50 Amp service - Montana Owners Club

richfaa · 04-11-2006, 07:40 AM

We decided to have 50amp service installed along side the house for the new 3400.This was once a all electric home we converted to natural gas long ago so we have a couple of unused 60 amp breakers at the power box. Since it will have to meet code and be inspected we will have a electrical contractor do it. They will have to run the cable using the home A/C plenum to the outside, then under the rear deck, hang a right and along side the house to the camper. That is 70 feet of cable.The power pole will look like the ones at the Camp ground.He was here today and said he could do the job for around 600.00.There was no way I could do it myself. I have the technical knowledge but it is going to be a lot of work to get that done//What the heck..it is only money..

fulltimedreamer · 04-11-2006, 08:44 AM

Rich,

Sounds like you're getting it done right. There are lots of things I know how to do, that I also know I don't want to do. Sometimes its easier to let someone else do it and spend the money.

Broome101 · 04-11-2006, 08:54 AM

Rich I did the same last year but had to run 135 feet of wire to my camper port where it is park, so it had to be some big cable. I ended up using mobile home outdoor service wire since it can be direct buried and was a lot cheaper than cooper wiring.http://www.myrv.us/Pgs/RV/50amp.htm
The attached link gives you little insight what is needed to do the job correctly. I think I had about $400.00 in mine when all said and done, and I did all the labor myself. So $600.00 does not sound to bad with labor and all. Mine did include a new breaker 60AMP.

Garin1 · 04-11-2006, 01:17 PM

Richfaa, That sounds like the best thing. And 600.00 is a low price for the peace of mind(not to mention materials and labor).

richfaa · 04-11-2006, 01:39 PM

The Electrical contractor is a friend of mine and does all of the electrical work at the private school I drive for. I told him what I wanted to do and he said. I know those houses, It is not a easy job, The city will give you a hard time if you are not certified and if we do it it will meet code so your insurance company will be happy...and you will most likely hurt yourself (he does know me well)Said he would do a quality job for a fair price. I am told that 600/700 would be more than fair???As long as I don't have to do it ..the price is fair.

Wordsmith · 04-11-2006, 02:39 PM

Rich, that sounds like a good price. I was looking at having about 150 feet for 30 amp run from the house and the guy was quoting me $700. That is going to need to wait until AFTER the Firestone air bags…

richfaa · 04-11-2006, 02:56 PM

If we were not RV'ers where would we spend our money???

Wrenchtraveller · 04-11-2006, 02:58 PM

I installed a 30amp service box for my Monty and love it. When I wired this house 28 years ago I had installed a 30 amp plug in my work shop that I never used so I converted it over to an RV plug.

In Canada , you can draw a permit to wire your own home, then you have a government inspector come over and he is very fussy on home owner wiring so you have to have it right to pass.

I also tied into my home sewer system so now I have a full hook up spot for my Monty.

richfaa · 04-11-2006, 03:52 PM

We are also tied into the sewer system.Our TT was fine with 20 amp service but the 3400 is a bit more power hungry.In our city you must be certified to do the work and the code in this city is higher than the State standards.

Montana Sky · 04-11-2006, 05:35 PM

Sounds like a great thing to have done Rich. If I had room on the side of the house for the coach I would sure be adding the power as well. Hope it turns out great and has you up and running in no time.

Dustytuu · 04-11-2006, 05:54 PM

Don wired a 30 amp hook up for our previous 5th wheel. We use that for the Monty. Haven't had any problem since we just use it to keep battery charged. Cost under a $100, he is electrician.

Good idea to have the 50 amp service for your new Monty.
And the sewer hook up too. Couldn't be better than that!

Mudchief · 04-13-2006, 02:12 AM

Rich, that is a good price. I did that myself and the parts alone was $480.75. I used 6 gauge wire when I did mine.

richfaa · 04-13-2006, 02:59 AM

I think he said he was going to use # 4..is that overkill? Of course he is doing it for a good price. He said that execpt for the Campground type box and 50 amp connector he had the rest of the "stuff" laying about so it is no doubt "stuff" left over from other jobs. It will be a 70 maybe 80 foot run.

Mudchief · 04-14-2006, 02:32 PM

4 gauge it not a overkill. When you get that new unit home get both AC units going the hot water heater and microwave plus clothes dryer. Then add the 30 foot AC cord to your circuit you will be glad he ran 4 gauge. You will be drawing some amps. How many more days until that new unit arrives at your house?

richfaa · 04-14-2006, 03:27 PM

It arrives at the dealership the 24th Of April. They need to install the second low profile A/C and the Mor-Ryde Pin Box . It will be in the driveway the 3rd of May. The 50 amp service should be in next week and our first camping trip is the 12th of May with our local Camping group. We are beginning to get excited....

fulltimedreamer · 04-14-2006, 05:16 PM

Rich,

I can sense the excitement all the way down here in Dixie!!! So are you guys going to spend that first night out in the driveway. We've done that a couple of times. Just too excited to leave it for the night. Only 10 more days!!!!!

VanMan · 04-14-2006, 05:52 PM

Rich, Don't forget the Dish hookup and telephone line so you can still RV when we can't afford the gas anymore ! We call our one site RV park Dillo Villa - complete with cover elect, sewer, water, phone, dishnet, fire ring, picnic table, bbq grill, tree swing (glider), firwood rack, etc. If the gas gets too high or we become physically unable to go we just have about 250 feet to travel (and have golf carts to get there !!)

dsprik · 04-14-2006, 06:14 PM

I am thinking of checking with our current landlords about staying on their property this summer. The CG that we want to be in in the summers is transitioning between owners, and there is a township board member that opposes the sale and upgrade.

This should all be worked out by the summer of 2007, but for now, we have to be nearby, due to Cheryl's job. Next nearest CG is 9 miles away - can be done, but much more inconvenient (and maybe much more expensive). Our apartment is only .3 miles from her restaurant. Our current apartment is in the upstairs of a nice home. The downstairs "apartment" is reserved for the landlords and their family. Think they have been here for four weekends since last Sept.

There is room on the property to set up our 3400 on. I would offer the guy $100/month rent, and I would pay for the 50 amp service to be run. I went and looked at the breaker panels today and I see no markings as to the amps per breaker. How do I tell if the electrical system will handle a 50 amp run? Are these breakers (unmarked) all a standard amperage? Or is there someway else to tell - besides calling an electrician?

richfaa · 04-15-2006, 02:05 AM

Van Man..great minds think alike.My project for today is to convert our RV single LNB dish from single to a double so we can run the Sat in the bedroom . We already have everything else you mentioned no golf cart but I nearly bought one last year because the price was right but my logic did not fly with Helen...Helen...'Why in the world do you want a golf cart"
Rich.."Because we don't have one" Good logic to me???
Dave those breakers should be marked somewhere. If the home has/had a electric stove there should be a 50/60 amp breaker (220)

dsprik · 04-15-2006, 04:52 AM

Only thing I can see is pulling the box cover off the wall. Maybe they are labeled underneath... I do have an electric stove 220. Guess I'll have to break down and call and electrician.

You may also like: