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TBRich · 12-21-2011, 01:31 PM

We also had a 30amp/120v line put in for our Bambi which is stored under a "Bambi Port" attached to the house. Fortunatley, our electrical box is just feet from the Port. The Bambi is plugged in all the time so in the summer we can have a cool Bambi...and if cold enough in the winter we can keep the furnace on to keep it above freezing. We also have a regular household line there that we can use for everything but the AC in the event we have guests requiring the dedicated 30amp service. Putting in the 30 amp line is one of the best things we've done ... and well worth hiring an electrician to do it properly.

CeloNC · 12-22-2011, 07:36 AM

Thanks for the info. I am close enough to the house so I don't need an extension cord too. After reading your and other posts, I will definately have an electrician install 30amp service. Bill

Quote:

Originally Posted by clancy_boy

No, in fact you probably do not want one bigger than a 20 amp in that circuit. The adaptor is generally used for the basic power supply to an RV. Lights, radio, fans can be used on the adapter - the microwave and the AC will need the more substantial dedicated 30 amp plug in. They may work on the adapter but over time the cord will overheat and there will be damage to the electronics in the AC and microwave.

Did you need an extension cord too (other than the RV cord)? That will limit the number of items you can power up at one time. Check the circuit, see what else in the house is using it - if you are not home and it trips the breaker in the house you don't want a home freezer to go off.

casa3805 · 12-22-2011, 09:17 AM

Bill, like you I am a bit fearful of electricity. The very first post gave you your two options. Both will work. I have an adapter and used it for a while just fine. But when it got really hot down here this summer I had an electrician run a dedicated 30 amp plug for me. Mounted on side of garage so I just pull the shore power cord over and connect, just like at a park, I think it was about $150.
Happy camping

aftermath · 12-22-2011, 10:27 AM

Bill,

I live "in town" and have to run an extension cord to my trailer on the street. I can't get close to the garage because of a sloping driveway. I am using the adapter/extension cord system. This system works great for me because I only plug in for pre-trip preparations and an ocassional project done in front of the house. We never use the AC while parked on the street.

If I could park next to the garage I would wire in a 30 amp receptacle. One way to cut down on the cost would be for you to run the wire from the box to the place you want to install the outlet. Run the proper size wire, leave plenty of extra at the box (5 feet) and a couple of extra feet at the outlet. Have all the parts on hand and the electrician would simply connect everything. A pretty easy task. I did one for a friend of mine. He ran the wires an installed the outlet. All I did was hook it all up and we were done in about 20 minutes.

CeloNC · 12-23-2011, 07:29 AM

Thanks again to all for the great assistance. I have a good idea of what i need to do now and I haven't burned the house or the trailer down so i am ahead of the game. All I want for Christmas is a new converter and a 30amp circuit, two things i wouldn't have cared a wit about a month ago. Think I got the Airstream bug. Happy Holidays to all! Bill

dznf0g · 12-23-2011, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CeloNC

Thanks again to all for the great assistance. I have a good idea of what i need to do now and I haven't burned the house or the trailer down so i am ahead of the game. All I want for Christmas is a new converter and a 30amp circuit, two things i wouldn't have cared a wit about a month ago. Think I got the Airstream bug. Happy Holidays to all! Bill

Hmmmm, sounds like aluminitus alright. Maybe be acute right now....but will soon surely be chronic.

Air-Texas · 12-24-2011, 06:07 PM

What about the parts needed to have a 50A plug in?

clancy_boy · 12-24-2011, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Air-Texas

What about the parts needed to have a 50A plug in?

Midwest Electric - 110V Electrical Power Outlet Box, 50 Amp - Electrical Adapters - Camping World

Buy the 50 amp 120v box and a 50amp breaker to fit your home electrical box (look in the panel box door for model or brand) and I would use #8 wire. Consult with an electrician for proper wire size. Camping World has them in store, Home Depot or an electrical supply store can order one. Setup is the same as the 30amp.

markdoane · 12-24-2011, 07:07 PM

I believe that's the correct outlet, except that it's really a 120/240 50a outlet.
The Midwest part number from the CW spec is a 120/240 split phase box. Camping World has it listed incorrectly as a 110V box.

casa3805 · 12-25-2011, 05:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CeloNC

Thanks again to all for the great assistance. I have a good idea of what i need to do now and I haven't burned the house or the trailer down so i am ahead of the game. All I want for Christmas is a new converter and a 30amp circuit, two things i wouldn't have cared a wit about a month ago. Think I got the Airstream bug. Happy Holidays to all! Bill

Well....this will help you get started on that next project as soon as you have power at your house.

Intelli-Power PD9260C 60A Electronic RV Converter/Charger

It is fun to watch others walk a similar path!

mefly2 · 12-25-2011, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aage

Bill,

If you decide to go witih option #1, suggest you put red tape with a note on the switch to the air conditioning or heat pump.

Since you are talking about at home, you might think that you will be the only one to flick switches in your trailer, but your wife|children|close neighbour|whoever might not know that you think that.

Excellent suggestioin ... Not laughing here, but my wife hit the AC/Heat pump while plugged in at home and melted down the adapter. I am not sure just why the GFCI or breaker did not blow, but a little corrosion on the plug or adapter/ cable caused the two connectors to heat up and burn through! Heed the advice given above about max amps and extension cords.

Hodum · 02-02-2012, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clancy_boy

Midwest Electric - 110V Electrical Power Outlet Box, 50 Amp - Electrical Adapters - Camping World

Buy the 50 amp 120v box and a 50amp breaker to fit your home electrical box (look in the panel box door for model or brand) and I would use #8 wire. Consult with an electrician for proper wire size. Camping World has them in store, Home Depot or an electrical supply store can order one. Setup is the same as the 30amp.

The #8 wire is rated at 40 amps therefore a #6 which is rated at 60 amps is the correct size for the 50 amp service.