Best 50 Amp Generators
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Best Selling 50 Amp Generators
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Buyers Guide For 50 Amp Generators
If you need help in picking the best RV 50-amp generator, you have come to the right place. There is a lot of information out there for you to wade through and it can be hard to know what generator to buy. We have created a resource that will help you and guide you on your journey towards choosing a new RV generator.
What To Consider When Choosing
The size of the 50-amp generator you’ll need is determined solely by your requirements. The bare minimum wattage for use in a recreational vehicle that draws 50 amps is around 4000. Of course, you’ll need a little more wattage if you’re running multiple appliances at once. Determine the ideal 50-amp generator by following these guidelines:
Wattage
The power output of RV generators is typically between 2,500 and 8,000 watts, though some models can reach 12,000 watts. Find a generator that can supply enough power for your requirements. Plus, you should always leave some margin for error, and a generator shouldn’t be forced to work hard for too long.
30 minutes top is the general rule of thumb for maximum power usage. Calculate the total wattage draw of all the appliances, gadgets, and tools you intend to use simultaneously. The next step is to purchase a generator that is larger than you predicted. Keep in mind that it is more cost effective to purchase a generator with a higher wattage initially rather than having to purchase a second generator or upgrading at a later date. Don’t forget that lowering your power consumption will result in a smaller generator being required.
Weight
50-amp generators have heavier engines than their smaller counterparts. They are less convenient to transport because of this. Although some models feature wheels for easy portability, there will still be times when you need to lift one by hand. Before making a purchase, consider whether or not the generator you’re considering is too heavy for your needs.
Parallel Connection
If you need more power for your RV, you can connect two of the same generators together. Even though most 30-amp RVs probably won’t need the extra power, it’s still something to think about if you’re looking into a 50-amp service. Even though these generators can produce enough startup wattage for the RV air conditioning unit, overloading the generator by simultaneously running your A/C, refrigerator, microwave, and fans while plugging in multiple devices may cause it to fall slightly short of your power needs.
While we’ve gone over some of the issues that could arise from using all of your appliances at once, a generator with parallel capability can be purchased to allow for an increase in power to the RV in the event that it’s needed.
Fuel Type
Diesel, propane, and natural gas are the most common sources of energy for generators. Some power sources, known as “dual fuel” models, are adaptable to using either gasoline or diesel. Dual fuel generators typically use gasoline and propane because these fuels are more commonly accessible than diesel fuel.
Getting a generator that uses the same fuel as your RV makes the most sense. Generator fuel is readily available for diesel-powered RVs at any gas station, and the same is true for gas-powered RVs at any station that sells diesel. Advantages of a propane generator include the fuel’s long storage life. A propane generator may be a good option, but only if you have easy access to propane.
Noise Output
Even though many newer 50-amp RV generators boast “Quiet Technology” that reduces noise levels compared to older models, you should still expect some background hum. Noise levels range from about 55 to 70 decibels when running, with some reaching their lowest levels only in Eco-Mode, at about 25% to 50% of their rated capacity. Don’t be shocked if, when running at full blast, the generator you bought is louder than you were led to believe it would be.
However, noise levels must be taken into account, as you wouldn’t want your new RV to keep you awake at night or annoy your neighbors at the campground.
Types of 50 Amp Generators
It’s possible to pick from two distinct varieties of generators: open frame standard generators and inverter generators.
Conventional Open-Frame
A standard, fuel-powered portable generator spins at 3600 rpm, producing 120 V at 60 Hz. The generator’s output is proportional to its rotational velocity, and thus to the amount of electricity available. Since the output of engines can vary slightly, the power they provide isn’t always stable or pure.
Harmonic distortion describes these fluctuations. When it comes to powering mechanical devices, this distortion generally isn’t an issue. This is why these generators are so common on construction sites, where they power a wide variety of heavy-duty power tools. They operate properly when powered by this voltage.
More and more electronics, however, have been built into devices in recent decades, and they all prefer to run on steady, clean power. They are delicate electronics, for lack of a better term. Electronic devices such as computers, mobile phones, televisions, streaming boxes, etc. have particularly delicate power requirements.
Because of this, it’s not always best to go with a conventional generator. Many of the things you need to plug in and run while traveling in an RV fall into this type. Although these gadgets can sometimes be made to function on dirty power, you increase the likelihood that they will malfunction. They can be damaged by a power surge in the long run. This is one reason among many for the surge in popularity of inverter generators.
Inverter
Inverter generators use a DC generator to supply power and have an integrated inverter to convert that DC power into 120V AC power, making them smaller, lighter, and quieter than traditional generators. They are able to maximize productivity thanks to this set up. Using the inverter to maintain a constant 120V AC output allows them to vary the speed of the DC generator, keeping it at lower speeds when handling lighter loads and gradually increasing its speed in response to rising demand.
Normal, non-inverter generators produce the same amount of noise, use the same amount of fuel, and release the same amount of exhaust at all times. That’s why inverter generators are better for the environment: they use less fuel, produce less noise, and help keep the ecosystem stable. Nonetheless, there is a price to pay for this.
An inverter generator can cost twice as much as a regular generator of the same size. Also, we haven’t been able to find any 50-amp rigs with the kind of high outputs we need.
How We Chose Our Top Picks
Traveling is where we do the bulk of our studying. The best 50-amp generator can be found by weighing the advantages and disadvantages of the various models currently available online. We then picked our favorites after reviewing all of the ratings, remarks, and feedback provided by our RV community peers.
FAQs
What are the major differences between 30 Amp and 50 Amp generators?
The distinction between these two kinds of generators is, as their names imply, in the outlets they provide. One variety has a 30-amp outlet, while the other provides 50 amps. The 120-volt generator has a single hot wire that runs through all three of the outlet’s prongs, making it a 30-amp generator.
There are four prongs on the 50-amp outlet of the generator. It has two 120V hot wires and two 120V, 50A feeds. The output of a 30 amp, 120-volt generator is 3,600 watts, while that of a 50 amp, 120-volt generator is 12,000.
How much energy does a generator with 50 Amps produce?
Multiplying voltage by current yields the power output. Two 120V inputs bring the total voltage of a 50-amp generator to 240V. Therefore, it can produce up to 12,000 watts at its peak. A majority of generators, however, cannot provide power at this level.
Is it safe to plug a 30 Amp RV into a 50 Amp outlet?
It’s not impossible by any means. However, bear in mind that the plug configurations for these 2 devices are different. While a 30-amp receptacle only has 3 prongs, a 50-amp outlet has 4. To make the connection, you will need a dog bone adaptor, also known as a 30-amp female to 50-amp male adaptor.
Are there generators that have a 50-amp plug?
A large number of portable generators feature 50-ampere-receptacles (14-50R) that can accept 120- or 240-volt (A/C) 50-ampere plugs.
Could I use a 30 Amp service to power a 50 Amp RV?
It is possible to connect a 50-amp RV to a 30-amp outlet but doing so is not advised. To some extent, yes, with the help of a dogbone electrical adapter; however, when you plug a 50-amp RV into a 30-amp service, you’ll be limited to 30-amp capacity, which can render some 50-amp RV appliances inoperable.
Is there a list of items that can be powered by a 50 Amp generator?
Power generators range in size and wattage, with 10-15kW units able to run very large recreational vehicles or even homes during power outages. When using such systems to power homes, it is important to keep a close eye on power output because even they can become overtaxed.
Can a 50 Amp camper be powered by a 9000-Watt generator?
Of course, the generator could overheat if you use too much power. Make a list of all the gadgets and appliances you have in the RV and try to avoid using the most power-hungry ones at once.
Final Thoughts
We know firsthand how frustrating it is to have your RV park’s electricity go out when you need it the most, especially considering that you’re paying for it. A generator, even if used only as a backup, is a necessary accessory for any 50-amp RV. On several occasions, we’ve had to run our entire house off of the generator in our RV as a result of power outages. We hope this article has helped you better understand 50-amp RV generators and given you some pointers for your next purchase.