Community Forums

DCLeBoeuf · 06-05-2019, 08:22 AM

My generator has extra capacity and I'd like to add a 30 amp outlet to power a toy hauler. Anyone have any experience with this. If so any tips/info would be much appreciated.

Old Scout · 06-05-2019, 08:31 AM

….some gensets may have access power when you add both legs together but not necessarily on a single leg...example--an ONAN 7500 has 35 amps on each leg for a total of about 70 amps....if you try to pull 15-20 amps off one leg for a toy hauler AC unit, it doesn't leave much left on that leg for your MH AC unit--all depends on how much you need to pull to the toy hauler...and how loads in yr MH are distributed....

Gary RVRoamer · 06-05-2019, 11:08 AM

Adding the outlet is a fairly straight-forward wiring job. Whether it's a good idea is something else. Without knowing more about your genset, it's hard to offer much advice. Typically a larger genset will have two output power "legs" and they may be equal or not. For example, a 5000 or 5500 watt genset often has one 30A output and one 20A. A 7000-8000 watt model probably has a pair of 30-35A outputs.

For the reason Old Scout described, I'd probably limit that outlet to 20A. You can still use a 30A outlet if you like, but put a 20A breaker on the circuit.

MSHappyCampers · 06-05-2019, 11:53 AM

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

Looks like you got your answer! Have fun and keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

DCLeBoeuf · 06-07-2019, 06:39 AM

Thanks for the help. Some additional information. My genset is an Onan 7.5 HDKAT. The AC Outlet Terminal Block has

L1
L2
Neutral
Neutral
Ground

with a single 2-pole 35 Amp line circuit breaker

Old Scout · 06-07-2019, 11:46 AM

Yup--std Onan 7500 config---doesn't change my earlier suggestions about "surplus" power on any one of the 120v/35 amp legs......eg, you may not exceed the 70 amp limit on the genset but it fairly easy to exceed 35 amps on one of the two legs and thus trip the double-pole breaker....if this explanation is confusing to you, I would recommend you seek professional help from a local electrician.....

Persistent · 06-07-2019, 12:38 PM

Installing a 20 amp outlet is a good strategy. Of course it will probably require a 20 amp breaker of its own, or even a 15 amp breaker. It hopefully trip before the Monaco breaker does. So the toy hauler will loose power and the Monaco will continue to be powered.

This is the scenario you would face using a 30 amp circuit for the toy hauler.
I don't know what appliances are in your Monaco. I also don't know what you will use in the toy hauler. But this list may be close to what is in each.
2 Air Conditioners
1 Microwave Oven
1 Electric water heater
1 Residential electric refrig

You can run two of each of these Monaco appliances on each leg of the Onan output at the same time plus other odds and ends. If you plug in the 30 amp toy hauler, you can run two toy hauler appliances, but not at the same time as the two on the same leg in the Monaco. In this case you would have 4 major appliances running at the same time on one leg of the Onan. The 35 amp double pole breaker will shut down everything in both units.

Ivylog · 06-09-2019, 08:22 AM

Put a 30 amp plug without another breaker. If the TH overloads, it will pop the breakers letting you know you need to decrease the load.

Solo_RV_Guy · 06-09-2019, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ivylog

Put a 30 amp plug without another breaker. If the TH overloads, it will pop the breakers letting you know you need to decrease the load.

No. Code requires an "overcurrent protection device" on all branch circuits.

The 30 amp breaker will not prevent an upstream breaker from opening if the combined current draw exceeds the genset breaker rating.

The 30 amp breaker is to protect the branch circuit wiring and without it the branch circuit is not *correctly* protected.

vsheetz · 06-09-2019, 10:39 AM

Add a subpanel or JB with a breaker in the power bay with the transfer switch. Install a RV 30 RV recepltcal there off the sub panel. Tap the genny there to power the subpanel, paying attention to which leg.

winniman · 06-09-2019, 10:51 AM

My brothers toy hauler has a 30 amp plug at the back to power another camper. If yours has one, why not just plug the mh into the toy hauler, and call it a day. If you need more power in the rv, just start up the genny. The auto disconnect will take care of the transfer. Of course shut off any large loads before doing this.