Question about using 30 amp service

[chasfenwick]

Our new 2017 Precept 31UL is our first MH that has been designed to use a 50 amp connection. But I suspect that sooner or later we will need to connect to a 30 amp service via a dogbone adapter. When you do that, what thing(s) don't get power? I would assume it would be the bedroom A/C, but could be wired differently from that. One tech told me that everything still gets power, but I am skeptical about it being designed like that. Is this something that is standardized for most Class A motorhomes or do they differ on how this situation is handled? I realize that the Owners Manual warns you not to use 30 amp adapter, but offhand I don't understand what would be bad about doing so. The Manuals are written by lawyers who have a narrow perspective.

[drk98]

Everything will get power but instead of 2 50 amp circuits you only have 1 30 amp. It'll be up to you to watch what you try to run on reduced power. 2 ACs generally won't work but 1 AC and microwave plus some other small items will.

They probably advise against it because there isn't a built in way to keep you from trying to run everything and throwing breakers.

[Jopopsy]

I've always worked it this way in my mind:
30 amp = 2 big things (AC, Microwave, wife's blow dryer, space heater) and whatever the camper runs as far as system stuff (mostly the 12v stuff).
50 amp = 3+ big things

[sennister]

As others mentioned. Everything will have power, just watch what you are trying to run. This is why it is pretty common for the 30A outlets to be in rough shape. People try and pull too much power and it overheats them.

[rockaw]

we have a 2016 JayFlight 28RLS, 1 A/C 30 amp service. we found out that with the A/C running my wife could not use her "hot pot" to boil water. just with the A/C and the pot it put us about 32 amps.
So, as mentioned you'll have to watch your usage. You do not want to be blowing breakers or worse, melting lines/fires.
Also I've seen a few campsites with rules and being responsible for damage caused from 50 amp units pulling more than the 30 amp sites can handle.
Just watch your numbers/usage.

[JEFF1963]

I believe 30 amps is 30 amps regardless of how large a rig you're using. As you can see from my Signature, I've a pretty small Jayco and my owner's manual lists a general amperage, wattage each appliance, mechanism uses. I would assume your manual does the same though I may be wrong. However, given the data and recommendations in my book, I'd be very cautious about using two large-draw appliances at the same time, e.g. microwave and A/C simultaneously. My manual suggests turning off the A/C if I want to use the microwave - then resuming A/C operation following microwave usage. This may be naivete on my part because I've ONLY 30 amp circuitry, and the larger rigs may be wired differently, but I'm sure other, better informed personnel on JOF can provide advice.

[wags999]

bottom line...with a 30 amp service you will have 3600 watts of power available..a 50 amp service will give you 12,000 watts of power... you will have less than 1/3 of the power available if you had a 50 amp service. Your rig will not be allowed to draw over the 30 amps...the circuit breaker at the post will trip. No damage no potential fire hazard just inconvenience. 30 amp plugs get used much more than 50 amp plugs and hence, are subject to more wear.


Good luck but try to obtain the correct power for your rig, it will make your stay more enjoyable. If your in a cool climate and not using your AC you will not notice as much of an issue..


Happy Camping

[nma33]

There are also pigtails that draw from 2 30 amp lines or from 1 30 amp and 1 either 15 or 20 amp line, that combine the power to your 50 amp service. I have used this on many occasions without any issues, You cannot use 2 AC with it, but it gives enough power to have AC and Micro on at the same time.

[chasfenwick]

Interesting! . . . I became interested in this subject because we are contemplating going into Manitoba where I see that many of the RV parks do not have the 50 amp service but do have 30 amp. Probably don't need 2 A/C's in the Great White North. ��