If you’re thinking of adding a second air conditioner to your RV, you may wonder if it’s possible. After all, the power draw of two AC units on the same 30-amp service can be too much. You may need to find an alternative connection that will let you run other electrical devices simultaneously.
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Can you add a second AC unit to RV?
Adding another air conditioning unit to your RV requires some thought and planning. The first step is deciding which areas of your RV require more cooling power. It is best to install a second AC unit away from seating and sleeping areas. Avoid installing it in the bathroom or kitchen where the temperature is high, and condensation is a problem.
You can hook up two AC units in most parks using one circuit. Just make sure to use marine-grade input devices. Make sure you install the second unit’s wiring on the correct side. Also, check the RV wiring. If the RV has a single circuit breaker, you might need to install another circuit for the second AC unit. Another important factor to consider when adding a second AC unit to your 30-amp RV is the energy load. Two AC units running at the same time will cause too much load on the 30-amp service. To ensure that both ACs run smoothly, you may want to run an additional generator or connect to shore power.
Before adding the second AC unit to your 30-amp RV, you need to make sure the unit will fit into the RV. Check the owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s instructions for how to do this. Once you have determined the size of the second unit, place it in the hole where the old vent used to be. Then, connect the two AC units with their wires. Then you need to check the wiring and connections. The second AC unit may use less than 30 amps. Most AC units have different wattages based on their operating time. So if you add a second AC unit to a 30-amp RV, it will not use more than fifteen amps.
Although the power consumption of an AC unit can be as low as fifteen to twenty amps, it may be unsafe to operate two on the same 30-amp circuit. This is where SoftStartRV comes in handy. SoftStartRV enables an RV owner to run two air conditioners with just one 30-amp hookup. SoftStartRV is a must-have accessory for any RV owner.
How can I run 2 AC on 30 amp?
Running two AC units on the same 30 amp RV service can be tricky. This is because two units will draw considerable power, which can be a problem. Some newer RV controllers will alternate the two units, meaning one will work while the other is turned off. However, you won’t be able to run both AC units simultaneously on 30-amp service. Fortunately, there are alternative connections that you can make.
The first thing to consider is the size of the pedestal and the amount of power your AC is using. A 20 amp pedestal will probably not be enough to support a second AC, and the voltage will drop. If your RV has a 30 amp pedestal, it’s better to run the 2 AC units on a separate one. If you’re using a pedestal, make sure it’s not too old because pulling 30 AMPS for too long can cause the cord plug to melt.
You can also look into installing a soft start. These systems can be beneficial to all RVers. The soft start will reduce the startup power of your AC, thereby reducing the risk of tripping a breaker and damaging your RV’s appliances. Also, they can help you to run your AC off-grid or completely on battery power. The cost of a soft start is small and it will reduce your risk of tripping the breaker.
Write down the wattage
Another tip is to write down the wattage of each appliance you intend to use in your RV. It’s important to note that some of these appliances use much more than others. It’s also a good idea to take note of how many items you’re running at any given time. For example, a small space heater can consume 1500 watts when turned on high.
Another thing to remember is that even a 30-amp RV with two AC units will require more than one plug. In such cases, you’ll need to run an additional adapter to convert from 30 amps to 110v. In general, a small AC will run on 110v, but if you’re not using any other appliances, you can try to run it on your 30 amp RV. Then, set it on the lowest setting and leave the fan on auto.
Can you run two air conditioners together?
The answer to the question “Can you run 2 air conditioners together in a 30-amp RV?” depends on the type of AC and its power consumption. Many older RVs have power limitations that prevent running two AC units at once. A newer RV may be able to accommodate two air conditioners on a 30-amp circuit. Nevertheless, this may not be practical for larger AC units.
A newer RV might have an alternate controller that can run two air conditioners simultaneously. One will run for a while, then the controller will switch to the second AC. The reason why the ACs cannot run simultaneously is the power consumption is too great. When setting up the two air conditioners, set them for different temperatures. Then, avoid running both compressors at the same time. Doing so may cause the units to draw 15 to 18 amps of current during peak times. This could cause the breaker to trip. Therefore, plan your activities during the day when the temperatures are higher, and one AC is not running.
Challenge in running two air conditioners
One of the challenges in running two air conditioners together in a 30-amp-RV is the starting current. The start-up current of a compressor can easily exceed 30 amps, but since this will be only for a brief time, it won’t be detected by the power watchdog. This current could potentially trip a 30-amp breaker. However, soft starters are available to reduce this starting current and make the air conditioners run on less than 30 amps.
If you have the space, you can install a second air conditioner. You can install the second unit in a bedroom or other area where the second air conditioner won’t be used as much. It is important to avoid installing a second air conditioner in the bathroom or kitchen. These areas are important for humidity control. Running two AC units on a 30-amp RV circuit is not recommended. It will result in a shed of other appliances. A 9.000 BTU air conditioner needs a 2200-watt generator to power it. A typical air conditioner draws about 1500 watts and draws about 12-16 Amps.
Is 30 amp enough for an RV air conditioner?
In a typical home, thirty amps of electrical power is ample. However, it can be tripped easily because of the many things you have on simultaneously. To avoid this, turn off any electrical appliances that are not essential. Generally, 30 amps of power is adequate for most RVs and campers.
In addition, it’s important to note that the voltage in the campground can impact the amperage required. Although the difference is small, it can mean the difference between running an appliance or tripping a breaker. To help you determine the proper amount of amperage, write down all the appliances in your RV and note their wattages. Also, keep track of how many large-wattage items you plan on running simultaneously. If you’re planning on running the air conditioner only, 30 amps should be adequate. However, if you’re planning on running any other appliances simultaneously, you should ensure that they don’t exceed that limit. Otherwise, you’ll run the risk of blowing the fuse or tripping the breaker. This can also cause a power outage.
When installing a second air conditioning unit in your RV, make sure to use an Energy Management System (EMS). This automatically controls all the appliances in the RV, keeping them within their power limits. If your air conditioning unit needs more than 30 amps of electrical power, you should run it on a separate 15 amp circuit. If you have more than one air conditioning unit, you should consider buying a 50-amp adapter. If your RV has only one, 30 amps will work fine. If you have two units, you’ll need to look for 50-amp RV sites or find another way to cool your RV.
To avoid tripping when starting your A/C, you should consider purchasing a SoftStartRV unit. This device smoothes out the power spike during startup and reduces startup amps by 70 percent or more. It also reduces the power draw by 1500 watts, which means you can run more A/C units on a 30-amp connection.
