15 vs30 amp

bigbird · 03-10-2013, 09:23 AM

W'ere looking at reserving a campsite that has 15 amp service only. They do have some that are 30 amp but the 15 amp sites look nicer. My question is how much might i have to sacrifice taking the 15 amp site over the 30. For example should i switch the fridge to propane so that i donit blow a fuse while toasters on. I haven't got my trailer at home or i would try to see what happerns. I realize i won't be using the ac or microwave. Any help would be appreciated, thanks

firefighter · 03-10-2013, 09:33 AM

I would think the only things that you can'tuse are a/c and electric. Water heater. Microwave should be ok to use by its self, make sure the water heater is not on electric mode ( if you have that option.)

bigbird · 03-10-2013, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by firefighter

I would think the only things that you can'tuse are a/c and electric. Water heater. Microwave should be ok to use by its self, make sure the water heater is not on electric mode ( if you have that option.)

My water heater is propane only and its not like its a long run to the post (15 ft) if that helps.

Doug · 03-10-2013, 10:22 AM

In my popup hooked up at the house 15amp.
I can run A/C, or Microwave, but not both at same time.
A/C unit is probably 13,500

Doug

Ranger431 · 03-10-2013, 11:19 AM

You should be able to run everything but the AC. Some things you may have to run by themselves, like the microwave - I would turn off as much as possible when you run it. You can help yourself by putting the water heater and fridge on propane. You should be able to use the "fan mode" on your AC to help circulate air.

Lsuduke · 03-10-2013, 11:40 AM

Bigbird I think Ranger has it right bud.. Micro by itself, fridge to propane I'd leave the AC off all together IMHO. As others have said the more you out on the more likely you are to have an issue. It's 60F here today, thoughts of uncovering the trailer and starting prep are in my head, but the temp is supposed to go back to freezing tonight and not get over 40F all week... So much for that idea.

krackeer · 03-10-2013, 12:05 PM

In my owners manual is a list of what various electrical equipment uses in terms of amps. It includes many installed items as well as the notorious appliances such as hair dryers and toasters. Take a look at yours. If you can't find it there, go to the Jayco site and download any owners manual, the info should be there. That way you can get a good feel for what you have to work with, and how to work it so you can use different things at different times.

Jagiven · 03-10-2013, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krackeer

In my owners manual is a list of what various electrical equipment uses in terms of amps. It includes many installed items as well as the notorious appliances such as hair dryers and toasters. Take a look at yours. If you can't find it there, go to the Jayco site and download any owners manual, the info should be there. That way you can get a good feel for what you have to work with, and how to work it so you can use different things at different times.

In the online version of the owner's manual it is the last few pages that list the power draw.

With our 23B; we can run everything but the AC, in cool mode, with a 15 amp connection. Have been know to run the circulating fan on 15amps when we are at home. We have never noticed any issues with the electric water heater and the microwave running at the sametime. However, we really do not use the microwave very much.

Just make sure you have a plug adapter (15=>30), to plug into the electrical pedestal. Many of these plug adapters are not built for heavy power draws so they will heat up.

Diesel Donnie · 03-10-2013, 12:59 PM

I would not hook up to a 15 amp circuit- Our rvs consume more amps than we think because of the "hidden" drains- Long term use causes overheating which results in premature failure of various electronics such as converters and the 12 volt circuits of the water heater, refrigerator, tv booster etc. JMHO- DD

bigbird · 03-10-2013, 01:09 PM

Thanks everyone, I do have a good adaptor and think i'll copy that page in the manual for a quick reference. Likewise Isuduke, its 59 degrees here today and i just had to go out for some yard cleanup or i would have got back to you guys sooner. One question, do you think running a 1500 heater will be pushing it. I'm not sure if that appliance is in the manual. Thanks again.

bigbird · 03-10-2013, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigbird

Thanks everyone, I do have a good adaptor and think i'll copy that page in the manual for a quick reference. Likewise Isuduke, its 59 degrees here today and i just had to go out for some yard cleanup or i would have got back to you guys sooner. One question, do you think running a 1500 heater will be pushing it. I'm not sure if that appliance is in the manual. Thanks again.

Oops, looks like i spoke to soon diesel donnie I didnt catch you post in time. So much for the 1500 watt heater question.

firefighter · 03-10-2013, 05:52 PM

Running a 1500w heater would be pushing it, thats for sure

TCNashville · 03-10-2013, 06:55 PM

I believe a 1500w ceramic heater draws 12.5 amps. Don' run anything else. Bring a cooler for food & favorite beverage and stay warm. Ok, you can turn on one light. lol

bigbird · 03-10-2013, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TCNASHVILLE

I believe a 1500w ceramic heater draws 12.5 amps. Don' run anything else. Bring a cooler for food & favorite beverage and stay warm. Ok, you can turn on one light. lol

Life is full of choices. Ah heck i think i'll take the 30 amp sight.

bigbird · 03-10-2013, 07:34 PM

I found the load rating sheet in the manual and was suprised to see the converter draws 5.00-6.5 amps when running. That doesn't leave much more room if a toaster (12.5),coffee maker(11.0) or microwave was to be on. Looks like you could easily go over the 15 amps.

Chakara · 03-10-2013, 10:35 PM

I don't want mis-information to propagate here. Yes, you can run your trailer on a 15A circuit, with a few caveats...

First, you have to be aware of the AC loads you are putting on the system. You have the draws of different units.

Your converter will only draw 6+ amps when the battery is very low. As it charges up, the converter draw will decrease - eventually down to almost nothing.

Unless you are a very high power user of the RV, you'll be fine on 15 amps. Some can even run the AC, with nothing else running. (I've done it)

Worst case is you blow the breaker, and have to turn something off and reset it.

Electric heaters plugged in usually only draw ~12A when running on high. Leaving enough to run lights and other things, but not microwaves/AC/fridges/water heater.

Moral is, run the fridge/water heater on propane and have a great trip. All else should be good.

-Chak

Bob Landry · 03-11-2013, 06:42 AM

A 1500 Watt heater is going to use 13A @ 115VAC. The power usage table in the manual are a good place to start. but there can be some variances. I would look in the manuals for the specific appliances if you want to put together an accurate energy budget.

rbrumfield · 03-11-2013, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigbird

Thanks everyone, I do have a good adaptor and think i'll copy that page in the manual for a quick reference. Likewise Isuduke, its 59 degrees here today and i just had to go out for some yard cleanup or i would have got back to you guys sooner. One question, do you think running a 1500 heater will be pushing it. I'm not sure if that appliance is in the manual. Thanks again.

I am assuming that you mean 1500 watt heater. If so 1500W/120V=12.5amps (Approx.)

bigbird · 03-11-2013, 10:01 AM

My 1500 watt heater has three heat settings so i would probably run it on the middle setting to be on the safe side.

**Crabman** · 03-11-2013, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigbird

My 1500 watt heater has three heat settings so i would probably run it on the middle setting to be on the safe side.

When you run the electric heater, just have everything else off except for maybe a light. If you want to fire up the coffee pot, etc. turn off the heater first. Heck we`ve tripped our main several times when on 30amp when the DW tries to turn everything on at once with AC running

.

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