Does rooftop AC need charging?
I recently purchased a Dodge Xplorer which came with a Coleman rooftop AC unit. When I'm plugged into shore power the fan will blow fine but when I turn the AC on it starts up, shuddders, then causes ...
Forum Discussion
Hi,
It could be as simple as the 14 gauge 50' extension cord that you might be using. It will cause a huge voltage drop, and will cause a 15 amp load like the compressor to draw to many amps.
If you are on a 15 amp circuit breaker, and the compressor is drawing over 20 amps at start up, that will trip a circuit breaker. Also check what else is being shut off in the house. If the kids TV, a few other items drawing a total of 4 amps also shuts off, then the compressor might trip the circuit breaker at even a small 11 amp or 16 amp load while on a 20 amp breaker.
If you can unplug the washing machine (it will be on a 20 amp dedicated circuit breaker) and can plug in the RV there, you will know that it has no other loads on it. Also use the largest "Gauge" extension cord, and short as possible too. So if you can back the van up really close to the house, and not need a extension cord, that is the best possible solution. If you do require a extension cord, then a short 25' long #12 gauge or #10 gauge extension cord is best!
Also you might have a bad "Capacitor". It is a silver item under the outside cover. IT is hooked up to the compressor motor, usually with a red and sometimes yellow wire. If the capacitor "Pops" (you can google popped capacitor pictures) then replacing it will normally restore the compressor operation.
You probably do not have a bad "Condenser" or outside coil on the air conditioner. They tend to leak, but normally will go well over 20 years without leaking freon.
You might have a bad "Compressor" - check it with a ohm meter, and it should read 3-6 ohms from red to common (normally black) and 8-14 ohms from red to yellow (or start winding). If any of the windings are grounded, you are looking at replacing the compressor (probably 8 hours labor at $150 each and $475 in materials) or a new unit ($650 with a 1 year warranty).
Check the $20 capacitor first.
Make sure that you are using a 20 amp circuit breaker, and #12 wire rated at 20 amps, or #10 wire (the thickness of the RV cord) that is rated at 30 amps.
Good luck,
Fred.
It could be as simple as the 14 gauge 50' extension cord that you might be using. It will cause a huge voltage drop, and will cause a 15 amp load like the compressor to draw to many amps.
If you are on a 15 amp circuit breaker, and the compressor is drawing over 20 amps at start up, that will trip a circuit breaker. Also check what else is being shut off in the house. If the kids TV, a few other items drawing a total of 4 amps also shuts off, then the compressor might trip the circuit breaker at even a small 11 amp or 16 amp load while on a 20 amp breaker.
If you can unplug the washing machine (it will be on a 20 amp dedicated circuit breaker) and can plug in the RV there, you will know that it has no other loads on it. Also use the largest "Gauge" extension cord, and short as possible too. So if you can back the van up really close to the house, and not need a extension cord, that is the best possible solution. If you do require a extension cord, then a short 25' long #12 gauge or #10 gauge extension cord is best!
Also you might have a bad "Capacitor". It is a silver item under the outside cover. IT is hooked up to the compressor motor, usually with a red and sometimes yellow wire. If the capacitor "Pops" (you can google popped capacitor pictures) then replacing it will normally restore the compressor operation.
You probably do not have a bad "Condenser" or outside coil on the air conditioner. They tend to leak, but normally will go well over 20 years without leaking freon.
You might have a bad "Compressor" - check it with a ohm meter, and it should read 3-6 ohms from red to common (normally black) and 8-14 ohms from red to yellow (or start winding). If any of the windings are grounded, you are looking at replacing the compressor (probably 8 hours labor at $150 each and $475 in materials) or a new unit ($650 with a 1 year warranty).
Check the $20 capacitor first.
Make sure that you are using a 20 amp circuit breaker, and #12 wire rated at 20 amps, or #10 wire (the thickness of the RV cord) that is rated at 30 amps.
Good luck,
Fred.
