How to Use an AC Powered Air Conditioning Unit on a DC Powered Travel Trailer
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
This one might be a little unusual. My ultimate goal is to run a 10,000 btu standard windowfoot air conditioner that would normally be used in a home with a coolbot controller to make a cheap portable walk in cooler. I could strap a genny onto the front of the trailer, but I was also looking at whether it could also be powered by an inverter while on the road likely 2500-3000w, which then leads to the next question, can I power the inverter from the trailer connector?? This would enable me to mount the inverter on the trailer preferred rather than up under the hood of the truck 2015 Chev 1/2ton. I cant really find anywhere that says how much power I can pull through the connector. I am also totally up for installing a deep cycle marine battery on the trailer to help buffer the load and would also be handy if I wanted to shut the truck off for short periods of time. So if I include the deep cycle battery, the trailer hookup auxillary power would be used to keep the charge up on the battery does it have enough juice to do this?, the inverter would be drawing from the deep cycle battery and that would power the AC unit.
asked by: Derrick
Expert Reply:
I do have a way for you to install an AC powered air conditioning unit on your travel trailer that operates on DC power but the 12 volt power circuit on the 7-way trailer connector will not be sufficient to power an inverter running a 10,000 btu air conditioning unit.
A 10,000 btu air conditioner in going to require around 2,000 watts for startup and 700 watts of continuous power to run. These figures are averages and you will want to check your unit for exact specifications. If you will be running the air conditioning unit with an inverter I recommend using part # WC3720. You will then need to buy an auxiliary battery to power the inverter and a battery charger to charge the battery like part # 331-BCDC1240D.
If you will be running the air conditioning unit with a generator I recommend using the A-iPower 2,000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator part # 289-SUA2000I which is rated at 2,000 watts for starting power and 1,600 watts of continuous power.
I have attached a review video of the inverter, generator, and battery charger for you as well.

Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: redarc
- Shop: 60-Amp MIDI Fuse Kit for Redarc In-Vehicle 40-Amp BCDC Battery Charger
- Shop: Fusion LED Hardwired Trailer Light - Stop, Tail, Turn, Backup - Round - Red/Clear Lens - 14 Diodes
- Shop: 40-Amp MIDI Fuse Kit for Redarc In-Vehicle 25-Amp BCDC Battery Charger
- Video: Fusion LED Hardwired Trailer Light: The Breakdown
- Shop: Optronics LED Trailer Light - Brake, Tail, Turn - Submersible - Round - Red
- Shop: Fusion LED Hardwired Trailer Light - Stop, Tail, Turn, Backup, Warn - Round - R/W/Y Lens - 20 Diodes
- Shop: H-Channel for Enclosed Trailer - 93-1/2" Long x 2" Tall x 1-1/8" Deep - Aluminum
- Search Results: h channel
- Search Results: h~channel
- Shop: Redarc Solar Panel Wind Fairing Mounts - Qty 2
- Search Results: solar panels to auxiliary battery battery charger
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Recommended DC To DC Battery Charger For 400AH Lithium Battery Bank
- Search Results: trailer lights
- Video: Finding the Right Trailer Wiring Harness
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Search Results: battery charger
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Article: Trailer Maintenance Schedule
- Article: Most Popular Wheel Bearings
- Article: Is It Illegal to Leave My Hitch on My Truck?
- Article: 30-Amp and 50-Amp RV Service: What's the Difference?
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring