How to Run Your RV AC on a Small Generator

If you’ve ever tried running your RV’s air conditioner on a small generator, you know it’s not as simple as flipping a switch. Most small generators struggle to handle the sudden surge of power needed to start an AC unit—a problem many RVers face, especially those who prefer off-grid camping, smaller generators, or a quieter setup.

Fortunately, there’s a solution. With a soft starter installed, you can dramatically reduce the startup power needed for your AC—making it possible to run it efficiently on a compact generator. 

In this blog, we’ll break down how soft starters work, and how they help you save energy, reduce noise, and get more out of your power—whether you’re parked at a campground, on the road, or boondocking far off the grid.

Problems with Running an RV AC on a Small Generator

The issue is not the operation of the air conditioner itself that causes most generators to falter, it is actually the startup surge. When your RV AC activates, it requires a substantial spike in power, often two to three times its running wattage. This sudden demand can overwhelm smaller generators, leading to problems such as:

• Generator stall from an initial power surge

• Tripped breakers that interrupt cooling during hot weather

• Overheating of your generator due to excessive strain

• Complete generator failure in severe cases

These issues lead many RVers to conclude that a small generator is simply inadequate for running their air conditioner. However, the problem lies not in the generator's size, but rather in that initial energy burst.

What Qualifies as a “Small Generator”?

In the realm of RVs, a "small generator" generally refers to a unit rated between 2,000 and 2,200 watts. RV owners favor these small generators for several reasons:

• They are lightweight and easy to store

• They operate more quietly than larger models

• They are more fuel-efficient

• They are ideal for boondocking or travel situations where power availability is limited

Nevertheless, without appropriate modifications or the correct setup, small generators often lack the capacity to start a standard 13,500 or 15,000 BTU air conditioner. This is where an RV AC soft starter becomes essential.

Use a Soft Starter to Reduce Power Demand and Run RV AC on a Small Generator

A soft starter—such as Micro-Air’s EasyStart Breeze™—is a game-changer for individuals seeking to operate an RV AC unit using a smaller generator.

Here’s how the EasyStart Breeze™ solves small generator problems: it diminishes the initial power surge by as much as 75% during the startup of the AC. This allows your AC unit to start gradually, smoothly transitioning into operation without straining your generator.

The EasyStart Breeze™ is specifically designed for RVs and provides additional advantages:

• Compatible with solar inverter configurations

• Aids in preventing breaker trips

• Facilitates quieter startups; ideal for early mornings or late nights at campgrounds

• Compatible with all RV air conditioner brands including Dometic (Brisk, Penguin, Blizzard, FreshJet), Coleman, GE, and Furrion

For instance: A standard 13,500 BTU AC unit typically requires a minimum of a 3,500-watt generator. However, with a soft starter installed, you can operate the same unit on a 2,000-watt generator.

Thus, rather than upgrading to a larger, noisier, and more costly generator, you can retain your current one and enhance its efficiency, not its workload.

Take a look at the chart below. You can see how the EasyStart soft starter significantly reduces the required generator sizing for all different sizes of RV air conditioners.