What size generator to run an rv rooftop ac (13.5k btu)?
RV rooftop AC (13.5k BTU) sizing at a glance: it draws 1300 running watts, surging to 3380W at startup.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 1300W |
| Starting (surge) watts | 3380W |
| Recommended class (this load + margin) | 4500W |
Why the startup surge matters
Because an rv rooftop ac (13.5k btu) has a motor, it surges to about 3380W at startup — roughly 2.6× its running draw. If you size a generator only for the running watts, it can stall the instant the rv rooftop ac (13.5k btu) switches on. Always size for the surge.
Sizing the whole system
The number above covers the rv rooftop ac (13.5k btu) on its own with a safety margin. In a real outage you'll run other things too — and the right method is your total running load plus the single largest surge among everything, not the sum of every surge. Use the full calculator to size your actual setup:
Common questions
How many watts does an rv rooftop ac (13.5k btu) use?
A typical rv rooftop ac (13.5k btu) draws about 1300 running watts, but needs roughly 3380 watts at startup due to motor surge.
What size generator runs an rv rooftop ac (13.5k btu)?
For the rv rooftop ac (13.5k btu) alone plus a safety margin, a 4500W (≈4.5kW) class generator is appropriate. Add your other essential loads to size the full system.