Chuck&Gail
In the Colorado Mountains
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Joined: 06/16/2004
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Make sure voltage is no lower than 110 VAC. Personally I think you will NOT be able to run A/C.
Chuck
Wonderful Wife
Lovely German Shepherd.
1999 Mercedes ML320 TV
2003 Wanderer 187TB Toybox (3620# UVW, 4800# loaded)
Not yet camped in Hawaii, 2 Canada Provinces, & 2 Territories.
I can't be lost because I don't care where this lovely road is going
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Les Curren
U.S.A.
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Joined: 07/07/2001
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More than likely the service will not be 15 amp but will be 20 amp. The receptacle will be 15 amp however. But the campground breaker will be 20 amp.
However if you do get it started set the thermostat as low as is posible and control the temp by opening doors windows and top vents.
If it tries to recycle your dead in the water.
Also if it is at all questionable try starting it late at night after all the other campers have gone to bed and are not using any of the line voltage. Goodluck!!!
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mongopino915
Colorado
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Joined: 05/16/2008
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I plugged my 30/20 amp conversion into my house outlet and was able to run my 15K AC unit just fine. Like others have said, watch your power consumption and minimize using more than 1 main appliance at the same time. Good luck.
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HedoTravelers
Rochester, New York & Jamaica, W.I.
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Joined: 07/12/2007
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We go to a campground in Canada frequently that only offers 15 amp service. It does in fact run my 15k A/C. Not to say we haven't tripped the breaker a few times (DW forgets & uses the microwave, the circuit we get has an old breaker, etc.), but it does work. I just put the fridge on LP and use no other electric.
Respect,
Brent
TV ~
Cadillac Escalade EXT, Prodigy BC, Reese Pro Series SC
Rigs ~
Starcraft Travelstar 21RBS, Alcan Traveler Tent Camper
"Where ever you go, there you are"
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Grillmeister
Iconoclast
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Joined: 07/16/2003
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Thanks for all the quick replies, it doesn't sound too relaxing running an on going experiment trying to stay comfortable. I will try to move to another site or date in the morning.
Thanks again for helping me make up my mind. Gary
Show me the GRILL and STAND BACK!!!! 
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Bumpyroad
Virginia
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Joined: 12/01/2005
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Grillmeister wrote:Hi Gang,
I just made reservations at a local campground and the only site available had a special note "15 amp service only!".
I have run my RV air at home on a receptacle with a 20 amp circuit breaker many times and I can hold about 110 volts. I know a lot of factors at the campground are involved as to whether it will work or not but I am just wondering if everything was perfect, would a 15 amp circuit breaker carry the load from an A/C drawing 13.5 to 14 amps. I am thinking it might, but still might pop the breaker on startup, or might bring the volt reading down below an acceptable level. I have a month before the reservation so I have time.
Any thoughts? Thanks, Gary
I wouldn't do it without a voltmeter. about $15.00 plug in type.
bumpy
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Dave H M
IL
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Joined: 08/11/2006
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I don't know what the voltage but my last two campers ac ran fine plugged into a 15 amp outlet in the gatage. Has worked for 6 years. Used while backed up to the garage for loading and unloading.
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Grillmeister
Iconoclast
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Joined: 07/16/2003
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I forgot thank everyone for all the good ideas, if I am ever forced into this situation I will be well prepared to deal with it.
Yes, I have a volt meter plugged in at all times and a multi-meter in the pouch on the doghouse. The multi-meter has saved me many times over the years.
Thanks again.
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Hurricaner
Hurricane Utah
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Joined: 02/17/2007
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The one tip I can give is to use a dog bone 15/30 adapter. The barrel adapters tend to pull out and won't dissipate as much heat. They cost a few bucks more but are well worth it.
Sam
Sam & Kari
Hurricane, Utah
2004 34' Damon Challenger 315
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dougrainer
Carrolton
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Joined: 06/11/2007
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Will it work? Of Course it will. The question is-- IS IT SMART to operate a RV roof AC on a 15 amp circuit/receptacle. NO. The MINIMUM operating circuit for a RV AC is 20 amps. By operating on a lower amp system which usually means the LINE VOLTAGE will be marginal, you risk damaging the roof AC unit from operating on low voltage. As someone said, use a ACCURATE voltmeter (not a plug in tester) to monitor the line voltage. I think you will be suprised at the variance on line voltage from peak daytime to nighttime. Remember, there are parasitic loads on an RV that you CANNOT turn off easily (Power Converter and if you cut this off you will be dead 12 volt wise). If your line voltage drops below 108 volts, then I would turn off the AC unit. Doug
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