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RJ8450 · 11-29-2020, 06:36 PM

Hey all,

Im looking at buying a 1998 Newmar Motorhome. I have at my house a 30 amp run with circuit breaker on a pole that I have used to plug my travel trailers into when I'm not using it.

The motorhome runs on 50 amp so Im sure I can plug the 30 amp plug into it using a 30 to 50 amp cord adapter.

Is this also a good idea with motorhomes ? I have never had a problems doing this with a TT. I also know I cant run 2 ACs but if in storage under a RV cover I wont need the ACs.

I assume that doing this will be good to keep the all 6 of the batteries charged.

If this is correct what else would you run? Anything like the fridge on a warm setting? A small electric heater?

Would doing this also help the Diesel start easier in freezing weather?

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks All.

wolfe10 · 11-29-2020, 06:41 PM

No problem at all. Yes, assuming this is an RV 30 amp outlet (one hot, one neutral and one ground).

It is only residential 30 amps with TWO HOTS that can't be used (without letting all the smoke out of your RV appliances).

jacwjames · 11-29-2020, 06:45 PM

Figure out the amp draw of any appliance you want to run an limit the draw to about 25 amp to play it safe. You should be able to run 1 AC and misc other loads.

Check to see if you have a block/engine heater, there may be a switch on the dash panel for this and a breaker in the service panel dedicated to it. If it is cold turn this on ~4-8 hours before you want to start but it will draw some power so you will have to limit other loads.

Some RV's come with a energy management system that will automatically shed loads if plugged into a 3o amp outlet, see if your rig may be equipped with this.

RJ8450 · 11-29-2020, 06:48 PM

Ok Thanks for the reply.

I'm sure it just 30 amp because I never had any problem with any TT I have plugged it into But I can use a voltage meter to check to be sure.

Would it be a good idea to run anything when in storage?

Would anyone know if this MH has a block/engine heater

Old-Biscuit · 11-29-2020, 06:50 PM

Plugged your Travel Trailer into that 30A so you can also plug your MH in using that 30A to 50A adapter

You can not only keep batteries charged/maintained but run the fridge, the A/C Unit, the Water Heater (if you have water), the furnace

Unlike the 50A (2 separate Hot legs that can handle 6000W each) your 30A receptacle can only handle 3600W TOTAL...both 50A Hot legs will be powered just can use more then 30A TOTAL

Nice to have RV parking at home With AC Power....use it
*Just check battery water levels after 1sy month of being connected

No need to 'Start' engine unless your are going camping.
Starting them is not necessary or good to just idle/not be driven so everything gets warmed up

Skip426 · 11-29-2020, 06:53 PM

Unless you plan to drive the coach until all the systems reach FULL operating temp, don't start the engine.

I've used my coach on 30 amp service for 5 months while using it in an RV park , with careful power management , and when at home the coach is on 15 amp ; all batteries maintained.

EDIT: I see , Old-Biscuit , posted while I was typing , sorry about the duplication.