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Air Conditioner Ok, I Have An Ac Question Please

L

Ladymc

Novice
Hubby says the AC won't run off the battery power, not matter how big. I read on another forum that Evan stated that it would only run off shore power. Being in Texas AC is a MUST. We live in our 5th wheel in a very nice campground with AC, but don't know if we can plug up there or not - if not, we'll probably have to get a generator for when those grandkids come and we throw them in the Raindrop - cause they'd roast in the summer without AC. So would someone tell me WHY do I need to buy a solar panel again? The Raindrop we are buying from a former member came ready for a solar panel. I'd like to get one to charge the battery but if it won't run the AC what's the point?
 
It's true the AC won't run off of the battery - it's the only thing that won't. However, the Fantastic Fan, cabin lights, water pump, TV and all kinds of other stuff will run off of the battery. All of these other things are important enough that a solar panel is worth having to make sure you can keep them going when not plugged in. The only reason a solar panel wouldn't make sense is if you are NEVER going to camp without power.
 
You don't need to buy a solar panel, only if you desire.

I would suggest keeping the teardrop plugged in at all times, with the vent slightly open and fan running during the hot Texas summer months. Air ventilation is going to be important. Imagine how hot the inside compartment will become without ventilation!

Will you be able to keep the tear under cover somehow to decrease sun bleaching?

Jean
 
Jean,
We have a delimma - our RV site is HUGE - at the end of a cul de sac with about 1/4 acre of woods right out our door with woods behind us and in front of us (the esplanade in the middle of the cul de sac with oak trees & picnic tables - extremely nice.) There is so much room to put the Raindrop, but we want to cover it (it comes with the cover). The oak trees with bird droppings will be a problem. But if we don't ventilate it, like you said it's going to be HOT. I don't care about keeping it pristine looking - I want it nice, don't get me wrong, but we're going for the patina look, not the shiney look. So we've talked with Cary and the man who showed us his and we're going to do their recommendations on the skin. Bill will be out there daily taking care of it I'm sure.

Question to you both: What about a Honda generator?
 
Evan,
Can you please suggest a good solar panel and price and where to get it? We probably will get one because our RV site isn't built for 2 RV's to plug in and we'll need the solar panel to charge the battery. I'm thinking it'll run around $450?
 
The teardrop only needs a traditional extention cord, not the big cord that is with the 5th Wheel.

Strange to me that an electric post at a campground doesn't have recepticals for 110. Of course, I have never camped in a spot like yours.

Jean
 
You would need at least a 1.5 to 2 KW generator to run even a small A/C or one rated at 5 to 6000 BTU . As a general rule most home type generators are not designed to run continuously at full load. Four to 6 hours at a time should present no problem for a quality unit.I believe Yamaha has a 2 KW unit that is priced at around $1000. Both Honda and Yamaha offer quality products and will last for years. Buy a cheap unit and you will ether always be waiting for parts, or you will purchase a new one every other year. With generators you get what you pay for, just like teardrops.
 
Jean,
That was a question I was wondering about last night - I remembered seeing the orange extension cords wrapped around the bumper and I figured that it didn't have a tradition 50 or 30 AMP plug like our 5th wheel. That's GREAT news to me!

I leave all the outside hook up stuff to Bill so I don't pay attention, but I do know that there is a regular plug on the pole, so we're good to go! YES! Thanks! Now I don't have to worry about a generator OR solar panel - we may get a panel just cause it's already prepped for it and ya never know when you could use it. Might end up by a lake in the Rockies somewhere with the bears!
 
Yep - all you need is a standard plug. Most RV poles seem to have one of these in addition to the 30 or 50 amp. However, it is also common to find an RV pole with no standard 15a/120v outlet. For this reason you should carry a small 30a to 15a convertor. You can get these for about $10 at any RV store. Camp-Inn sells one as well.

To run the AC you would need a 2000w generator. As LeoJan said, both Yamaha and Honda make one - either should work very well.

I got my solar panel at www.UL-solar.com - They are priced much lower than anywhere else, but I have not had any problem with them. My 85w panel cost less than $250. For a portable panel, I don't think you would want something as big as 85w. Perhaps 40w would be better.
 
Evan,

So if our pole is being used 50 amps for our 5th wheel and we have a plug to use for the Raindrop, converted it would run the AC? Will we be able to run both the 5th wheel and Raindrop off the same pole at the same time - AC in both units? We want to use the Raindrop as an overflow bedroom when company comes. Will that be too many amps? We could turn off one AC if we want to run the microwave - not a problem.
 
As an electrician I can't answer that for sure without looking at the circuit panel but I would guess that you would be OK. Worst case, the breaker would trip and then you'd know to shut off the AC when the microwave was running.
 
As an electrical engineer I can pretty much guarantee that the 50 Amp circuit would power both your 5th wheel and the raindrop with both A/C units running full blast, the question as Evan states is the configuration of the panel. Do you have the receptacles required to plug both units in? If you don't, an electrician would be able to do it for a nominal charge, or if you have the right converter pug 15/30 amps that may do the trick as well if you have two 30Amp receptacles.
 
Don't mean to be stupid, but I still haven't walked outside to ck. out the post. BUT we do have plugs in under the awning for outside things (fans, stereo, etc.) that we could run a plug from to the Raindrop - that should work, huh?
 
Linda,

Due to the electrical demands and possible distance from the post to teardrop, investing in a very good extension cord will be of benefit.

Evan or LeoJan can recommend the appropriate wire gauge.

Jean
 
Hi Linda, 1st off Congrats on your recent purchase~! Let me see if I can help. Your 5th wheel requires a 220 Volt outlet, sounds like 50 Amp. Your Camp-Inn only needs 120 Volt. So the first thing I would look for at the power pedestal is does it have both? If it does, I'd recommend a 12 Guage extention cord. If you need 25', then buy a 25' cord. If you need 50' to reach your sweet new camper then buy a 50'. so on and so forth. The shorter the cord, the better. If you don't have a 120 Volt outlet at the pedestal, you should be OK plugging it in to your 5th wheel. Typically the kitchen outlets are your best option but you should seek a professional opinion locally with someone who has the benefit of looking at your particular situation. Plugged in you will be able to run the A/C no problem. I don't know the exact load of the A/C units (newbie wannabee) but I'm sure you can find that out and is easily discovered with a meter by an electrician. Good Luck, hope it helps. I don't think you need to worry about a generator unless you plan on using the A/C off grid. Chip
 
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