Community Forums

StansCustoms · 06-13-2011, 05:45 PM

I'm leaving tomorrow A/M at daylight for a campground that only has 30 amp RV plugs...but does have 20 amp plugs on a nearby outlet.

I had one A/C on my last coach that I could plug directly into a 20 amp plug, when available. It was a simple arrangement..I spliced a junction (plug)box into the power lead to the A/C unit. Then if I only had 30 amp available, I unplugged the A/C unit from the junction box, plugged it into a heavy extension cord, and ran it to a 20 amp outlet. The remaining A/C ran on the Coach wiring which was powered by the 30 amp power source.

I would like to do the same thing on my Alpine...but I can't seem to locate either power lead to the A/C units. Can anyone tell me where they might be located...or where I might find a schematic for the A/C wiring?

Best regards..

Billieg · 06-13-2011, 06:56 PM

There is another thread in here that has a lot of info. Look in the switch box for front/rear and that's where you will find it. Splice in a 3 way switch so you can run it normal and with the cord.

Here is the link: http://www.irv2.com/forums/f54/30-am...its-94187.html

StansCustoms · 06-13-2011, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billieg

There is another thread in here that has a lot of info. Look in the switch box for front/rear and that's where you will find it. Splice in a 3 way switch so you can run it normal and with the cord.

Here is the link: http://www.irv2.com/forums/f54/30-am...its-94187.html

Thanks Billieg..

Not what I'm after unfortunately. Your Holiday Rambler and my old Fleetwood are much the same...and I have done two units like those...

However, the Alpine I'm working on does not have mechanical switch boxes. Instead the A/C's are controlled front and rear by one digital thermostat with different zones.

What I need is the direct power line locationto either A/C...so I can splice into it.

JLMunsil · 06-13-2011, 08:36 PM

Stan, I think the best place to access the a/c power line is at the circuit breaker. Your panel should be in the bathroom under the sink. You may be able to add a box and run a line thru the floor behind the panel for your purpose.

StansCustoms · 06-14-2011, 04:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLMunsil

Stan, I think the best place to access the a/c power line is at the circuit breaker. Your panel should be in the bathroom under the sink. You may be able to add a box and run a line thru the floor behind the panel for your purpose.

Thanks Jim..
You would think so...but the A/C's arn't labeled in the breaker box if they are wired thru there..

Maybe I can figure it out when I get here...we're leaving in an hour of so...I was hoping to avoid a prolonged search for the "right" wiring.

I'll just run the Generator to get the box cooled down...then maybe one A/C will keep up in the morning and at night.

It was 102 yesterday, so two A/C's are a must from noon on I'm sure.

I'll be without a computer for a few days....unless I go to radio Shack and buy an Air Card on this trip. I've been putting it off since I don't know if it's worth the expense...no more than we use a computer at the lake.

Hi-Ho we're off. Keep cool everyone...

Best Regards..

StansCustoms · 06-18-2011, 09:30 PM

I am back for a Grandsons birthday (2 days). We left the coach at the campground with my brother next door in his RV to keep an eye on things.

The temps have been 104 two days and 100 plus all the others...really hot for this early in the year.

I still need a schematic or the location of the power lead to the A/C units...even more than I thought.

Old Scout · 06-19-2011, 08:06 AM

Here is an idea--go to the gray breaker box in the bathroom--eliminate the 15 amp, 30 amp and double pole breakers as the A/C units are [120v] 20 amps. Disregard the black breaker box as the A/Cs are not run thru the inverter. Now for the tough part -- with both A/Cs on, switch off the remaining breakers until one of the A/Cs stops running--at this point, mark that breaker for future reference. Repeat this process until all A/C units are accounted for.....Good luck.....

Rich and Cork · 06-19-2011, 08:58 AM

Stan, have you looked at the schematics in the ACA site? Here are the ones for the '02, which should be the same as the '01:

http://www.alpinecoachassociation.co...hematics-2.pdf

Old Scout · 06-20-2011, 02:36 PM

Unless you use a dedicated transfer switch for your proposed "application," you run the risk of having an open circuit in yr coach as you "manually" transition between sites with 30 and 50 amp shore power configurations. Think I would consult with a certified electrician before going any further on this one.

StansCustoms · 06-20-2011, 04:10 PM

Thanks Guys...I'll see what I can do.

I'm gone again ...

Best regards..

EngineerMike · 06-20-2011, 06:37 PM

You can get a simple manual xfer switch that has one feeder in, two out.

TRAKKER · 07-04-2011, 03:08 AM

While thinking about how to use the RV generator as back-up to city power, I wondered if you could use a simple 20A "three-way switch" that is used for two switch light control. These switches are really two way but have three terminals. It would be prudent not to throw the switch under load. I think the neutral should be switched too, so you would need two switches ganged. Unless there is a two pole three way switch which would have six teminals.