Hi, Not sure if this is a common issue with an easy fix or something else. Last year I noticed my A/C isn't working. We generally camp in higher elevations so it wasn't a big deal, but I definitely need to repair it. The fan works, but when the A/C condenser kicks on it will trip a breaker if plugged in or overload the generator when it is being used. I've read other posts regarding the coils being dirty and I'll check that (I'm sure they are), but I'm reading that with dirty coils they trip the breaker after running for several minutes. Mine trips the breaker immediately, which leads me to believe the motor is probably bad. Thanks

I'm assuming in the past the A/C worked fine when you had the generator running. If that is the case it could be one of several problems. Breakers do go bad and trip easily so it's possible that is the problem.If it's not the breaker the more common cause is something in the A/C unit. You'll need to have it checked out by an A/C technician to determine the cause.I'm guessing (I'm no expert) it's the starting capacitor that's bad.

Yes, it has always ran fine on house power and on the generator. I first noticed the problem when I had it plugged into the house to charge battery and cool the refrigerator before a trip. My wife turned it on to cool it down for cleaning and it tripped the breaker (115V) in the garage that I use for welding (25 amp).I plan to get it out of storage to have the tires replaced in the next week or two. I'll get up there and look it over then. Just wondering where to start looking.

+1 on checking the start capacitor.Is it the 20a branch circuit, 30a main or the pedestal that trips?

It ran fine on the pedestal in a couple camp grounds we used early in the season last year. About mid season on it was all generator. It overloaded the generator on the last trip and the house circuit before that. It seems like a something failed instead of something gradually failing like dirty coils. I'll check the capacitor out when I get up there. Thanks for the input!

A/C tripping breaker | Good Sam Community

the_bear_II
Explorer
Mar 11, 2015
I'm assuming in the past the A/C worked fine when you had the generator running. If that is the case it could be one of several problems. Breakers do go bad and trip easily so it's possible that is the problem.

If it's not the breaker the more common cause is something in the A/C unit. You'll need to have it checked out by an A/C technician to determine the cause.
I'm guessing (I'm no expert) it's the starting capacitor that's bad.
GotLift
Explorer
Mar 11, 2015
Yes, it has always ran fine on house power and on the generator. I first noticed the problem when I had it plugged into the house to charge battery and cool the refrigerator before a trip. My wife turned it on to cool it down for cleaning and it tripped the breaker (115V) in the garage that I use for welding (25 amp).

I plan to get it out of storage to have the tires replaced in the next week or two. I'll get up there and look it over then. Just wondering where to start looking.
sljkansas
Explorer
Mar 11, 2015
Could it be a bad started cap?
time2roll
Nomad
Mar 11, 2015
+1 on checking the start capacitor.
Is it the 20a branch circuit, 30a main or the pedestal that trips?
GotLift
Explorer
Mar 11, 2015
It ran fine on the pedestal in a couple camp grounds we used early in the season last year. About mid season on it was all generator. It overloaded the generator on the last trip and the house circuit before that. It seems like a something failed instead of something gradually failing like dirty coils. I'll check the capacitor out when I get up there. Thanks for the input!
mhardin
Explorer
Mar 11, 2015
Start capacitor or compressor. I was able to make mine go for about a month after replacing the start capacitor. Then, the compressor gave it up for good.
BubbaChris
Explorer
Mar 11, 2015
If running off the genny, is there another draw on power that's causing the problem.

It could be your converter is also trying to charge your batteries at the same time.
ScottG
Nomad
Mar 11, 2015
Go up top, remove the cover and look for a blown hard start cap.
It will look something like this:

Sorry for the blurry image but the top of the cap will show damage and leakage like this one.
budwich
Explorer
Mar 12, 2015
You likely need a 30 amp service to run / start your AC if you are also running other things. A "normal" house circuit won't be able to support that. What kind of genarator are you using? It needs to be rated probaby above 4500 watts. It could be the starting capacitor but more than likely you are just exceeding the capacity of the system. Make sure all your connections are clean, especially any adapters in the path.
mileshuff
Explorer
Mar 12, 2015
My 5'er does the same thing when I try to run the A/C and outside ambient temperature is over 100F. It will run for awhile but eventually trip the breaker. No problems when outside temps are below 100F. Has done this since brand new.