Use-case guide · 2026
Every RV generator conversation is secretly about one appliance: the rooftop air conditioner. A 13,500 BTU unit runs on modest power but demands a serious surge to start its compressor — get the sizing right and everything else in the rig is easy.
Running watts
1,300–1,700W (13,500 BTU) / 1,700–2,000W (15,000 BTU)
Starting surge
2,800–3,500W (compressor start; more for 15K units)
Adding more appliances? Run your full load through the sizing calculator →
The default RV answer: starts and runs a 13,500 BTU AC with capacity left over, TT-30R built in, remote start from inside the rig, and 52 dBA won't get you glared out of the campground.
~$949 typical price
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Matches the mission for less money and runs on the same propane your rig already carries — one fuel system for everything.
~$799 typical price
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One EU2200i handles everything except the AC; add a second plus a parallel kit when you want cooling. Two 47-lb cases beat one 105-lb machine for some rigs.
~$1,099 typical price
Buy on AmazonGenerally yes — 13,500 BTU units surge to roughly 2,800–3,200W and run at 1,300–1,700W. A quality 3,500–4,500W inverter handles it; add a soft-start kit for comfortable margin or for 15,000 BTU units.
Yes. Paired 2,200-class inverters deliver ~3,600–4,400W combined, enough for a 13,500 BTU AC — that's exactly why parallel kits exist.