Shore hookup to 20 amp possible?

aberg · 12-21-2011, 01:59 PM

We have a TT (30 amp), and found a campground we'd love to visit, but which only offers 20 amp hookups (?). OK.....here's the stupid question(s)

Is it possible to hook up, maybe using an adapter, if there's such a thing for 20-to-30 amps? If so, what major limitations would I have running on 20 vs. 30 amps??

TIA

MtnGuy · 12-21-2011, 02:02 PM

You can hook up to the 20 amp with an adapter with no problem, except you will have to be very power conscience. You will probably not be able to run the AC, or it might run the AC without any other power draw. You can probably use your microwave with limited draws of electricity elsewhere. Keep the water heater and fridge on propane. Electric lights, a TV and other low wattage appliances should be fine....again without the AC or microwave operating.

aberg · 12-21-2011, 02:09 PM

Thank you so much, especially the tip re: fridge and water heater!! We're still new to this and have only been to places with no-brain full hookups. Our next big challenge: NO hookups at all!

frankm · 12-21-2011, 02:13 PM

This is the kind of adapter you will need (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...v-20/ref=nosim), follow mtnguy's recommendations and you will be ok.

Hoo Dad · 12-21-2011, 03:19 PM

also check your local wal mart RV section. They may carry the adaptor you're looking for. I keep my camper hooked to a 20 amp breaker while parked in my driveway. You can experiment some to see if you can run the fridge on electric and see what else will operate if you want to save propane. I will also occasionally run my A/C but little else.

donn · 12-21-2011, 03:55 PM

You will find it a challenge but also a fun challenge to see how little outside power you actually need and still live quite comfortably. Before you try boon docking look into two batteries for your trailer. If you camp in the cold a single battery will be dead before the nights out if you attempt to run the furnace. For 20 amp service, keep everything manually switched to propane and you will be fine.

trudinator · 12-21-2011, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoo Dad

also check your local wal mart RV section. They may carry the adaptor you're looking for. I keep my camper hooked to a 20 amp breaker while parked in my driveway. You can experiment some to see if you can run the fridge on electric and see what else will operate if you want to save propane. I will also occasionally run my A/C but little else.

We also hook up to a 20-amp breaker in our driveway. We slept in it this summer when our home air-conditioning broke. We had no problem using the air at night, along with the refrigerator and a couple of night lights. So I'm sure you'll be fine with 20-amp service. You'll know if you use too much power.

Malco · 12-21-2011, 08:40 PM

We sometimes camp at a campground that only has 20 amp service and find that if we get a site that is close to the main power service we don't have any trouble running things,including the AC,but if we get a site farther down the line from the main it is a challenge to run any large amperage drawing appliance.

Namchief · 12-22-2011, 04:29 AM

Wow my Xlr toyhauler came with the 30 amp to 20-15amp converter plug. I have run everything except have not tried the AC

**Herk7769** · 12-22-2011, 07:00 AM

My 15K AC runs just fine on 20 amps. I also use the radio at the same time and never had a problem.

Just watch what you use when the compressor is running.

MtnGuy · 12-22-2011, 07:33 AM

Come to think of it, I did run my AC occasionally off of a 15 amp GFI before I put in my 30 amp receptacle. The outdoor extension cord got warm, but not hot.

alageezer · 12-22-2011, 10:21 AM

We've been plugging into a 20 amp plug at my sisters house for a couple years now when we visit. Had trouble this year until it dawned on me I had the water heater electric element turned on.

chucker25 · 01-31-2012, 09:00 PM

Hi everyone. We haven't taken delivery yet of our Rockwood A-Frame however I am wondering if anyone else out there with the A-Frames has had experience using them on a 15-amp service. I can't find any specs on the 'cool-cat' heat pump online so I have no idea what to expect. Reason for the 15amp site is it is the only site we can get close to a music festival we are going to attend early in the summer. (no more expensive cottages yeah!).

Thanks

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