How Many Watts Do RV Appliances Use?
By the Generator Size Calculator Team · Updated · 6 min read
Quick answer: Cummins lists typical RV appliance watts as: air conditioner 1,200 to 2,400, microwave 750 to 1,500, coffee maker 900 to 1,200, refrigerator 400 to 1,000, TV 43 to 600 and laptop 20 to 50. Add the ones you run at the same time to get your generator size. The air conditioner is usually the biggest load.
RV appliance watts
| Appliance | Typical watts (Cummins) |
|---|---|
| Air conditioner (13,500 to 15,000 BTU) | 1,200 to 2,400 |
| Dishwasher | 1,200 to 2,400 |
| Stove | 900 to 2,500 |
| Hair dryer | 1,200 to 1,875 |
| Clothes iron | 1,000 to 1,800 |
| Washer | 1,000 to 1,500 |
| Microwave | 750 to 1,500 |
| Toaster | 800 to 1,400 |
| Coffee maker | 900 to 1,200 |
| Refrigerator | 400 to 1,000 |
| Blender | 450 to 700 |
| TV | 43 to 600 |
| Radio | 50 to 200 |
| Gaming console | 70 to 180 |
| Laptop | 20 to 50 |
These are ranges, because brands and models differ. Your appliance's label, or a plug-in watt meter, gives the true figure. Compare with household figures in what size generator runs a microwave and a coffee maker and toaster.
How to total your loads
- List what you run together, not everything you own. The microwave and air conditioner at once is one case, the full list another.
- Use the high end of each range when you are unsure.
- Add the running watts. Then add the biggest start-up surge, which is usually the air conditioner's, up to three times its running watts.
The RV generator calculator and generator wattage calculator do this for you.
From total to generator size
Keep the running total under about 80% of the generator's rating and make sure its starting capacity covers the surge. Cummins' size guide, by RV type, is in what size generator for a Class A, B or C RV. A 30 amp RV is limited to 3,600 watts. See 30 amp RV generators.
Add the appliances you run together.
Tips to cut the load
- Use LED lights and a laptop or tablet in place of a big TV.
- Cook with propane rather than electric heating appliances where you can.
- Run heaters and the air conditioner one at a time.
- Consider a battery system for small loads. See the portable power station calculator.
Run the generator outdoors, well away from the RV's doors, windows and vents. Carbon monoxide can build up inside a camper even with a window open. See how far a generator should be from a building.
Frequently asked questions
How many watts does an RV microwave use?
Cummins lists 750 to 1,500 watts for a microwave.
How many watts does an RV refrigerator use?
Cummins lists 400 to 1,000 watts. Many RV refrigerators run on propane too.
How many watts does an RV TV use?
Cummins lists 43 to 600 watts, depending on the size and type.
How many watts does a laptop use?
Cummins lists 20 to 50 watts.
Which RV appliance uses the most power?
Usually the air conditioner at 1,200 to 2,400 watts, or the electric stove at 900 to 2,500 watts if you have one.
Related calculators
Sources: Cummins, What size generator do I need to power an RV? (appliance wattage ranges); Cummins, RV generator electricity basics (air conditioner start-up). The 80% rule is a common rule of thumb.