Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks: a/c

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a/c

Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13835
Printed Date: 22 Jun 2025 at 10:14am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: a/c

Posted By: RKS1
Subject: a/c
Date Posted: 26 Jul 2020 at 4:19pm

hello everybody:

I am new to RVing, hence this question. I am plugged into house outlet (20 amp). I want to check make sure everything works right. My A/C is not acting properly. Starts then shots off after a couple of minutes. My guess is I need to be hooked to a 30 amp outlet for the A/C to work. I am I close to sounding right.

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Kent

Replies:

Posted By: 1nana2many
Date Posted: 26 Jul 2020 at 4:22pm

You are correct, it pulls too much especially if there are other things on the same circuit. My husband says it may run for a while, but might also melt the adaptor plug.

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The mountains are calling and we must go...O.D., Keith & Jody
2016 RP179= O.D. (Olive Drab)
2008 Coachman Captiva
1993 Jayco 1206 popup
2016 F150 Supercrew

Posted By: RKS1
Date Posted: 26 Jul 2020 at 4:25pm

Thank you. Had a feeling that was the issue. t did not melt the plug. I liked out it just blow a fuse.

Thank you

Kent and Amy

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Kent

Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 26 Jul 2020 at 4:26pm

I don't know how you are hooked to that 20A 120 circuit. But that AC requires some power, I wouldn't advise normal ops the way you are doing it. Best to have a 30A circuit and your power cable.

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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 26 Jul 2020 at 4:43pm

The a/c only uses about 15A while running so it shouldn't be a problem to run it from a 20A circuit as long as there is nothing else on that circuit (in the house or trailer) at the same time. Shot off all the other breakers in the trailer panel.

Don't worry about melting the plug, the circuit breaker in your home panel will trip first. But, you should be sure to use a heavy gauge extension cord (at least 12 gauge, NOT a cheap 14 gauge one) and keep the length as short as possible.

That is a short term solution. Long term I agree with the other comments, install a dedicated 30A RV outlet if possible. I do understand that that might now be practical or cost effective in every situation.

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1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold

Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 26 Jul 2020 at 5:10pm

A 15A outlet will definitely trip the breaker. It might not be immediate, but it will trip. A 20A breaker should not trip provided nothing else is on that circuit at the same time. Make sure your water heater is shut off for AC power. Running it on propane would be okay. Same with the refrigerator. If your battery is low, your converter will pull significant power until it is charged so that would be a factor also. I agree that a 12 gauge cable should be the minimum for running the RPod from a 20A outlet. You can tell a 20A outlet if the house is up to code in that it will have a different shaped outlet than the 15A outlets. It will have little T slot on one side instead of two parallel slots.

Ultimately, having an RV outlet installed will be better. If you have an electrician install one, make absolutely sure that he/she is installing a 110V 30A RV outlet and not a 220V dryer outlet. Verify the installation with a meter before you plug your RPod into that outlet.

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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS