How to Run RV AC Without Generator

Running an RV AC without a generator can be a challenge, but it's not impossible. You can use a 12-volt DC power source to run your RV AC.

Most RVs come equipped with a 12-volt DC power system, which can be used to run small appliances like a portable air conditioner.

You can purchase a 12-volt DC power inverter to convert DC power from your RV's battery to AC power for your RV AC.

A 12-volt DC power inverter can cost anywhere from $50 to $200, depending on the wattage and brand.

For another approach, see: Generator vs Inverter for Rv

RV air conditioners measure their cooling capabilities in British Thermal Units (BTUs), with 1,000 BTUs producing 100 watts of power.

Knowing the BTU rating of your AC unit is essential to determine the right wattage generator you'll need. If you're considering an air conditioning unit that's 13,500 BTU, you can safely assume it will use around 1350W.

For another approach, see: What Size Generator to Run 12000 Btu Ac

Most RV AC units use 500W-2,700W, depending on their size, so a 200W generator won't be enough.

You can also calculate the power used by your AC unit by looking at its Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) rating. A higher EER rating means the unit will use fewer watts.

For example, a 5,000 BTU unit with a 10 EER will use 500W, an 11 EER will use just 455 W, and a 12 EER will use 417W.

To power your RV air conditioner, you can use a power inverter, which converts DC power from your RV's battery bank into AC power.

However, you'll need to ensure the inverter is compatible and has enough capacity to support your RV's electrical system.

A 15,000 BTU RV air conditioner will need a lot more power compared to a 5,000 or 7,000 BTU unit, so you'll need to consider the size of your AC unit when choosing a power inverter.

To calculate how long a 12V battery will run an air conditioner, you need to know the running watts and divide it by the energy capacity of your batteries.

Intriguing read: What Size Inverter Generator Do I Need

You'll also need to consider the efficiency loss when converting from battery power to alternating current with an inverter, which is typically around 15 percent.

Lastly, you'll need to consider the Peukert exponent, which is a loss from the batteries at high loads, and your battery manufacturer will be able to provide this number.

Remember, the starting wattage will be significantly more than when running, so you'll need to account for this when calculating how long your battery will last.

Recommended read: Do I Need an Inverter Generator

Making RV AC more efficient is a must for any serious RVer. You can enhance your RV AC unit's energy efficiency by following a few simple tips. One way to do this is to switch to a high-efficiency unit, such as a window or mini-split style unit, which can be even more efficient than a rooftop unit.

The Truma Aventa is one of the most efficient and quietest rooftop units available, but it's not available for aftermarket purchase. The Houghton AC, on the other hand, is a fantastic, cost-effective, and quiet rooftop unit that's a great option for built-in cooling.

Consider reading: Thermoelectric Generator Efficiency

Here are some top recommendations for efficient RV AC units:

Remember, the most efficient unit will depend on your specific needs and setup. Be sure to consider factors like power consumption, noise level, and installation requirements when choosing the best unit for you.

You can run your RV AC unit for extended periods without draining your RV's battery by choosing an energy-efficient unit. Lower power consumption means you can use that energy surplus to run appliances like a mini fridge or electric stovetop.

An energy-efficient RV AC unit is better for the environment, reducing the carbon footprint and saving resources. It might not seem like much, but the more people invest in energy-efficient AC units, the more significant the impact.

If you rely on your battery bank to run your RV AC, you'll want to get the most efficient unit possible to conserve the watts/amps you use. You can choose high-efficiency RV rooftop units, but you will gain even more efficiency if you switch to a window or even a mini-split style Unit.

Discover more: How Big Generator to Run Rv Ac

Some top recommendations for efficient RV AC units include the Houghton AC (Rec Pro), Nomadic Cooling or Dometic RTX (DC Power), Ukoke Micro Mini Split, and Midea U Shape.

Here are some key features of these units:

By choosing one of these units, you can enjoy a cooler and more comfortable RV experience while reducing your energy consumption and environmental impact.

Having extra batteries on hand is essential for running your RV AC, especially if you plan on using power inverters or solar panels to keep your cool. You'll need a sufficient energy storage to keep your AC running for extended periods.

Opting for high-capacity batteries like 100 AH lithium batteries can provide the necessary power for running your RV air conditioner. These batteries can help you stay cool while camping.

Additional batteries will also help you avoid the risks of damage and depleted battery banks, which can happen if you don't have enough power to spare. This is especially true when running your AC at night, as it can cycle on and off, increasing your energy needs.

A good rule of thumb is to consider the power usage of your AC unit and multiply it by the efficiency loss when converting from battery power to alternating current. This can help you estimate how many batteries you'll need to run your AC for an extended period.

For example, if your AC unit draws 600 watts of power and cycles on and off at night, you may need an extra battery or two to avoid depleting your battery bank. This is especially true if you're starting at 100% capacity, as your batteries may not be able to handle the high loads.

Discover more: Inverter Battery Generator

To power your RV air conditioner without a generator, you can use a power inverter, which converts DC power from your RV's battery bank into AC power. This requires enough battery power to support the inverter, and a 15,000 BTU RV air conditioner will need significantly more power than a 5,000 or 7,000 BTU unit.

A cheaper option is to consider a window unit, which won't work while driving but can be a great choice for stationary applications. For ultimate efficiency, a full mini split install is the way to go, offering household system efficiency that blows away any RV or portable AC unit.

You can also run your RV AC without a generator through solar panels, which require installing solar panels on top of your RV and calculating the number of panels and their output to run the AC. Solar power is dependent on sunlight, so it's less reliable on cloudy days.

Expand your knowledge: Solar Powered Inverter Generator

Solar panels are a great option for off-grid power, especially for running your RV AC. They're eco-friendly and can be installed on your RV's roof.

You can choose from various sizes and capacities of solar panels to suit your needs, but it's essential to calculate the number of panels and their output to run your AC. This will ensure you're not under or overestimating your power needs.

Solar panels will offset the demand on your batteries, allowing you to double the run time if you can harvest 800 watts of solar while using the AC. However, it's worth noting that solar power is less reliable on cloudy days.

If you have a lot of solar power, like 1,600 watts, it's not a guarantee that you'll break even when running your AC unit. I've seen this firsthand, where even with 1,600 watts, the solar panels rarely produce that much power for an extended period.

For another approach, see: What Size Generator to Run Central Ac

You can now power your RV air conditioner with a small portable generator, a game-changer for off-grid living. Small portable generators that used to struggle with the initial power draw of older A/C units can now handle the job with the help of aftermarket soft start devices.

These devices, such as the MicroAir Easy Start, eliminate the initial power surge, making it possible to run an RV air conditioner with a 2000 watt portable generator.

Newer RV air conditioners, like the Houghton A/C units from RecPro, are more efficient and can be powered by a 2000 watt portable generator without the need for a soft start device.

Consider using a portable 2000 watt generator that uses less gas, especially when boondocking.

Additional reading: Ac Soft Start for Generator