How to Use an AC Powered Air Conditioning Unit on a DC Powered Travel Trailer

Products Featured in This Question

A-iPower 2,000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator - 1,600 Running Watts - Gas - Manual Start

(99)

$545.82

Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger - Dual Input - DC to DC - 12V/24V - 40 Amp

(84)

$540.00

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.

expert reply by: Conner L