Run Your RV Camper Off Of A Gas/Propane Generator
Before we get started, if you have any doubts about which adapter to buy, please leave a comment with your generator model and let me know whether you have a 15A, 30A, or 50A camper and I will help you find the correct one.
Gas generators are popular among RV campers since they can provide electricity even if you’re dry camping out in the boonies.
Some gas generators have outlets that you’ll find at campgrounds, the 30 and 50 amp plugs, while most have the more standard household 15 or 20 amp outlet.
Related Product: Power an RV AC using a smaller generator using a Hutch Mountain Microair Easy Start (click to view on Amazon)
The 15 and 20 amp outlets are very similar in the way they look, while the 30 and 50 amp plugs look more different from one another.
Today I am going to help you figure out how to plug your gas/propane generator into your RV, travel trailer, teardrop trailer, fifth wheel, or whatever vehicle you have that you need to power.
I’ll also share the best generators for RV camping, both powerful ones and the very quiet models that won’t make as much noise.
You can use the table of contents below to get to where you need to go and feel free to leave a comment with any questions you might have.
Now, let’s get going.
See Also: The Best Camping Gas Generators That Will Run Your RV AC
How Do I Know Whether I Have A 30A or 50A RV/Trailer/Fifth Wheel?
It can be hard to know if a cable is a 30 or 50 amp based on the way it looks, so here are a couple of other ways to figure it out.
The first way is to look where you plug in the power cable on your RV. This sticker tells me the outlet is for a 30A connection.
You can also tell by looking at the breaker panel inside your RV or camper.
A 30 amp electrical system has one switch, while a 50 amp system has two switches. In the picture below, it tells us that it’s a 30A electrical system since the Main = 30.
The Different Adapters For Different Setups
Now that we’ve figured that out, let’s take a look at how we can connect the camper to a gas generator.
If Your RV/Trailer Has A 15 Amp Plug (Standard Household AC Outlet)
Some newer teardrop trailers and vans don’t have either a 30 or 50 amp plug, but a standard 15 or 20 amp.
This means that you just need to use a regular extension cable to plug your small camper into a generator.
A cable like the Iron Forge Cable 25 Foot Lighted Outdoor Extension Cord (click to view on Amazon) is a good option that is safe to use outdoors.
Iron Forge Cable 25 Foot Lighted Outdoor Extension Cord
It’s a 10 gauge, 3 prong extension cable available in 25, 50, and 100 feet versions.
One of the best features compared to other extension cables is the fact that is has a light to show whether it’s receiving a current or not.
See Also: Best Portable Quiet Inverter Generators For RV Camping
Since it’s a 15A 125V cable it can handle up to 1875 watts. If your generator supports it, you could run a small air conditioner with this cable.
If Your RV/Trailer Has A 30 Amp Plug
The 30 amp plug is common on travel trailers and fifth wheels. It’s also the most common plug to find at a campground.
While there are gas generators that have 30A plugs (as we’ll see in my recommendations down below) since most generators only have 15A or 20A outlets, you’ll need an adapter to plug your camper into it.
I use a dogbone adapter like the Camco Heavy Duty RV Dogbone 15A to 30A (click to view on Amzon).
You’ll see that Camco has a lot of different styles of adapters for all kinds of setups, but this is the adapter that will let you connect a 30A trailer to a 15 and 20 amp outlet.
Camco Heavy Duty RV Dogbone 15A to 30A
This adapter will let you connect the generator to a 30 amp trailer/fifth wheel with a cable like the Proline Heavy Duty 30AMP RV Power Cord (click to view on Amazon).
If your generator has a 20A outlet, you can use a 20A to 30A adapter (click to view on Amazon) instead.
See Also: Best Portable Power Station/Solar Generator For Camping
If you would rather use a 15A extension cable, you could use a Malxs 15A Male to 30A Female Adapter. With this, you could use the Iron Forge Cable 25 Foot Lighted Outdoor Extension Cord.
Some RVs and campers have a built-in power cord, then you would only use the Camco dogbone adapter.
If Your RV/Trailer Has A 50 Amp Plug
Large RVs, travel trailers, and fifth wheels usually have a 50A plug. These vehicles need it due to larger air conditioners (sometimes several) and more power-hungry appliances like a residential fridge, microwave, and other appliances.
To connect a 50 amp plug cable to a generator with a 15 amp AC outlet, you’ll need the Camco 15 Amp Male to 50 Amp Female.
You could use this adapter to plug your camper into not only a generator but at campgrounds as well that only have a 15A outlet, or if you’re visiting a friend’s house and want to plug into their outlets.
The adapter would be used with a 50 amp electrical cable like the Camco 50M/50F Locking Adapter (click to view on Amazon).
If you have a generator like the Honda with an L5-30 twist-lock 30A outlet, this is the adapter you need (click to view on Amazon).
If Your Generator Has A 30 Amp Plug
There are generators out there with 30, even 50 amp plugs. One popular dual-fuel RV ready generator is the Champion 3400-Watt Portable Inverter Generator (click to view on Amazon).
The Champion 3400-Watt can run a 13,500 BTU air conditioner. Champion also makes a Champion Parallel Kit so you can connect two Champion generators 2800W or larger together and run one or two 15,000BTU RV air conditioners.
See Also: Best Remote Start Generators – Portable & Inverter
A generator like this is compatible with your 30A RV camper or trailer if you have a Proline Heavy Duty 30AMP RV Power Cord (click to view on Amazon).
If your generator has a 30A twist-lock plug, you will need a 30A 4 Prong to 30A female (click to view on Amazon), or the 30A 3 Prong to 50A (click to view on Amazon) if it’s a 3 prong outlet on the generator.
If Your Generator Has A 50 Amp Plug
If you have a generator with a 50 amp plug, you can use your regular 50A cord.
Like the VETOMILE 30Ft 50Amp Cord (click to view on Amazon).
If Your Trailer Has A 50A Plug, But Your Generator Has A 30A Plug
It’s possible that your RV has a 50 amp plug, but your generator has a 30A output.
Then you would need a Camco RV 30 Amp Male to 50 Amp Female Adapter (click to view on Amazon).
Your regular 50A cord would plug into this adapter, then the adapter would plug into the generator.
If your generator has a 30A twist-lock plug, you will need a 30A 4 Prong to 50A female (click to view on Amazon) or the 30A 3 Prong to 50A (click to view on Amazon).
Look at your generator how many prongs the outlet has to make sure you buy the correct adapter.
If Your Trailer Has A 30A Plug, But Your Generator Has A 50A Plug
If your RV has a 30A plug, but your generator has a 50A, you’ll need the Camco RV 50 Amp Male to 30 Amp Female Adapter (click to view on Amazon).
Your 30A cord would plug into this adapter, which would then plug into the 50A output on your generator.
Best Gas/Propane Generators For RV Camping
You can spend weeks researching gas generators to try to find the best one, it felt like I did before I bought mine.
I now have experience with WEN, Honda, and Champion generators, so my recommendations will be based on what I have tried and my impressions.
The product links below will take you to the generator’s product page on Amazon.com.
This is the generator I ended up buying. I chose this one over the 56125i because I wanted to be able to run my RV microwave.
It can’t run my RV AC, but that wasn’t a necessity to me, it might be possible with an EasyStart that I’ll talk more about down below.
I haven’t had any issues with my WEN generator after a year of RV full-timing. All I’ve had to do is add gasoline and oil.
I keep it on ECO-mode and it stays conversation-quiet until I turn on the microwave and then it’s a little louder. I’m happy with it overall.
See Also: Best Deep Cycle RV Batteries (AGM, SLA, 12V, 6V)
I used a Honda EU1000i before I bought my WEN so I could use my microwave.
This is the quietest gas inverter generator you can buy. It has two AC outlets and an ECO-mode that makes it even quieter.
Honda generators are extremely reliable and will last a long time even if you don’t take care of them.
Champion 4500-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Generator
This is an inverter generator from Champion that has a 30A plug. It will run most 13,500 BTU air conditioners and some 15,000 BTU ACs.
Dual fuel means that you can use either propane gas or gasoline.
If you connect two with a Champion Parallel Kit you can run two 15,000 BTU ACs.
The Champion 4500-Watt is louder and heavier than every generator above but more powerful.
If you’re looking for power, above all else, the DuroMax XP12000EH will do the job.
It’s a 9500W/12000W surge gas/propane-powered generator with a 30 and 50 amp plug.
It also has two 120V 20A outlets. This generator is large enough to power a whole home.
Frequently Asked Questions About How To Plug An RV Into A Generator
What Other Adapters Are Good To Have As An RV Traveler?
In addition to being able to plug your 30/50A trailer into a 15A AC outlet on a generator, you can use the same adapter to plug your camper into any 15A outlet you run into, or at home in your garage.
Another adapter that is good to have if you visit campgrounds with hookups, is the Camco 30 Amp Male to 50 Amp Female (click to view on Amazon) which will let you plug your 50A trailer and cable into a campground outlet that is a 30A.
There is also one that is the other way around, the Camco 50 Amp Male to 30 Amp Female (click to view on Amazon).
This adapter would be useful if you set up at a campground that only has a 50A outlet, but no 30A.
See Also: Best Portable Solar Panels To Recharge RV Batteries
I haven’t been to any campground that only has 50 amp outlets, but I have been to campgrounds that only have one of each that is supposed to be shared between two campers, and that is when an adapter like the one above can be useful as well.
Another product that is very important for your RV electrical system’s safety is a surge protector.
There are a lot of surge protectors being sold that people believe will stop surges, but they will actually only tell you whether the electrical wiring is correct or not.
I wish the companies would be a better job at explaining the difference between the two, but I can tell you which surge protector I have that protects against actual surges.
Progressive Industries RV Surge Protector 30 AMP
The one above is for 30A connections, the one below is for 50A.
Progressive Industries RV Surge Protector 50 AMP
The surge protector plugs into the outlet at the campground, and then you plug your 30 or 50 amp cable into the surge protector, which then plugs into your RV camper.
It’s one of those purchases that you don’t really want to do, but risking frying your entire electrical system in the RV is the alternative.
Can I Run My Air Conditioner/Microwave With A Gas Generator?
I recommend at least a 3000W gas generator to run a 13,500 BTU RV air conditioner, and at least a 3500W gas generator to run a 15,000 BTU RV air conditioner.
A microwave can be run with a 2000W generator.
It’s also possible to run an RV air conditioner with a good quality gas engine if you install a Hutch Mountain MicroAir Easy Start on the air conditioner unit.
Hutch Mountain advertises that you can run up to a 15,000 BTU RV AC with a Honda EU2200i (click to view on Amazon) if you have a Micro-Air Easy Start installed on the AC.
The video below by Micro-Air shows how you can do the installation yourself.
Can A Solar Generator/Power Station Run An RV?
I have written a post over on the Solar Addict that answers this question, click here to view it.
How Many Watts Do 15A, 30A, 50A Support?
It’s important to know how many watts each of these amperages support. When you’re going to use a specific device like an air conditioner or a microwave, what matters the most isn’t only what amperage the cable is capable of handling, but how much your outlet or generator can handle.
Just because you plug a 50A cable into a 15A plug doesn’t mean it can now handle 50A.
So how many watts can these outlets and plugs handle?
Regular household outlets that are 125V and 15A support up to 1875 watts (125*15).
A 30 amp plug at a campground or at home that is 120 volts can handle up to 3600 watts (30*120).
A 50 amp plug at a campground or at home that is 120 volts can handle up to 12000 watts (120*50*2)
Why times two?
The 50 amp plug at a campground might not sound like a big step up from the 30 amp since it’s only a 66.6% increase between 30 to 50, but a 50 amp plug is actually a lot more powerful than a 30 amp.
A 50 amp RV circuit is two 50A 120V lines, while a 30A is only one 30A 120V. So the 50A can actually handle 100A in total. This is why it’s powerful enough to run two RV air conditioners and large appliances.
Can I Run An Air Conditioner Off Of A 15A Household Outlet At Home?
I don’t recommend doing so, since a standard 15A outlet can only handle up to 1800W, and air conditioners will use more than that to get started.
If you have a 20V outlet in your garage, it might work since it can handle up to 2400W, but I still wouldn’t recommend doing so. I would have somebody install a 30 or 50 amp plug instead.
Let me know down in the comment section if you have any questions.
){kind=link}
I am new to using a generator and have recently acquired a small, portable generator to support our Aframe pop-up. We may do some camping away from sites that have available electricity and really want to be able to use the camper’s refrigerator. My question is: how do I use the gebnerator to most efficiently and effectively maintain the refrigerator? Should I plan to kep the gererator running all day? Is it better to operate it on a more intermittant basis? What works best?
PS: Most campgrounds in NYS limit the hours one can run a generator….how do I consider this limitation when considering the question above?
Thanks
Hello Edward,
Does your trailer have an AC only fridge that doesn’t work on propane gas?
If yes, I recommend running the generator during the hottest hours of the day, usually in the afternoon. You should definitely get a fridge/freezer thermometer so you can make sure that it stays within safe temperatures.
I have done something similar before and it took my 6cu ft fridge and freezer about two hours to cool down from 50 to 40 degrees. Run the generator before and after you plan on opening the fridge, so maybe around noon for an hour or two, and then again around dinnertime. It might also be neccessary to run the fridge in the morning depending on the outside temps. Quiet hours are usually between 10 pm and 7 am, so I wouldn’t worry too much about that.
This is just based on my experience, of course, there might be a better and more efficient way.
Jesse
I have a Yamaha EF2000iS 2000 Watt Portable Inverter Generator and my RV has a 30 amp plug. The inverter doesn’t have a 30 amp receptacle. Can I use the 15A Male to 30A Female RV Power Adapter Cord to power most of my stuff in the RV?
Hello Mike,
Yes, that’s correct. That’s what I do. I run everything but the air conditioner since it uses more than 15A.
Jesse
Hello Jesse,
We have a Honda EU3000is generator and a 50amp plug on our Fifth wheel Laredo camper. The generator has (2) 15amp plugs and a larger (1) 23.3A or 30A 125V plug. What type plug adapter do we need to plug our camper into the plug marked 30A 125V that has a three slotted Female? This is the one that would run our air in our camper wouldn’t it? Thanks!
Hello Renee,
This is the adapter you’re looking for.
Yes, the 30A plug is what you want to use for things like the air conditioner.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Jesse
I have a 30A RV. I have a 12,000 Watt generator with a 30 A plug. It will run my AC, but only for a little while. We just had a new AC unit installed and the generator is new. I am new to this and I don’t know how to solve this. Also, does the voltage regulator need to be on the 120V setting or the 120V/240V setting? I was hoping to be able to use other appliances as well,such as the TV, while AC is on, will the 30A system allow that?
Hello Darla,
Sounds like a generator problem, 12000W is more than enough to power your 30A camper. I would start with the basics, check the oil, make sure the gas cap is turned on, and also let it run for 10 minutes before putting a load on it.
It should probably be on 120V, but I’d need to know the exact generator model to research that further. 120V/240V is usually only necessary for more power-hungry uses like food trucks and construction.
You can definitely use other electronics while the AC is running if powered through a proper 30A outlet. The only thing I wouldn’t run at the same time is the microwave.
Jesse
In two weeks I will pick up a used 5th Wheel RV I have purchased and which provides 50a and 30a plugs. I have also ordered online a 2200 watt Honda 2200EU generator, but it will only provide the 120V outlet. Do you think I’ll be able to run one AC, the lights and the water pump through the 120V outlet using a doggone adapter? I’m nervous that I should have ordered the more expensive 2200EU with the 30a plug. Would the 30a plug provide better service to the RV? Thanks.
Hi Jim,
Unless you install a Micro-Air EasyStart, I don’t think the Honda will be able to run a 13,500/15,000 BTU AC, even if you got one with a 30A plug. If you connect two 2200EU together it will work without a problem though. I believe a 13,500 BTU AC takes requires at least a 3000W generator if you don’t have the EasyStart which reduces the initial load.
Jesse
I just purchased a Honda 2200 and the 2200 companion with the 30 amp plug but have a built in surge protector. I was told to use a neutral ground bonding plug because the generators show an open fault and the surge protector will not allow the generator power into the RV. Do I need to use a ground bonding plug in both or just one and will this fix my problem?
Bonnie, did you ever get an answer to your question about a ground bonding plug? I have the same question.
I have a CHAMPION 7500W DUAL FUEL GENERATOR which has two 30 amp outlets. One is 120 volts, the other is 120/240 volts. Which one should I use on my 50amp system?
Hey Keith,
I’d plug it into the first one that’s 120V only.
Jesse
Hi Jesse,
We have the exact same generator that you have. Our Grand Design Imagine XLS is 30 amp. Which adapter do we need to hook the generator to the travel trailer? I’m confused.
Thanks so much,
Candace
Hello Candace,
Then you need this 15A to 30A adapter. I assume that you already have a 30A cord.
Jesse
I have a Westinghouse iGen2500 that I intend to use with my Winnebago 2021 Micro Minnie model 1708fb. I realize I will not be able to run my AC with this one generator and I would have to have a second generator run parallel. But, what adapter will I need to use to connect to the generator? and what can I reasonably expect to run using this generator? (The Winnebago is 30A).
Hi Jim,
You need a 30A to 15A adapter, I assume you have a 30A cable already that you use at RV parks.
My generator is a little bit smaller than yours and it runs the microwave and the water heater on electric, just not at the same time. So it should run everything but the AC.
Just turn off the eco mode (efficient mode) when you know the camper is going to use more than 1000W in total.
Hi Jesse!
Thank you for a very detailed article. This is very useful for beginners like me.
You mentioned most generators (or homes) have 15A or 20A. However, the adapters you mentioned usually assume 15A. I see your link to the 15A to 30A adapter, but was wondering if there is one you recommend for 20A generator to 30A trailer?
Would this work: https://amzn.to/30U05ep ? Or would you recommend against a 20A to 30A ??
Thank you greatly,
Roy 🙂
Hey Roy,
Yes, the adapter you link to would work great with a 20A generator! Thanks for reminding me, I am going to add it to the article.
Jesse
Hello, just want to say this was very informative reading. Thank you for that. I do have a question though, I have a pop up camper with a 30amp plug and I’ve been driving myself crazy on which inverter generator to get. I will need it to run a 5000btu portable AC, 900w microwave, coffee maker, 5+ phone chargers, and air pumps for inflatables. Of not all at the same time. Thanks again
Hey Nilton,
Hmm, sounds like a 1500-2000W generator will be enough. I recommend the WEN 56203i which is what I use. Just make sure it’s not on eco mode when you run the microwave.
I maybe over thinking this but would it be OK to run my 2021 salem cruiselite with my generac wheelhouse 5550? If so which adapter would I need? I called our dealer and he said if the generator has 120/240 on the 30 amp outlet do not plug the tt into it . I am thinking it would be ok with the right adapter though. Thank You
Hi Barry,
From what I understand about using generators with a 120/240 30A outlet is you can either use some sort of switch to switch it from 240 to 120, or you can get an adapter that only takes power from one prong making it 120V power. If you go the adapter route I recommend testing the power with a voltage tester like this (click to view on Amazon) to make sure it really is 120V power before plugging in your trailer.
You will need to get a 30A generator connector to RV 30A. I’m guessing your generator has a 4 prong connection like this (click to view on Amazon).
I’m not an expert when it comes to larger generators like your Generac, this is just the route I would go.
I have a 30 amp 2020 Jayco 264BH and just purchased a Predator 4400 Inverter Generator. When I turn use the generator and turn the ac on (to low) it runs for about 15 seconds and shuts down, citing overload protection). The generator came with RV adaptor. I have used generators in the past with no issue. What is the deal?
A 3500W generator should run a 13,500BTU AC without any issues. Is anything else turned on? Make sure the fridge and water heater are set to propane and not electric/auto.
High altitude could also be the problem, so depending on your location you might need a more powerful generator.
I am looking to buy in the future a travel trailer and the ones I am looking at are 50 amp. I have one 13,500 ac and one 15,000 ac. I am looking at the predator 9000 generator and I wanted to know how I could connect them. It has two twist lock 120v receptacles and two 15 a normal 120c receptacles. To get the full 50 amps out of the generator what adapter do I need to plug travel trailer to this generator. Thanks
Hi, you’re not going to be able to get the full 50A out of that generator, but based on what I have read you should be able to connect it to a 50A camper with a 30A 4 prong to 50A adapter (click to view on Amazon). I suggest talking to Harbor Freight though to make sure since you need to be careful with 120/240V receptacles.
Jesse, I have a DuroMax XP12000EH purchased for my home and RV use. For the RV I have two AC units and know the DuroMax can handle the load. However, is it best practice to also use my surge protector when using the generator also.
About to purchase a keystone 390ds fifth wheel has a 50 amp cord and I have a predator 9500 Generator what plug and outlet can I use to run both acs and all the camper. Is there a y adapter or something like that I need
Hi,
Technically it should work with an adapter like this (click to view on Amazon), I recommend giving Harbor Freight a call though to make sure.
we have a 5500 watt generac generator and a 30 amp camper. which adapter will we need to hook it up?
If it’s the Generac GP 5,500 Watt, you need an adapter like this (click to view on Amazon).
Hey there, I have a 3 prong 30 amp female outlet on a camper and a 25 amp max 4 prong locking female outlet on my generator (Predator 6500 starting watt). I can’t seem to find a way to convert between the 2 without needing a male to male type of connector, which is understandably not made due to safety concerns. Do you possibly have an idea on how I can connect the 2 female outlets together?
Hi Joseph,
Does your RV maybe have a 30 amp locking outlet on it that’s compatible with the female end of this RV power cord (click to view on Amazon)?
If not, you can email us a picture so we can help you out better.
If it does work with that kind of RV power cord then you’ll need to use a 30 amp to 4 prong generator adapter like this (click to view on Amazon) at the end of the RV power cord to connect it to your generator.
Hello
I have an older RV, it has a 30 amp main breaker, my problem is that the power cord coming out of my rig, while a large thick plug, it is just a standard straight 3 prong plug, how can I take advantage of my Champion 4500 watt generators 30 amp plug in to run my RV on full power, what is the best adapter to use.
Thanks
Hi Steve,
Sorry I don’t understand what the plug looks like. Can you link to a picture of a similar one online?
Is the cord from your RV a regular 15A plug or 30A? Or is it the washer & dryer plug type?
Hello
Sorry for the confusion, we bought the trailer a month ago and it’s our first RV.
The plug coming out while thick looked like a regular 15 amp plug type, since it is a 30 amp RV, there was no way to plug to a 30 amp plugin, I finally decided to call the last owner and ask if he had changed the RV cord out, he explained that he had put an adapter on the plug to plug it into his house to run RV refrigerator.
Short story long the adapter and the RV plug were an exact match in color so it looked like just one plug, I just had to pull the adapter off and Walla!
Thank you for your response, again sorry for the confusion.
Gotcha, glad you figured it out! And thanks for getting back to me, I have been trying to figure this one out in my head over the past couple of days.
Hello again, more on my last comment, I am thinking that I am going to need to cut the old plug off and attach a newer style 30 amp plug.
Thanks.
My generator has a 15 an a 20 amp breaker an my camper is 30 amp . I understand use if the dog bone to hook up to my generator do I not need a 30 amp breaker before the pigtail on the generator?
Hi,
No, you should not do that. You’re not going to get more than 20A out of the generator, and if you do, the built-in breaker needs to shut it down.
Thanks for this great article. We have never used a generator before–just relied on campsites with hookups. But we’ve seen some great spots we’d like to visit that don’t have power. We don’t have a microwave, but a small fridge, and a small aliner air conditioner 6,500btu. If we parallel two of the Wen generators you recommended together will it be enough to power the AC and fridge? And another question–do you have any suggestions for preventing theft of generators? We were told this could be a problem. 🙁
Steve
We just purchased a 50 amp TT with a 3 prong twist lock male on the trailer. I have an onan 4500w 30amp generator with a standard 3 prong plug. Do you see a problem if I watch my power usage. What type of adapter would you recommend?
Thank you
Andy
Hi Andy,
Connecting your RV to a 4500W generator shouldn’t be an issue if you are aware of the limited power usage. It’s only going to be able to supply around 1/3 of what a 50 amp outlet could.
I would use a standard 50 amp to 30 amp RV adaptor like this (click to view on Amazon) and attach it to the end of the 50 amp power cord that usually connects to your trailer. If your generator has a standard 30 amp RV outlet the adapter should be able to plug into it with no problems.
I live in my 30 amp 2013 keystone cougar 27 rbswe halfton model. Ok the adapter things. How do I know what one I need? I just got a 15-30 amp adapter and have it plugged into generator. With trailer plugged in . My other adapter thing was getting burnt and always falling out omg with this one I didn’t have to fight to get it to stay in the generator yayayay. Lol sorry ok so what adapter should I use. 30-30. 30-50. 15-30 amps and how do I figure that out.?
My generator is an energizer 2800-3200 ……
Hi Tracy,
It looks like your generator might have a 30 amp RV outlet, which means you won’t need any adapters to plug in your 30 amp RV.
It should be able to plug right in just like you would plug into a power pedestal with a 30 amp outlet at an RV park.
Hello Jesse,
I will be at a campground that has a 30 Amp RV outlet. I want to convert the 30 Amp to 15 Amp to recharge my generator or to power lights.
Q#1: Can I use a 30 Amp surge protector (dogbone like) with an adapter that’s a 30 Amp male/ 15 Amp Female to plug my 15amp cords into?
Q#2: Should I get an extension cord to plug into the 15 Amp female? If yes, which type of extension cord should I purchase (12/3AWG extension cord or 10/3 SJTW)?
Hi,
#1 Yes, that is fine.
#2 Yes, make sure you get an outdoor one (SJTW). It will be insulated and weather resistant.
I had been researching and reading, wanting to be safe for myself and everyone at the campground (s)! I didn’t know about the extension cord guage until I read your information. Thank you for the confirmation.
Thank you Jesse!
– “Night Owl”
Sir,
I have a 2006 surveyor by forest river, 30 Amp.
I have a Predator 9000 generator.
I could use help on what adapter to buy.
Thank you and I appreciate any help,
Jerry
Hi,
Looks like all you need is a 30A twist-plug to 30A RV adapter (click to view on Amazon).
Plug it in to the 30A receptacle on the bottom right.
Hey Jesse,
I have a predator 9000 generator, it is not an inverter generator, I recently picked up on sale. I plan to use it as a back to my 5th wheel, my home. I was hoping it would be more than enough to power my whole home with little restrictions. My concern, which I can not find answers to, is do I need a line conditioner to protect things such as; tv, laptop, internet router, etc.? Please advise.
Thanks in advance
Hi,
I don’t think you need to worry about it, since most devices have switching power supplies and will charge safely anyway. I’d power my electronics through a power strip with a surge protector, but that’s the only thing I would do different personally.
Jesse,
Is it necessary to use a surge protector with an inverter generator for my RV? Thanks
Hi Todd,
No, it’s not necessary to use a surge protector with an inverter generator.
Some RVs have built in surge protectors that cannot be bypassed, so RVers need to use grounding plugs to fix the open ground problem.
If you can bypass the surge protector when plugging into a generator it’s ok to do that.
You can read more about plugging surge protectors into generators in this post here.
Hello,
I have a random question related to generators and recharging 12v batteries connected to our pop-up trailer. We have a newer 2019 Rockwood Premier tent trailer that has two 12v batteries connected. We have never boondocked before, but preparing a trip this summer. I am looking into the right size generator that will power the following:
– small refrigerator that sits under our sink
– water pump and water heater
– basic lights inside
My question is whether a 2500 watt inverter generator will power those appliances, while also recharging the batteries. We normally don’t camp for more than 5-6 days at a time.
Thanks,
Sean C.
Hi Sean,
Yes, a 2,500 watt generator should be perfect for your needs.
You could probably even get away with a smaller generator because none of the things you listed use very much power.
Hi folks – just got a Tab400 with solar panels. 4 days in the rain and no power has convinced me to pick up a Champion dual fuel 2500w gen. Should power most everything but a/c is 10,500 – do you think it will be powerful enough? Camper is small – seems silly to have to carry a large 3000+ gen. from article/comments I understand I will need an adapter to plug in with (thx for the information)
Hi,
It’s likely that a 2500W generator can handle a 10,500 BTU AC, but the Champion 2500W dual fuel gen I find when I search online is rated at 1850 running watts which will not be enough.
I can help you look if you give me some pointers. What’s most important to you, size, weight, or noise?
Size/weight. I tow a teardrop so rolling out a 3000 seems a bit excessive as does paralleling two smaller units. When we camp we are outside s during the day so the actually likely hood of using it for AC is pretty small. Especially overnight because of noise/use restrictions. But would be nice to be able to find a unit that can do all. I am also very surprised that T@b is using an ac unit that is so large…could probably use a smaller unit that would line up perfectly with a 2500w power unit. Appreciate the help and thank you!
Ok, gotcha! Maybe something like the Genmax 3200i (2800 running watts). That should run your AC.
I don’t know anything about the Genmax brand, but there are similar inverter generators that weigh the same (around 50 lb).