RV air conditioner OK to use 20 amp outlet?

JMER817 · Jul 6, 2012

Ok, I know this isn't a typical topic on this site, but most of you are like me, use common sense, and I value your opinions. I have a 2004 27' Jayco travel trailer which uses 30 amp service. I installed a 30 amp outlet at my home so that I can plug into and have full power and use of the unit. We are going to take the trailer down to a friends house for the weekend soon and will be connecting to a 20 amp circuit (outlet). (Friend does not have 30 amp service availabe) I have searched the internet and get various opinions on whether I can use the air conditioner during this time. The air conditioner is a rooftop RV Product 8000 series. The only thing that the manual says about power is that it was designed to run from a 115 VAC, 60 HZ, 1 phase power supply. The breaker in the trailer for the AC unit is 20 amp. I could not find the amps used under full load anywhere, but comparing similar newer units appears to be in the 12-14 amp range. The power cord for the trailer is 20' long. I feel that as long as I use my 10 gauge 25' extension cord, and don't run anything else (ie:fridge, microwave, tv, toaster etc) that I should have no problem running the AC. Your thoughts??

rasimmo · Jul 6, 2012

It should be fine. You will not be able to run much else though.
The amp draw should be on a sticker where the air outlet is. You have to remove the inside ceiling assembly to find it. It may have been covered with the sealing tape when installed though. The 12-14 you mentioned is correct. The converter will draw 2-3 amps and you have to have it for the lights so there is no way to turn it off. Run the fridge and water heater on gas and it should not be a problem. The fridge pulls 9 amps and the water heater will pull 10 (if it is electric).

Bird · Jul 6, 2012

I think you've both got it right. I always carried an adapter so the 30 amp power cord on my RVs could be plugged into 20 amp outlets when necessary.

acme97 · Jul 6, 2012

I agree, you should be fine just don't turn too many things on at one time. Like microwave and ac, or any other kitchen appliance you might have that draws a lot of elec. Lights should be good, just the sudden surge of high elec things might trip it.

Car Doc · Jul 6, 2012

I do it on my Jayco you will be ok what I do is I just make sure I dont run the microwave, I spose a guy could set the frig to run on gas only in that case just a thought I never did it but just sayin.

We carry a 30-20amp adapter always and it sure comes in handy I never camp w/o A/C no way no how.

I put 30 amp outlets by the house where I park it sometimes and also in the camper shed in case I get the boot from her and need a cool place to stay the night cheap...:thumbsup:

Bird · Jul 6, 2012

When you're a full time RVer, you learn to check the electrical power everywhere you stay.:laughing: In Elkhart, IN, the voltage was barely 105 instead of 115-125. In Sayre, PA, there was a 30 amp outlet, but when their breaker kicked and I went looking for the breaker, it was a 20 amp breaker. The owner didn't even know what I was talking about, but had an electrician fix it that day. He swore that he did put in heavier wire when he put in the 30 amp outlet, just "forgot" to change the breaker. In Canon Beach, OR, and in Apache Junction, AZ, I found reversed polarity. Neither park manager knew what I was talking about, but I showed them how to fix it.

rasimmo · Jul 6, 2012

I worked for my brother in-law, who owns a mobile RV repair business, and still help him out some on his days off. It is amazing how many people have electricians wire the outlet and it is wired 220. That pretty much fires everything. I carry a meter with me in my horse trailer and always check before I plug mine in.

RobertN · Jul 6, 2012

If your cord from the RV is not long enough, make sure any extensions are large guage wire too. dont want to fry the motor because of big IR drops on an extension cord...

erikkiehle · Jul 6, 2012

Keep in mind more household outlets are 15 amp circuits. It is quite rare to find 20 amp circuit in a home. (at least in CA, OR, or TX where I've lived). I believe one of the flat plugs should have a notch on the side making it like a sideways T if it's a 20 amp circuit. Just plug it in and try it. If you trip the breaker disconnect the converter, fridge and anything else besides the AC. My class A motorhome is 50 amp but we frequently visit relatives where I use the 20' 50 amp cable to a 30 amp adapter then run the 30' 30 amp cord to a 15 amp adapter plugged into a 15 amp circuit.

It's usually dicey because of voltage drop (built in low voltage cutoff device built into motorhome). However if I do get everything else shut off (usually all of AC circuit breakers in MH) then I can successfully run a single AC unit. If you have a multimeter check you AC voltage on an outlet in the trailer to make sure you aren't below maybe 105 volts. Lower voltage will cause your motors (fan and compressor) to run hotter.

Also make sure if possible that your trailer is the only thing plugged into that house circuit and they don't have an extra garage fridge/freezer on the same circuit.