30amp VS 50amp Power

Welcome to another Todd’s Two Minute Tech Tip Tuesday, brought to you by the National RV Training Academy. The largest hands-on RV training academy in America.

Let’s talk power

To set the stage, your wife is in the bathroom blowdrying her hair and you’re in the kitchen brewing coffee. You decide to use the microwave and as soon as you hit start all the power goes out. If you’ve ever had that happen to you then you should scroll down and watch this video.

Compared to your house, all RVs come with limited power. What we’re really lookin at is the difference between our 30amp and our 50amp service. There’s a lot of confusion that takes place where people think they’re only getting 20 additional amps so let’s talk numbers.

Volts x Amps = Watts

A 30amp service gives you 3,600 watts: 120V X 30A = 3,600W

A 50amp service will give us 12,000 watts…but 120V X 50A does not equal 12,000?!? On a 50amp service you get 2 legs of 50A


If you’re looking for something that gives you similar creature comforts of your home, you may want to look at a 50amp RV. If you’re more of a minimalist who can get away with one AC then you may consider the 30amp.

Watch the video for some additional tips!



Want to learn how to earn a good living while traveling? Become a certified RV technician or inspector. Click “Request Info” in the menu at the top of the page and let us know you would like more information.