15amp plug in at stick house - Montana Owners Club

goin2themountains · 01-29-2009, 04:31 AM

I am intending to run at least a 30amp post out to where we park the 5er when the frost comes out of the ground this Spring, but until then am stuck with a 15amp extension cord. This has been fine with our old SOB as it was a 30amp unit. I am wondering if I am ok with just keeping the new Montana on this same 15amp cord (to keep batteries charged up, etc.) until I can cut a trench on my rocky property to run a 30amp line and post for it.

Exnavydiver · 01-29-2009, 04:46 AM

We kept our Big Sky on 15/20 amp power till we had a 50 amp pedestal installed. Worked fine... Dave

happy campers · 01-29-2009, 04:54 AM

For small draws like you mention, you'll be OK. And don't forget that there might be more on the circuit than just the recepticle that you plugged in to.

ols1932 · 01-29-2009, 05:30 AM

It will be no problem as long as you don't use any appliance that would cause this amperage to be exceeded. If you're just parking the rig and want to keep the batteries charge, then the 15-amp receptacle will work fine.

Orv

bsmeaton · 01-29-2009, 06:31 AM

Mine is on a 20A now. Its only drawing 0.28A right now with 2 sonic de-mousers and the converter with charged batteries.

Just don't run he AC!

. I had mine plugged in to 20A with a cord on a wind up reel I use for the yard. I figured just once I could get by running one of the AC's. Shortly after my son started yelling the cord was on fire. It melted and caught fire on the reel where it was partially wound. I threw it in the yard and it probably took 3 hrs to finish burning.

Waynem · 01-29-2009, 08:34 AM

I ran my 3400RL on a 20 amp breaker with #12AWG extension cord. I had the adapter that went from 50 amp to 15 amp from the dealer (Little pigtail) I would run the refrigerator and one AC and a ceiling fan in the stick house living room that was on the same circuit. The two garage door openers were on the same circuit, along with one small 3 CuFt refrigerator. The all worked well together. Sometimes, in a rare moment, the breaker might kick off. We could tell because the ceiling fan would stop turning, or the garage door would not open. It was rare, but sometimes happened. I believe it had something to do with the DW plugging in the vacuum cleaner on the same circuit. For sure, the vacuum cleaner on any circuit in the 3400RV would pop the breaker.

Most 20Amp circuits are wired with 12 AWG wiring. Yard wiring devices and extension cords are 14 AWG and may not withstand the current, especially with longer runs. I used a regular 50 foot 12 AWG extension cord. (Hard to find, but Home Depot or Lowe's should have them) The AWG and current rating of the cord should be on the merchandising box/cover. If you have a 15 amp cord and run 17-20 amps through it, it will melt, maybe!!

Just my two or three cents for what they are worth.

Edited: Wire Chart

bsmeaton · 01-29-2009, 09:02 AM

It was 16 -

WAS - now it's about 2-ft of 00

goin2themountains · 01-29-2009, 09:48 AM

Thanks all. I had wondered about length of cord run with the Cougar, and had purchased the heaviest, rated for 20amp cord I could find at Lowes. It has run without problem on the GFI circuit from the stick house. I do however, like to keep lights and fridge available (hopefully with tv this summer) as there are times the RV makes a great place to get lost for a couple of hours.

Waynem · 01-29-2009, 09:50 AM

16 is way to small of an AWG. The higher the number the thinner the wire.

I did run the AC and TV at the same time on the 20 amp circuit. Don't remember blowing the breaker but I think I had to leave the 3400RL ceiling fan off.

bsmeaton · 01-29-2009, 09:52 AM

Thats why it caught on fire Wayne. It was a story not a question.

ole dude · 01-29-2009, 10:45 AM

Got it.

Delaine and Lindy · 01-29-2009, 12:04 PM

Most all have used the 15 or 20 amp for temp service. But if it were me I would install a 50 amp service if possible. We have a complete set for Electric, water and sewer. It really comes in handy when you have the kids down. We normally use the 5th wheel for guest quarters. Thats gives all some privacy. We normally go to the 5th wheel. But its a choice and everyone can make. GBY....

FLSTS03 · 01-29-2009, 12:11 PM

Bob, Go ahead, bite the bullet and run youself a 50amp service to your tana and run whatever you like. I would if I could back her up my steep drive. Just kidin, you've rec'd some good advice allready- you might be able to go to a local electrical supply house(not HD or Lowes) and get everything you need to make your own cord, plus advice. Hey,on another note, shoot a little ipsec myself but my sport of choice is idpa/cdp(kimber)/mm. Steve

goin2themountains · 01-29-2009, 03:46 PM

Would love to have a 50amp pedestal by the Montana, but when this subdivision was put in, they short amped boxes on everyone. I have 120 at the pole on my property, and 100 into the house so not sure if I would need to change my box out at the pole. Still have to wait till Spring though, ditch witch will barely make it through the rock, no less frozen down a couple of feet. DW says she wants more gravel on the lane before I can play with any other toys.
FLSTS03, I have been curious about IDPA, but have stuck with USPSA due to the higher round count, and I like to make my Kimber go bang...alot. Single stack, and limited 10.

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