110 Electric power

[maximo]

Would I have a problem using a adapter to go from my 50 amp power line to a 110 power box in my garage to run the refrigerator and keep the 12 volt batteries charged?

Frank

[NCFischers]

Be aware of voltage drop. This is caused by using a smaller gauge wire. The length of the extension cord will cause voltage drop also. I would use a 12 gauge extension cord and make the run as short as possible.

[maximo]

Jim,
If I used my Surge Guard on the end of the #12 extention cord where I plug my trailer 50 amp line in will that protect from low voltage?

Frank

[NCFischers]

Frank,
Yes it will as long as your surge protector will protect against low voltage. Check the paperwork to make sure. How long will the extension cord be?
Jim

[sreigle]

We used to do that same thing back when we had a stationary house. But I used the 30 amp cord with adapters on each end simply because it's easier to handle than the 50 amp cord and we only had a 15 amp connection at the house, anyhow.

Just check the connectors on the adapters occasionally to make sure you're not drawing too much current and heating them too much.

[maximo]

Jim,
Extension cord is 50 ft #12 wire. Wont the surge guard pickup low voltage if the run is to long?

Frank

[NCFischers]

It should but you should be ok with 50 feet.

[kdeiss]

If you are plugging into 15 AMP Service at the house
The drop in voltage for a 50 Ft extention cord will be

14 AWG 4.6 volts
12 3.8 "
10 2.4 "

[Art-n-Marge]

You might also check if you converter has a smart charger on it. If not, what I do is with the trailer connected to the garage, I use a Battery Minder which prevents overcharging and conditions the battery. You must check the water level in the battery too, because it will lower over time. I don't have maintenance free batteries.

About the Battery minder. It is plugged into a trailer outlet, then its wire runs to the batter(ies). I had to drill a couple of holes and use some wire conduit to try and keep it neat. I also installed a battery disconnect to isolate the batteries from the rig, since this Battery Minder is doing the recharging and not the converter. When I get ready to get underway, I disconnect the Battery Minder, then reconnect the batteries and I'm ready to go. The batteries are needed for operating the slideouts and the landing gear. The converter might not provide enough amperage.

[CORattler]

Agreed! I do this at my house and it works just fine.

quote:Originally posted by NCFischers

Be aware of voltage drop. This is caused by using a smaller gauge wire. The length of the extension cord will cause voltage drop also. I would use a 12 gauge extension cord and make the run as short as possible.

[Lee F.]

I've been using a 50' 12ga extention to my rigs for years without any problems.

[Waynem]

I used 12 AWG, 50 feet, through a 30 amp adapter to a 50 amp adapter and the 30 foot cord attached to the RV for a long, long time on a 20 am circuit. In the Montana I was able to run 1 Roof AC and the refrigerator, but if I turned anything else on it would blow the 20 amp breaker in the house. I learned my own Energy Management System (EMS). With the new SOB I used the same configuration. Even ran one basement AC on one compressor without problems. I have since upgraded to 50 AMP outside to plug into.

I would not go any smaller than 12 AWG, 10 would even be better. The smaller the number the thicker the wire. Your regular 30 amp or 50 amp cord is most likely 8 or 6 AWG.

Happy trails.