Upgrading Wiring

[FPMeyersIII]

Hello. This is my first post, so please bear with me. We bought a 38’ 2005 Damon Intruder ~18 months ago, and we LOVE it. My question is about upgrading the electric to handle the two air conditioners in the hot AZ (Bullhead City, Parker) temperatures. Right now we only have 30 amp service which probably makes it more challenging. Anyway, can anyone give us an idea how much it costs to upgrade to heavier gauge wiring? Any ideas would be welcome.
Thanks. Fred and Donna

[MSHappyCampers]

Hi ! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Congrats on the new rig! I'm surprised that a 38' rig would have only one A/C unit! I wouldn't think it would be practical to upgrade from 30 amp to 50 amp service. Maybe someone here has done it and can advise you. Have fun and keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

[LJowdy]

It will probably cost in the thousands but heavier gauge wire won't solve the issue. Each of the A/C units probably draws 14 to 15 amps. If that's the case, then 30 amp service won't cut it, even with heavier wire. You'd need to step up to 50 amp service with separate circuit breakers for each of the A/C units. Like I said, it's a MAJOR undertaking and will cost a considerable amount of money and most of the additional wiring will require come very creative wire runs which will undoubtedly require tearing into the walls and ceiling.

[twinboat]

Simple fix, have a second 30 amp shore cord setup installed, with a small breaker panel, for the new AC unit.

At 30 amp parks, plug the original one in the 30 amp outlet and the new one in the 20 amp outlet with adaptor.

At 50 amp park, get a 50 amp to double 30 amp adaptor. Plug them in.

[momdoc]

Welcome to the forum.

You are joining a good group of folks here with lots of good info to share.; You have been given two ideas on fixing the problem and one AC in that area will not cut it at all. Two will have a hard time keeping it cool on some days. Good luck

Enjoy the adventure!

[FPMeyersIII]

Thank you for your response. The RV does have two AC units. At this point, we just shut one off and use the other. We’re heading to a park where we will have 50 amp service. I’m sure that will help. Thanks again.

[FPMeyersIII]

Originally Posted by LJowdy

It will probably cost in the thousands but heavier gauge wire won't solve the issue. Each of the A/C units probably draws 14 to 15 amps. If that's the case, then 30 amp service won't cut it, even with heavier wire. You'd need to step up to 50 amp service with separate circuit breakers for each of the A/C units. Like I said, it's a MAJOR undertaking and will cost a considerable amount of money and most of the additional wiring will require come very creative wire runs which will undoubtedly require tearing into the walls and ceiling.

Wow. Thank you so much for your reply. We are on our way to Bullhead City where we will have 50 amp service. That should help. Thanks again!

[FPMeyersIII]

Originally Posted by twinboat

Simple fix, have a second 30 amp shore cord setup installed, with a small breaker panel, for the new AC unit.

At 30 amp parks, plug the original one in the 30 amp outlet and the new one in the 20 amp outlet with adaptor.

At 50 amp park, get a 50 amp to double 30 amp adaptor. Plug them in.
Attachment 242858

Thank you! We will certainly look into this option. Thanks again!

[bucks2]

The easy answer...... move to a 50 amp site. Whether in the same park or a different place you just can't run 2 AC's on 30 amp. (with the possible exception of very small units)

Some people have custom wired one AC to run off a separate line, it can be done but you have to know what you're doing to do it. It's one of those, if you have to ask, you shouldn't do it yourself type fixes.

[FPMeyersIII]

Thank you. We will be moving to a park with 50 amp service late this week. I agree with you. Leave it to the experts. Thanks again!

[Busskipper]

Originally Posted by FPMeyersIII

Hello. This is my first post, so please bear with me. We bought a 38’ 2005 Damon Intruder ~18 months ago, and we LOVE it. My question is about upgrading the electric to handle the two air conditioners in the hot AZ (Bullhead City, Parker) temperatures. Right now we only have 30 amp service which probably makes it more challenging. Anyway, can anyone give us an idea how much it costs to upgrade to heavier gauge wiring? Any ideas would be welcome.
Thanks. Fred and Donna

Moving is the easy answer.

50 amps will solve the problem or look this over - https://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/f...4.cfm#24144314 - old post to hook up ac to seperate line.

Just a thought - more than one way to solve the problem, or use the Coach and the wheels to get to some elevation where it is cooler

https://binged.it/2vhd4Y4 - Brian Head might be a little too cool but then again it might be Just Right. - https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClic...6#.XL3SHDBKiLt - lot easier to use the Heater than the A/C

Best of Luck,

[Mojim]

Originally Posted by FPMeyersIII

Thank you. We will be moving to a park with 50 amp service late this week. I agree with you. Leave it to the experts. Thanks again!

you do have a 50 amp plug on your motorhome ?

[FPMeyersIII]

Great suggestions. Thanks!

[FPMeyersIII]

Originally Posted by Mojim

you do have a 50 amp plug on your motorhome ?

Yes, we have both 50 amp and 30 amp plugs.