Question: Rule of thumb for generator efficiency when plugged into travel trailer?

Seeing if there are any RV guys out there.
Is there a rule of thumb for how much wattage is lost when the power has to go from the generator through the RV to get to an appliance?

Further clarification:

I've learned from camping with people who have RV's, that their generators can't provide as much power to an appliance if the appliance is plugged into the RV, as is the generator, compared to plugging the appliance directly into the generators output outlets.

An example would be: Plugging the RV into the generator, and plugging an electric smoker into an exterior outlet on the RV. This caused the generator to struggle.

Plugging the smoker directly into the second outlet on the generator didn't cause the generator to struggle as much under the same load.

I assume there are just some power losses due to wire resistances in the trailer. To make up some numbers lets say that plugging the smoker directly into the generator pulls 1000W and making that same connection through the trailer caused the generator to have to output 1100W to get 1000W out the other side to the smoker.

I'm building a trailer that has a microwave/convection combo, and my 1800/2200W generator says its outputting 1760W when the appliance is directly plugged in. Just wondering if it will go past the 1800W running output of the generator if the power is routed through an AC outlet on the trailer when I get it built.

 

Use heavier gauge wire or bigger rated generator

 

NEC requires (2) circuits and 12ga wire and 20A circuits for kitchens. I would suggest that is a minimum.

 

I've been learning a lot from this guy and his wiring diagrams. Not building that whole system but picking parts from it. It sounds like he's got 10ga for those in the "inverter/charger to AC distribution" section. Sounds like maybe just use big enough gauge wire and not worry about it?
https://www.explorist.life/2000w-520w-60a-budget-friendly-camper-wiring-diagram/

 

Clicked link TLDR

10ga has potential to carry is more ampacity than the generator can produce, even in locked rotor or starting applications. 20Amps x 115v = 2300watts, 12ga wire is rated for 20Amps. If all you're doing is running the generator to run a microwave and some ancillaries then just run 12ga for the microwave on a dedicated 20Afuse/CB and run 14ga on 15Afuse/CB for all other circuits.

 

Awesome. Thank you!

 

After taking the wire size advice, I just found this and plugged a few numbers in here. The loss seems pretty negligible with that wire size, and should still be under the 1800W. (less than half a percent).

If it all goes to crap i'll just find a way to run it directly off the generator but might need a 3ft power strip or something. It's a luxury item anyway.
https://www.calculator.net/voltage-drop-calculator.html

 

Your inverter generator probably runs 120-125vac so that the ampacity is slightly lower. For wire runs under 100’ on branch circuits you don’t really factor voltage drop. Just be sure to fuse or use a Circuit Breaker appropriate to protect the wire from overheating and causing a fire.

 

Ah, that makes sense, and explains why the calculator preset was for 500ft. I think I've got 3 slots for breakers on the WF-8930 panel, so I should be able to dedicate one just for this appliance.