What Size Generator Do I Need for Boondocking? Generator Guides, January 21, 2025January 21, 2025 Planning to camp off-grid but not sure about your power needs? Choosing the right generator size is crucial for a comfortable boondocking experience. Too small, and you’ll be left in the dark. Too large, and you’re hauling unnecessary weight and burning extra fuel. Our RV Generator Calculator takes the guesswork out of sizing by considering: Your Actual Appliances: From air conditioners to phone chargers Real Usage Patterns: How and when you use your devices Camping Environment: Adjusts for altitude and climate Starting Power Needs: Accounts for surge requirements when appliances start up Simply select your RV appliances from our common list (or add your own), input your camping conditions, and get a personalized generator recommendation based on real-world factors. Perfect for: Weekend warriors Full-time RVers Seasonal campers New boondockers Try the calculator below to find your ideal generator size – no electrical engineering degree required! 👇 RV Generator Size Calculator for Boondocking Common Appliances (Click to add): AC (13,500 BTU) – 1500W Microwave – 1000W Coffee Maker – 600W Refrigerator – 400W LED TV – 100W Laptop – 50W Phone Charger – 10W Water Heater – 1500W Your Appliances: Add Custom Appliance Camping Altitude (feet): Generator power decreases at higher altitudes Climate Type: Moderate Hot (95°F+) Cold (Below 32°F) Calculate Generator Size Understanding Generator Sizing for Boondocking Key Terms Running Watts: Power needed to keep appliances running Starting Watts: Extra power needed to start motor-driven appliances Surge Capacity: Generator’s ability to handle temporary power spikes Duty Cycle: How long appliances run versus rest periods Power Ratings Explained Continuous Power: What the generator can produce 24/7 Maximum Power: Short-term output (typically 30 minutes) Surge Power: Brief output (few seconds) for starting motors How to Use the RV Generator Size Calculator for Boondocking? Step-by-Step Guide Adding Appliances Click common appliances from the preset list Or add custom appliances with known wattage Enter daily usage hours for each appliance Environmental Factors Enter camping altitude (affects generator output) Select climate condition (impacts efficiency) Reading Results Review recommended generator size Check peak and continuous power needs Examine daily energy consumption Tips for Accurate Input Use appliance nameplates for exact wattage Consider seasonal usage patterns Account for simultaneous usage Include occasional-use appliances Common Appliances Guide Air Conditioning 13,500 BTU AC: 1,500W running, 3,000W starting 15,000 BTU AC: 1,800W running, 3,600W starting Mini-split: 700-1,000W running Kitchen Appliances Microwave: 600-1,000W Coffee Maker: 600-1,200W Electric Stove: 1,500-2,500W per burner Refrigerator: 400-1,000W starting, 100-200W running Electronics LED TV: 30-100W Laptop: 45-90W Phone Charger: 5-10W Satellite Receiver: 25-30W Comfort Items Electric Water Heater: 1,500W Space Heater: 750-1,500W Fan: 30-70W Electric Blanket: 200W Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: Why does my generator size need to be larger than my total watts used? A: Generators need extra capacity for: Starting surge requirements Altitude and temperature derating Future expansion Safe operating margin Q: Can I run my AC and microwave at the same time? A: It depends on: Generator size Other running appliances Starting sequence Generator surge capacity Q: How does altitude affect my generator? A: For every 1,000 ft above 3,000 ft: Power output decreases Fuel mixture becomes leaner Engine may run hotter Starting may be more difficult Q: What’s the difference between running watts and starting watts? A: Running watts: Continuous power needed Starting watts: Brief surge needed for motors Usually 2-3 times running watts for AC units Important for sizing generator properly Q: How do I know if I’m overloading my generator? A: Watch for: Circuit breaker trips Engine struggling Output voltage dropping Excessive exhaust smoke Q: Should I buy a bigger generator than calculated? A: Consider: Future needs Parallel capability Budget constraints Weight and space limitations Enjoyed this guide of What Size Generator Do I Need for Boondocking? Then be sured to check out our other generator guides. Best 15000-Watt Generator Best 13000-Watt Generator Best Tri-Fuel Generator Best 5000-Watt Generator Best 2000 Watt Inverter Generator Best 4000-Watt Inverter Generator Best 3500-Watt Inverter Generator Best 6500 Watt Generator Generator Guides generator