50 amp vs 30 amp question

[Ned]

Just got a ' 14 351. It has 50amp service but not all campgrounds have 50 amp service. I know I can get a 30 amp adapter but what won't I be able to run 'cause of the 20 amp less load capacity? Thanks

[Kevin M.]

Originally Posted by Ned

Just got a ' 14 351. It has 50amp service but not all campgrounds have 50 amp service. I know I can get a 30 amp adapter but what won't I be able to run 'cause of the 20 amp less load capacity? Thanks

I can run 2 AC's, however if I use the microwave it will kick, or possibly hair dryer or coffee maker. Probably do 1 AC and those items, you won't burn anything up you will just trip the breaker at the camp site.

I wish these units had a meter inside, my 05 Fleetwood did, it would also shed power if there wasn't enough juice.

[ChrisAndGarren]

hi Ned -
Welcome to the forums - typically you'll only be able to run one AC at a time, and be careful on the high-amp appliances (typically the microwave, hairdryer and the water heater if on electric) along with the 1 AC -
With that said, we've had our 351 for 2 years, camped multiple times with only 30 amp and have never blown anything. We keep the water heater on gas only, run 1 AC at a time and have never had an issue. We have a tower fan I set right next to the bunks by the fridge and it helps move air from the front to the back, or vice versa depending on where I'm running the AC (typically I'll cool the back, then switch to the front with the tower fan on) We also may cover the windows in the back if it's really sunny to help reflect the heat out and keep the back cool.
If you search, I've seen a list of the amps used by typical appliances, trick is to stay under 30. If I com across it again, I'll post a link (or maybe someone else will)

Lots of good information here about the GT - feel free to ask (or search!)

Garren

[BandJCarm]

I have a 30 amp plug on side of garage at home, from last trailer. Got home in new 5'er yesterday and promptly plugged up the 50 amp power cord to the 30 amp plug, via a dogbone. BAM! Circuit breaker to whole garage tripped. I had left 'on' the power to Zone 1 and Zone 2 a/c and they came on automatically........bam. No way 30 amps would hold it. (I promise I turned power off to thermostat, but still it came on when plugged in.....so I guess I didn't).

I am going to save nickels and get the 30 amp plug converted to 50 amp with appropriate breakers.

[fonzie]

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...aws-17300.html

[uhduh camping]

Just to confuse you more, you will have 70 Amps less.

[TURBS]

If you spend the money on a progressive 50 amp ems you can see how many amp your pulling!

My 15k and 13.5k draws 28 amps.
Remember your converter is a constant 2-8 amps .

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[BandJCarm]

Originally Posted by TURBS

If you spend the money on a progressive 50 amp ems you can see how many amp your pulling!

My 15k and 13.5k draws 28 amps.
Remember your converter is a constant 2-8 amps .

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Turbs, my 50 amp P.I. EMS showed 18 on L1 and about 4 on L2 when it blew the 30 amp breaker in the house..................fyi...........

Also, the digital readout on trailer wall thermostat said "E7"

[TURBS]

Yeah when I get home ill take a few pics of both legs and see .
I wanna say l1 was 15 amps and l2 was 13

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[Mountndream]

Originally Posted by TURBS

Yeah when I get home ill take a few pics of both legs and see .

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please no pics of your legs.... or any other body parts...

[wmtire]

Originally Posted by uhduh camping

Just to confuse you more, you will have 70 Amps less.

Correct, as stated a 50 amp 120/240 volt split phase service consists of two poles/legs, each at 50 amps or 100 amps (12000 watts) total.

A 30 amp 120 volt single phase service consists of one pole/leg, at 30 amps (3600 watts) total.

This link may help explain it better, and also the use of the adapter you have that will share the 30 amps across both legs to your RV

Electrical Tutorial - Chapter 3 - 30 Amp versus 50 Amp

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by Mountndream

please no pics of your legs.... or any other body parts...

Chicken

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[Mountndream]

Originally Posted by TURBS

Chicken

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me or your legs?

[Steve29rlx]

You can run everything, just not at the same time.

[TURBS]

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[Ned]

Thanks everyone! Have a lot better idea of what's possible now.

[TURBS]

Yeah running two a/c units on a 30 amp circuit isn't real wise and its obvious.

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[HONDAMAN174]

Or...
Camco 55025 PowerGrip Maximizer 45 AMP Adapter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0024E70L2..._FVWCxbBRTXN6K


2014 Evo 2850 "Woodstock"
2011 Toyota Tundra "Clifford"

[Melvinson404]

[QUOTE=HONDAMAN174;1242705]Or...
Camco 55025 PowerGrip Maximizer 45 AMP Adapter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0024E70L2..._FVWCxbBRTXN6K


I believe that adapter only works if the 15amp outlets are on a different circuit than the 30amp. My understanding is most camp sites will trip once that adapter is attached.....(I am not an electrician or an expert)...

[TURBS]

Id bet the 20 amp is tied to the 30 in some cases, which renders that adapter useless.

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