08/30/2026
ver wonder why your RV's breaker trips the second you try to microwave popcorn while the AC is blasting?
Hey everyone, it’s your RV Insider here at Camping World of Benton! One of the most common questions I get from folks here in Central Arkansas is, 'What size generator do I actually need?' It’s not just about picking the biggest one; it’s about understanding your power budget. Most people only think about Running Watts—what an appliance uses to keep going. But the real secret is Starting Watts (or Surge Watts). For example, a standard 15,000 BTU AC unit might need 3,500 watts just to kick the compressor on, even if it only uses 1,500 to keep running. If you’re dry camping out at Lake Catherine or heading up to the Ozarks this weekend, you don't want to be caught in the heat with a generator that can't handle the initial load. A good rule of thumb: for a single AC unit and basic electronics, a 3,000-watt inverter is usually your baseline. If you want to run the microwave, the hair dryer, and the AC all at once, you’re looking at 4,500+ watts. Don't overbuy if you don't have to, but don't under-power yourself into a sweat! I’ve spent years helping campers around Benton find that perfect balance so they can enjoy the peace of the outdoors without the headache of power failure.
Still not sure which setup is right for your specific rig? Drop a comment below or swing by Camping World of Benton and ask for the RV Insider—I’d be happy to help you crunch the numbers!