220 or 110 does it matter ? - Montana Owners Club

Dano · 01-04-2006, 03:52 AM

There was a post I read a while back that sugested to hook in to the dryer plug to run power for 30amp service, But only use one leg to reduce to 110 volts, I thought 220 was more cost effective. On the plug in to the monty it says 220/110, will it take both

Wrenchtraveller · 01-04-2006, 04:14 AM

The Montana RVs with 50 amp service are still all 110 only, so if you ever deliver full 220 to any outlet in the trailer, you will do a lot of damage. I have the Spendide Washer/dryer unit and this is a 110 appliance only, not a 220 appliance like the dryers in our stick houses.

Even though 50 amp service delivers 110 per side, the trailer does not use it as 220.
The trailer only delivers 110 to every outlet.

We have Electricians that belong to MOC that will explain this better than I can, Take care.

jrgwdenner · 01-04-2006, 08:27 AM

If you plug in to 220 voltage, I can tell from personal experience, that you will burn up most of the appliances and more in the Montana. Our two-bit electrician wannabe made a 220 connection instead of 110 and when we plugged in we got major damage, blinking lights and funny smells. Don't connect to 220!

Northstar · 01-04-2006, 08:41 AM

The above comments are very correct. Our Montana models are wired for 110 volts along with 12 volts system used with our battery.

gkbutler · 01-04-2006, 08:41 AM

To add our horror story; when we stopped at our son's on the way down to Florida, he had a 50 amp 220 outlet he uses for his welder. We plugged in and within 30 seconds heard a pop in the bedroom. Saw smoke coming out of the television. Not smoke from the outlet, but smoke from the TV. Quickly unplugged the service. Plugged in the tv to a 110 outlet, it still worked, but boy did it smell. Fortunately nothing else was damaged. Plugged in to his 15 amp 110 and life was good. We were lucky that all that was damaged was the tv in the bedroom. Checked everything else thoroughly and it all worked and still does.

dsprik · 01-04-2006, 08:54 AM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by jrgwdenner

If you plug in to 220 voltage, I can tell from personal experience, that you will burn up most of the appliances and more in the Montana. Our two-bit electrician wannabe made a 220 connection instead of 110 and when we plugged in we got major damage, blinking lights and funny smells. Don't connect to 220!

My gosh, Judy! That sounds REALLY bad! Also sounds like you were really fortunate not to lose the whole rig.

sgf · 01-04-2006, 09:52 AM

Never ever plug your rig into a 240 volt outlet.The 30 amp service is just that 30 amps-11o volt, one hot wire, one neutral wore and a ground.If you plug 220 into it the other hot will go to the neutral bar ruining more than you imagine.As for the 50 amp service, it is two 50 amp 110v lines that is seperated in the rigs panel.Actually you have 220 in the cord and the panel,but nothing in the rig is powered 220.You basically have double the 110 volt power which is used for mostly washer-dryer hookups and a second a/c unit.To be safe always plug into 120 volts.Hope this is clearer than smoke.

jrgwdenner · 01-04-2006, 10:49 AM

Well, we got a new TV, new microwave at least out of it. The young man had misrepresented himself and was in beyond his experience. The insurance company went after them but he was working for his uncle who was a nasty person so it was a very unpleasant experience. But we disconnected very quickly and that was key to keep us from getting more damage. The moral of this story is to make sure you are hiring a licensed electrictian.

ols1932 · 01-04-2006, 12:34 PM

For everyone's information, it's a good idea to check the connections of your white wires in your converter. If they work loose (remember these units take a pounding on the road) it will give you 220 on your 110 circuits. Also, once in a while, check the white wire connections in your connection to the rig.

I didn't know this until an RV Dealer in Conroe, TX told me about all the units they have had come in for repairs where this problem had occurred. It burns up a lot of equipment. I haven't checked mine yet but intend to.

Dano · 01-05-2006, 06:13 AM

Thanks everyone, I think I got the Picture. I'll Make sure my guy knowes what he's doing, I'm so glad I found A great bunch of folks to answer some of my questions and sure this is'nt gona be the last of them. (I'm still new at this) I hope I can help someone Out with some of my knowlege.

Montana_4690 · 01-05-2006, 12:29 PM

We have 50 amp also but ours has been rewired so that we can use a 24" 220volt dryer. there is a set of breakers in the end table between the two lounge chairs that are turned on when you want 220 to the dryer. This was all done by a dealer, and works great!

dsprik · 01-05-2006, 04:10 PM

Hi, Bill! What model do you have? I've never heard of a Montana wired for 220. You have my curiousity now. Is this a 2006?

Montana_4397 · 01-06-2006, 03:28 AM

Bill, that modification sounds great to me. I believe that I understand how they are getting the 220, but would really like to talk with your dealer to make sure that I'm on the right track and will not damage anything else.

We are going to be in Tampa for the RV show. Could you share the dealership so I can go by and talk with their service people. Thanks.

Best Regards, Ted

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