Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 06-24-2009, 03:29 PM   #1
Rivet Master
 
Frank&Mike's Avatar
 
2016 27' Flying Cloud
Georgetown , Texas
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 796
Images: 2
AMPS 20? 30? 50? Which One Do I Want?

I guess this may seem like a silly question ... but I'm still trying to figure all of this out and I'm still learning. When I am making reservations for a campsite with electrical hookups, I am typically asked what electrical AMP service do I want? 20? 30? 50?

I assume that I would want 50 AMP if it is available because it would allow more electrical appliances to operate? Or this assumption incorrect?

Is there a problem with the use of a lower AMP service or is there a risk of negatively affecting any appliances with the use of a lower AMP service?

We have a 1988 32 ft. Airstream Excella that we utilize the electrical hookups on. I haven't been able to find anything in the owner's manual that discusses this subject. Thanks in advance for educating me on this subject.
Frank&Mike is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-24-2009, 04:15 PM   #2
Rivet Master
 
Aerowood's Avatar
 
1971 21' Globetrotter
Currently Looking...
Currently Looking...
Currently Looking...
Arvada , Colorado
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 3,527
Look at the 120VAC electrical breaker box. Confirm what the largest amperage circuit breaker is and that is the maximum amount of load that can be drawn through the wiring of that box. For most trailers that is 30 Amps. If you use a 15 or 20 amp cord adapted to a higher rated service and try to pull more amps then the cord is rated then you could start a little fire.
Aerowood is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-24-2009, 04:17 PM   #3
Rivet Monster
 
wahoonc's Avatar

 
1975 31' Sovereign
1980 31' Excella II
Sprung Leak , North Carolina
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 7,172
Images: 40
I am pretty sure that the 88 still used the 30 amp service.

20 amp is little more than a household plug in.

Aaron
__________________
....so many Airstreams....so little time...
WBCCI #XXXX AIR #2495
Why are we in this basket...and where are we going
wahoonc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-24-2009, 04:19 PM   #4
2 Rivet Member
 
Gael79's Avatar
 
1970 31' Sovereign
Lombard , Illinois
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 93
If you can, take a picture of your plug and post it, that may help. The style plug will dictate the service you need.

You can think of Amperage like a water hose. The higher the number, the bigger the water hose. Our Airstream has a 30 amp plug, but I have used 20 amp service, with an adapter, but that does not allow me to use the A/C and microwave - basically just lights and battery charging.
__________________
Scott

I have a picture of my Airstream in my wallet, and I'm sitting on it...

...If that's not love, I don't know what is!
Gael79 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-24-2009, 04:27 PM   #5
Tom, the Uber Disney Fan
 
Minnie's Mate's Avatar
 
2006 30' Safari
Orlando , Florida
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,693
Images: 7
Almost always in the trailers made since the '70's at least, 30 amps is the norm. This is true for Airstreams. 50 amps is used in motor homes. You have 30 amps unless the previous owner rewired your trailer. IIRC, even 34' Classics with two A/C's have 30 amp service and can only use one of the A/C units at a time. This may have changed on the most recent models, but I don't recall it being different.
__________________
2006 30' Safari - "Changes in Latitudes"
2008 F-250 Lariat Power Stroke Diesel Crew Cab SWB
Family of Disney Fanatics
WBCCI# 4821
https://streaminacrossamerica.com/
Minnie's Mate is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-24-2009, 07:08 PM   #6
Rivet Master
 
Frank&Mike's Avatar
 
2016 27' Flying Cloud
Georgetown , Texas
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 796
Images: 2
Thank you all for your replies. It's starting to make sense to me now. I'll take some photos this weekend and post them.
Frank&Mike is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-24-2009, 07:11 PM   #7
Rivet Master
 
Lothlorian's Avatar
 
1973 27' Overlander
Loganville , Georgia
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,741
I put in a 45 amp which I bought on sale. I was looking for a 30 amp, but I got a better price on the 45 amp. I would not go higher then 45.

Brian
__________________
Brian & Adrienne
Lothlorian is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-24-2009, 07:35 PM   #8
Liberator
 
klattu's Avatar
 
1972 Argosy 24
1989 34.5' Airstream 345
Heart of Dixie , Alabama
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,659
Images: 834
One of each would be sweet
__________________
Your opinion is valued, please not your opinion of someones else's opinion.
Click To See Me Wet
1989 Airstream 345 Liberator...
1972 Argosy 24'...
1954 Feathercraft Vagabond
klattu is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
electrical hookups


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
What Amps??? Sundance Electrical - Systems, Generators, Batteries & Solar 8 03-31-2015 09:32 AM
Breaking up the 30 Amps soldiermedic Electrical - Systems, Generators, Batteries & Solar 11 07-20-2007 03:53 AM
How Big AC Input Amps??? Sundance Batteries, Univolts, Converters & Inverters 9 07-19-2007 11:59 AM
How many Amps??? Sundance Batteries, Univolts, Converters & Inverters 3 07-02-2007 11:32 PM
Meter for amps davidz71 Electrical - Systems, Generators, Batteries & Solar 5 05-09-2002 10:21 AM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 08:26 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.