rvhome77
new mexico
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Joined: 08/05/2008
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I have a 1977 class A RV that is plugged into my garage with an extension cord. I have no clue what gauge it is, but it is able to power everything (including TV and other entertainment electronics). However when ever I turn on the front roof AC the lights dim and the motor sounds really bad (This happened when only the AC and one light were on). I can use this same AC as a fan and it will run fine. My question is if I'm giving the RV too little power or if the AC needs to be replaced. Any help would be appreciated as my rear roof AC won't even turn on and the RV is in the low to mid 90's during the day.
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wolfe10
Texas
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Joined: 10/08/2000
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Quite likely the voltage is too low.
Put a voltmeter into any of your electrical outlets in the RV. Make sure that voltage is not below 108 after the A/C compressor has started (it may drop a little lower during the few seconds of startup).
And your extension cord SHOULD have makings on it giving wire gauge.
Brett Wolfe
1993 Foretravel 36' U-240
Cat 3116, Allison 3060
Caterpillar RV Engine Owner's Club: www.catrvclub.org
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JFG
TN
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Joined: 07/01/2007
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With an older ac you are going to pull a lot of amps and need good voltage. Get at least a number 10 ga wire extension cord and try ac only.. no lights.
Fred
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Tenn Stud
Northeast, TN
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Joined: 11/16/2004
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How long is the extension cord and it plugged into a house wall socket?
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wa8yxm
Wherever I happen to park
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Joined: 07/04/2006
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You have too small a power cord to the RV You need either
1: A shorter cord
2: A heavier cord
3: A proper RV outlet installed and use RV grade (30 or 50 amp) cords
Nothin adds excitment like something that is none of your business
John is Near Kenwood TS-2000 housed in a 2005 Damon Intruder 377
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Nick Badame Refrig.
Cape May Court House, N.J.
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Joined: 08/23/2006
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Correct Guy's!
Extention Cords are a bad thing!
They actually eat up current. Do what the guys said and use a 10 ga. power cord. If you keep running the A/C's like that, you will damage them by over heating the start windings on your A/C compressor.
Keep your extention cords as short as possible. The reason outdoor extention cords are not to be used indoors is because of the heat that they disapate from their pvc jacket.
Good Luck
Nick-
MCI 102C3 40' 2006' Bus Conversion by Atlantic Custom Coach
Detroit 475hp 8V92t w/Allison Ht750 auto
Master Mason, Cannon Lodge #104 S. Seaville N.J.
FMCA# F-27317-S
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