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Webetravelin · 02-24-2011, 06:07 AM

Greetings
We are really new to all that is RVing but that's not slowing us down. Looks like we found a 32ft class A rig we're going to buy. It's 30amp ... with today's electrically needs - is that enough? We are planning to living in this rig full time.
We will have to work our first few years ... so how do full timers handle the need to iron clothes... is 30 amps enough? We will probably be in south south deep south TX with the heat and all... with A/C running can we run other appliances as needed?
Thanks for any insight on these questions.
WeBeTravelin

Wizard · 02-24-2011, 06:16 AM

Never had a problem with our '02 Brave on 30 amp service. Even on the hottest days in Georgia the ac's would keep up, we kept the wh on electric all the time. Your EMS will cycle things off to keep the power right. Microwave would sometimes cause the EMS to cycle things off if everything was on at the same time, but only for the time the micro was on.

bldrbob · 02-24-2011, 06:21 AM

Like any electrical use you have to pay attention to what you have on at the same time.You won't be able to run the electric water heater, AC , microwave and try to iron.I have run my 50 amp motorhome on 20 amps at times.You just have to keep track of what is on.More is usually better. 50 is better than 30.40 foot is better than 32 but buying what you can afford is usually better than getting buried.

hooverbill · 02-24-2011, 06:56 AM

As noted, you'll have to be very careful. No way you could run two A/Cs at the same time.

R1Kirby · 02-24-2011, 06:58 AM

We been fulltiming for three years with 30 amp service and have had no problems. You should be fine...

RustyJC · 02-24-2011, 06:58 AM

I'd never go back to 30 amps, but I'm spoiled. Our last 2 rigs have been 50 amp, and current draw worries are basically a non-issue.

Rusty

WheelingIt · 02-24-2011, 07:15 AM

I love our 50amp but have stayed in lots of campgrounds with only 30amp. It's not that big a deal. Like others said you just can't run several 'big draw' items at the same time. So, for example we can only run one AC and can't run microwave at the same time. It just takes a little practice. Small draw items like lights, computers and TV are no issue and can all be run together on 30amp.

wildtoad · 02-24-2011, 07:16 AM

I don't full time but have had three mh's with 30 amp service. None of them had an EMS but instead had a MEMS. (Maunual Electrical Management System) I had/have to be careful when running AC and Microwave (especially if it was a combo), could only run one AC at a time and unlike the Wizard, many times here is SC one unit would just not do it. So if you have the option go with 50 amp.

Having said that be advised that many campsites only provide 30 amp service.

Tom

Norm4015 · 02-24-2011, 07:30 AM

You have to remember with 50 amp you actually get 100 amps - two 50 amps circuits. There is a big difference between 30 amps and 100 amps.

Vegasdan · 02-24-2011, 08:49 AM

Sometimes you don't have a choice. Our rig is 50 amp and currently we are on 30, but, we can run everything we need right now, just don't need the AC yet. We have been places in the summer with only 30 and as others have said the AC cycles and you just have to be selective on what you run with it. Nothing's going to blow up even if you mess up and turn too much on, but you'll have to reset the breaker.

danes-on-tour · 02-24-2011, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norm4015

You have to remember with 50 amp you actually get 100 amps - two 50 amps circuits. There is a big difference between 30 amps and 100 amps.

You lost me there Norm !!! I am no electrical wizard and this is the first time I hear this.

To the best of my knowledge I have never been able to draw 100Amps from a 50AMP hook-up

30 AMPS is definitely doable but I have to say that 50AMPS is very convenient especially if you end up in hot weather and want to run 2 AC's.

RJay · 02-24-2011, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Danes Are Coming

You lost me there Norm !!! I am no electrical wizard and this is the first time I hear this.

To the best of my knowledge I have never been able to draw 100Amps from a 50AMP hook-up

30 AMPS is definitely doable but I have to say that 50AMPS is very convenient especially if you end up in hot weather and want to run 2 AC's.

If you have a 50 amp service you have 2-120(120/240 volt) volts supply lines coming into your RV with a 50 amp capacity on each line. If you look at the main breakers on you electrical panel they should both be 50 amps capacity.

Hamshog · 02-24-2011, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Danes Are Coming

You lost me there Norm !!! I am no electrical wizard and this is the first time I hear this.

To the best of my knowledge I have never been able to draw 100Amps from a 50AMP hook-up

30 AMPS is definitely doable but I have to say that 50AMPS is very convenient especially if you end up in hot weather and want to run 2 AC's.

Hey Dane,

From an Electrical Wizard, 120v x 30amps = 3600watts.

240v x 50amps = 12,000watts.

Watts is your total power.
Most all appliances are measured in watts.
Some in amps, but you still multiply by the voltage to get watts.

Call it what you will, but it's still 30amps vs. 100amps of total power.

Regards, Hamshog

wa8yxm · 02-24-2011, 09:21 AM

If the coach has one air conditioner than 30 amps is likely enough, Provided it's a good 30 amps (Many CG's the power is a bit.. anemic)

If you ahve two A/C's you will want a PSRV adapter http://www.psrv.net

I have a 50 amp rig,, When I'm on 30 amps I practice a bit of conservation, use the PSRV adapter for A/C #2, and get along just fine most of the time.. Problem is wife has Mrs. Douglas Disease (Refers to Eva Gabor's character on the TV show Green Acers) can't remember to turn one thing off before microwaving.