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Old 02-20-2015, 04:44 AM   #1
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Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: A.C.E. 30.1
State: Tennessee
Posts: 13
THOR #1300
Electrical Power Managment

What should I get to insure safe "shore" or "Gen". power for my stock ACE 30.1.? Seems to be many choices and many types to prevent MH electrical damage. What do I really need (or not) ? This is a new unit and I don't want to mess it up. Thanks in advance for your comments.

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Old 02-20-2015, 11:16 AM   #2
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Model: 2011 Four Winds 28Z
State: Michigan
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At minimum, I would get a surge supperssor, such as the Progressive Industries Smart Surge. Depending on whether you need the 30 or 50 amp version, these are often under $100.

In addition to surge suppression from lightning and transients, they typically tell you if you have a reverse polarity condition (ground and hot wires swapped).

You can also get an advanced model that are both a surge suppressor and also monitor the voltage and shut down the connection if the voltage is too low (brown out condition). Examples are the Surge Guard TRC30 and TRC 50. These are much more expensive though, and are well over $200 for the 50Amp model.

You may also wish to consider a voltmeter to monitor your coach, such as the Prime Products AC Power Line Monitor, especially if you purchase the less expensive surge suppressors. These are only around $30 and for the cost, I'd buy one and plug it into an AC outlet and leave it there.

Speaking of power, you will also certainly want a 30 to 50 amp "dogbone", which allows you to plug a 30A coach into a 50A outlet, or the reverse (depending on the version you buy). These are a bit dangerous though - especially the 50A to 30A converter, as you can overload the power pedestal. So, when using these you have to to monitor the load to make sure you don't exceed the current limits.

If you have 30A power, you can also buy a 20 to 30 Amp dogbone with the same caveat (I might not use one of these with 50 Amp power though).

If you have 30A power, buy a 50A to 30A dogbone adapter (plug a 30A cable into a 50A shorepower pedestal), and a 30A to 20A adapter (plug the 30A cable into a 20A pedestal). The 30A to 20A adapter also allows you to plug into your garage power if your RV is at home.

If you have 50A power, buy a 30A to 50A dogbone adapter (plug a 50A cable into a 30A shorepower pedestal).

Again, when using one of these dogbone adapters, if you are decreasing the power capability - such as plugging a 30A power cable into a 20A power source, you should not run the Air Conditioner or any other high power appliance. You should be able to charge your batteries and run a few low-energy devices though.

For example, we often plug our 30A coach into our garage 20A receptacle for running the refrigerator (or more accurately, not running the coach battery down) the day prior to leaving. That way, we can transfer our food just prior to leaving to the cold fridge, and it will keep for 4 hours or so.

If you are plugging your 30A coach into a 50A source with a dogbone, well then there are no restrictions on limiting your power.

The reason you need these adapters is you might end up at a campsite only having a 30A or 50A (or in some cases 20A) service. Again, heed the restrictions on limiting the current as needed when using a dogbone.

Also,, consider a 25ft or 50ft shorepower extension. The one you got with the coach is probably a bit on the short side. I needed to use my 50ft extension on three occasions last year, as my coach cable is around 40ft and was not long enough for some campsites.
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Old 02-20-2015, 12:20 PM   #3
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Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 24.4
State: Michigan
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A surge suppressor is a good idea especially if you plan on using any mobile devices in the coach (charging cell phones, laptop, etc.) as these items are even more sensitive to transients on the power line.

I frequently use the 20A to 30A plug at home to keep the batteries charged up (and in a pinch run the A/C as long as the wife doesn't run the hairdryer and the refer in the garage doesn't kick in).
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Old 02-22-2015, 04:36 AM   #4
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Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: A.C.E. 30.1
State: Tennessee
Posts: 13
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Thanks for the "great" reply(s). Looks like you have given me enough information to make a reasonable decision. Didn't want to over-buy but wanted to be safe.
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Old 02-22-2015, 11:21 AM   #5
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Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2013 31L
State: Florida
Posts: 2,184
THOR #908
I installed a Progressive Industries hardwired model.
It performs well, and I had questions soon after install and their customer service was great.

My only recommendation is to get the remote display version if you'll be burying the unit where it's hard to see. Mine is with my switch gear and such, under the bed. I WISH I had installed the remote display so i could see what's going on at a glance. I never thought I would want to..... never care at home after all.... but it seems in the RV, every time I plug it in I want to know.... & when it's faulting, even more need to know....
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Old 02-22-2015, 01:50 PM   #6
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State: Michigan
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A permanently installed unit is a good option, as they are not cheap, and can get stolen.
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Old 02-22-2015, 02:45 PM   #7
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Model: Axis 25.1
State: Pennsylvania
Posts: 299
THOR #1503
Oddly enough, people will take in their power cord and then drive off leaving their expensive device still plugged into the power pedestal.

Bruce


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Originally Posted by FW28z View Post
A permanently installed unit is a good option, as they are not cheap, and can get stolen.
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Old 02-22-2015, 07:42 PM   #8
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Yikes!
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