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Old 01-31-2015, 06:40 PM   #1
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2013 30' International
Ottawa , Ontario
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Question Electrical Problem?

We own a Classic Serenity. I find that I cannot use the airconditioner and make toast at the same time. It seems that all 110 V outlets work off the one 30 Amp circuit and two simultaneous uses blow the fuse.

Has anyone tried to re -wire their Airstream and have a second feed either feeding off a 50Amp plug in (it will only supply 30 provided a three prong extention is used with an adapter) or by using the 20 Amp outlet and thereby separating some of the electrical uses from th emain circuit?

Thanks

PS Also on the front of the trailer there is a seperate plug- in. I assume that is simply an alternate to the main plug-in on the side in the event the camp outlet is too far.
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Old 01-31-2015, 07:32 PM   #2
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It could easily the outside cord connecting the trailer to the outside outlet. If it's got oxidation on the leads (or inside the female end) it produces resistance. Also if you are in an RV park that has not installed a circuit to the trailer with an adequate wire size and you are at "the end of the line", it causes a voltage drop which will reduce your effective "available" amps.
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Old 01-31-2015, 07:58 PM   #3
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My question would be.
Why not shut the A/C down long enough to make toast?


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Old 01-31-2015, 08:10 PM   #4
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You may not realize it, but your converter/charger is also on, taking power, and if you are using the electric part of the water heater it may be drawing power at the same time. Then add the refrigerator for another 300 watts or so and you have well overloaded the 30 amps available.

I doubt that there is anything wrong with your system, you just need to manage your use a little.
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Old 02-01-2015, 06:10 PM   #5
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I think this is normal. A toaster is a large draw. Older trailers had a switch so that to use the microwave you would have to switch the AC off. Both together is too large a draw. Same thing with the toaster or a hair dryer for example so plan to shut the AC down for those few minutes.
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Old 02-02-2015, 07:11 AM   #6
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Yes, there are ways you can install additional power to your Airstream, including 50 amp service. A certified RV tech in mobile electrics need to do the job for safety's sake. I have to manage my 115v AC power usage in my old Airstreams. I have the "either / or" switch for AC or Microwave. The newer ground fault circuit interrupters are very sensitive and will trip at the slightest hint of voltage to ground. In my case, it was a wet outlet due to a leak above my rear window.

It's interesting how we expect all the modern conveniences of home while "camping" in our Airstreams. I'm the same way.

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Old 02-02-2015, 07:25 AM   #7
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How old is your breaker? Old breakers that start tripping at the slightest provocation, even though you are well within the amperage, should be replaced. Try a new one, and have some toast.
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Old 02-02-2015, 07:32 AM   #8
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We had same issue on a 2012 30' FC. Actually called our AS mechanic while we were out and it happened, I am not an electrical expert, nor a good novice. He told us, system cannot handle it, turn off Air and then run toaster oven, Micro Wave then turn them off and A/C back on. Worked fine from then on.
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Old 02-03-2015, 07:42 AM   #9
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We have no problem making toast while the A/C is running. They're on separate circuits and shouldn't draw more than 30 amps combined. We also run the fridge on electricity at the same time as well as the converter. Is your water heater an electric model and if so, is it on?
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