Need help!!

[brownd355]

I was given a 1970(I believe) Safari 23' this past week. When I started to investigate the first thing I found was the power inlet/box was cut off right at the box. I want to wire in a new box but dont know anything about airstreams or compers in general. I also dont really have a 30 amp outlet outside. What exactly do I need to buy/do to get power to the camper? Do I have to have a 30 amp outlet or will a normal 20 amp suffice? And is there special extension cords for campers/trailers? Any info will help. Thanks.

[dwightdi]

The normal configuration is a 30 amp 110 volt RV type connector input lead. Many licensed electricians even screw it up and put 220 volts into the unit causing major damage so take it to a local RV service facility to have it fixed properly. You can temporarily just put on a 20 amp 110 type connector in lead in wire but you will not be able to test or turn on the air conditioning. Some RV service people will perform repairs at your location, which would make it easier if you do not have the proper equipment to haul it to a dealer.

[eljay]

Welcome to the forums! That's quite a nice gift! Post some photos if you can.

[brownd355]

Ok Thanks. If i were to go ahead an install a new 30amp/110v inlet on the camper and use like a 25' 30a power cord and run it to my dryers outlet would that work you think? I just would rather avoid running a new 30 amp ckt. outside just to test eveything.

[brownd355]

Actually most dryers use 220 v dont they? so that wouldnt work I guess.

[withidl]

Originally Posted by brownd355

Actually most dryers use 220 v dont they? so that wouldnt work I guess.

My dryer outlet is 220 volts, don't do it.

[vswingfield]

Originally Posted by brownd355

Actually most dryers use 220 v dont they? so that wouldnt work I guess.

Good catch! They do use 220v, so that would be wrong.

Actually, you can use an adapter like this Camco 55223 RV 15M/30F Amp PowerGrip Adapter : Amazon.com : Automotive to go from the RV plug to a standard wall outlet. It won't be enough to run the air conditioner, but will be enough to check out everything else.

[mojo]

Your 30a dryer outlet is 220v. Your trailer input is 30a 110v. Do not connect to dryer outlet or you will fry everything. It does not sound like you understand RV electric and voltage conversion from 110v to 12v. As dwight said, you can connect the trailer to a standard 110v outlet and test everything BUT the AC system. Get a book on basic RV electric or google for info.

[mimiandrews]

RV supply stores will have converters that let you plug the trailer's 30 amp cord into a regular household 15 amp plug. That will let you test out some systems in the trailer, but you have to be the load manager. An air conditioner will draw every bit of that 15 amps and try for more--things get hot, air conditioner is damaged, plug or converter may burn.

All electric appliances should have a label that states how many amps (or watts) the thing draws. If you need to convert, watts are volts times amps.

If you plug into 15 amp power, do the math and keep the load under 15 amps. Usually this will handle everything except the air conditioner and the microwave.

If you put in a 30 amp circuit for the trailer, be sure the electrician knows it has to be 120 volts. The plug looks too much like a 220, and mistakes happen. After the wiring is done (and before plugging in the trailer) make him/her test the plug with a meter while you watch. Make them prove that they've wired it for 120.

Best of luck with your trailer.

[withidl]

Originally Posted by vswingfield

Good catch! They do use 220v, so that would be wrong.

Actually, you can use an adapter like this Camco 55223 RV 15M/30F Amp PowerGrip Adapter : Amazon.com : Automotive to go from the RV plug to a standard wall outlet. It won't be enough to run the air conditioner, but will be enough to check out everything else.

I run my air conditioner on a 110 volt / 20 amp outlet, no problem, but I do so using a #2 guage cable which allows for NO voltage drop due to cable length (more than 150 feet). If using multiple 30 amp cables/connectors the voltage drop will be significant, the connectors will get HOT and damage will be done to the compressor IF the 20 amp breaker doesn't trip.

Use a multi-meter to check voltage drop. My voltage drops from about 121 volts to about 114 volts with the air conditioner running. As long as the voltage stays above 110 volts the compressor will be OK.

[brownd355]

Yeah, I caught myself right after I posedt that about the dryer. My old dryer was actually 100 but it was also gas so I must have got confused.
But basically I can still install a new 30amp inlet on my camper and get that adapter to run from my 15amp home outlets and that will power everything besides the AC?
Thanks