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Thread: 30 to 50-amp?
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Old 06-22-2020, 09:45 PM   #53
TurnerFam
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Brand: Thor Motor Coach
State: Georgia
Posts: 2,585
THOR #4735
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chance View Post
Perhaps I’m reading too much into the need for one of these 30+15 to 50 Amp adaptors in the first place, but it seems that the main driver is being able to power 2 air conditioners simultaneously on rare occasions. I’d have to assume that owners of 50A rigs normally request 50A campsites when available.

Anyway, if you think you’ll be using a 30A pedestal frequently, wouldn’t it be more effective to re-wire one of the two Air Conditioners so it can run off 50A “or” be plugged in directly to the pedestal?

Some owners on this forum who have added a second A/C on 30A motorhomes essentially do that. It would take a bit more work initially on a 50A rig to have the option built in, but would provide more operational flexibility in the long run.
Yes, typically the 'two air conditioners at the same time' is what drives many of us 50amp coach owners to try to 'find' more than the typical 30amp power, when that's all that's available, at least in a standard plug configuration. The adapter makes the 'combo' of the 30amp and 20amp outlets provide a more robust amperage available for those who 'want' more power - two air conditioners AND other things, etc., usually during the heat of the summer, but also sometimes it's quite convenient during winter when wanting to use 'all electric' appliances versus so much propane, such as plug-in electric heaters, which certainly can trip breakers when not managed properly.
Having said that, two 13.5 kw 'typical' size roof air conditioners 'can' be powered easily by a 30amp RV outlet, but what happens to most is that there is a disconnect between what 'silent' power usage is happening at the same time, such as the electric water heater, the battery charger, a hair dryer, the microwave, which then most easily trips the breaker, making the owner think that the '30amp for two air conditioners' is not possible, though it certainly is. When you are used to 50amp RV service, though, dealing with this 'inconvenience and aggravation' is why some of us resort to trying 'adapters' to make up some of the difference. They DO work, and they ARE convenient, although their usage might be very infrequent - it's just VERY enjoyable when you DO have that option!

As for 'rewiring' one of the existing roof air conditioners to be able to be powered by an additional external outlet is an idea, and if someone is in a position where they will be parked for very extended summer months at a location where there is only a 30amp and 20amp outlet, then that's an idea, although the work to do it might scare away most RV owners from tackling this. Since your roof air conditioners are hardwired into the existing Main Panel of the RV, it's not a simple task to 'undo' that wiring, add additional wiring necessary to reach an external outlet, and a 120v male plug end, all while realizing that now you've removed this second air conditioner from your RV's main panel, and it will not be powered any longer from the 50amp panel, from a 50amp RV outlet, or from the generator. That might not be a choice most want to relegate themselves to.
Many 30amp RV owners, though, want to add that second roof a/c unit and have it powered externally since their RV's Main Panel is already not designed to handle it. It gives them an option, when parked, that they don't have when traveling with the generator, anyway....so, it's a win-win.

There are certainly MANY things that RV owners can do, and have done, even though most RVrs wouldn't tackle such things, since most RV owners are simply weekenders, or use their RVs infrequently. Those of us who travel extensively, though, and basically LIVE in our RV either full-time, or much of the time, certainly want the OPTIONS when those situations arise where electricity is not available, or the same Amperage of power is not available, which is really much more common than not. Having a 'choice' of a 50amp RV site is not also an option, many campgrounds only have 30amp service, and even those with 50amp service don't have EVERY site with that power option.

ENJOY! : ) It's FUN!
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the Turners...
two Campers, two Electric cars
former diesel pusher traveler
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