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Old 06-25-2008, 09:42 PM   #1
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Air Conditioning at local campground

Heading down the street (2 miles) for a weekend of camping (gotta get out of the house). Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold NJ has tremendously large sites (100' x 75' or larger!) but each site has just 20 amp service. Will this power my AC (25' CCD International).

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Old 06-25-2008, 10:04 PM   #2
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20 amp power is not really sufficient to run a 13,500 btu rv ac unit. It can give your ac unit problems on start up. I understand that this can sometimes result in damage to you ac unit.

Brian
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Old 06-25-2008, 10:07 PM   #3
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Should be fine. You probably cannot run microwave oven at the same time as the AC. It is possible (but unlikely) you'll have to switch your refrigerator to gas. If the batteries are in a very discharged state, you may have to allow them to charge for a half hour to an hour before switching on the AC.

I've used my AC quite a few times on 20 amp circuits.

Be sure to monitor voltage (as on any circuit).
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Old 06-26-2008, 06:38 AM   #4
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The other problem could be power drops / surges which COULD damage various componets in your Airstream. Power drops / surges certainly are possible when a number of campers are using - especially 20 amp which is not recommended.
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Old 06-26-2008, 07:17 AM   #5
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It is going to be hot in N.J. this weekend...............

If you decide to use your AC leave the thermostat on full tilt cold. That will minimize the on-off cycles. The start up is where the damage can occur. I would also periodically check the voltage at the source and check your power cable for heat build up. Dave
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Old 06-26-2008, 08:01 AM   #6
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Should be no problem if you your elect. useage to the A?C
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Old 06-26-2008, 08:04 AM   #7
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You might want to use a voltage meter to check the power. As many on this forum know, we burned (?) out the capasitor (?) on our ac due to low power in campgrounds.

I bought a good quality voltage meter because I read somewhere that the readings of some the meters can be off as much as 10%. IIRC we try to have 106 volts.

If your ac is struggling (?) turn it off. Don't use a microwave or hair dryer at the same time with the ac.

If my husband reads this, he will have a fit because I know just enough to show how much I don't know. I do know that a good power source is necessary though.

We had 30amps added at home for the AS.

Sorry for the confusing post, but hope it helps a little.
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Old 06-26-2008, 08:17 AM   #8
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Have fun in Freehold. Just move to Maine from Red Bank last year.
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Old 06-26-2008, 07:25 PM   #9
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Thanks everyone

Thanks for all the help. Won't have time to get a voltage meter AND wouldn't know how to use it anyway. Will bring several fans plus the two fantastics and hope for the best.

Oh!!!

Can I supplement power with my Honda 2000 (haven't used it yet). By itself I know it is not adequate for the AC, but if hooked up to the 20 amp park service plus the generator would that help??

Hey Red Bank -- coming to Maine this summer (5th trip) we'll be in Acadia then down to CapeCod in mid July. I'm jealous, Maine is my favorite East Coast destination.

Brian
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Old 06-26-2008, 08:33 PM   #10
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Unfortunately you cannot supplement the power with your Honda 2000.


This gauge plugs into an unused outlet and is about $10. at Camping World. If its in the green or a smidge below with the AC on you're OK.

The amp rating of the circuit and the quality of the power are two independent criteria. 20 amps refers to the break point of the circuit breaker. It does not imply low voltage or damaging drops in voltage. If the meter shows it to be OK, it is OK.
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Old 06-26-2008, 08:47 PM   #11
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You can unplug the refer in the outside box and plug it into the 2000si. That will probably do the trick.

Brian
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Old 06-26-2008, 08:55 PM   #12
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Your Air conditioner only calls for a 20 amp breaker. Once it is running it will most likely pull only around 10 or so amps. My 81 Excella has a switch that only allows the air or microwave to run one at a time. If you run your Frige on gas you will be fine.
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Old 06-26-2008, 09:19 PM   #13
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Thanks r AMP and Moose. While there is a Camping World about 15 miles away my guess is I can pick one up at Sears.

BB
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Old 06-26-2008, 09:22 PM   #14
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Sorry thanks TPI.
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Old 06-26-2008, 09:42 PM   #15
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I have an older AS. My original service was via a single 20 amp breaker. The air conditioner diagram indicated a 20 amp start capacitor on line. I have run it on a 15 and on a 20. The size of your AC will have a lot to do with the start up power requirements.
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Old 06-27-2008, 04:32 AM   #16
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For me, it is the voltage drop, not the amperage of the circuit. Power cord size, wire guage to the outlet, condition of your breakers in the trailer itself, condition of the plug itself, all connections tight, and of course the starting needs of the AC that come into play here.
Best thing to do is check all of the above and then use a volt meter to assure yourself that you are getting at least 108 volts.
I find that even when I am getting minimal voltage that on a 20A circuit my plug will be warm or even hot. If I am able to feel the wiring of the circuit itself from the breaker, it will be quite warm. Resistance in the circuit equates to heat which steals voltage............Dennis
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