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 07-18-2007, 03:18 PM   #1
3 Rivet Member
 
Devils Lake , North Dakota
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 169
How Big AC Input Amps???

I have a new converter coming for the 26' Argosy.

The AC box has 2 ea 20 amp breakers. But the plug in for the trailer looks like 30 amp.

My question is that I am sure I need to up grade to 50 amps with the new additions. But not sure.

Here's the major users of AC

*Armstrong A/C
*New Atwood 6 gal Lp/Electric Wtr Htr
*WFCO WF-9865
*Small Microwave
*LCD TV

Do I need to get a 50 amp trailer power cord??

Do I need 50 amp?? (I would think so)

I was thinking of a 50 amp box with 1 ea 20 amp for A/C;1 ea 20 amp for Wtr Htr; 1 ea 10 amp for Micro; and 1 ea 10 amp for the rest??

My lack of electrical knowledge is likely dangerous......

Any suggestions are appreciated..... Thanks
Sundance is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-18-2007, 03:29 PM   #2
Rivet Master
 
vswingfield's Avatar
 
1983 34' Excella
1967 24' Tradewind
Little Rock , Arkansas
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,825
Images: 32
Rivet 30 amp service

Hello,

Take a look at this thread:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f427...fit-33581.html

I was considering adding a second AC, and the conversion from 30 to 50 amps is addressed very well here.

IMHO, no way do you need more than 30 amps. You can't use the microwave and the AC at the same time, my Excella has a two way switch, but you can run everything else. I have a 37" LCD and a Mac G4 tower in mine. You might want to replace your breakers with new ones. Mine cost less than $15. They are getting old anyway.

Vaughan
vswingfield is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-18-2007, 03:34 PM   #3
Rivet Master
 
2017 27' Flying Cloud
2016 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
Altoona , Florida
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,644
30 or 50

I suspect the 30 amp will be ok. Each componet you list has a wattage rating. Total up the watts and divide by the voltage (110) and you will have a pretty good idea how much current will be used if all the loads are energized at the same time. Don't forget to include your converter.

Watts/voltage = current. This formula is missing afew things but is good for estimating.
Poprivet is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-18-2007, 04:48 PM   #4
Rivet Master
 
vswingfield's Avatar
 
1983 34' Excella
1967 24' Tradewind
Little Rock , Arkansas
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,825
Images: 32
Quote:
Originally Posted by vswingfield
You might want to replace your breakers with new ones. Mine cost less than $15. They are getting old anyway.

Vaughan
That was less than $15 for all of them.

Vaughan
vswingfield is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-18-2007, 05:16 PM   #5
Rivet Master
Airstream Dealer
 
Inland RV Center, In's Avatar
 
Corona , California
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,497
Images: 1
Air Conditioners

Any air conditioner will have stats based on ambient temperature and line voltage. At a fixed voltage at a fixed ambient temperature, it will do as the label says.

Bu the higher the ambient temperature, the greater the currect demand.

The lower the line voltage from 120 VAC (not 110 VAC) the greater the current demand.

Combine those two and sometimes a 20 amp breaker will trip.

However, under no circumstances should any RV air conditioner be fused beyond 20 amps.

To do so, is asking for an equipment failure, should the line voltage as an example drop and the ambient temperature be high.

Low Freon levels lead to compressor burn out, since it will not keep the compressor cool enough. It happens.

Andy
__________________
Andy Rogozinski
Inland RV Center
Corona, CA
Inland RV Center, In is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-18-2007, 06:11 PM   #6
3 Rivet Member
 
Devils Lake , North Dakota
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 169
Thanks for the advise........ I like not having to upgrade thats for sure.

Hard to figure out the wiring in my Argosy. There is no wiring diagram and I've googled til' blind without finding one.

I am concerned on how to wire in the Atwood electric water heater as the old one was LP only.

There is a single box with 2 ea 20 amp breakers. Each breaker has only one wire routing down into the wall.

To the right of the breaker box (a foot or less) there is a junction box with 3 or so connections. As I said, without a wiring diagram it's a head scratcher to figure out what to tie into.
Sundance is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-18-2007, 10:30 PM   #7
Rivet Master
Airstream Dealer
 
Inland RV Center, In's Avatar
 
Corona , California
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,497
Images: 1
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sundance
Thanks for the advise........ I like not having to upgrade thats for sure.

Hard to figure out the wiring in my Argosy. There is no wiring diagram and I've googled til' blind without finding one.

I am concerned on how to wire in the Atwood electric water heater as the old one was LP only.

There is a single box with 2 ea 20 amp breakers. Each breaker has only one wire routing down into the wall.

To the right of the breaker box (a foot or less) there is a junction box with 3 or so connections. As I said, without a wiring diagram it's a head scratcher to figure out what to tie into.
I will post some answers for you tomorrow, when I am back at my office..

Andy
__________________
Andy Rogozinski
Inland RV Center
Corona, CA
Inland RV Center, In is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-18-2007, 10:53 PM   #8
3 Rivet Member
 
Devils Lake , North Dakota
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 169
Thanks Andy
Sundance is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-19-2007, 09:06 AM   #9
Rivet Master
Airstream Dealer
 
Inland RV Center, In's Avatar
 
Corona , California
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,497
Images: 1
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sundance
Thanks for the advise........ I like not having to upgrade thats for sure.

Hard to figure out the wiring in my Argosy. There is no wiring diagram and I've googled til' blind without finding one.

I am concerned on how to wire in the Atwood electric water heater as the old one was LP only.

There is a single box with 2 ea 20 amp breakers. Each breaker has only one wire routing down into the wall.

To the right of the breaker box (a foot or less) there is a junction box with 3 or so connections. As I said, without a wiring diagram it's a head scratcher to figure out what to tie into.
There are three basic 120 VAC circuits in the older Argosy trailers.

There should be a single 30 amp master breaker and 3 20 amp breakers.

One circuit is for the left side of the trailer, the second circuit is for the right side of the trailer, and the third circuit is for the roof AC.

However, if the trailer during production did not have an AC, then only two 20 breakers were used.

The AC wiring, is within the shell.

Andy
__________________
Andy Rogozinski
Inland RV Center
Corona, CA
Inland RV Center, In is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-19-2007, 11:59 AM   #10
3 Rivet Member
 
Devils Lake , North Dakota
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 169
Thanks Andy........ Apparently mine must have been added after production as I have the 2 ea 20 amp breakers.

I will just have to track these circuits down by flipping breakers and disconnecting wires at the junction one by one. Not the end of the world and I can look at it as a learning experience.
Sundance is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


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
Plasticoat vs. Clearcoat spray...?? HappyChi Clearcoat, Exterior Paint & Trim 13 07-30-2019 06:52 PM
Engine Revving Problem winner Mechanics Corner - Engines, Transmission & More... 19 02-08-2010 10:05 PM
First Big job.updating toilet from chemi to real rheadhuntress Sinks, Showers & Toilets 2 04-19-2004 06:08 PM
Exhaust ALANSD Airstream Motorhome Forums 44 11-30-2003 09:23 AM
grey water tank BIG question escapeez Waste Systems, Tanks & Totes 19 09-05-2002 06:52 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 04:23 AM.


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