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Last Updated on May 10, 2025 by Paul Clayton
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How Many Watts Does an RV AC Draw?
Understanding RV power consumption is crucial for effectively managing your energy needs, which includes estimating how many watts an RV AC draws. It varies depending on the size and model of the AC unit.
- RV AC wattage varies based on model and capacity.
- A standard 13,500 BTU unit uses 1500-2000 watts.
- Initial startup draws up to 4000 watts.
- Smaller units use around 1000-1500 watts.
- Larger units can draw up to 3500-5000 watts.
- Other factors like temperature setting affect wattage.
- Refer to the manual or manufacturer for exact usage.
Does your RV air conditioner use a lot of electricity? Many people wonder if they should leave the AC on while they are out and about.
It isn’t easy to know how much power it draws without researching first. However, I have done that research for you! In this blog post, we will look at how many watts different types of RVs draw.
| RV Air Conditioner Size | Watts Required for start-up | Average wattage once running |
| 7000 btu RV air conditioner | 1700 | 600 |
| 10,000 btu RV air conditioner | 2000 | 700 |
| 13,500 btu RV air conditioner | 2750 | 1250 |
| 15,000 btu RV air conditioner | 3500 | 1500 |
Class A RVs: Class A motorhomes use the most power. The average draw for a Class A RV is around 430 watts. That means an hour of AC usage will cost you about $2.07 per hour in electricity costs or $25 per day if you’re running it 12 hours daily. Of course, electric rates vary in all RV Parks.
Class C Motorhomes: These are smaller than Class As and have lower energy consumption rates at 300 to 350 watts on average–even while they recharge your battery when plugged into shore power (which we’ll talk more about later).
For instance, an hour of AC usage would only run up an additional charge of $0.18-$0.36, depending upon whether it’s summer or winter outside.
Fifth Wheel RVs: These are true to their name–they’re the “fifth wheel” of a truck that tows them, and they can be moved from one place to another with relative ease.
The energy consumption rates for these vehicles depend on what type you have. Some fifth wheels use between 350 and 400 watts, while others use over 500 watts per hour when AC is running.
In general, an hour of AC usage will cost $0.25-$0.35 in additional charges during summer months or winter months, depending upon how cold it’s outside your RV is set (although this would only increase costs by $20/day if the unit runs 12 hours each day).
Will a 2000-watt Generator Run an RV Air Conditioner?
A 2000-watt generator should be able to maintain an RV air conditioner. The total wattage for a 15,000 BTU AC is around 1,500 watts.
However, the startup wattage requirements of a 15,000 BTU AC are 3,500 watts, which will exceed a 2,000-watt generator.
This means you’re limited to using a 7000 BTU RV air conditioner.
Will a 4000-watt Generator Run an RV Air Conditioner?
Most RV air conditioners require less than 1500 watts or less power. A 4000-watt generator should be able to run an RV AC without any problems.
The sweet spot of RV generators is around 3,000 watts, as they can power higher BTU ACs without overloading.
How To Buy an RV Generator
The following are some considerations for RV air conditioners and generators:
The total wattage requirement of the AC should not exceed what the generator can produce
Generators that provide a greater power output will have better reliability running an AC than lower-powered units
A 4000-watt generator can efficiently operate most 15,000 to 18,000 BTU RVs as they won’t overload when starting up or entering standby mode.
It’s also worth noting this size is usually one of two sizes available from major brands like Honda and Yamaha, which would do well in providing quality service after purchase.
A 2000-watt generator should be able to maintain a small RV AC unit.
Will a Honda eu3000i Run an RV AC?
The Honda eu3000i is rated at 3,000 watts and can easily power a larger AC or two smaller units.
The Honda eu2000i is rated at 2000 watts and will not sustain running an RV AC in the same way as the 3000i would.
How Much Does It Cost To Run an RV AC Unit?
The cost of running an AC unit is based on the type of cooling, how much electricity it needs to do that work, and what period you are discussing. Let’s take a look at these three factors in more detail:
Type of Cooling Being Done: Two types of air conditioning systems are typically found in homes or RVs – central AC and window units.
Central Air Conditioners (AC) cool all rooms within your home but require some ductwork installation if not already present. Window Units compress refrigerant into liquid form, then blow over coils chilled with water, keeping them cold enough to condense into gas as they warm up.
The key difference between the two systems lies in their power usage.
Typically, running a 15,000 BTU RV AC unit for an hour will cost about $0.07 for a thermally efficient AC system and about $0.26 for an inefficient one.
This difference in power usage can be pretty significant considering that central air only runs to cool the entire RV while window units may need running all day long just cooling small areas of your home or RV at once.
Can RV AC Units Heat An RV?
RV AC units can only cool an RV, not heat it. The average power consumption of a typical air conditioner is around 1300 watts when in cooling mode. Some models will use a little more power than that, but typically air conditioners fall in the range of 1200 to 1700 watts.
Do You Need Shore Power to Run an RV AC?
Most RVs don’t necessarily need shore power to run an AC. If the RV is just for summer travel, it won’t need a generator because you’ll be out of your home base most of the time and not using electricity like you would if you were living in it full-time.
It also depends on how much power your air conditioner needs. Some RVs will use more than others, so some models might require additional wiring or shore power cables that professionals install before they can work.
How Long Does An Air Conditioning Unit Last?
Air conditioning units range from six to ten years with proper care and maintenance. They typically last longer if used less frequently instead of constantly being turned on, which causes them to wear down faster.
Seeking a New Air Conditioner?
Consumers should always shop around before making their purchases, as prices vary significantly from store to store.
Some brands may also differ in price depending on the size of the unit you’re buying and its features, such as an energy efficiency rating or Wi-Fi capability for remote control via your smartphone.
You’ll want to buy a new air conditioner over time because it will wear down regardless. Still, it’s best if you don’t have to replace them too often by being prepared with proper research about what specs are important to consider when purchasing one to get something that fits within your budget without sacrificing quality.
Will a 2000-watt Inverter Run an RV Air Conditioner?
Will a 2000-watt inverter run an RV air conditioner? RV owners often pose this question.
The answer is that while a 2000-watt inverter is typically sufficient to manage the running wattage of most RV air conditioners, it may encounter difficulties with the starting surge.
The initial power demand or starting surge often surpasses the inverter’s capacity, leading it to overload and potentially shutting down.
Therefore, while a 2000-watt inverter can technically run an RV air conditioner, it is essential to consider the potential issues related to the starting surge.
Summary
The power consumption of an RV air conditioner is a crucial factor for the overall energy management of the vehicle. If you’re wondering, “How Many Watts Does an RV AC Draw?” the answer is that it largely depends on the model and capacity of the unit.
A standard 13,500 BTU unit, commonly used in many RVs, draws between 1500 and 2000 watts under normal operating conditions. During the initial startup, this number can surge to as high as 4000 watts due to the extra energy required to run the system.
Smaller AC units operate on lower wattage, approximately within the range of 1000-1500 watts. On the other hand, larger units designed for bigger RVs can draw a substantial amount of power, anywhere from 3500 to 5000 watts.
It’s important to note that factors such as temperature settings and external weather conditions can influence the wattage further.
To get the most accurate information on your RV AC’s power consumption, it’s advisable to refer to the product manual or directly consult with the manufacturer.
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