Want to test AC before heading south - no 30a service.

[Mickeyfan0805]

We are headed to TN and then on to FL in July. This will be our first trip of the year and, given the temps we will be facing, I'd like to test the AC before we leave - just to make sure it is in working order. We have no 30a plug at home. Other than pulling into a campground somewhere, is there any option anyone can suggest to do a quick test on the unit?

[j-d]

When we had a Class C with a 13500 Coleman Mach A/C, we could run it on a 20A branch circuit that had nothing else on it. I don't think that setup would run the 15000 unit on our present RV.

Part of the issue will be your adapter and any extension cord(s). I installed a 30A RV Receptacle and weatherproof cover so I could use the RV's shore tie cable and no adapter.

How old is your RV's A/C? If more than a couple years, have you cleaned it? I thought I'd have replace the old 13500. Cleaning the Evaporator at the front of the unit (requires removing shrouding) restored good performance and that A/C was over 20 years old.

[DrewE]

Plug into a normal 20A circuit at home and try it without using other major appliances/devices (fridge off, water heater off electric, house batteries more or less charged so the converter isn't working overtime, etc.). The air conditioner on its own is fine on a 20A circuit; it has one in the RV, in fact. It's just the total of the air conditioner plus not very much else that could overload it. If all you have are 15A circuits, that could be a difficulty.

If you have an appropriately sized generator, you can check both at the same time.

[MEXICOWANDERER]

• Outlet in your garage has 20-amp service. Looks like 15-amp but has a cross-cut in the neutral slot
• Use a 12 gauge extension cord
• Flip breakers inside rig to turn off everything but the A/C
• The A/C should start and run. As long an nothing else is connected the 20 amp breaker will carry the load.