Community Forums

kdnash · 08-17-2021, 04:00 AM

So we will be camping in Vermont for a week the end of September. The CG only has 30 amp power at our spot. Do you think that will be adequate for our DSDP if we are mindful of our electrical power usage? We will probably not be using the AC, but most likely will be using the heated floors and of course the fridge, microwave and Oasis for heat if needed. Also, when plugging into the pedestal can I use our portable PI50 surge protector and adapt from it to the 30 amp pedestal plug or do I need a 30 amp surge protector at the pedestal and adapt from it to the coach plug. Any other tips are appreciated.
Thanks

R.Wold · 08-17-2021, 04:53 AM

30 amps will be plenty for what you are planning. Just monitor your usage and when running something that pulls some power, check before adding to it. One AC will run just fine on 30amps. Two will run with no other large loads. Elec floor heat should be fine with no other large draws. The fridge is a small draw so should not be a concern. I don’t have heated floors and only have two AC units but have spent a lot of time on 30amp power. Never an issue. You have an energy management system (probably PCS?) with load shedding that will manage the power draws and prevent overloading the pedestal.

This looks like a pretty good discussion on the topic:

https://familyrvingmag.com/2015/04/0...ement-systems/

And if your EMS is PCS this will be helpful:

https://newmarhoots.com/wp-content/u...ar-PCS-EMS.pdf

C.Martin · 08-17-2021, 04:58 AM

Energy Mgmt System is your friend…

The 30amp outlet is usually pretty highly taxed. Keep the contacts very clean…and check from time to time to see if the connection is getting hot. Worn out receptacles (oxidized contacts) can ruin your adapter.

The items in the Energy Mgmt panel will auto shed if you near the limit. Just worry about items not load sheded…induction cooktop, washer and dryer, etc…

Run Oasis on burner. You can turn on the AC elements, but they may be shed from time to time. If I use them…just use AC1. Not 1+2.

I don’t have electric floors, so I can’t comment. The size circuit protection it’s on will tell you…and again, the mgmt panel will show you your existing loads. I imagine, if you have everything else turned off,,,it might be workable at night.

The thing is…try it…it will be self critiquing…if something sheds, or trips, you know to change your strategy.

We have a secret weapon for 30A camping.

1) 1440 watts of solar
2) ME-ARC remote, and ME-BMK battery monitor
3) MicroAir Easy Starts in A/C units.

I reset AC-IN in the ME-ARC remote to 75% SOC. This splits my house. All inverter items run totally off solar, leaving the battery charge is also handled by solar. This leaves 100% of the power from the 30A shore to run my two rooftop A/C units. We cook outdoors or with microwave, use Oasis burner for water heat. And don’t use the washer and dryer while the A/C’s are needed. It’s a game changer.

kdnash · 08-18-2021, 04:18 AM

Do you think I can use my PI50 EMS and adapt it at the pedestal with no issues? Thanks for the replies.

Rev. Roy · 08-18-2021, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kdnash

Do you think I can use my PI50 EMS and adapt it at the pedestal with no issues? Thanks for the replies.

I purchased a.30 amp PI surge protector for when we are hooked up to 30amp. 30 amp is only a single line where 50 amp is 2 so I just figured my PI50 would show a fault, but I never explored how the dogbone works. I also never actually tried it to find out.

wolfgolden · 08-18-2021, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kdnash

Do you think I can use my PI50 EMS and adapt it at the pedestal with no issues? Thanks for the replies.

Yes. I do it all the time.

Old-Biscuit · 08-18-2021, 11:35 AM

30A to 50A Adapter dogbone plugged into Power Pedestal 30A receptacle
50A PI plugged into the adapter
RV Power Cord plugged into PI Surge Protector

30A total draw between the two 50A Hot legs

scbwr · 08-19-2021, 05:54 AM

I agree you will be fine. On one of our recent trips, we had to get by with one AC and it was hot and humid. But we managed just fine, and the problem was caused by one leg of the 50 amp service having low voltage at times which would prevent the rear AC from working.

Even if you do have to use the AC, just basic power management will enable you to get by fine.

kdnash · 08-20-2021, 03:44 AM

Thanks for all the replies.

hohenwald48 · 08-22-2021, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kdnash

Do you think I can use my PI50 EMS and adapt it at the pedestal with no issues? Thanks for the replies.

Does your coach not have the SurgeGuard transfer switch with built in surge protection and power line monitoring? Not sure why you need the PI unit in the first place.

Dutch Star Don · 08-22-2021, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hohenwald48

Does your coach not have the SurgeGuard transfer switch with built in surge protection and power line monitoring? Not sure why you need the PI unit in the first place.

Many of us use a portable surge protector at the pedestal, with the Surge Guard all in one transfer switch and surge protection. If you take a power hit to that unit, you lose everything, including the transfer switch. I use a $100.00 Surge Guard portable unit on mine at the pedestal. If it gets fried, I'm out $100, not my entire system. I've been doing it this way for a couple of years. I know several others do the same thing.