How to Recharge a Roof Vent Air Conditioner for a Camper

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Use your RV generator to charge RV appliances such as air conditioners, house batteries and microwave ovens. The process is moderately easy and only requires a few hours for a complete charge. The best time to charge a roof vent air conditioner is prior to a camping trip, especially if your excursion will take place in a remote area. You don't want to be stranded in extreme heat with an air conditioner that is not fully charged.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step 1

Turn off the power to all appliances in the RV including the roof vent air conditioner. Unplug all microwave ovens, toasters, TVs, stereos and ice makers to prevent power from draining out when these units are plugged into an electrical outlet. Reduce the number of 12-volt lights running during the recharge cycle to minimize power sharing.

Step 2

Switch the refrigerator from A/C to LP gas.

Step 3

Make sure your RV generator is plugged in to an A/C outlet. Plug the air conditioner into the generator.

Step 4

Determine the power requirement for your roof vent air conditioner. Factors such as size, converter output rating, amps and battery discharge level determine the power requirement for a roof vent air conditioner. For example, a 1000 watt roof vent air conditioner with a 80 percent discharge level requires approximately three hours of power to fully charge. That number increases drastically if the discharge level drops to 20 percent, in which case the air conditioner will require approximately 13 hours of charge time.

Tips & Warnings

Use a #12 wire extension cord to keep the amount of voltage drop from causing problems. Heavier gauge cords can also be used.

Improve air conditioner performance by cleaning filters, evaporator coils and condenser coils regularly.

All RV appliances must be unplugged before charging takes place.

Article Written By Charlie Gaston

Charlie Gaston has written numerous instructional articles on topics ranging from business to communications and estate planning. Gaston holds a bachelor's degree in international business and a master's degree in communications. She is fluent in Spanish and has extensive travel experience.

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