30 amp question

[DeltaRon]

Newbie question. My new FC 28 will have two AC units with 50 amp service. If I'm camping with only 30 amp service, will I still be able to run one AC unit? Am I correct that I'll need a 30 to 50 amp connector? Help me understand what I'll need.


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[dznf0g]

yes on both questions. But you'll need to learn that cumbersome thermostat to command one zone or the other.

[paiceman]

Yes to both questions, however, in addition when operating with 30 AMPS it is advisable to not run the micro wave and the A/C etc. Try to refrain from overloading, when the A/C kicks on is when it draws the most and if the Micro is on or someone is using a hair drying you will trip the circuit breaker - they are in a box under the refrigerator or near it, at least in mine that is where they are.

[AnnArborBob]

For the cable connection, you will want something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Camco-55185-Po...50+amp+adapter

These are also available at just about any RV store.

[Jammer]

Originally Posted by DeltaRon

Newbie question. My new FC 28 will have two AC units with 50 amp service. If I'm camping with only 30 amp service, will I still be able to run one AC unit? Am I correct that I'll need a 30 to 50 amp connector? Help me understand what I'll need.

Yes, you will still be able to run one AC unit. Yes, you will need a 30 to 50 amp connector, or better still, a 30 amp cord, like this:

Marinco Park Power 50-Amp Locking Adapter with 25' 30-Amp Cord - Marinco 124ARV-25 - Electrical Adapters - Camping World

That way you will not need to pull out the heavy and expensive 50a cord except when you intend to run air conditioning, and have 50a service available.

Originally Posted by dznf0g

yes on both questions. But you'll need to learn that cumbersome thermostat to command one zone or the other.

He has the new thermostat, which is supposed to be better.

Originally Posted by paiceman

in addition when operating with 30 AMPS it is advisable to not run the micro wave and the A/C etc. Try to refrain from overloading, when the A/C kicks on is when it draws the most and if the Micro is on or someone is using a hair drying you will trip the circuit breaker

What paiceman is trying to say is that you can't use more than 30 amps if 30 amps is all you have available. I put in a meter to measure the amps being used (a search will turn up a thread with photos and part numbers). The big loads are the air conditioners, microwave, and water heater, and any appliances you plug in that produce heat. You can run one of those, sometimes two.

We have at times been able to run both air conditioners on 30a service if we run the fridge on gas and shut off everything else, including the converter.

[Glenritas]

Or you could save major $$ and use this $20 adapter Power Grip Adapter - 30A Male to 50A Female - Camco 55185 - Electrical Adapters - Camping World