Power Station for an RV
RV and van-life power needs are usually about combinations of devices running for extended periods, not just one appliance. This calculator starts in "capacity" mode with a typical RV device combination — adjust it to match your own setup.
Select your devices
Total load: 210 WKitchen & Food
Climate & Comfort
Entertainment & Gaming
Electronics & Office
Medical
Lighting
Laundry
Add a custom device
- 500 Wh
- 1,000 Wh
- 1,500 Wh
- 2,000 Wh
- 3,000 Wh ✓ fits
This is an estimate. Real-world runtime can be lower than the theoretical figure due to inverter efficiency losses, fluctuating (not constant) device draw, ambient temperature, battery age/health, and other factors. Always check your power station’s official specifications before relying on it for critical use.
| Capacity | Estimated runtime | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 500 Wh | 2h 1m | Common size |
| 1,000 Wh | 4h 3m | Common size |
| 1,500 Wh | 6h 4m | Common size |
| 2,000 Wh | 8h 6m | Common size |
| 2,500 Wh | 10h 7m | Your capacity |
| 3,000 Wh | 12h 9m | Common size |
Typical RV power needs
Beyond a built-in RV fridge (often run on propane or a dedicated 12V system — check whether yours needs AC power at all), common power station loads in an RV or van include fans, interior lighting, a router for connectivity, phone/laptop charging, and occasionally a microwave or coffee maker for short bursts. Add or remove devices in the calculator above to match your actual rig.
Many RVs already run on 12V DC
Many RV-specific appliances (lighting, water pumps, fans, some fridges) are designed to run directly on the RV's 12V DC system, often from a separate house battery — not necessarily through a power station's AC inverter. If a device already runs on 12V in your rig, powering it via a power station's 12V port (where available) can be more efficient than an AC outlet. Only add devices to this calculator that you'd actually run off the power station itself.
Air conditioning: an honest reality check
RV air conditioners are genuinely demanding loads — often 1200 W or more continuous, with a substantial startup surge from the compressor. Running an RV AC off a portable power station is possible but typically requires a large-capacity unit (well into the 2000–3000+ Wh range) and only provides limited runtime even then. For extended AC use, many RVers rely on shore power, a dedicated generator, or a much larger, purpose-built battery system rather than a portable power station alone. See our AC-specific calculator for the full picture.
Solar for extended boondocking
For multi-day off-grid stays ("boondocking"), pairing a power station with solar panels lets you recharge without shore power or a generator. See our solar generator calculator for a way to estimate recharge time based on your panel wattage.
Frequently asked questions
What size power station do I need for a weekend RV trip?
It depends entirely on your device list and hours of use — use the calculator above with your own combination. As a rough starting point, a fridge/fan/lighting/electronics combination for a weekend commonly lands in the 1000–2000 Wh range, but always verify against your specific devices.
Can a portable power station run my RV air conditioner all night?
Generally not from a portable power station alone — RV air conditioners are power-hungry enough that even a large 3000 Wh unit provides only a few hours of AC runtime at best. See our air conditioner calculator for the specific math, and consider shore power, a generator, or a dedicated large battery system for overnight AC.
Should I run my RV fridge off the power station?
Many RV fridges are designed to run on propane or the RV's dedicated 12V/converter system rather than needing a portable power station at all — check your RV's manual. Only add a fridge to this calculator if you specifically need to power one via the power station's AC or 12V output.
Is solar or a generator better for RV backup power?
Solar is quiet, free to run, and works well for steady, moderate loads over multiple days, but is weather-dependent and limited by available panel space. A generator can deliver more power on demand regardless of weather but requires fuel and produces noise and fumes. Many RVers use a power station as a quiet buffer, topped up by either or both.