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elihusmails · 07-14-2019, 04:00 AM

We just purchased our first camper, 2016 K-Z 19BHS. Can you run the AC either a) off the battery or b) plugged into a 15 amp 110 line via 30amp dogbone? The camper is in our driveway and we just want to run it for a while to cool things off while we prep for our first trip.

davismills · 07-14-2019, 04:08 AM

You will not be able to run the AC off a stock battery setup. The air conditioner is not DC powered directly. It has been done with the proper inverter but would require a large battery bank.

The 15 amp connection will run the AC, but pretty much nothing else. I've used this latter method many times.

C.Martin · 07-14-2019, 04:39 AM

You can download the spec sheet for your A/C unit. It will detail the amps for the fan and compressor.

I will tell you both scenarios...

Battery:

With 932aH of GC-2 batteries (8 - 6v), a MS-2812 Inverter, and a MicroAir Easy Start...you can run the A/C for about three hours. If you have 800aH of Lithium...maybe six hours. Oh...and you need to wire a special switch to redirect your A/C connection from Main AC power to the Inverter sub bus. Normally, rigs don't come with A/C wired to run off the Inverter. (Some exceptions to this)

110v ...

you will need to turn off your converter to prevent it from taking amps away from the A/C unit. Depending on the breaker your 110 outlet is on, and the length of cord, heat load, voltage...you may get away stock...but more than likely will still need the. Micro Air Easy Start.

The MicroAir Easy Start isn't a cheap device to install. Watch Gone with the Wynns YouTube video on the subject. They totally outperform hard start kits. They are a good investment, esp. if you see yourself having opportunity to run A/C off a smaller inverter generator. That said, you can buy the materials to add a 30A outlet for less $$ than a MicroAir Easy Start.

If this is something you intend to do often...adding a couple of solar panels will help. They can keep your batteries charged while your converter is turned off to allow the A/C to hoard the 15A shore power.

twinboat · 07-14-2019, 05:16 AM

Open your breaker box and read the amp rating on the AC circuit breaker.

If its 15 amps, you can get away with it, using the RV cord and dog bone adaptor.

If the AC has a 20amp breaker, you can still do it, but you should look for a 20 amp outlet in your house. Kitchen and dining room outlets are 20 amp in modern homes. If you need an extension cord, be sure to use a heavy duty one.

As a new RV owner, forget running the AC on batteries.

1st-tt2018 · 07-14-2019, 05:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elihusmails

We just purchased our first camper, 2016 K-Z 19BHS. Can you run the AC either a) off the battery or b) plugged into a 15 amp 110 line via 30amp dogbone? The camper is in our driveway and we just want to run it for a while to cool things off while we prep for our first trip.

Another thing not mentioned is that running the a\c on a 15 amp if your breaker is 20 will do incremental harm to the compressor if it doesnt trip the breakers. The line in will get hot, loose voltage throught the draw, and under volt the compressor. Might run though, but could do harm. Just something for the ole toolkit[emoji6].

I wired a 20a outlet for a fountain pump in our front yard and use that for the TT when parked. Works for us.

elihusmails · 07-14-2019, 06:27 PM

Thanks all for the information. I ordered a 30-to-15 amp dogbone and it should be in tomorrow. Once that is hooked up appropriately I'll give the A/C a try.