50 amp service

[Abbie]

We are struggling to find 50 amp service at the campgrounds we are visiting this summer. We use the adaptor so are able to operate with 30 amp, however, it limits what we can use in out toy hauler. The biggest issue has been that we cannot use the A/C in the main unit. is there a way to change the wiring? Will this effect our warranty?

[Pirate]

What are you using when on 30 Amp service?

When we are in that situation we leave the refrigerator and hot water heater on propane.

We can run both AC units on electricity, use the TV in the living area or in the bedroom and the microwave.

So to recap...everything that can run on propane does. AC units have priority in getting the trailer cool. Then try to be selective on what we add on electric to cook or have entertainment.

Just thoughts...

Pirate

[Abbie]

We have been running the fridge and water heater on elec so will switch to propane. This might be our solution. Thanks so much!

[Abbie]

Checked with my hubby and learned the main A/C is on a separate electrical leg. It won't even start up when on 30 amp.

[DesertRat]

Originally Posted by Abbie

Checked with my hubby and learned the main A/C is on a separate electrical leg. It won't even start up when on 30 amp.

Something is wrong than. One A/c should run fine on 30 amps

[HornedToad]

Let me start my shot in the dark diagnosis with some RV 101 basics…

An RV with 50 amp service has a split panel with 2 hot legs separated by a double pole (connected) breaker that when plugged into shore power with a four prong 50 amp plug (ground, neutral and two separate 120V hot legs) gives you 50 amps on each side of the panel, for 100 amps total X 120V = 12,000 watts. A 3 prong 30 amp plug (ground, neutral & one 120V hot leg) delivers 30 amps X 120V = 3,600 watts. BIG DIFFERENCE!!! Good advice to run the fridge & water heater on propane because one AC and the converter are going to use most of the 30 amp service.

Your husband is right, the main AC is wired to a separate side of the panel from the other ACs, however, when you use a 30 to 50 amp adapter it should give you 30 amps across the panel to both sides.

Most adapters and power cords have hot lights on the heads. When you plug your 50 amp cord in with a 30 amp adapter do the hot lights on both sides of the 50 amp head show power? Looking at the panel on either side of the double pole breaker in the middle, do items with a breaker on the same side has the main AC have power?

If the answer is NO to the questions above you need a new 30 to 50 amp adapter.

If the answer is YES…

Assuming your RV has the Precision Circuits Power Control System,
and the main AC operates fine on 50 amp service,
and with power to the side of the panel this main AC is wired on,
and being able to run the other ACs on 30 amps with the breaker set for the main AC...

I would suspect that with only 30 amp service present the load management system is shedding the main AC up front??? The load management should be wired to shed the main AC last.

Any changes to the wiring of the load management system should be performed by a qualified RV electrician.

[jeffwelsh]

I have run both AC's on 30 amps. Nothing else, but it will get things cooled down.

[ATCguy]

I've run one AC on a standard 110V 15-amp household outlet.

A 50-amp cord, stepped down to a 30-amp adapter, stepped down to a standard household outlet adapter... and the AC ran just fine. Couldn't run much else, but the AC was blowing cold air.

[ewacowboy]

Originally Posted by Abbie

Checked with my hubby and learned the main A/C is on a separate electrical leg. It won't even start up when on 30 amp.

I concur with most that is said...however, if you are running an extra long cord to the 30 amp service - that will affect a heavy user such as A/C. My main A/C works fine on 30 amp with the heavy 50 amp cord but I can't run both A/C units on 30 amp....it trips the breaker.

[MartyG]

I have a single AC, and run on 30 amp. But when I have to plug into 20 amp, I use the TT cord to get me to the outlet, a strong adapter, and at most, a short (used for window air conditioners in the home) but heavy (12ga) cord. It is only because the 30 amp plug with adapter won't physically fit into some 20 amp boxes. I have seen 100 ft, 16 ga extension cords that wouldn't handle my hedge clippers, supplying power to a large TT.

[Abbie]

My husband thanks you all for the techy advice.

[HornedToad]

Abbie,

The reason I attributed your problem to the load management system is that from the other post you can see your AC should work on 30 amp service and as outlined in post #11 of the thread below I had a similar issue with the load management cutting power to my garage AC...

http://www.dutchmenowners.org/forums...em-2540-2.html

Sorry if I got carried away in my earlier post, just trying to outline a basis to help trouble shoot the problem.

Good Luck with a fix!!!

[Abbie]

No apology necessary! My husband read through it a couple of times and feels he understands very well now. We appreciate you sharing your knowledge.

[Nana & Poppy]

Abbie - one thing about this forum is we are here to help......I'm sure you figured that out already!


There are many knowledgeable people here - so if you have any other questions, ask away....someone is bound to be able to help!

[DesertRat]

Originally Posted by Nana & Poppy

Abbie - one thing about this forum is we are here to help......I'm sure you figured that out already!


There are many knowledgeable people here - so if you have any other questions, ask away....someone is bound to be able to help!

That's what makes this forum so great. I've been RVing for 30 + years & I still learn thing here.

[Thom]

Originally Posted by Nana & Poppy

Abbie - one thing about this forum is we are here to help......I'm sure you figured that out already!


There are many knowledgeable people here - so if you have any other questions, ask away....someone is bound to be able to help!

And you may end up helping someone who didn't even know that had a question about what you asked....

P.S. Stay out of the "show us your mods" section, it gets expensive!

[Abbie]

Thank you for the great welcome. We read this each evening and have learned so much. I think I'll go visit the Mod section now! ��

[eightydo]

Originally Posted by Abbie

Thank you for the great welcome. We read this each evening and have learned so much. I think I'll go visit the Mod section now! ��

Consider you have been WARNED.

[Nana & Poppy]

Originally Posted by Abbie

Thank you for the great welcome. We read this each evening and have learned so much. I think I'll go visit the Mod section now! ��

Oh Girl you are in trouble now!!!!!! Amazon will be your best friend from this point on!!!

[Abbie]

Lol...we have discovered Amazon and are hooked! Already putting in a washer/dryer.