Which AC System Is More Efficient For Camper On Generator Power?

Published 05/07/2026

Products Featured in This Question

GE Appliances HE RV Air Conditioner - 13,500 Btu - Ducted or Non-Ducted - R32 - White - AC Unit Only

(3)

$729.14

GE Appliances Deluxe Plus RV AC System w/ Heat Pump, ADB & Thermostat - 15K Btu - Non-Ducted - R32

(27)

$1456.20

Non-Ducted Install Kit GE Appliances RV ACs - Air Distribution, Thermostat, Control - R32 - White

(4)

$191.85

Ducted Install Kit for GE Appliances RV ACs - Air Distribution, Thermostat, Controls - Black - R32

(15)

$196.52

Question:

I want to replace my campers AC with something that can help on generator power when we’re not plugged in. Is the GE 13.5K high-efficiency unit a better pick than a 15K?

asked by: Sienna

Expert Reply:

Good morning Sienna, yes the GE Appliances HE AC unit # GE44FR is the one I’d look at first if generator use and lower power demand are priorities. It’s the 13,500 Btu high-efficiency rooftop unit and is rated for a 15-amp circuit breaker, so it’s the friendlier GE option when you’re working with limited power.

Just keep in mind this is the rooftop unit only. For a ducted RV, use the GE install kit # GE56FR. For a ductless RV with no ceiling AC vents, use # GE46FR.

If you’d rather step up to 15,000 Btu and your RV is ductless, the GE Appliances Deluxe Plus # GE34RR is the complete ductless system to look at. It includes the rooftop unit, air distribution box, thermostat, and controls, and it also has the built-in heat pump for electric heat. The tradeoff is that 15K setup # GE34RR is rated for a 20-amp circuit breaker, so # GE44FR is still the better pick when generator demand is the bigger concern.

I’d still plan on managing other big loads when running from a generator, especially the microwave or electric water heater. What size generator are you planning to use, Sienna?