|
|
11-21-2020, 06:25 PM
|
#1
|
Member
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Parrish FL
Posts: 53
|
50amp to 30amp concern
Was just informed by a new to me campground owner that some seasonal campers with a 50amp camper were having "power problems when using a 30 amp adapter plug". He went on to say that others on the same site with no 50 amp camper did not have problems.
Has anyone ever heard of this, or experienced anything like this?
It has turned into a major concern for me as my on order 30 amp camper was going to be forced optioned into 50 amp wiring do to shortage of 30 amp parts.
__________________
2021 Palomino Puma 31FKRK
2018 GMC Sierra 1500 5.3 Max Tow
|
|
|
|
Join the #1 RV Forum Today - It's Totally Free!
iRV2.com RV Community - Are you about to start a new improvement on your RV or need some help with some maintenance? Do you need advice on what products to buy? Or maybe you can give others some advice? No matter where you fit in you'll find that iRV2 is a great community to join. Best of all it's totally FREE!
You are currently viewing our boards as a guest so you have limited access to our community. Please take the time to register and you will gain a lot of great new features including; the ability to participate in discussions, network with other RV owners, see fewer ads, upload photographs, create an RV blog, send private messages and so much, much more!
|
11-21-2020, 06:50 PM
|
#2
|
Senior Member
Forest River Owners Club
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 418
|
More information please. "Power problems" could be interpreted any number of ways. Obviously you're not going to get 100A out of a 30A plug, so if you plug a 50A RV into a 30A outlet through an adapter, you're not going to be able to run everything that you could on 50A. If you have an "all electric" coach, you would have to be conservative in what you run.
To be clear, its been covered many times before, 50A service is 2x50A @ 110V (50A @220V) where 30A service is 1 x 30A 110V. When you use a 50A to 30A adapter, it ties both 50A RV circuits to the single 30A 110V circuit. If your coach has something installed that uses 220V, which is rare and almost never done from the factory, you would have problems. For the VAST majority of factory configured RVs they will run without any issue on a 50A-30A adapter. The majority of 50A RVs have one or two circuits, usually the second AC and possibly the water heater or some other high draw appliance, on the second 50A leg. Using the adapter, you could run one AC or the other, but probably not both.
__________________
Current RV Information: 2018 Forrest River Salem Hemisphere 282RK
Previous RVs: 2004 Fleetwood Bounder 32W; 1999 Four Winds Five Thousand 21RB; 1986 Allegro Bay 27'
|
|
|
11-21-2020, 06:56 PM
|
#3
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Powell River, B.C.
Posts: 31,442
|
People using 50/30 amp shore power adaptors often forget they are operating on 30% power , because their 50 amp RV is actually wired for two 120 volt legs with 50 amps each = 100 amps .
Without details of the " problems " at the park; you'd be guessing if you might have problems yourself.
I've operated my 50Amp coach in a 30 amp site for 5 months straight without issue , yes you have to be careful with power use , but it's doable.
EDIT: I see happy2rv posted while I was typing , sorry about the duplication.
__________________
99DSDP 3884, Freightliner, XC, CAT 3126B, 300 HP /ALLISON 3060
2000 Caravan toad, Remco & Blue Ox.
|
|
|
11-22-2020, 05:57 AM
|
#4
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,944
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by alb2tpa
It has turned into a major concern for me as my on order 30 amp camper was going to be forced optioned into 50 amp wiring do to shortage of 30 amp parts.
|
The ‘power problems’ those other people were experiencing were likely due to those 50A RV’s actually requiring more power than a 30A connection can give. Your new unit is, if I’m understanding you correctly, intended for 30A service, but they’re giving you a 50A connection for reasons other than the needs of the electrical loads.
So you’d have 12,000 watts available when the unit is designed for 3600 watts. That’s not going to result in power problems for you, and in fact, may alleviate potential power problems. I can overload my 30A van, which is limited to only 3000W by the inverter/charger, pretty easily if I’m not cognizant of the loads. Like electric heat/water instead of propane, two-burner induction cooktop, and the microwave, all at the same time. Found that out the hard way in the middle of the night, when I figured out I had popped the pass-through breaker on the inverter and was running on battery power for heat all (well, most of the) night - ‘til the battery drained too low and shut itself off. Brrrrrr.
The downside of a 50A service is the cord - it’s got heavier conductors in it compared to a 30A cord, and there’s one more conductor in there. It’s a bit of a garden hose, but heavier. Check them out in an RV store to compare.
You didn’t say what you’re getting. Does it have two A/C units? Induction cooktop? Any electric heat, like baseboard or an electric fireplace? I’m sure it’s got a microwave oven (there’s half the capacity of a 30A right there). Electric water heater? With 30A, you’d have to manage those loads, or there’s automatic load management. With 50A, it’s rather doubtful any load management is needed, unless you’re plugged into a 30A receptacle with a dog bone adapter.
Oh, and you’d also experience less voltage drop issues with the heavier conductors in the 50A service, and even less so if they split the loads to both hot legs.
Aside from the heavy shore cord, there’s really no downside.
__________________
Tom & Jeri
2018 Coachmen Galleria 24T Li3
|
|
|
11-22-2020, 06:17 AM
|
#5
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 3,165
|
If you are getting a 50 amp service in a normal 30 amp RV with no extra cost then you have the right to say Thank you very much covid!
50 amps is 120/240 volts. 30 amps is 120 volts. You can use 50 amps on both legs. If one leg goes over 50 amps the main breaker will trip and you will have no volts on either leg.
I am very surprised that they are doing this at no cost. You will need to buy a 30/50 doge bone as some sites do not have 50 amps services. Then you will need to learn "Energy Management because you will be getting the same 30 amps on both legs. Total amp usage can not exceed 30 amps.
__________________
2011 Keystone Sprinter 323 BHS. Port Charlotte Fl/Hinsdale MA. Retired Master Electrician. All Motor homes are RV's. All RV's are not Motor homes.
|
|
|
11-22-2020, 07:48 AM
|
#6
|
Senior Member
Forest River Owners Club Ford Super Duty Owner
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: So Calif
Posts: 3,533
|
I use a 50-30 dogbone many times with no issue. Even works fine with the Progressive EMS connected. Can't run both ac's and microwave at the same time is the only issue.
Have the campground manangement define "power problems". Without details we cannot even guess what is a good answer. Some of them prevent use of them for some odd reason.
__________________
2020 Coachmen Leprechaun 270QB (COA Member)
Jeep Wrangler toad for the dirt
"Well done is better than well said"....Ben Franklin
|
|
|
11-22-2020, 07:56 AM
|
#7
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,495
|
Want to have some real "fun"?
Try coiling up a 35' 50 Amp RV cord when the thing has been laying out in 20* temps overnight!!
You might be further ahead trying to wrestle a 30' anaconda that is mad.
|
|
|
11-22-2020, 07:58 AM
|
#8
|
Senior Member
Forest River Owners Club Ford Super Duty Owner
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: So Calif
Posts: 3,533
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by NITEHAWK
Want to have some real "fun"?
Try coiling up a 35' 50 Amp RV cord when the thing has been laying out in 20* temps overnight!!
You might be further ahead trying to wrestle a 30' anaconda that is mad.
|
Funny. I bought a large ice/beer bucket and feed/wind the 50amp anaconda into it. Works great especially since I hardley ever need the entire 35 feet.
__________________
2020 Coachmen Leprechaun 270QB (COA Member)
Jeep Wrangler toad for the dirt
"Well done is better than well said"....Ben Franklin
|
|
|
11-22-2020, 08:29 AM
|
#9
|
Member
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Parrish FL
Posts: 53
|
Left a message for the owner to explain what problems were encountered. Sounds like some campers were using too many power draws at the same time based on the replies here.
Also, a forced option is not a freebie as explained to me. The manufacturer changes things often lately due to parts shortages to keep the line moving. Might have to take the 50A upcharge to make sure the trailer gets built in a somewhat timely fashion.
I do have a dog bone from my last 50A camper. Sounds like a new surge guard type power protector is needed for this campground either way.
__________________
2021 Palomino Puma 31FKRK
2018 GMC Sierra 1500 5.3 Max Tow
|
|
|
11-22-2020, 12:41 PM
|
#10
|
Senior Member
Forest River Owners Club
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 418
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by NITEHAWK
Want to have some real "fun"?
Try coiling up a 35' 50 Amp RV cord when the thing has been laying out in 20* temps overnight!!
You might be further ahead trying to wrestle a 30' anaconda that is mad.
|
I've never had a problem coiling my 50A cord. I can't say I've tried it many times at 20°, but I've done it many times around freezing. Assuming your cord isn't hard wired to the trailer, you could keep both 30A and 50A cords and use whichever is needed. You probably won't need 50A in the winter unless you are running multiple electric heaters (which we often do to preserve our propane).
Now for some REAL fun, try cooling a 35'+ coach on a 90°+ day with only one air conditioner. I will take 50A with both A/Cs running in the summer and the option of multiple electric heaters in the winter any day.
Quote:
Originally Posted by alb2tpa
Left a message for the owner to explain what problems were encountered. Sounds like some campers were using too many power draws at the same time based on the replies here.
Also, a forced option is not a freebie as explained to me. The manufacturer changes things often lately due to parts shortages to keep the line moving. Might have to take the 50A upcharge to make sure the trailer gets built in a somewhat timely fashion.
I do have a dog bone from my last 50A camper. Sounds like a new surge guard type power protector is needed for this campground either way.
|
It's unfortunate that the "option" is being forced on you, but as noted above, I would (did) choose 50A service even if it cost a little more. You don't mention what trailer you are getting. For any trailer with a separate bedroom, I would want two air conditioners and the option to use them simultaneously. Ideally while still heating water using the electric heating element and microwaving my dinner...
I personally don't see a downside to 50A service. As noted if, like most current models, your trailer has a dis-connectable service cord you can adapt it down to a 30A at the trailer inlet and use a 30A cord when you don't need 50A.
__________________
Current RV Information: 2018 Forrest River Salem Hemisphere 282RK
Previous RVs: 2004 Fleetwood Bounder 32W; 1999 Four Winds Five Thousand 21RB; 1986 Allegro Bay 27'
|
|
|
11-22-2020, 12:52 PM
|
#11
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Near Anderson, Indiana
Posts: 668
|
If you are a 30 amp camper, you are only going to use at a max, 30 amps. It doesn't matter if you are plugged into a 50 amp plug with step down to 30 amp. Your camper will pop the main breaker once your usage reaches 30 amp.
If you are a 50 amp camper and you use the adapter to plug into a 30 amp service, no matter what you do, you will only be able to use 30 amps, or the breaker at the power source will pop.
Probably the problem with the other 50 amp RV's at your campground is they are attempting to run more than the 30 amps available and keep popping the breaker at their power source. And, it's suppose to be this way. Nothing wrong with that.
Sounds to me, the only problem with the "power" at the campground, are those people who just simply do not understand that, 30 amps is just that... 30 amps. You have to use "power management" (turn things on and turn things off) so you do not exceed the maximum 30 amps available, if that be the RV, or the power source.
__________________
2019 Montana High Country 375FL Fifth Wheel
2014 Chevy Silverado 3500 6.6L HD Dually, Long Bed, Crew Cab
|
|
|
11-22-2020, 01:30 PM
|
#12
|
Member
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Parrish FL
Posts: 53
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by DutchmenSpor
If you are a 30 amp camper, you are only going to use at a max, 30 amps. It doesn't matter if you are plugged into a 50 amp plug with step down to 30 amp. Your camper will pop the main breaker once your usage reaches 30 amp.
If you are a 50 amp camper and you use the adapter to plug into a 30 amp service, no matter what you do, you will only be able to use 30 amps, or the breaker at the power source will pop.
Probably the problem with the other 50 amp RV's at your campground is they are attempting to run more than the 30 amps available and keep popping the breaker at their power source. And, it's suppose to be this way. Nothing wrong with that.
Sounds to me, the only problem with the "power" at the campground, are those people who just simply do not understand that, 30 amps is just that... 30 amps. You have to use "power management" (turn things on and turn things off) so you do not exceed the maximum 30 amps available, if that be the RV, or the power source.
|
That is what the owner finally said. " Problem" only happened to random campers, not all on the site.
__________________
2021 Palomino Puma 31FKRK
2018 GMC Sierra 1500 5.3 Max Tow
|
|
|
11-22-2020, 01:48 PM
|
#13
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 7,400
|
….lots of confusion here--if I understand your issue correctly....the answer is: your old 30 amp camper will do just fine on a 50 amp pedestal....just get an adaptor....your camper can only draw 30 amps max so no need to upgrade anything....its a bit more complicated than that but not for your purposes…..
__________________
Old Scout
2015 IH45 Foretravel
2003 Alpine 40' MDTS [Sold]
New Braunfels, Texas
|
|
|
11-22-2020, 02:27 PM
|
#14
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 26,810
|
I have a 50A 5th wheel
Have used 30A receptacle MANY times.......
Put water heater/fridge on propane and then you can operate all the other AC Stuff without issue
IF ..IF you do draw more then 30A TOTAL...CB at Power Pedestal with trip
Then you know you have tried to use too much
Simple.........
__________________
I took my Medication today. HAVE YOU?
Dodge 3500 w/Tractor Motor
US NAVY---USS Decatur DDG-31
|
|
|
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 2 (0 members and 2 guests)
|
|
Thread Tools |
Search this Thread |
|
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|