RV A/Cs are a must for staying comfortable in the summer, but they can also lead to some frustrating electrical issues—like low voltage, power surges, and overloaded circuits. If your camper’s A/C keeps tripping the breaker, it’s probably pulling more power than your setup can handle. And while it might be tempting to just flip the switch and cross your fingers, that approach won’t do much when you’re also battling sweltering heat or limited amps.
In this piece, we’ll dive into why your A/C is such a power hog and how to keep it from taking down your entire system. You’ll pick up some helpful insight on RV power demands, plus smart tool recommendations to help you stay cool. From soft start kits that ease your A/C into action to surge guards that shield your system from unpredictable power events, Parts Via has the solutions to keep you chillin’ in no time.
So, let’s get plugged in and powered up—without blowing a fuse.
Why Does My RV A/C Keep Tripping the Breaker?
What’s the deal with this all-too-familiar camping trip buzzkill? In a nutshell, your RV air conditioner is a real power pig, especially when it first kicks on. In fact, that initial surge can spike way above normal running draw, momentarily demanding more power than your circuit can handle.
If you’re plugged into a 30-amp outlet—pretty standard for many RVs—that surge, along with the load from other power-hungry appliances like the fridge, microwave, or water heater, can easily overload your electrical system. And when demand exceeds capacity, the breaker trips to protect the circuit.
Furthermore, if your camper’s wiring isn’t up to par or the breaker is aging or faulty, you’re just piling more strain onto an already overtaxed system. Even a dirty A/C filter can create problems, since it forces the unit to work harder—and draw more power.
So, basically, your A/C isn’t being overly dramatic. It’s simply too much for your setup without a little extra help.
How Much Power Does an RV A/C Really Use?
While many of your RV appliances can be power hungry, your RV A/C is especially greedy. Exact draw can vary based on manufacturer, model, and environmental conditions, but a typical RV A/C unit—usually in the 10,000 to 15,000 BTU range—draws around 10 to 16 amps while running. Not too bad, right?
Well, here’s the kicker: at startup, that same unit’s draw can ratchet up to 2 to 3 times the running amps, easily reaching 30 amps or more to complete the startup cycle. This matters a lot when you’re plugged into 30-amp shore power at the campground, which gives you a total of— surprise! —just 30 amps to play with across all appliances in your RV. Fire up the A/C, add a coffeemaker, maybe a microwave or water heater, and suddenly you’re caught in a literal power struggle with no room for error.
Even on a 50-amp hookup, startup surges and overlapping appliance use can still cause trouble
if your rig’s wiring or load management isn’t up to snuff.
Here’s a handy reference to compare different RV A/C power draws:
AC Capacity Running Amps
5,000 BTU ~4.5
10,000 BTU ~9
12,000 BTU ~10.5
13,500 BTU ~12
15,000 BTU ~13
20,000 BTU ~17.5
Keep in mind, these are running amps under normal voltage conditions—not the higher startup surge your system sees when the A/C first kicks on. That’s where soft start kits come in handy…
What’s a Soft Start Kit and Why Do So Many RVers Swear by Them?
A soft start kit is a compact upgrade for your RV A/C that smooths out the massive power spike it demands at startup. Instead of slamming your electrical system with a 30+ amp surge like a cannonball, a soft start lets your A/C ramp up gradually and more gently.
Why does that matter? Because, as we explained above, the initial surge is often what trips breakers—especially when you’re on 30-amp service or using a portable generator. With a soft start kit in place, your A/C becomes much easier to manage, giving you the freedom to run it alongside other appliances without constantly worrying about blowing a fuse every time you start the microwave.
Many RVers also find that, with a soft start kit, they can power their A/C with a smaller generator—sometimes as little as 2,000 watts, making off-grid camping with modern comforts much more feasible. Some even power two A/C units without overloading their system.
If you’re ready to give your air conditioner a gentler start, SoftStartRV is a popular and proven solution. Known as a best-in-class RV A/C soft start controller, it delivers smooth startups while cutting the initial power surge by up to 70%. Better yet, it’s compatible with virtually every RV air conditioner model—Coleman-Mach, Furrion, Dometic, and more—so you don’t have to second-guess compatibility.
Beyond protecting your rig’s electrical system, SoftStartRV also reduces wear and tear on the A/C’s compressor, helping extend the lifespan of your unit. It even includes a smart restart feature that safely re-attempts startup after a brief power interruption, giving your compressor a break with a three-minute delay.
Installation is straightforward, too. SoftStartRV is designed to fit inside most rooftop units, so there’s no need for special housing—even in tough weather or rugged conditions.
You can find it here on Parts Via: SoftStartRV Starter.
Smarter Power Management for Fewer Headaches
While a soft start kit can solve one of the biggest power demands in your RV, it’s only part of a well-rounded electrical strategy. For more consistent performance—and fewer mid-trip headaches—many RVers turn to energy management systems (EMS) and other smart power tools.
Think of an EMS as a traffic cop for your rig’s power, always on the lookout for your total amp draw and preventing overloads by prioritizing which appliances get power. Some of the more advanced systems also offer surge protection, voltage monitoring, and remote readouts, giving you more visibility and control over your RV’s electrical health.
To make the most of your power setup, consider these additional tools that support safe, efficient energy use:
• RV Power Monitors, like those from BMPRO, offer real-time data on energy use and system health, making them ideal for catching potential issues. Some models track everything from tank levels and tire pressure to battery charge and even fridge temperature.
• Power Management Kits, like those from Intellitec, can enhance older rigs by upgrading them with advanced load-shedding features, making them ready for energy management systems without needing a complete overhaul.
• Smart Plugs, like those from Hughes, provide surge protection, voltage monitoring, and Bluetooth connectivity so you can monitor shore power right from your smartphone.
When paired with a soft start and an EMS, these products create a smarter, more resilient electrical setup—keeping you cool, connected, and ahead of any electrical chaos.
Power Smarter, Camp Cooler with Parts Via
With the right power tools in place, your RV A/C can work smarter—not harder—no matter where you’re camped. From soft starts to surge protection, Parts Via has what you need to keep your system running smooth and your campsite cool.
And don’t forget: big upgrades don’t have to come with big shipping fees. Choose FREE ship-to-store at checkout and send your order to a nearby dealer—fast, easy, and budget-friendly.