|
Start-up current on A/Cs ranges from about 40 to 60 Amps (some even higher), but that’s for a very short period of a few seconds or less that will not trip a good 30-Amp breaker. Highest current (LRA) is for even less time, and starts to go down as soon as compressor starts to spin up.
You should be able to run two 13,500 BTU/hr A/Cs on 30 Amps as long as they are high efficiency units and don’t start simultaneously, and not much else is on at same time. Easy solution is to base load one A/C by setting temperature really cold so it doesn’t cycle on and off. You can also add a soft start (or two), which should help most if running two A/Cs with limited generator capacity. On shore power I wouldn’t spend the cash unless it was actually needed.
None of this is black and white, so common sense has to be used. Obviously, if parked in the dessert near Death Valley in July, the A/Cs will draw more current. Likewise, if campground voltage is low, A/Cs will draw more current. It’s all predictable if one knows what to look for.
For mid-size motorhomes, going with two high efficiency 11,000 BTU/hr A/Cs is a safe bet. Various manufacturers including Thor are offering that option with 30-Amp service and 4,000-Watt Onan. They do include an automated energy management system, but I expect much of that can be done manually if necessary.
__________________
|
Thor Forums
