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Old 10-04-2014, 11:47 AM   #1
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1961 16' Bambi
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Shore power question 1961

My 61 Bambi has the original 30 amp 240v cord and plug. I cannot find an adapter to connect this old plug to my 50 amp service, therefore I need to change the old plug. But in thinking about it, would it hurt anything if I did change out the plug to a modern 30 amp and plug it in to my 50 amp 220v source with a 30/50 adapter? Would it overheat and throw the old breaker? The trailer has not been used in several years, and I want to see if the old wiring is even intact.

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Old 10-04-2014, 11:53 AM   #2
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Originally Posted by grayling View Post
My 61 Bambi has the original 30 amp 240v cord and plug. I cannot find an adapter to connect this old plug to my 50 amp service, therefore I need to change the old plug. But in thinking about it, would it hurt anything if I did change out the plug to a modern 30 amp and plug it in to my 50 amp 220v source with a 30/50 adapter? Would it overheat and throw the old breaker? The trailer has not been used in several years, and I want to see if the old wiring is even intact.

Comments? Suggestions?
That is a 240 VAC plug, and I don't believe should be on there. It is not a 30 amp 120 VAC plug, like should be on there.

If I were you, I'd have an electrician that is familiar with RV electrical systems take a look at how the trailer is wired before I would even plug that in to any outlet.
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Old 10-04-2014, 12:49 PM   #3
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It is the original cord and plug. The manufacturer name on both cord/plug is Cornish. There are no splices anywhere, and as the cord runs to the fuse box underneath the kitchen counter, the original Zolatone paint oversprays most of the cord. This trailer has been in the family since the early seventies, everything is original.
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Old 10-04-2014, 12:59 PM   #4
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If I were you, I'd have an electrician that is familiar with RV electrical systems take a look at how the trailer is wired before I would even plug that in to any outlet.
I agree you should have an electrician confirm whether it's wired correctly. There should be no need for 240v unless they used 240v air conditioning and/or 240v converters back then. Even so, you should have 120v instead.
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Old 10-04-2014, 01:18 PM   #5
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I agree you should have an electrician confirm whether it's wired correctly. There should be no need for 240v unless they used 240v air conditioning and/or 240v converters back then. Even so, you should have 120v instead.
Fred's right if for no other reason than you WILL NOT find an outlet like that in any campground.

If the cord is in fact original, I'd have the electrician inspect the appliances to see if anything requires 240 VAC, and if not, I'd have it rewired for a modern, standard, 30 amp, 120 VAC system.
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Old 10-04-2014, 01:39 PM   #6
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Thank you for the replies.

There were no appliances in this trailer originally that required electricity. The original fridge was gas,manual pilot. There is no air conditioner. The water heater was gas/manual pilot, same with the furnace. The only electrical needs were the interior lights, running lights, and whatever was plugged into the 110 outlets.

Our plan is to keep original fridge (if it checks out okay), switch water heater to a gas only with electric pilot, and run electric plug-in heater (since the trailer is so small, a new furnace would be overkill for us). Very few additional plug-in appliances (no coffee maker, toasters, etc.). Trailer will never be sold, it has to stay in the family, so resale value is not a concern. We may later add a small air conditioner.

Sounds like an electrician will be needed. However, for just interior lights for cleaning, sanding, painting, would switching the plug only to a 30 amp 120V or even a 20 amp 120V allow us to plug it in? Power tools will still be run from an extension cord from the house.
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Old 10-04-2014, 01:50 PM   #7
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However, for just interior lights for cleaning, sanding, painting, would switching the plug only to a 30 amp 120V or even a 20 amp 120V allow us to plug it in?
IMHO, 30 amp 120v is what you should go with. 30 amp is by far the most common and would take care of any unanticipated future electrical needs whether it be coffeemaker, toaster, converter, or AC. Also, you'll find 30 amp service at all campgrounds.
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Old 10-04-2014, 02:12 PM   #8
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At the bare minimum, you should replace the plug with a current 120 VAC plug, and have an electrician certify the AC power distribution panel is wired for 120 VAC. Shouldn't cost too much. If I was close to you, I'd do it for you for free.
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Old 10-21-2014, 08:16 AM   #9
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(Sigh)
What to do with this... old... thing
Are these fuses even made anymore?

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Old 10-21-2014, 08:39 AM   #10
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Home Depot sells them. If you decide to keep this system, I recommend using a "fuse breaker" which is a circuit breaker embedded in the threaded fuse housing.
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Old 10-21-2014, 09:16 AM   #11
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If i could share some info here... Your plug is not 220 rather 110 15-20 amp service. Yes it is very rare type of plug that was ordered from the factory this way and would be considered in the day as a "park model". You will see this type of plug on larger trailers from time to time but very rare on a trailer of this size. "Park models" of this vintage would not have air or electric heat or even a battery charger, they only needed 110 for lighting and small appliances. Your 15 amp fuse also proves that this was a park model 110 15-20 amp service. It should as other stated here be rewired for a 30 amp 110 service. I would replace the cord, but if you chose to use it make sure that it's 10 ga and that the ground wire is grounded properly through out the trailer. I would also (stated above) replace the fuse for a modern style 30 amp breaker. It would be nice to see other electrical pictures of your trailer since its all original, thanks for posting and have fun with this amazing vintage and size of trailer!
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Old 10-21-2014, 09:42 AM   #12
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Great info. Thanks!

I am confused what a "park model" would be in 1961. I think of a park model as one that would have more appliances, such as AC for living convenience, not fewer. What am I missing in the interpretation?

When you say rewire for 30 amp service, do you mean rewired from plug-in to a new fuse and breaker box, or are you saying new wires pulled throughout the coach? 😳

Carol
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