The most common rv amperage is 30 amps. Later in the article, I will explore the different types of RV amperages and also provide some tips for managing your RV's electrical usage to avoid tripping breakers and damaging your appliances.

What is RV Amperage, and Why Does It Matter?

RV amperage refers to the amount of electrical power that an RV requires to operate all of its appliances and systems. This includes everything from the lights and air conditioning to the refrigerator and microwave. RV amperage is measured in amps (A), and it determines how much electrical current can flow through your RV's electrical system at any given time.

Understanding RV amperage is important for a few reasons. First, it helps you determine which type of electrical hookup to use when camping at RV parks and campgrounds. Most RV parks offer a range of electrical hookups, including 30-amp, 50-amp, and sometimes even 20-amp. Knowing which type of hookup you need can help you avoid tripping breakers and damaging your appliances.

Second, understanding RV amperage is crucial if you plan on camping off the grid using a generator or inverter. Different types of generators and inverters have different amperage outputs, so knowing your RV's amperage requirements can help you choose the right one for your needs.

RV Amperage 101: Understanding the Basics

Before we dive into the different types of RV amperage, let's review some basic electrical terms. Here are a few terms you should be familiar with:

• Volts (V): The unit of measurement for electrical potential difference. Most RVs operate on 120 volts.
• Amps (A): The unit of measurement for electrical current flow. RV amperage is typically measured in amps.
• Watts (W): The unit of measurement for electrical power. Watts are calculated by multiplying volts by amps.

When it comes to RV electrical systems, the most important term to understand is amps. Your RV's amperage requirements will determine how much electrical current can flow through your RV's electrical system at any given time. If you try to draw more current than your RV's electrical system can handle, you'll trip a breaker or blow a fuse.

The Different Types of RV Amperage Explained

There are three main types of RV amperage: 20-amp, 30-amp, and 50-amp. Here's a breakdown of each type:

Amperage	Power Provided	Voltage	Typical Usage
20-Amp	2,400 watts	120 volts	This is the lowest amperage you'll find at RV parks and campgrounds. A 20-amp hookup provides enough power to run a few lights and small appliances, but not much else.
30-Amp	3,600 watts	120 volts	This is the most common type of RV amperage. A 30-amp hookup provides enough power to run most RV appliances, including air conditioning units, but you'll need to manage your electrical usage carefully to avoid tripping breakers.
50-Amp	12,000 watts	240 volts	This is the highest amperage you'll find at RV parks and campgrounds. A 50-amp hookup provides enough power to run multiple air conditioning units, as well as other high-draw appliances like electric ovens and dryers.

Which RV Amperage is the Most Common?

As mentioned earlier, the most common type of RV amperage is 30-amp. This is because most RVs are designed to operate on a 30-amp electrical system, and most RV parks and campgrounds offer 30-amp hookups.
That being said, more and more RVs are being built with 50-amp electrical systems, which means that 50-amp hookups are becoming more common at RV parks and campgrounds. If you have a larger RV with multiple air conditioning units and other high-draw appliances, you may want to consider upgrading to a 50-amp electrical system.

Amperage of different appliances

Name	Amperage	Common in RVs
Laptop	<0.5	Yes
Mobile phone charger	<0.5	Yes
Chargers for battery operated devices	<0.5	Yes
Battery chargers for tools	1.5	No
Electric blanket	Up to 1.3	Yes
Fridge (under counter type)	0.75	Yes
Freezer	0.75	Yes
Mini Fridge	0.5	Yes
Fridge Freezer (Standard)	1.5	No
American Style Fridge Freezer	2.5	No
Kettle	Up to 13	No
Satellite TV box/ Streaming devices	<0.5	Yes
Printer	<0.5	Yes
Radio	<0.5	Yes
Radiator or Fan Heater	Up to 13	No
Desk lamp (with 60 W lamp)	<0.5	Yes
Desk lamp (with LED lamp)	<0.5	Yes
DVD/Blu-Ray player	<0.5	Yes
Hair dryer	10.0	No
Hair straighteners	<0.5	Yes

The Pros and Cons of Different RV Amperages

Each type of RV amperage has its pros and cons. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Amperage	Pros	Cons
20-Amp	Easy to find at RV parks and campgrounds, good for small RVs and tent camping.	Limited power supply, not suitable for larger RVs or appliances.
30-Amp	The most common type of RV amperage, sufficient for most RV appliances.	Can be difficult to manage electrical usage, may not be enough for multiple high-draw appliances.
50-Amp	Provides plenty of power for large RVs and high-draw appliances.	More expensive to install and maintain, may be difficult to find at some RV parks and campgrounds.

How to Choose the Right RV Amperage for Your Needs

When choosing the right RV amperage for your needs, there are a few things to consider:

• The size of your RV: Larger RVs with multiple air conditioning units and other high-draw appliances will require a 50-amp electrical system.
• Your camping style: If you plan on camping off the grid using a generator or inverter, you'll need to choose a system that can handle your RV's electrical needs.
• The availability of hookups: If you plan on staying at RV parks and campgrounds, make sure you choose a system that is compatible with the hookups that are available.

Managing Your RV's Electrical Usage: Tips and Tricks

No matter what type of RV amperage you have, managing your electrical usage is crucial for avoiding tripped breakers and damaged appliances. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you manage your RV's electrical usage:

• Turn off lights and appliances when you're not using them.
• Use energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs.
• Prioritize your electrical usage: If you need to use high-draw appliances like the air conditioning unit, turn off other appliances to avoid overloading the system.
• Consider using a surge protector: A surge protector can help protect your RV's electrical system from power surges and spikes.
• Be aware of your RV's electrical limits: Know how much power your RV can handle and avoid exceeding those limits.