Community Forums

Dorsal · 03-04-2013, 05:32 PM

It is possible to change out a 30 amp system to a 50 amp system. Is the cost worth it ?

Medico · 03-04-2013, 05:48 PM

Welcome and glad to meet you!

I have to believe that would be an expensive proposition. Generally unless you have an all electric coach 30 A is plenty. The entire system is fused for 30 A, is wired for 30 A. The size of the wiring is commensurate with the rated current. 30 A will use smaller gauge wiring and all this would most likely have to be changed out. Otherwise you are looking at severe fire hazard. Just like in a house, you should never put a 20 A fuse in a circuit rated at 15 A. Severe fire hazard. 15 A uses 14 gauge wire, 20 A uses 12 gauge wire. Same in the coach. Plus we're talking much higher currents, similar to an electric stove in your house.

Frutza · 03-04-2013, 05:57 PM

Why would you want or need the change? Do you have a generator or an Inverter? Are you adding a 2nd ac unit? Basically you need to change the breaker box to a 220 unit and the line cord, now thats just the basics, It will be more entailed depending on what you have and dont have

Libero · 03-04-2013, 06:28 PM

Are you refering to changing your RV wiring from 30A to 50A service?

From my perspective, this would be a major undertaking to say the least.

You would need to change the power distribution panel, power transfer switch and all the associated wiring. Then to take advantage of the 100A now available, you would need to rewire the house AC wiring side of the AC distribution panel to the new AC circuits.

Is there a particular reason you want to do this?

A major change such as this would likely invalidate any RIVA and other safety standard certifications.

Would be interested to hear from anyone who has done this?

Heater · 03-04-2013, 08:09 PM

I assume your discovery has the power management system? Do you wish to change to a 50 amp in order to run both ac's at the same time while on shore power? If so have you thought about just wiring the rear AC to be powered by a second 20 park outlet? If not and you want to do a full switchover camping world or an equal service department can do it for around &1000.00.

Wizard · 03-05-2013, 07:05 AM

Depends an awful lot on the coach. On my Journey, 50 amp was an option that was not ordered. I only had to change some wiring and breakers. Not a big deal, cost about $100 and took less than 8 hours. Now I can run both ac, microwave, water heater, fridge and washer dryer at the same time, wow.

Gary RVRoamer · 03-06-2013, 09:16 AM

As Wizard says, it depends on what you now have. Some coaches need little more than a new shore cord, while others may need a major rewiring job.

Whether it is worth it depends on your power needs. If you have only one a/c, and a modest size fridge and water heater, the existing 30A supply is probably adequate anyway. But if you routinely need to operate more appliances on electric, then maybe it is worthwhile. Assuming the campgrounds you frequent actually offer 50A service.