Hi Everyone. Well, after 15 years the RV-Dreams Community Forum is coming to an end. Since it began in August 2005, we've had 58 Million page views, 124,000 posts, and we've spent about $15,000 to keep this valuable resource for RVers free and open. But since we are now off the road and have settled down for the next chapter of our lives, we are taking the Forum down effective June 30, 2021. It has been a tough decision, but it is now time.
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Yes, you are likely asking too much. The size and length of the extension cord is probably dropping the voltage enough to raise the current pretty close to the maximum breaker rating. Most residential grade circuit breakers do not do well for extended times with loads higher than 80% of their rating.
A larger gauge (smaller number) wire would help as well, but the normal running current draw of an RV A/C may still put it too close to the breaker's limits. Especially if it's an older breaker that may be tripping a bit low. If there's a 20 amp outlet/breaker circuit within reach, that would be a better bet.
If the above suggestions do not address your issue (e.g., shorter powercord, 20 amp outlet, etc.)--if I were in your situation, with solely a 15 amp outlet and I wanted to run an AC unit, I would try: 1) turning off all RV breakers that run anything other than the AC unit (eliminate other potential power draws), 2) running all other items via our batteries (e.g., powering lights and other 12-volt items, using the inverter to power other desired items). Battery charging would occur via solar and/or when we are not running the AC unit.
Depending upon how your RV is set-up, this approach may or may not work for you.
If you will regularly return to either location, you might want to consider installing a 30 AMP or 50 AMP outlet.
Lynn
-- Edited by Lynn and Ed on Wednesday 12th of July 2017 09:52:20 PM
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2014 New Horizons Majestic 40' 2014 Ram 5500 HD with Utility Bodywerks hauler body
If the above suggestions don't work and, if it's worth it to you, I installed a 30-amp RV outlet on the pad next to the garage at our last stix 'n brix for around $50. Took me a couple of hours since I had to fish wire through the attic. That's pretty cheap rent for a month.
Rob
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2012 F350 DRW Lariat 6.7
PullRite OE 18K, Demco Glide Ride pinbox
2020 Solitude 310GK-R, MORryde IS, disc brakes, solar, DP windows
Just to sum up - Assuming you have a 15,000 BTU air conditioner, the minimum outlet required will be a 20 amp. The AC unit "running" will draw 15amps +/-. So you will need a 20 amp outlet to stay within the 80% limit and not have it eventually trip. You can turn off everything in the rig except the AC - use bigger extension cords - all good suggestions - but you will still overload the 15 amp breaker and once it heats a bit it will trip.
Be careful about seeing an electric dryer outlet and thinking that's a possibility with some kind of adapter. Absolutely not. Dryer, electric range and most "welding" outlet wiring is different. Don't use them. You can (will) do damage to the rig.
Thank you all
However I think Bill and Linda summed up what I'm up against.
We are moving into the RV from the house we are in, located on Long Island NY temps in the 80s
The next location is to my wife's mothers house, and once we leave NY unlikely to return w RV
I'm going to see if I can find a 20 amp
I'll report back : )
Thank you all However I think Bill and Linda summed up what I'm up against. We are moving into the RV from the house we are in, located on Long Island NY temps in the 80s The next location is to my wife's mothers house, and once we leave NY unlikely to return w RV I'm going to see if I can find a 20 amp I'll report back : )
Bill
Bill, if the electrical box isn't too far from the rig installing a 20 amp circuit is easy right at the box if you know how. I make the comment: Installing a 30 amp, with appropriate size wires naturally, is no harder then a 20 and the 30 amp RV receptacle and breakers are readily available at the local home building store. Same number of wires - 3 - for either amp rating. This all assumes you know how and are qualified. But for a pro it's really easy and it will cost the same in labor for a 30 as a 20 so keep that in mind. 30 would be much better naturally.
Thank you all However I think Bill and Linda summed up what I'm up against. We are moving into the RV from the house we are in, located on Long Island NY temps in the 80s The next location is to my wife's mothers house, and once we leave NY unlikely to return w RV I'm going to see if I can find a 20 amp I'll report back : )
Bill
Bill, if the electrical box isn't too far from the rig installing a 20 amp circuit is easy right at the box if you know how. I make the comment: Installing a 30 amp, with appropriate size wires naturally, is no harder then a 20 and the 30 amp RV receptacle and breakers are readily available at the local home building store. Same number of wires - 3 - for either amp rating. This all assumes you know how and are qualified. But for a pro it's really easy and it will cost the same in labor for a 30 as a 20 so keep that in mind. 30 would be much better naturally.
Bill
Did you miss that this is a very temporary (30 days or so) situation? I think his best bet is to locate a reachable 20 amp outlet if possible.
Thanks again ! I located a 20 amp outlet, Not the dryer, yes it looks tempting, I already knew better, but for the washing machine, also its own line and close enough. I'm running the extension thru the basement window. For the record, its a 25 ft cord, I incorrectly said 50 yesterday. I shut down everything but the AC and did Not trip the breaker. I let it run for a while with both slides out, yes jacks are down ; ) and our 39 ft coach cooled down
Bill, if the electrical box isn't too far from the rig installing a 20 amp circuit is easy right at the box if you know how. I make the comment: Installing a 30 amp, with appropriate size wires naturally, is no harder then a 20 and the 30 amp RV receptacle and breakers are readily available at the local home building store. Same number of wires - 3 - for either amp rating. This all assumes you know how and are qualified. But for a pro it's really easy and it will cost the same in labor for a 30 as a 20 so keep that in mind. 30 would be much better naturally.
Bill
Did you miss that this is a very temporary (30 days or so) situation? I think his best bet is to locate a reachable 20 amp outlet if possible.
Actually, Dutch, no, I didn't miss that this was temporary. First, I try to provide information that will help people in a more complete manner. Some homes don't have any 20 amp wall outlets depending on age. 15 amps was common not too long ago. 30 days, while temporary, in higher temperatures can be very uncomfortable. So, I wanted the OP to realize that IF it were necessary to put in a 20 amp breaker they could do a 30 amp for about the same price and have more complete use of the rig as might be help with a 30 amp circuit. Thought that might be useful - and still think that information was useful to at least know. Didn't see where knowledge did any harm.
Many posts on this site are friendly, teaching posts. Designed to not only answer a specific question but to inform of other facts as newer RVers "read along" as I sometimes say.
Did you miss that this is a very temporary (30 days or so) situation? I think his best bet is to locate a reachable 20 amp outlet if possible.
Actually, Dutch, no, I didn't miss that this was temporary. First, I try to provide information that will help people in a more complete manner. Some homes don't have any 20 amp wall outlets depending on age. 15 amps was common not too long ago. 30 days, while temporary, in higher temperatures can be very uncomfortable. So, I wanted the OP to realize that IF it were necessary to put in a 20 amp breaker they could do a 30 amp for about the same price and have more complete use of the rig as might be help with a 30 amp circuit. Thought that might be useful - and still think that information was useful to at least know. Didn't see where knowledge did any harm.
Many posts on this site are friendly, teaching posts. Designed to not only answer a specific question but to inform of other facts as newer RVers "read along" as I sometimes say.
Bill, I'm sure your post will be helpful to someone in different circumstances than the OP, and they'll thank you for it. But suggesting that the OP install a new 20 or 30 amp outlet in a leased premises, where the lease likely prohibits such a mod in the first place, and only for a brief period, struck me as a bit overkill for the need without first exhausting more readily available solutions. Seeing as how the OP did find a suitable existing 20 amp outlet and has solved the problem now, the whole issue is pretty moot in my view. My apologies if you were offended by my comment, it was not meant with that mindset.
Did you miss that this is a very temporary (30 days or so) situation? I think his best bet is to locate a reachable 20 amp outlet if possible.
Actually, Dutch, no, I didn't miss that this was temporary. First, I try to provide information that will help people in a more complete manner. Some homes don't have any 20 amp wall outlets depending on age. 15 amps was common not too long ago. 30 days, while temporary, in higher temperatures can be very uncomfortable. So, I wanted the OP to realize that IF it were necessary to put in a 20 amp breaker they could do a 30 amp for about the same price and have more complete use of the rig as might be help with a 30 amp circuit. Thought that might be useful - and still think that information was useful to at least know. Didn't see where knowledge did any harm.
Many posts on this site are friendly, teaching posts. Designed to not only answer a specific question but to inform of other facts as newer RVers "read along" as I sometimes say.
Bill, I'm sure your post will be helpful to someone in different circumstances than the OP, and they'll thank you for it. But suggesting that the OP install a new 20 or 30 amp outlet in a leased premises, where the lease likely prohibits such a mod in the first place, and only for a brief period, struck me as a bit overkill for the need without first exhausting more readily available solutions. Seeing as how the OP did find a suitable existing 20 amp outlet and has solved the problem now, the whole issue is pretty moot in my view. My apologies if you were offended by my comment, it was not meant with that mindset.
Dutch:
In my reading of the timeline of the posts the OP had not yet found a 20 amp outlet when I made my post. Perhaps I mis-read. Does happen. I was not offended but explaining why I posted what I did. I do my best to help. BTW, in other private conversation I was thanked for the additional detail, etc. Very kind of that person to do so.
Well, just a follow up to our situation.
When I first inquired about electrical solutions, it was to cool off our MH prior to moving in.
At that time we thought we'd be staying on a relatives driveway for a month.
I went over there and saw that having a 30 amp outlet installed would be a viable option.
So while I didn't ask about that, it was a good suggestion.
Unfortunately the plug got pulled on that : (
I'll spare all of us the BS reason
Fortunately, we were able to extend the lease on our rental for a month.
We are staying in the area to due to Drs appointments, and want to launch with a full supply of meds
Thanks again to all
