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05-25-2014, 07:31 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 8
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Plugging RV into the house
We just bought a 1995 Thor residency We would like plug it into the house and run it of our electricity while it's in the driveway my big question is what is the best way to Do thisthank you so much for any info you can provide
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05-25-2014, 07:41 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 681
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In you are plugging it in to just run refrigerator, or do some cleaning, you can usually get away with a 20 amp adapter. However if you are going to run the A/C, microwave, hotwater heater or other high demand items, you will most likely want to install a 30 or 50 amp connector.
We bought a 30 amp outlet and box for less than $100. I ran the wire and mounted the box then had a local electrician come tie it in. He charged $50. So for less than $150 we can plug in and have everything working.
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1998 Thor Windsport 33SL
2007 Chevy Uplander toad (tow master dolly)
1985 Yamaha Virago XV700
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05-25-2014, 07:44 PM
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#3
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Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 9
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Lost024, I put a 30amp receptacle for our travel trailer, it had its own breaker and all. I only ran my a/c from time to time and it pulled less than 20amps on start up. Now, on our 97 Vectra,I made sure that I have a 20amp standard house type receptacle. I use a 12ga 3conductor drop cord now. I've ran the a/c and fridge, tv, for the kids, no problems, and no overheating of the cord.
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05-25-2014, 08:33 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Maryville, TN (Homebase)
Posts: 520
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Just remember that a 30 amp RV plug is 120 volts and not 220 volts. If you get an electrician be sure he knows how to wire for a RV.
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2002 Fleetwood Revolution 38B
2006 Honda CR-V Air Force One
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05-25-2014, 08:53 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Hood River, OR
Posts: 121
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Extension Cord
If you do use an extension cord for rv power, make sure it is 20 amp cord. I had a lighter cord on a reel feeding the bus and it melted the insulation because it was on a reel.
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05-25-2014, 09:02 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Alberta - East of the Rockies, West of the Rest
Posts: 835
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rpk
If you do use an extension cord for rv power, make sure it is 20 amp cord. I had a lighter cord on a reel feeding the bus and it melted the insulation because it was on a reel.
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Glad you're pointing this out, been there done that
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2018 Ram 5500 with 2021 Arctic Fox 1140
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05-25-2014, 09:59 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Newmar Owners Club Holiday Rambler Owners Club
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Aberdeen, SD
Posts: 586
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I added a 30A outlet to the front of the garage where I park my motorhome. Actually, when I ran the wire I used a wire suitable for a 50A outlet. If my next motorhome requires a 50A service, all I have to do is replace the 30A plug with a 50A plug, and change the breaker in the electrical panel. Til then, each end of the extra wire is capped. Yep, all work was signed-off by an electrical inspector. Did it all for under $100.
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05-26-2014, 09:07 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Valley Springs, Ca
Posts: 421
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Any 110v outlets in the garage walls or exterior of the house will most likely be on a GFIC and only supply 15 amps of service. This is ok if only running the refer and lights. I have found that if there is a garage door opener, the plug in the ceiling is not GFCI and will supply more amps. As stated, use a heavy 20 amp extension cord if needed but no extension is best. Save yourself headaches later an get a 30 or 50 amp plug installed on the house or in the garage.
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2018 Vilano 375FL
2017 F-350 CC DRW 6.7
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05-26-2014, 10:39 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: MI
Posts: 1,094
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If you are going to be rving for a long time, be safe and spend the money to have the appropriate work done by an electrician. If you can do it ok, but, if you screw up and burn your house down, well .... Think insurance liability, browning/burning out motors and compressors, electrical fires, etc. Good idea to spend for heavier duty 50 amp type wire, even if you have a 30 amp rig. If you look around on this forum you will find many disasters and near misses with shore power episodes.
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05-26-2014, 12:34 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Ford Super Duty Owner
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 142
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Quote:
Originally Posted by waroland
Just remember that a 30 amp RV plug is 120 volts and not 220 volts. If you get an electrician be sure he knows how to wire for a RV.
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AMEN! Went through three residential electricians before I found one that KNEW that 50 amp RV is different than a stove connection.
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Chuck n Terri
2017 Heartland Bighorn 3875FB
2016 Chevy 3500 Duramax
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05-26-2014, 04:52 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Fleetwood Owners Club
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: White Rock BC
Posts: 137
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I installed a 50 Amp RV service in our garage. I bought the box and breaker from Home Depot that was specifically for a RV. There was some good wiring diagrams on the internet and I did ask my electrician for confirmation on how I had it wired. It was actually very strait forward, having 50 Amp service when I am packing up or washing the coach is so nice to have.
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American Coach 2012 Revolution 42W
*****SOLD*****
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05-26-2014, 05:24 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Damon Owners Club Workhorse Chassis Owner
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,024
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For limited electrical use (Battery charger, Fridge, and possible ONE A/C when loading, or (not and) a vacuum cleaner)
12 ga extension cord and a puck style 30 (or 50) to 15 adapter.. I like the 12 ga cords from Sears/K-Mart with the push button on the outlet end that you push to plug in and unplug. (locks the adapter on.
For a 50 amp rig in a 30 amp site or a 30 amp rig on a 50-only site (There is one of those in this park, 2 in fact) A DOG-BONE adapter, this is a short cord with the needed plug and socket.
Readdy Kilowatt's rules
On 20 amp, one Big ticket item only, DO NOT turn on AC, Water heater, or Microwave, DO NOT try vacuuming rig, with low batteries, Leave plugged in at least overnight before using these devices.
on 30 amp.. You may use one of the above immed, Two once the batteries are well fed.
50 amp All the electric you can eat.
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Home is where I park it!
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05-26-2014, 05:43 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
National RV Owners Club Workhorse Chassis Owner
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Federal Way, Wa.
Posts: 2,901
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I do all my own stunts
03 Dolphin LX 6355, Workhorse W22, 8.1 vortec, 04 CR-V, Blue Ox, Brake Pro----Norm, Barb and
Doc(He's a PhD)
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05-26-2014, 05:56 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
National RV Owners Club
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 4,581
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lost024
We just bought a 1995 Thor residency We would like plug it into the house and run it of our electricity while it's in the driveway my big question is what is the best way to Do thisthank you so much for any info you can provide
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What do you intend to run off while connected? Knowing that will give us an idea of what you would need. If you want to run air conditioners and microwave then you probably need the 50 amp but if you are only running lower power draw appliances you can get by with less. At home we do not use the high power appliances so a standard 120 volt outlet is sufficient.
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Bob & Sandi, dogs Tasha a Frenchie and Tiki a Skipperkey
SW OREGON 2005 34 foot DolphinLX
If towing: a bright red 2016 Mini Cooper on a tow dolly.
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