Can I Go From A 13,500 BTU AC Unit To A 15,000 BTU On A 30 Amp Trailer?

Updated 06/18/2026 | Published 06/14/2026

Question:

Can i go from a 13500 ac unit to a 15000 on a 30 amp trailer using a soft start?

asked by: Bill

Expert Reply:

Hey Bill, thanks for reaching out. Yes, you can go from a 13,500 BTU AC to a 15,000 BTU AC on a 30-amp trailer, and adding a soft start is a smart move. The soft start helps reduce the big startup surge when the compressor kicks on, which is usually the hardest part for a 30-amp RV electrical system.

That said, it does not lower the running amp draw very much. A 15K unit will still use more power while running than a 13.5K unit, so you may need to manage other loads like the microwave, water heater on electric, coffee maker, or converter charging hard while the AC is running.

That said, for a solid, affordable 15K BTU AC system I recommend the following:

- Advent Air RV Air Conditioner System - Single Zone - 15,000 Btu - White - R32 # ADV92SR

This comes with a start capacitor/soft start that will help lower that amp draw on startup. It's a complete AC system so everything you need to replace/upgrade your old setup.

What kind of AC unit do you have currently? How old is it?

expert reply by: Jesse M

Advent Air RV Air Conditioner System - Single Zone - 15,000 Btu - White - R32
(click to enlarge)

Bill

6/16/2026

Dometic brisk in a 2022 Gulfstream amerilite 21 ft no slide. Was looking at the furrion chill variable speed

Jesse M.

6/17/2026

@Bill Ok nice, good choice! We can do that. Is your camper ducted or ductless? Were you wanting to add a heat pump? Or just the AC?

Joel H.

6/17/2026

Got the advent. No startup issues. Easy install. Totally happy with it.

Mark

6/18/2026

I bought the same unit. It will throw a braker if you have several things plugged in. And if you're old unit has 2 wires for heat you'll need to have a second thermostat for heat