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BigSneed · 12-21-2014, 08:29 PM

Hey guys! I'm new to the site, forum and RV'ing... I just purchased a 1984 Fleetwood Peace Arrow with a Chevy 454 big block...
My question is about the power cord that you plug into a 220 volt socket to run the RV lights and appliances. It has no batteries yet and I plugged up the RV to my business's socket (3 phase electrical outlet). The Rv lights up and some sort of pump or electrical generator can be heard coming on, not the gas generator, and it runs for 10 seconds and cuts off. It does this in 5 minute cycles. So, I only have inside lights and appliances for 10 seconds every 5 minutes. What is this and why???? Any and all help would be appreciated!!!

mrt_1111 · 12-21-2014, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigSneed

Hey guys! I'm new to the site, forum and RV'ing... I just purchased a 1984 Fleetwood Peace Arrow with a Chevy 454 big block...
My question is about the power cord that you plug into a 220 volt socket to run the RV lights and appliances. It has no batteries yet and I plugged up the RV to my business's socket (3 phase electrical outlet). The Rv lights up and some sort of pump or electrical generator can be heard coming on, not the gas generator, and it runs for 10 seconds and cuts off. It does this in 5 minute cycles. So, I only have inside lights and appliances for 10 seconds every 5 minutes. What is this and why???? Any and all help would be appreciated!!!

Warning… dont plug it in to a 220 outlet. Even if the plug will fit. I believe your rv runs off 110 volts. If your rv is not designed to run off 220 volts bad things will happen.

spritz · 12-21-2014, 11:30 PM

X'2 I have a 82 and mine is 30amp 120
Could it be your water pump telling you too much power??
Tim,
Welcome and don't forget to check out the Vintage section.

okcnewbie · 12-22-2014, 06:35 AM

Welcome to the forum Bigsneed!

There is no way to get 240 from a campground 30 amp connector. I believe the 3 prongs are Ground, Neutral and Hot.

For what you are trying to do you can pick up an adapter from walmart for 5 dollars. If you didn't fry something than you'll be able to turn on the lights, furnace, etc.

Road Power 09524-75-08 Right Angle 30-15-Amp RV Power Adapter - Walmart.com

ahicks · 12-22-2014, 06:48 AM

Oh man, unplug that thing quick! Do NOT turn anything on until you're set up correctly using the adapter mentioned above. That plug on the power cord just looks like a 220 plug. It is not!

That's probably an auto reset circuit breaker popping and resetting causing your lights to go on and off. It's only going to do that so long prior to overheating and cooking itself.

BigSneed · 12-23-2014, 06:03 AM

Yea, I just figured since it was a big plug, it should be plugged into a big socket, at it matched up perfectly with the socket my commercial ovens run off of.... Needless to say, I do think I messed up the microwave, and I fried a vaccume cleaner, then I unplugged it.... And yes, it is a 30a plug. I sat down and took a crash course online on electricity and various sockets, amps vs volts vs watts etc..... I learned my first lesson in my new life of RV'ing. #1. Know a little bit about electricity before you go tinkering with stuff!!!

The noise I could here: It is separate from the water pump, and I believe it is the battery charging unit with the main electrical box under the rear bed. When it kicks on, the lights get very bright inside (extra amps from battery charger).??? Still think it could be something else??? I bought battery and hooked it up. The lights finally came on and stayed on, and they just got brighter every time that noise kicked in. It is a motor of some sort....