger trailers with more appliances will require a larger capacity generator.

How many watts does a 30-amp camper need?

An older 30-amp Class C motorhome usually has one overhead AC unit, and a 4,000-5,000-watt generator can run this and the other basic appliances in it.

Can you run RV AC on a 2,000-watt generator?

If you want to run an air conditioner in a travel trailer, you will need a generator with an output of 6,000 watts or higher. It cannot run on a 2,000-watt generator without a portable air conditioner.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve decided to invest in a travel trailer, you'll have several different things to account for. The most crucial aspect is a reliable power source to run all of your appliances. There are plenty of options, but many of them are either too noisy or emit harmful fumes.

A Jackery Solar Generator is a reliable option that you can consider because it remains quiet and doesn’t emit any harmful emissions. You can use it both inside and outside your motorhome. With this guide, you can now easily calculate what size generator you need for a travel trailer.

Have you ever lived in a motorhome or a travel trailer? What kind of generator did you get to run all of your essential appliances? Tell us in the comments below!