50 and 30 amp shore power

[tinbender]

I am preparing to do a system upgrade to my '72 Safari. At present it has a 2 each, 20 amp breaker box. I want to replace this with a 30/20/15/15 setup to accomodate some more outlets and changes I want to make. One of the things I want to do is to add an outside shore power plugin and eliminate the power cord coming out of the bumper storage box. My concern is this: since many campgrounds have both 30 and 50 amp service, should I make the new plugin a 50 or a 30 amp capability? And, if I go with the 50 amp, will I be able to utilize 30 amp if that is all available and vice versa? Pros and cons please. Thanks, TB

[CanoeStream]

I saw an odd thing last week at Mississippi Palisades S.P. south of Galena, IL. Some sites had boxes with a choice of 50A or 15A only. Most had all three -- 50A, 30A & 15A. Lesson is that I need to get a 30A-50A adapter for my 30A shore power cord.

[SilverCabin]

I'm no expert here, but from my campground research, it seems like 30 amp is more available than 50 amp. My Airstream came with an adaptor that converts the 30 amp plug to a 20/15 amp plug if that's all that's available. I also bought a 50 amp to 30 amp plug converter at Camping World. So, I'm ready for anything--I think.

Randy

[markdoane]

I put 50A/240V in my '59 Tradewind. It's better to have enough than not enough. Can always go down to 30A is that's all that's available.

The only downside is the shore cable is pretty pricy.

Also, if you put in 50A/240V, make sure the two legs are balanced.

[tinbender]

Thanks for all the replies and good info. It seems as if I can adapt it any way need be if what the trailer has doesn't match the supplied hookup. I just want to equip it with what will serve best for the long run.

Markdoane -- I am sorta leaning towards going with the 50 amp for now. I am getting an electrican to help me with this upgrade. I will assume that he will understand what is meant by "making sure the two legs are balanced" on a 50 amp, but you can educate me on that if you will.

Thanks much to all, TB

[HowieE]

Unless you intend to use 3 or 4 1500 watt heater to grow pot in your trailer I can not see any reason to install a 50 amp service.

One thing to consider. Even if you are only using a total load of 15 or 20 amps with everthing on in your trailer most campground will charge you extra for a 50 amp service. You may remember 10 or 15 years ago when campgrounds charged extra is you came in with an AC on the traile even oncooler weekends.

[markdoane]

Originally Posted by tinbender

. I will assume that he will understand what is meant by "making sure the two legs are balanced" on a 50 amp, but you can educate me on that if you will.

Thanks much to all, TB

If you put in a 50A/240V service, you really have 100A service at 120V. Very useful if you have an air conditioner, electric water heater, hair dryer, electric skillet, and some heavy duty grow lamps for your agricultural hobbies.

The two legs don't need to be perfectly balanced, just reasonably balanced. Don't put the A/C and large dishwasher on the same phase. Basically, just put a little thought into it. Your electrician will know how.

NEC 551.42 Branch Circuits Required.
. . . .
(D) More Than Five Circuits Without a Listed Energy Management System. A 50-ampere, 120/240-volt power supply assembly shall be used where six or more circuits are employed. The load distribution shall ensure a reasonable current balance between the phases.

[tinbender]

HowieE: Oh man, why did I sell those grow lamps at my last yard sale?? Now I actually have the perfect place to use them!! Guess I'll just have to stick to raspberries and tomatoes. Actually, HowieE, I owe you a debt of gratitude. I have not been able to pick a name for my trailer that I really liked. Now I know exactly what it is -- Shinee Blunt -- ..

Markdoane: Thanks for the lesson on balancing the legs of the 50 amp. It made perfect sense and I do have and will probably use all the other items you listed, with the exception of the lamps of course.

Thanks again, TB

[lewster]

TB,

Which ever you decide to use....50A/240VAC or 30A/120VAC.....be VERY CERTAIN that your electrician realizes that RV 30 amp circuits are 120VAC and NOT 240VAC. I have seen a couple of RVs that were fried by the owners 30 amp outlet because the electrician assumed that they wanted 240 volts.

[HowieE]

Tinbender
Naming is some times a problem. We lucked out with a less conspicuous name. I had sold some options on Radio Shack and we named our then trailer R Shack and carried the name forward to the Airstream. The only problem the majority of the individuals passing by and reading our sign think our last name is Shack.

Well at least we will know whats in a name if we pass by each other.

[got diesel]

On my Flxble the power cord had plugs on both ends, during the night somebody took the cord, I thought the breaker had triped and went back to sleep. Next moring the cord was gone. We spent a half a day in a strange town trying to make a new cord. I put a cable and lock on it.

[SilverCabin]

Copper thief?

[azflycaster]

Originally Posted by got diesel

On my Flxble the power cord had plugs on both ends, during the night somebody took the cord, I thought the breaker had triped and went back to sleep. Next moring the cord was gone. We spent a half a day in a strange town trying to make a new cord. I put a cable and lock on it.

Sorry to hear about the cord thieft. They took it while it was in use?

Welcome to the forums. We have a pretty good base of streamers here in the valley of the sun!

[bilby05]

[quote=lewster]TB,
Which ever you decide to use....50A/240VAC or 30A/120VAC.....be VERY CERTAIN that your electrician realizes that RV 30 amp circuits are 120VAC and NOT 240VAC...
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I am planning to set up a 30 amp circuit at home so I can run the A/C when I am working in the Airstream. Everything else should be able to be run on a 20 amp circuit with a 10 gauge extension cord, right? I am looking for some diagrams and parts specs. that would give me an idea of wire gauge, circuit box type, etc.
Thanks in advance,
bill b.

[lewster]

Bill,

10AWG should work fine, as long as you don't plan to make the run too long. I have a spec on the length, but it's burried in the van and I can't get to it 'till I hit Albuquerque on Sunday.

[guy99]

I think this link is a useful reference. Scroll down and there is an application which will calculate wire needs based on voltage, amps, and distance.

American Wire Gauge table and AWG Electrical Current Load Limits

(PS: I'm sure I got this link from someone this forum)