Is a 2,000W generator enough for an RV?

For most van builds: yes. A 2,000W generator runs a converter/charger (1,500–1,800W input), charges the battery, and can simultaneously power a laptop or other light loads. It won't run a large rooftop AC unit — those need 3,000W+ due to startup surge. For battery charging only, 2,000W is comfortable.

Can a 2,000W generator run an RV air conditioner?

Not a typical 13,500 BTU rooftop RV AC — startup surge is 2,800–3,500W. A small 5,000 BTU window or portable AC unit (1,200–2,000W surge) may work with a 2,000W generator that has a good surge rating. Check the specific AC unit's startup watts before assuming compatibility.

What Size Generator Do I Need for a Van or RV?

Generator sizing for a van or RV comes down to what you actually need to run from it. Most van lifers only need a generator for battery charging and occasional appliance use — 2,000W covers this well. If you need to run an air conditioner, the calculation changes.

For generator brand recommendations: best generator for RV & van use.

Our free electrical calculator shows how much each charging source contributes on your trips and sizes the battery to cover the gap.

Step 1: List your loads

Battery charging only: Your converter/charger is the main load. A 30A charger at 14.4V output draws about 432W from the battery side — at 90% efficiency, it pulls about 480W from the generator. A 55A charger pulls about 880W. Add a laptop (60W) or lights (30W) and you're still well under 2,000W.

Running AC loads simultaneously: If you want to power appliances directly from the generator (not through the battery/inverter), add their wattages. Induction cooktop: 1,500W. Hair dryer: 1,500W. Running these alongside battery charging can exceed 2,000W.

Sizing by use case

Use case	Load estimate	Minimum generator
Battery charging only (30A charger)	~500–600W	1,000–1,500W
Battery charging + laptop	~600W	1,500W
Battery charging (55A charger)	~900W	1,500W
Battery charging + induction cooking	~2,000W	2,500W+
Running 5,000 BTU portable AC	500W run, 1,500W surge	2,000W (check surge)
Running 13,500 BTU rooftop RV AC	1,500W run, 3,000W+ surge	3,500W+
Running 13,500 BTU AC + charging	2,000W+	4,000W+

Continuous vs peak wattage

Every generator has two ratings:

Continuous (running) watts: What it can sustain indefinitely
Peak (surge) watts: What it can provide for a few seconds during startup

Always size by continuous watts for your running loads, but check that peak watts exceeds the startup surge of any motor-driven appliances (AC units, compressors).

Chart: Generator size by what you actually run — From the article load table. Size on starting surge as well as running watts.

Recommended generator sizes

2,000W inverter generator (Honda EU2200i, WEN 56200i): Right for the vast majority of van builds — battery charging, laptop, lights, small appliances.

3,000W inverter generator (Champion 3500W Dual Fuel, Yamaha EF3000iS): Needed if you want to charge batteries AND run a portable AC unit simultaneously.

4,000W+ generator: Only necessary for large rooftop RV AC units (13,500 BTU+) plus other loads.

Don't forget runtime

A generator that outputs 2,000W but burns a gallon of fuel per hour may not be practical for extended use. Check fuel efficiency at your expected load level. Honda and Yamaha inverter generators are notably more fuel-efficient than conventional generators — at 25% load (500W), a Honda EU2200i runs for 8+ hours on a single tank.