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4each · 05-27-2016, 12:03 PM

I have a 40 amp breaker on a 50 amp outlet for my RV. What is the average draw for a RV? Do most Rv need 50 amp?

Mr_D · 05-27-2016, 12:10 PM

You have a 40 amp on one leg and a 50 on the other?
Or two 40 amps, one on each leg?
Or what?

A 50 amp RV plug in has two 50 amp breakers, one on each leg for a total of 12,000 watts (50 x 2 x 120)

If you have a 40 on one leg and a 50 on the other then you have 50 + 40 x 120 = 10,800 watts

If you have two 40 amp breakers than you have 40 x 2 x 120 or 9,600 watts.

To know if it's enough you need to figure out what you'll run all at once and total it up.

Our's is one that could use all 12,000 watts. Just the AquaHot on electric would take 4,000 watts, the electric floor heat is about 3,000 watts, then there's the three heat pumps and the 240 volt dryer, the Jenn air refer/freezer, lights, TV's etc.

mel s · 05-27-2016, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4each

I have a 40 amp breaker on a 50 amp outlet for my RV. What is the average draw for a RV? Do most Rv need 50 amp?

4each
A "dual 40A breaker" on a 50A outlet will allow you to use up to a total of 80A of 120V power in your RV at one time...(rather than the 100A total a "so called" 50A RV outlet will provide).

DUAL 40A BREAKER

Mel
'96 Safari

vsheetz · 05-27-2016, 12:40 PM

You will likely never exceed the 40a breaker, if actually setup properly. Its probably a 40a breaker to match the wire size, which is a good thing.

Gary RVRoamer · 05-28-2016, 12:30 PM

I wouldn't say "never", but odds are that 2x40A is going to be more than sufficient. I've hit 40-42 amps once in awhile, when an a/c, the water heater, and the washer dryer all happen to cycle on at the same time (they all share Leg #2). Even then, it usually steadies out about 26-32 on one leg and 20-28 on another. We sometimes run off twin 30A circuits and that works nearly as well, but we use the dryer cautiously ( I usually flip the water heater off, just to be sure) I don't trip a breaker.

mrboyer · 05-28-2016, 03:08 PM

I have a double 30 amp breaker wired to a 50 amp outlet. The wire size is #10-4 conductor, and the run is less than 40 feet. With both air conditioners, water heater, and initial charge for batteries plus miscellaneous lighting etc , I have never tripped the breaker. Large rallies count on 24 amps per leg or a total of 48 amps.

Oldone1 · 06-10-2016, 11:49 AM

Forgot to ask, but how do you tell how many amps are being pulled on l-1 and l-2?

Steve Ownby · 06-10-2016, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oldone1

Forgot to ask, but how do you tell how many amps are being pulled on l-1 and l-2?

If you have a EMS like the Progressive, then that is one of the items it scrolls through.

seasonedsole · 06-10-2016, 07:10 PM

The tricky part is dividing usage between both line 1 and line 2. Usually, from the factory line 1 has much more on it, line 2 often is 2nd Air Conditioner.

rgvtexan · 06-10-2016, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4each

I have a 40 amp breaker on a 50 amp outlet for my RV. What is the average draw for a RV? Do most Rv need 50 amp?

A little info on your RV will help. I would guess that most RVs don't even have 50 amp service. I know there are many RV sites that don't have it.

You can put your make. year, and model in the signature block.

Help us help you. Welcome to the best place for help.

Steve Ownby · 06-10-2016, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4each

I have a 40 amp breaker on a 50 amp outlet for my RV. What is the average draw for a RV? Do most Rv need 50 amp?

Should be find most of the time. Any particular reason you're using a double pole 40 amp instead of a double pole 50 amp.

MtnTrek · 06-10-2016, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Ownby

Should be find most of the time. Any particular reason you're using a double pole 40 amp instead of a double pole 50 amp.

OP'r could specify, but the breaker was more than likely installed to be in compliance with the specific wire gauge installed in that circuit, ( dryer, stove, etc.)
Breakers are to protect the branch circuit wiring from overload. Unless the OP'r knows for sure it wouldn't be advised to modify said circuit.

Happy trail.

H. Miller · 06-11-2016, 05:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4each

I have a 40 amp breaker on a 50 amp outlet for my RV. What is the average draw for a RV? Do most Rv need 50 amp?

AMAZING! Above question asked 2 weeks ago with all sorts of "WAG's" given in the mean time. Correct answer depends on additional info from OP who has not been heard from again.. Guess an adequate answer was found elsewhere

Gary RVRoamer · 06-14-2016, 08:27 AM

Yeah, he didn't even visit again to read answers, let alone contribute further. So we are all pretty much talking to each other and not helping 4each. C'est la vie!