50 amp service available

[mtnman]

Hello,
I have been seeing some campgrounds that offer 50 amp service. I am kinda new and I was just wondering what all is in a trailer that requires 220 volts?
mtnman

[guy99]

I don't think anything in an RV uses 220. Rather the legs are split into two 50 amp 110 circuits to power various circuits, like two ACs at once.

[mtnman]

OK, that clears it up. Thanks
mtnman

[lewster]

That's what RV 240VAC is........2 legs of 120VAC combined. Any campground that offers 50amp service has a 4 pole receptacle with ground, nuetral, and 2 hot 120 VAC legs. They are usually split in the RV into separate 120VAC zones......like one A/C on each plus a bunch of other stuff.

[markdoane]

Another advantage is that 240V uses smaller wire.

50 amps/240V uses #6 wire, 4 conductor, 1.07" diameter, 83# per 100ft.

100 amps/120V uses #2 wire, 3 conductor, 1.30" diameter, 121#/100ft.

. . . and thats pretty thick cable!

[mtnman]

3 more questions,
How many years has the 50 amp service been in demand?
Are the Airstreams using 50 amp service?
Is there one type/model of RV that usually needs 50 amp?
mtnman

[markdoane]

Originally Posted by mtnman

3 more questions,
How many years has the 50 amp service been in demand?
Are the Airstreams using 50 amp service?
Is there one type/model of RV that usually needs 50 amp?
mtnman

1. I don't know, but it's more than 10 years. The 50 amp connection uses a pre-existing NEMA plug and receptacle, so nothing had to be "invented" for 50a. RV service.

That's unlike the 30a. plug and receptacle which are unique to the RV industry.

2. Some Airstream motorhomes use a 50a panel.

3. Generally, Class A motorhomes. Especially if they have two A/C units.

[Silverhobby]

mtnman-- many motorhomes and 5th wheel trailers that have 2 A/C units, a washer and a dryer, and a microwave, use the 50 amp service.
Kev

[mtnman]

Originally Posted by Silverhobby

mtnman-- many motorhomes and 5th wheel trailers that have 2 A/C units, a washer and a dryer, and a microwave, use the 50 amp service.
Kev

WOW! Camping has changed a lot in the past 25 years!
mtnman

[blkmagikca]

My '94LY 34 came with typical 30amp 115v service. However, it has 2 air conditioners (one in the rear to cool the bedroom and one in the front to cool the remainder of the coach). There is a switch that allows me to select which a/c I want to use when I'm connected to shore power. However, if I'm using the generator, I have one leg of 30amp 115v and another leg of 20amp 115 volt; the 2nd leg powers the rear a/c only. Thus, on generator, I can run both a/c's simultaneously.

So, I enlisted the help of an tech who has a solid knowledge of electricity (having serviced and built big hotel & retaurant equipment running 230v), and with some minor changes to the wiring in the 2 ATS (automatic transfer switches), plus changing the 3 by 10AWG wire for 4 by 10AWG wire, adding a 20-amp breaker to the panel, I now have the ability to run both a/c's simultaneously when I'm in using shore power.

This week I had my LY in for some maintenance at our new local AS dealer. The shop foreman happens to be an electrician, and was very interested in what I had had done. I'll be providing him with the schematics for this.

The change to the original schematics has to take into consideration that there are two 60-second time-delay relays in place to ensure that there is no circularity that can cause a short circuit because the relays do not all engage at the exactly same moment; thus for a period of 60 seconds, while all relays are powered, there is a restriction which does not allow power to flow to the coach.

In order to be able to use shore power when there is no "50 amp" service, I have an adapter that allows me to plug into 30 amp or even 15 amp service. The adapter also has test circuitry in it that tests for a common neutral - so if I am at a pedestal that has 2 30-amp sockets, I can plug into both and achieve the same result as a "50-amp" socket - in that I can run both air conditioners simultaneously.

This upgrade, by the way, should ONLY be done by an electrician.

[steelbird312]

Are the Airstreams using 50 amp service?
Is there one type/model of RV that usually needs 50 amp?


As for Airstream brands:
Many of the later model 34' trailers have the 50 amp service, especially the limited version, fact is, they all may have.
All of the late model deisel motorhomes, and many of the larger gas models with slideouts use the 50 amp as well.