AC on 20a service?

heck yeah, I do it all the time. My RV cord does reach the plug in without an extension. Been going onto 14 years in the current location.

Plug her in.

SUPPORT the connector wire with bricks, a stick, whatever it takes. Do not trust the connect if when making the connection to the "outlet" a bit of a push is needed to let the plug enter the socket.

Dammit how many times is it going to take to impress the fact that an AC restating on high head can draw FIFTY AMPERES? Yes it is for a short time. Just long enough for a loose or corroded contact in the plug or receptacle to glow red hot. This causes a majority of the "Jeez, it draws 12 amps it shuddn't have caught fire" complaints. Then "What!? Three hundred bucks for a new compressor!?"

Check the receptacle temperature with your hand after a half hour. if it has grown warm, you will have a problem probably sooner than later. Same for the plug cord. Disconnect.

But PLEASE !!!

Lose the so-many-amps running diatribe when it comes to an AC motor, that restarts under a heavy load. The run amps stats are a trap.

Hi,

You should be fine. Do get a kill-a-watt or other similar meter to monitor the voltage. You may need to load balance (choosing what to run, and what to move to propane).

Be aware that if the voltage sags it is possible to damage the air conditioner in the RV. I'm comfortable down to 108 volts. Below that I start using the hybrid inverter.

1: Park trailer as close to that outlet as you can
2: Use a HEAVY cord (12ga at least, see note) or if possible the RV's 30 amp cords.
3: If you have a large converter (bigger than 50 amp) give some time for the batteries to eat (At least an hour or two)
4: Make sure fridge, water heater and such are all OFF or on gas (Fridge only) if needed

5 CLEAN Air conditioner coils, both inside and out. (Do this while Batteries charge)

6: Go for it.

Thank for the replies.

I can't provide any pictures of the outlet as we aren't there and I've only seen it once. Didn't pay much attention to it as it was winter and really didn't need the AC. But it was a regular 110v house style 3 prong outlet.

Sounds like it should be ok then. Will keep frige and everything possible on gas.

Thanks again.
Keith

14.2 amps was what I was told ac should pull. So its within range of even the usual household outlet. However length of extension cords are very important when figuring amperage. 20 amp 120v should be great. 15 amp is really close. even the converter charging the house battery might cause breaker to trip.

Sounds like a 30A coach, correct?
Sure you can. Two suggestions:
1. Use the RV's shore tie cable all the way to the 20A outlet. If you cannot, then RV extension cord, the kind with the big 30A connectors.
2. Then a 20-to-30 DOGBONE adapter at the outlet. NOT a "Puck." Pucks overheat way too easily. The Dogbone, with its short cable between connectors, fares MUCH better.

This question has never been asked before.. Looks like some good advice here.

I used to run my 13.5K air off a 15a plug in the garage before I put the 30a RV service in.

Could you provide an idea of the type or configuration of the 20 amp connection? An image would be ideal. Is it a blade type or twist lock?