New Newmar owner questions from Owner's Manual

[TarheelGal]

As all good owners should, I am reading the Owner's Manual that came with our new-to-us 2007 Newmar Bay Star. A couple of things so far struck me as a bit head-scratching. Perhaps someone could address these:

1. The manual states that Newmar does not recommend adapter/dogbone style connectors that modify the shore power cord due to the potential for electrical failure or fire. Our Bay Star has 50 amp service, but we are often going to be in parks where 30 amp service is all we can get (like now), and that seems to be fine when we don't need to run A/C, like now, in the winter. Is the statement in the manual just a CYA or something we need to be concerned about? We bought a brand-new 50 to 30-amp adapter at Camping World and have been using it just fine so far. We don't want to be limited to 50-amp parks only. I had never heard anything negative about using electrical adapters until reading this manual.

2. The manual states that the motorhome is not intended for full-time living. Why is that? Does it have more to do with extreme cold conditions (which we will avoid at all cost anyway!) or is there something else we should know about full-timing in a Newmar product?

Thanks!

[Mr_D]

We've always used dog bone adapters with both our Dutch Stars. They do gao bad after a while and COULD cause a fire. But just watch them and if they seem to heat up then replace.
As to the full time use, neither of our Dutch Stars were rated for full time use, but that was the reason we bought them. Lots of people use them full time, not sure why Newmar says that other than CYA legalese.

[Gordon Dewald]

Congratulations on your new coach.

Can't help you with the first issue. We have successfully used the converters for power for years but with other brands.

IMO the full time issue could have something to do with the ventilation. I believe that coaches do not have sufficient ventilation for continuous cool weather living. As such they can get condensation buildup which can cause mold issues as well as deterioration issues.

[wildtoad]

Both statements are CYA. On the first, the fewer connections between the power source and the RV the better. Each additional adapter, extension cord introduces a failure point which can cause issues due to moisture, loose connections, etc. But if you are at a 30 amp only site, then you really have no option. Just make sure all plugs are in good shape.

I don't believe any manufacturer of Recreational Vehicles build a unit designated to be lived in full time. There are I suspect building codes for RV's that are different than for say a mobile home. Liability issues also come to mind especially in dealing with storms.

[DGBPokes]

MHO....legal CYA. If they said okay for permanent living, it would follow logically that would mean they would have to meet a cities building codes for electrical, plumbing, structure etc. And a zillion cities and towns with a zillion different requirements. And subject to lawsuits for products not meeting governmental codes.

Kinda related......we were at an RV show recently, killing time, we looked at some park model trailers. All were exactly the same size, just different layouts. I ask the factory rep why? " Texas law states park models can not exceed 391 sq. ft. If they exceed that then they are considered manufactured homes. The building codes and restrictions vary between the two types.

[GaryKD]

Hi TarheelGal,
The items are mostly CYA. I say mostly because I am embarrassed to say I have melted a 50/30 AMP adapter in the past. My fault, no excuses. It is something one only does once. The surge protector saved the coach.

On the not being used for living in full time, this has to do with the building codes motor coaches are built to. If Newmar endorsed full time living in their coaches they would need to build the coaches to mobile home standards. Newmar motor coaches are built to RVIA standards. Mobile Homes are built to HUD standards.

[TarheelGal]

Thanks for the great replies, folks! Makes perfect sense.

GaryKD, dare I ask how you melted your adapter? I don't want to embarrass you further, but if it could prevent someone else (like me!) from making the same mistake, your experience could prove educational.

Thanks!

[andyh]

One of the biggest problem causing overheating of adapters even with less than max current is dirt and corrosion of the contacts. An other problem can be caused by over flexing of wires .
When you are on 20 or 30 amp service you can easily overload the adaptors if the campground circuit breakers are defective. The newer coaches have energy management systems which reduces the the chance of overload by supplementing the current from the inverter. Older coaches either have no management systems or are limited to a few appliances which they can disconnect. By using electric heaters, microwave, coffee pot, TV and other small appliances one can easily exceed the rating of adapters.

[GaryKD]

Hi TarheelGal,
We were at the coal mine campground in West Virginia. Only 30 AMP service is available (old 30 AMP service, no breaker at the site). It was summer. I could probably stop now, as one can guess what happened, but to continue...... I was running one HVAC pump. However, I forgot to put the refer and water heater on propane. At night, things cooled down and I started to also use the #2 HVAC unit. The following day, I forgot all about everything being on electric and we left to do tourist activities and for the rest of the day. Upon returning, the coach had no shore power. At the pedestal, the 30 AMP side of the adapter was overly warm (actually it was hot). Disconnected the plug from the pedestal and the male prongs were completely loose and out of alignment. The plastic was discolored and melted. Never popped a breaker at the CG. There was still power to the pedestal during all this adventure. I had a back up adapter.

[TonyDi]

I use a dog bone adapter all the time to step down to lower pedestal amp.

[TarheelGal]

Thanks for sharing your misadventure, Gary.

Our coach has a power management system that shuts off various components to maintain the max. power consumption allowed, first the hot water heater, then one a/c, then the other. Unless this system malfunctions, I would think this would have prevented what happened to you.

Does your coach not have such a system, or did it fail?

[Nab]

I am new to this site, I just bought a 2008 Super sport by R-Vision and took our first trip with it, my family loves it. Can someone tell me where to find the owners manual to this trailer. I am chasing my tail on the internet and can't seem to find anything close. It's a M-31BHDS. Super Sport by R-Vision.

[WoodyS]

1) Regarding the 30a to 50a dog-bones. Yes it's CYA, but it's also true. I've melted two over the years. And in both cases, the RV only had one air-conditioner. So there's no way I could have accidentally done something stupid and overloaded the circuit. I think it's a combination of the dog-bone's materials, construction, wire-size, and yes -- cleanliness of the 30a pins. In all cases, it was the 30a side that melted. The pins pitted and heated up. As with most things, I'm sure there are "good" ones and "bad" ones. I'd be most suspicious of cheap ones.

I haven't done this yet, but I'm thinking of making my own -- and using only the highest quality and power rated plug, socket and really thick cable. The problem with doing this is cost. Really good Hubble plugs and sockets alone can cost $90 just for parts! Heck, I think I paid $110 for a replacement Hubble 50a socket recently.

And you can buy a 30a to 50a dog-bone for what -- $20? Think about it.

2) Full-time RV? I think it also has to do with all the appliances and fittings as well. Most of the 12v/120v appliances used in RV's aren't rated or intended for continuous use either.

[RMD3819]

Originally Posted by Nab

I am new to this site, I just bought a 2008 Super sport by R-Vision and took our first trip with it, my family loves it. Can someone tell me where to find the owners manual to this trailer. I am chasing my tail on the internet and can't seem to find anything close. It's a M-31BHDS. Super Sport by R-Vision.

You might want to post this in the travel trailer forum.