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What size generator to run a RV converter/charger?

Typical draw: 500W running. Charges house batteries and runs 12V systems.

SIZING PLATE1 LOADS · +25% HEADROOM
Total running watts
500 W
Peak (largest start)
500 W
Buy at least
650 W rated
Look for ~650W running / 500W surge or better.

Right size: Small inverter (1,800W / 2,200W surge)

Typical price $500-1,100 · e.g. Honda EU2200i, Champion 2500 dual-fuel, Predator 2000

Camping, tailgates, home office, CPAP and overnight essentials, one small appliance at a time. Quiet and light, but one large compressor surge can max it out.

See current prices on Amazon

One size up: Mid-size inverter (3,500W / 4,000W surge)

Typical price $600-1,400 · e.g. Champion 4250 open-frame inverter, Westinghouse iGen4500, Generac GP3500iO

RV 13,500 BTU AC (especially with soft-start), fridge + window AC, storm essentials for smaller homes. The sweet spot of quiet, portability, and real capacity for most first-time buyers.

See current prices on Amazon
Prefer battery over fuel? See what size power station runs a RV converter/charger.

Add more appliances

Real outages aren't one appliance. Adjust the full load below — your RV converter/charger is pre-checked.

SIZING PLATE1 LOAD · +25% HEADROOM
Total running watts
500 W
Peak (largest start)
500 W
Buy at least
650 W rated
Look for ~650W running / 500W surge or better.

Peak assumes your largest motor starts while everything else runs — the honest worst case. Start big motors one at a time and a smaller unit may cope, but this number won't let you down.

Kitchen
Heating & cooling
Pumps & well
Electronics
Medical & safety
Lighting
Laundry
Household
Tools & outdoor
RV & camping

Generators that fit

Right size: Small inverter (1,800W / 2,200W surge)

Typical price $500-1,100 · e.g. Honda EU2200i, Champion 2500 dual-fuel, Predator 2000

Camping, tailgates, home office, CPAP and overnight essentials, one small appliance at a time. Quiet and light, but one large compressor surge can max it out.

See current prices on Amazon

One size up: Mid-size inverter (3,500W / 4,000W surge)

Typical price $600-1,400 · e.g. Champion 4250 open-frame inverter, Westinghouse iGen4500, Generac GP3500iO

RV 13,500 BTU AC (especially with soft-start), fridge + window AC, storm essentials for smaller homes. The sweet spot of quiet, portability, and real capacity for most first-time buyers.

See current prices on Amazon
This site earns commissions from qualifying purchases made through links to Amazon and other retailers, at no extra cost to you. Wattage figures are typical estimates — actual draw varies by model. Always verify against your appliance's nameplate, and consult a licensed electrician for any panel or hardwired connections.