Is it enough? 30 Amp vs. 50 Amp Explained

Welcome to another Tech Tip Tuesday brought to you by the National RV Training Academy—the largest hands-on RV training academy in America! Today, we have a special guest, Ross Stoico from RV Tips & Travels, joining us to answer a frequently asked question: Should you go with a 30-amp or a 50-amp RV?

If you’re an RVer or planning to purchase an RV, you’ve probably come across this dilemma. Many RVers wonder whether the upgrade from 30 to 50 amps is worth it. Let’s break it down so you can make an informed decision.

Why the Upgrade?

When Ross first started RVing, he had a 30-amp RV, which seemed sufficient—until he started using multiple appliances at the same time. If you’ve ever been in an RV and suddenly lost power because your air conditioner, microwave, and hairdryer were running simultaneously, you know the frustration. A 30-amp system has limited power capacity, and trying to use multiple high-wattage appliances can trip the breaker.

Breaking Down the Power Difference

A common misconception is that the difference between 30 amps and 50 amps is just 20 additional amps. However, it’s much more than that.

30-Amp RV System:

• One hot leg (120 volts)
• 30 amps x 120 volts = 3,600 watts
• You can typically run one air conditioner and a few small appliances, but turning on too many high-powered devices will trip the breaker.

50-Amp RV System:

• Two hot legs (each 120 volts)
• 50 amps x 120 volts = 6,000 watts per leg
• Total power: 12,000 watts
• Can support multiple air conditioners, a microwave, a water heater, and more without tripping the breaker.

What Does This Mean for RVers?

Switching from 30 amps to 50 amps dramatically increases your available power. While a 30-amp system limits what appliances you can run simultaneously, a 50-amp system allows you to comfortably power multiple air conditioners, the microwave, a hairdryer, and even an electric water heater—all at the same time.

Common Questions About 30 Amp vs. 50 Amp

1. Is a 50-amp system really 100 amps?
No, and this is a common misunderstanding. A 50-amp system consists of two 50-amp circuits, but since each is on a separate leg, it doesn’t function as a single 100-amp circuit. Instead, it provides 12,000 watts of total power.

2. Can I run two air conditioners on a 30-amp system?
Not easily. Most air conditioners require about 20 amps to operate. That means a 30-amp system can handle one AC unit, but adding a second one—along with other appliances—will likely trip the breaker. On a 50-amp system, however, you could run up to four air conditioners if the RV is designed for it.

3. Is upgrading from 30 amps to 50 amps worth it?
If you often find yourself tripping breakers or turning off appliances to run another, upgrading to a 50-amp RV is a game-changer. It provides more comfort, convenience, and flexibility, especially for full-time RVers or those who camp in hot climates where running multiple air conditioners is necessary.

Final Thoughts

For many RVers, moving up to a 50-amp system is a worthwhile upgrade. It eliminates the hassle of managing power usage and allows you to enjoy all the amenities of your RV without restrictions.

If you want to learn more about RVing and electrical systems, be sure to follow Ross Stoico over at RV Tips & Travels on YouTube! You can also find him on Facebook and Instagram, but YouTube is his primary platform.

There’s your Tech Tip!

Is it enough? 30 Amp vs 50 Amp Explained