How To Power Air Conditioner While Dry Camping/Boondocking With Trailer

Updated 01/02/2020 | Published 01/01/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Progressive Dynamics 4000 Series RV Converter w/ Charge Wizard and AC/DC Distribution Panel - 60 Amp

(489)

$300.23

Firman 3,300-Watt Portable RV Dual Fuel Inverter Generator - Propane or Gas - Electric Start

(5)

$1159.99

Question:

Will the PD4060K convert my battery power to AC so as to run the air conditioning and 120V outlets etc. sorry if this is a dumb question, Im new to RVs Thanks!

asked by: Jeff R

Expert Reply:

There is no such thing as a dumb question! I do have an option for you but the Progressive Dynamics Mighty Mini AC/DC Panel and Converter/Smart Charger part # PD4060K is not going to convert 12V power to AC power. It will use AC shore power to charge your DC batteries but you still would not be able to use your air conditioner or 120V outlets unless you were hooked up to shore power because you can't realistically power an air conditioner with a battery bank.

You will need a generator with inverter to power the air conditioner and other 120V outlet appliances. I recommend to use 3,300-Watt Portable RV Inverter Generator - 2,900 Running Watts part # FIR54FR which will power a single 13,500 BTU or single 15,000 BTU air conditioner. It is not enough watts to power dual 15,000 BTU air conditioners so you want to keep that in mind. You will need to know the starting and running watts of the appliances you are trying to power with the generator. I have included an example of determining your power needs. I recommend to also take a look at the product page to see various running and starting watts estimates of common household appliances. It will also make a difference if your air conditioner has a start capacitor or not because most air conditioners require a lot of starting watts.

expert reply by: Heather A