Community Forums

Gsgarland · 11-16-2016, 05:03 AM

We have a 2014 Newmar Ventana, it has a 50 amp system. Looking to workcamp at a park that has 30 amp shorepower. This will be a 2 month assignment. Problems?? Thanks......

BPoland · 11-16-2016, 05:17 AM

We did a long weekend on 30 amp service, and to tell you the truth, I didn't see a difference. I did keep the water heater on propane. I tried to keep track of what was on when firing up the microwave. Normally with 50 amp service, I don't watch anything. On 30 amp, I tried to keep an eye on stuff and let the EMS manage the load. Hope this helps.

fixn2gocamp · 11-16-2016, 05:38 AM

Its a management thing. When we have to be on 30amp, we monitor usage a little closer, especially the microwave and washer/dryer. (I put post-it notes up to remind me until it becomes habit). Certainly use propane for the water heater and furnace. Other than that, its pretty easy. The only caution I would advise is when you're going to be working at this 30amp park, is what time of year is it and will you be needing to use the AC a lot? If so, its still possible, just monitor! I think it also helps you to think about your RV and how it uses power. Makes you watch your consumption a bit and makes you a "greener" person.

jacwjames · 11-16-2016, 06:02 AM

It depends on where your workkamp assignment is. If it is extremely hot you have trouble keeping your coach cool with a 30 amp service, in reality you can only run 1 AC unit. If you have an EMS system that manages the load it would help but still not ideal.

As others have said, refrigerator & water heater on propane. Watch the use of other high amperage users such the microwave.

One option you may consider is wiring one of your AC units so it can be operated with an extension cord bypassing the coaches power center. You could then run that AC unit as needed without working about total load assuming the shore power is not throttled to a total of 30 amp.

MSHappyCampers · 11-16-2016, 07:18 AM

I agree with the advice Jim gave you! You can probably get away with running both A/C's as long as you don't run other high amperage devices at the same time!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

vsheetz · 11-16-2016, 08:57 AM

Set your battery charger for a low current draw to minimize it's impact on your power budget.

OLYLEN · 11-16-2016, 09:59 AM

Many smaller coach's have 30 amps and get by fine. When in a 50amp coach, which is in reality a 100 amp coach, on 30 amps I use the rule of 2. The rule is no more than 2 major appliances on at any time. In the morning for showers water heater and coffee pot, when coffee is done hair dryer. 1 A/C ant micro or two A/C's, being plugged in all the time the charging system has little effect on power. With the newer entertainment systems, they have again little effect on over all power. At night in colder environments in would use a small electric heater and keep the hot water heater on. Also kept the refer on gas most of the time but setting in one place for two months I might manage that on electric during the day. Rigs with residential refer I would look at turning off the ice maker at high use times.

LEN

Gsgarland · 11-16-2016, 11:41 AM

Thanks guys, got some good news today, our workcamper site has 30/50 amp shore power. Eastern Mt in June & July......

Dennis Dean · 11-16-2016, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gsgarland

Thanks guys, got some good news today, our workcamper site has 30/50 amp shore power. Eastern Mt in June & July......

Darn and i had a great 30AMP story to tell, Ol' Well, no matter now.

" Jim, i'm just a country doctor" Good luck on the work camp and have some fun too

96 Wideglide · 11-16-2016, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gsgarland

We have a 2014 Newmar Ventana, it has a 50 amp system. Looking to workcamp at a park that has 30 amp shorepower. This will be a 2 month assignment. Problems?? Thanks......

Don't know if your Newmar has hydronic heating system (Oasis), but if it does, you will have to leave it on diesel, or be turning the electric element(s) off, whenever you are planning on using another hi amp appliance.

Old-Biscuit · 11-16-2016, 12:53 PM

CG with 30A & 50A so your issues have been resolved....

Just remember in the future.
30A is just 1 hot leg----3600Ws total thru a 30A CB

50A is 2 hot legs......each leg/6000Ws available thru each 50A CB for a total of 12,000Ws

50A RVs can use 30A power supply just have to do a little 'energy management'
With an EMS most of that is done
W/O an EMS......YOU have to do it (we always swapped fridge & water heater to propane and then only used microwave when A/C wasn't on)