Posted 2017-05-25 1:35 PM (#169949) Subject: Adding AC to dressing room + amp questions
Member
Posts: 5
Hi all, I have a Hawk 2H with a dressing room that I can't bear to part with, so I'm getting some upgrades installed. I'm having an AC unit put in, with a 15 amp exterior inlet + 110 volt interior outlet. I'm also adding an electric awning with a 12 volt deep cycle battery under the neck.
My question is: until I get a generator (suggestions are welcome), can I hook up at RV sites at horse shows? I don't have water, but can I hook up so that my AC and interior outlet work? I think I read somewhere that the most common RV hookups are 30 amp- does anyone have suggestions for a converter, if that's even a thing?
Posted 2017-05-25 2:59 PM (#169950 - in reply to #169949) Subject: RE: Adding AC to dressing room + amp questions
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 350 Location: Penrose, Colorado
you need to re think, the ac needs the 30 amp exterior plug in, if you try to run the ac on anything less than 30 you will burn the compressor up in short order..
Posted 2017-05-25 8:07 PM (#169953 - in reply to #169949) Subject: RE: Adding AC to dressing room + amp questions
Member
Posts: 5
Really? I'm not doing it myself. A custom horse trailer manufacturer who also does repairs is installing it. When I told him I wanted AC in the dressing room, that's what he put on the quote. It's for a 13,500 BTU AC.
Is it that much more difficult to ask for a 30 amp instead of a 15
Posted 2017-05-26 6:11 AM (#169954 - in reply to #169949) Subject: RE: Adding AC to dressing room + amp questions
Elite Veteran
Posts: 656 Location: Rayne, LA
I would agree with Kooner- 30 amp minmum. That is pretty much standard. Even if you buy the best unit available it will need 11-15 MCA ( minumum circuit ampacity ) so with only 15 amps available that does not leave much or anything available for lights, radio and everthing else you will find yourself wanting to use. Also you will be plugging into a 30 amp minmum circuit, so why not have 30 amp service to your trailer?
Posted 2017-05-26 8:53 AM (#169956 - in reply to #169949) Subject: RE: Adding AC to dressing room + amp questions
Elite Veteran
Posts: 720
It's just about the money. A "motor base" 15amp plug on the front can power the A/C, and he can tag a receptacle inside. Very commonly done.
Sure- a 30 amp RV cord with a nice breaker box, receptacle legs, and then a converter to power all of the 12V trailer lights is ideal. But it can add a few hundred dollars and you have to find a place to hide it all in the trailer.
I'm sure your guy has done it before. Unfortunately after getting bashed about price all the time, many trades folks get used to quoting the cheapest way out. I bet if you quiz him again, he can give you more options.
Posted 2017-05-27 12:52 AM (#169959 - in reply to #169949) Subject: RE: Adding AC to dressing room + amp questions
Expert
Posts: 2953 Location: North Carolina
The a/c unit doesn't require 30 amps. The biggest benefit is the 10 gauge cord. Anything less creates resistance and voltage drop. Unless you're running a microwave or heater at the same time, 15 amps is okay. The weak link is the standard plug & receptacle(only rated for 15 amps) Just get 10 gauge extension cords to connect trailer to power. I carry two 50 foot 10 gauge cords. Use only one if possible, two if needed for minimum voltage drop.
Adding AC to dressing room + amp questions
