How many amps to run AC

beemerphile1 wrote:
All RV A/C units run on 20a. Look at your breakers.

Running more than one A/C unit or a lot of other things at the same time can get problematic.

Yes, but running the entire rig on 20A is much more questionable due to other draws as you point out.

PLUS 20A for the rig often involves more voltage drop to the rig than 30A or 50A. Hence it can be a iffy power situation.

you said you were going to a music festival. It sounds like you will be staying in a large fairgrounds or arena? If so, and not a campground, it is likely you will be sharing outlets with other RVers. In that case you cannot depend on having the entire 20A service with it's attendant 20A breaker to yourself in which case you will be out of luck trying to run any AC.

Been there, done that.

All RV A/C units run on 20a. Look at your breakers.

Running more than one A/C unit or a lot of other things at the same time can get problematic.

I just driveway camped for 5 days , plugged into their dedicted 20 amp/110 house outlet... I ran my 15K AC and all my LED lights inside along with my Television at times... No problems..

But don't be surprised if you have issues running the A/C on 20A. I'd certainly monitor the voltage.

Many CG's have 20A plugs often with 30A and 50A on the pedestal.

Thanks!!

30 amp service will not be a problem.....as long as you do not run too many other things on AC at the same time such as microwave, water heater, hair dryer, etc. If you trip the breaker, just turn something off and reset the breaker.

I can run my 15K A/C on 20 amp service as long as I do not run much of any thing else.

perkc2 wrote:
How many amps do you need to run the AC?

Depends somewhat on the make / model of A/C you have but a 13,500 BTU typically would draw +/- 13 to 14 amps, a bit less if you run the fan motor on low. Assuming a nominal unloaded campground voltage of 120 vac, a not excessively long main service cable run to get to the post, and assuming you're using 10 gauge main service cable your A/C will start and run just fine on a 20 amp drop, common in many parts of the US but not common at all here in Canada. To use it though you'd need a 30 amp female > 15 amp male dogbone so you can plug into that 20 amp service. Given the choice though use the 30 amp drop as you'll have just that much more capacity for running other items in the trailer.