Converting from 30a to 50a

[Route 66 Traveler]

Originally Posted by slabat

I just upgraded last year and did not change my information. I have a 2020 White Hawk 31 BH now and am considering putting a second air on it.

Simple solution is to install SoftStart units in your AC’s. These will allow you to run two AC’s on 30amp service. I installed one on my AC and it works great.

https://www.softstartrv.com/

[klassic]

Originally Posted by Vicr

This is about wire size and over current device settings, not about legs and voltage. Please re-read my previous post. A 30 amp RV service cord is rated at 30 amps so you can't plug it into a 50 amp circuit.

Agreed. Those higher to lower dog bones always confused me about safety and it’s use.
Its like replacing a house fuse that keeps blowing with a penny.

There’s no point in having the 50amp breaker, connect the 10ga wire directly to the main incoming supply wires.
The wire will have the leaves on fire before the 50a breaker pops.

[CAG]

I didn’t read through this entire thread but there are several older threads on this topic with all of the parts and work that someone did to do the conversion. On top of that you can find anything on YouTube and this topic is an example. There are several YouTube instruction videos walking you through the conversion.

[Jagiven]

Originally Posted by slabat

I just upgraded last year and did not change my information. I have a 2020 White Hawk 31 BH now and am considering putting a second air on it.

A few people have posted in the past (long time ago), they did not upgrade the breaker panel. They ran a new power feed, just for the new AC unit. Basically they found a method to route the wire to the underside of the TT to a covered male outlet.

If I recall, one person routed from the AC, through the attic to the rear Frig access, then down the cavity, through the floor and installed the covered male outlet. Then they just used a heavy duty extension cord from the Shore power post to run the second AC.

https://www.amazon.com/Leviton-5278-...s%2C194&sr=8-3

[deepsea5]

Originally Posted by Vicr

I approve Jim's conversion method as long as, as he stated, the panel and bussing is rated for 50 amps.

X2

[curver900]

I would at least look at the financial side of the coin...

The cost to convert to 50amp and new air conditioner plus labor

if you do the work yourself maybe it makes sense.. but if you have to have someone do the work think about trade/sell/ buy
sale $ or trade in $
New unit that fits your needs $

then look at the delta between the two...

the depreciation when adding all the goodies will be steep because it isn't factory and if you didn't have a dealer do it well... all kinds of liability may or may not exist...

[CAG]

Oh, and I forgot to mention Jayco tells me that if you have any warranty left going to 50 from 30 will void that.

[Jagiven]

Originally Posted by CAG

Oh, and I forgot to mention Jayco tells me that if you have any warranty left going to 50 from 30 will void that.

It only voids the warranty on the 50 amp power center, and power cord. Not on all the rest of the electrical system or TT. So really not a big deal. They also have to prove that your change affected something else void covering that issue. such as a water leak, to be able to void covering that issue.

Really a minor issue.

[CAG]

Originally Posted by Jagiven

It only voids the warranty on the 50 amp power center, and power cord. Not on all the rest of the electrical system or TT. So really not a big deal. They also have to prove that your change affected something else void covering that issue. such as a water leak, to be able to void covering that issue.

Really a minor issue.

And did Jayco tell you that? Do you have it in writing? Do you really believe that they would not look for a way to avoid paying for you blowing up something in the unit? I have some ocean front property here in Arizona if you want to buy it.

[CAG]

Here is part one of the instruction video that I mentioned earlier. It is four part.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFYapUdEUMc

[deepsea5]

^^^In the above video, I noticed that Pippi used a female 50 Amp receptacle for the inlet to her RV. She must have built a "suicide cord" to power her conversion.
Hopefully she's since learned the error of her ways and installed a proper male 50 Amp power inlet box.

[CAG]

Originally Posted by deepsea5

^^^In the above video, I noticed that Pippi used a female 50 Amp receptacle for the inlet to her RV. She must have built a "suicide cord" to power her conversion.
Hopefully she's since learned the error of her ways and installed a proper male 50 Amp power inlet box.

As I recall some others commented on that that on the video feedback. Good point.

[SmokerBill]

If you just want to add a second AC unit, you could add a separate 20 amp circuit for the AC, and connect that to the 20 amp receptacle on the pedestal.

I guess you'd need to add a 20 amp breaker to the circuit, but I think it would be an economical way to go.

[ALJO]

Just make an alternative run schedule so that one A/C compressor runs at one time, there are already many alternatives mentioned. It also depends on how much the OP wants to spend on a solution het wants to accomplish.

[curver900]

Originally Posted by SmokerBill

If you just want to add a second AC unit, you could add a separate 20 amp circuit for the AC, and connect that to the 20 amp receptacle on the pedestal.

I guess you'd need to add a 20 amp breaker to the circuit, but I think it would be an economical way to go.

this is a great idea...

[Jagiven]

Originally Posted by CAG

And did Jayco tell you that? Do you have it in writing? Do you really believe that they would not look for a way to avoid paying for you blowing up something in the unit? I have some ocean front property here in Arizona if you want to buy it.

Yes, when I asked Jayco for my electrical drawings to do some work, I asked for details and I did get it in writing.

They have to follow the same warranty laws as a car. Put a new stereo in a car, does not void the entire car warranty.

[ALJO]

SmokerBill: You have a good and the cheapest alternative solution.

[SmokerBill]

Originally Posted by ALJO

SmokerBill: You have a good and the cheapest alternative solution.

Thank you ALJO for pointing out that I'm cheap. I am and I'm proud of it. In colder months that same circuit would be great for using with electric heaters, too.

[SmokerBill]

Originally Posted by curver900

this is a great idea...

Thanks curver900!

[ALJO]

SmokerBill I'm learned not to waist money either, basic innovations go a long way.