Community Forums

geno-heidi · 08-17-2011, 10:03 PM

Hi all...thnx for all the posts before we bought our 1st Class A, last weekend @ Lazy Days, FL....'04 Fltwood Southwind 32v, 24K, sweet, 1 owner,,,

My question: I have read many places about setting the on-board electric for 20 amp service with our 30 amp unit...

I do not know how or where would this be done.

Have read that the Electric Management system needs to know it's plugged into 20 amp...?? Any help appreciated before we get it home next week...Thanx!! Geno-Heidi

**NLOVNIT** · 08-17-2011, 10:25 PM

Hi there &

You should have an EMS panel (probably near your thermostat, ours is) that looks something similar to ours shown below. There is a button on it, labeled 30/20 AMP SELECT that will toggle the system between managing loads on 30 or 20 amp. I always have to remember to change it to 20 amp when we bring the coach home. We're normally hooked up to 30 amp in storage, but when we bring it home to load up before a trip, I've only got access to a 20 amp circuit in our garage.

Lori-

geno-heidi · 08-17-2011, 11:35 PM

Thnx lovnit...will check that out on the panel when we pick up the MH. Lazy Days is putting on new tires and few minor repairs, maintenance items. They have been AWESOME...we're glad we purchased thru them! This Blog-web site has been so helpful! Had to join now that we own one! Plan to go full time in @ 12-15 mos...time to practice and sell all the 'stuff'...LOL ;-)) Thanks!

bbeane · 08-18-2011, 03:31 AM

Geno congrats on the new coach. When you set your EMS to 20A about all you will be able to run is the batt charger, some lights, and fridge. I doubt you will be able to run the AC. Also if you are plugging in to a GFI outlet you may have issues with it tripping.

Make sure when you pick up your coach from Lazy Days they have all your items adressed to your satisfaction before you leave with it.

geno-heidi · 08-21-2011, 11:27 PM

thanx guys....this helps so much....as always!

geno

SteveLevin · 08-22-2011, 01:17 AM

If you are on 20amp and are having issues running the a/c (you should be able to run 1 a/c unit on 20 amp, though), put your fridge and water heater on gas only. The fridge especially can make like a 3-4 amp difference in power draw.

Steve

geno-heidi · 08-22-2011, 04:17 PM

Thanks Steve....great idea for the "fridge/a-c" combo...nice to have a-c here at home in FLORIDA in AUGUST...LOL-lol-lol THANX!!!

We can keep in long driveway on the weekends only...then take short practice drives to parking area where we will keep it the rest of the time. Only 3/4 mile from house! Thanx again!

Triker56 · 08-22-2011, 04:46 PM

You may or may not have a EMS control panel installed.

What model of Inverter/Charger is installed?
May be a Freedom 458.
If no control panel for it. Easy to install one

geno-heidi · 08-26-2011, 11:01 PM

Hello back...on unit now, tonight, taking home tomorrow....GUESS WHAT?? No EMS Unit that I can see-find!! So, back to square 1 again...do I just "Plug In" to my home electric 20amp house-garage outlet (with 30-15 amp adapter plug, I have)...and go from there?? will system "KNOW" it's 20 amp vs a 30 amp line in?? Oh boy, thought this would be easy with the EMS panel, but none I can see oin any obvious places I've looked so far...any additional Help??

geno-heidi · 08-26-2011, 11:03 PM

Where might I "find" the Inverter/Charger for I.D. info...??

RickO · 08-26-2011, 11:14 PM

Welcome to the forum! Don't worry, it does all get easier.

I would think that without an EMS panel you would still want to plug in using your 30/15 adapter but you'll have to manage you power usage manually via trial and error. Put you frige and water heater on gas if you have that option, and use the lights as you think you normally will and go ahead and try one AC unit. I think you'll trip the garage breaker if there's going to be a problem.

IMO, being able to use even one AC while hooked up to a standard household outlet is a "sometimes" proposition.

Best of luck...

Rick

RickO · 08-26-2011, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by geno-heidi

Where might I "find" the Inverter/Charger for I.D. info...??

Is it safe to assume that no manuals came with your coach?

The inverter/charger is usually mounted in the electrical bay where your shore power hook up is.

Rick

Gary RVRoamer · 08-27-2011, 09:39 AM

That coach probably does not have an inverter either - probably just a converter/charger (no inverter function).

Don't get too lost in all the terms flying around. Just get a 30A-to-15A adapter plug (available at Walmart) and plug into the outlet at home. Just remember you cannot run everything at once with limited power available. If you want to run an a/c, just about everything else needs to be off or running on propane only. If no a/c, then you can probably run most everything else except the microwave (MW is a huge power hog, as are the a/c units).

macnkat · 08-27-2011, 05:09 PM

Also, be careful if you're using an extension cord that it is not a 30amp cord. I melted a 15amp cord using the A/C in front of the house...luckily I caught it soon enough that all I damaged was the cheap cord. Gave me an excuse to get a good 50amp cord.

I have a 50amp service in the garage but if you only have a 15 or 20 amp service it will just trip the breaker if it overloads. Nothing tragic, just a reminder that you have too much running.