30 AMP SERVICE OR 50 AMP SERVICE

[KardRV]

Hi all. Not sure where this should be posted, so here it is. I want to install a service outside the garage so I can use everything in the RV (to include the ac unit). My Monty has a 50 amp plug that I normally step down to 30 amps when camping, unless a 50 amp plug is in the box. Right now I have this stepped down to 110 to run the lights, tv and frig. I want to install a 30 amp plug, but should I put in a 50 amp. I was told that the trailer is wired for 50 amp because of the washer/dryer prep and the prep for a second ac unit (that is not installed). Any help would be appreciated.

[cmp-shooter]

I have a cord that runs to the back of my home with a 30amp box, I can run a/c with it and lights and TV... so it does it all...except No a/c AND coffee maker at the same time. you CAN RUN THEM JUST NOT AT THE SAME TIME. My suggestion is to get the 50 amp if you have a choice, then you can run it all.

ps I don't have a washer dryer.

[H. John Kohl]

Daniel,
A 30 Amp feed should do well for what you have. I have a 30 Amp at my parking site. Primarily for the fridge and recharging battery but could use the Monty as an apartment for shot visit and run one AC. As at any 30 Amp campsite energy monitoring will let you get by.
Semper fi,

[Countryfolks]

I put in a 50 A service since it was avilable in the garage. It costs bit more but you'll have it if needed later.

[KDS MONY]

Daniel, we have a 30amp on the back deck where we park the rig and it is fine except we can't run both ACs. If I had the room in the main breaker box I would have preferred 50amp but the 30 is fine. Either way you will be OK as long as it is a single service line to the outlet, Best wishes, Jay and Kathy

[dandt]

I would recommend the 50amp...We have found that on 30amp you have trouble using micro/conv oven with the air running...coffeemaker, blowdryers also if running micro or air. If doing it from the start do it right. Especially if you are thinking of using the rig as a visitor apartment for company. Might as well have therig run properly. dandt

[adelmoll]

I agree with the above.. As long as you have the option, why not go with the 50 amp from the start... You may find you want a second A/C ane you will be sorry that you didn't get enough from the start... At our lot, we have 100 amp just in case we need it.

Helen

[KardRV]

Thanks all for the information. As usual I knew you would come thru for me. I think I'll do the 30 amp. Only want use of the AC unit on the icky sticky nights for a quick way of cooling down at the house, instead of putting the central air on for a day or two. DW doesn't like to run it for a day here or there. As far as coffee and food, have the house. SO, 30 amp wins. Thanks alot. Dan

[blarkman]

Are you wiring this yourself or are you haveing it done for you. I started this and realized before I fried everything that for 30 amp all I needed was 110. It was a rude awakening.

[jackel1959]

Daniel,
After we built our house in 1996, we put in an RV pad the following year. We did this for my Uncle who has a Class A. He only required 30A so thats what I ran along with water and cable. It has served us well since we bought our first RV in 2000. We have used it for an "apartment" at times and have never had a problem. I think you will be fine with the 30.

Jack

[Bill-N-Donna]

I see you’ve made your decision. When I put in the electrical service at our house I didn’t foresee having a camper that might require more than 30 amps. Had I known then what I know now I probably would have installed a 50 amp service for the added benefit. When the camper is plugged in at the house I use a 30 amp adapter at the camper end and a 30 amp cord. However, I think the key is simply not overloading the circuit to where it will pull 30 amps. I run the A/C a lot while at home without any trouble. I also have only one A/C. I try and maintain good connections throughout the electrical system and periodically check the ends for overheating or bad connections. If a cord or plug starts to go bad I discard it and replace it unless it can be repaired.

[ONERUNNING]

Daniel, like Bill just said, looks like you have made up your mind. But let me throw this out, if I may. I had my 3400RL running on 30 amps up until just a couple weeks ago, when I had 50 amp plug installed. Like what has already been said, it all depends on what you are going to use. If you have dual A/C units, and try to run both, 30 amp just won't make it. Now one A/C and very little of any thing else, you'll get by. I have dual A/C units and running just one in the Florida heat doesn't cool the Monty down enough when we are here at the house loading it up for a trip. So what I'm trying to say, is for a few bucks more, I would thinks twice about the 50 amps.

[KardRV]

hmmmm.....I may be looking at dollars and cents with this. I have one AC unit that I would run with the TV/DVD playing and the frig to keep the beer cold and very little else. We have no aspirations of putting a second ac unit in any time soon (living in the northest and not having the really hot long summers that I'd have living down south). I don't think having the added cost of 50 amp would pay off for me. I really don't want to use it as an apartment per se, just a cooler place to be in when it gets really hot and muggy for the few days that we do get that weather. If it stays hot and muggy the DW puts the central air on and the house cools down and we stay inside.
I'm installing the wire myself. Looking at a purchase of 50 8/2 wire and a single pole 30 amp gfi breaker connected to an rv outlet. I know 8/2 is heavier gauge wire, but my run is 50 feet and it will better dissipate the heat. If I went with 50 amp, I'd need a dual 50 amp breaker, 75 feet of 6/3 wire and a 50 amp RV plug. The added cost is about $125.00 or so.
The DW thinks I should just keep it plugged into the 110 house plug and not use anything other than the frig for the beer and the tv/dvd. I feel better having the 30 amp because that's what most of the campgrounds we use have.
Sorry its so long, been up about 23 hours so and have a few more to go. Thanks for the input.

[Bill-N-Donna]

I do believe that the 30 amp will work for you. As I mentioned I would have put in the 50 amp if I had it to do over but I’m not going to change it out at this point. The 30 amp works for us.