Can you run a 220v A/C unit off a 50 amp service?

LittleBill wrote:

sayoung wrote:

As has been said before, lots of " 50 " amp service in campgrounds were installed on the cheap so you will have 120 from ea hot leg to neutral but not 240 hot to hot.

Please explain in detail how on the cheap is done with 50 amp and no 240v, because i don't understand how making it 120v only is easier or cheaper.

I think it is a bit rare actually and certainly not in compliance to NEC.
The reports are using a single pole 50a breaker and tie the single hot to both the hot terminals of the outlet. Voila you have "50 amp" service.