Calculate how many watts you will be using at a time. Calculate the wattage for anything electrical that could be running together at the same time, such as air conditioner, stove, lights, water heater, etc. This will help you determine what size generator you need. Use the wattage chart to calculate the wattage for unfamiliar appliances.
Purchase a generator that is specifically for the wattage you will be using. Generators can be found at local hardware or RV stores. Generators can power anything from a small recreational vehicle to a large commercial building. Only purchase a generator that covers a little bit more wattage than what you originally calculated in step one.
Pour the fuel into the generator. Different generators can take different fuels, but the most common take gasoline or diesel. The amount of fuel you use to power your generator will depend on how long you will use it. If you only plan to use your generator for an hour or two, a half gallon of gasoline should do the trick. Diesel lasts longer than gasoline because it burns slower, so less diesel would need to be used.
Locate the power outlet on the outside of your RV. These power outlets are usually located near the back of the RV.
Plug the extension cord into the outside power outlet and then into the generator.
Place the RV generator on a flat surface a couple of feet away from the RV trailer. Cinder blocks work best.
Cover the generator with a box to keep rain and debris out of the generator. Be sure to cut a hole in the side of the box to keep the carbon monoxide flowing away from the running generator. The box doesn't need to have a bottom on it, if the generator is on cinder blocks, this will be the bottom, and the box just needs to fit over the top and the sides of the generator.
