LocomotiveBreath
Texas
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Joined: 02/10/2008
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Hello All,
My wife and recently purchased our 1st RV, a 2000 Damon Escaper. We are going to be visiting the Grand Canyon soon. Then camping out at Zion for a couple of days, and from there overnight at Devils Garden in Arches. I have a couple of rookie questions hopefully someone will be able to help me with.
(1) It's going to be too hot to just run the dash air while traveling. Running the gen-set and both front and rear A/C units while driving won't be an issue will it?
(2)It has a Norcold double door refg./ freezer. What mode should I use while driving and camping? AC-LP-Auto?
(3)The spot I reserved at Zion has a 30amp electrical hookup. Is this enough to pull both roof air units? The Damon came with a wayside power cord, are all the RV plugs pretty much the same, 30A, 50A, etc.? Is there a transfer switch I have to throw when I hookup wayside or any special tricks I should know. Don't want to short out anything in the middle of nowhere.
This is all new to me. I'm used to driving my pickup and renting motels along the way. I do like the idea of knowing who slept in my bed last night though.
2000 Damon Escaper 3980
Cummins ISC 300
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Polishnurse
Schodack, NY
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Joined: 03/13/2007
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Item:
1.. You can run the genset while driving and run both AC's.
2.. Auto - it will switch from gas to electric once your pluged in to shore power, or run you genset.
3. Proberly will only beable to run one AC on 30 Amp. You will be high enough where you might not even need any. You will need and adater to go from 50 amps to 30 amps. I'm not sure what a wayside plug is. They use a standard configeration for the 30 and 50. So plug types shouldn't be an issue.
You'll have a great time. Bill
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Aridon
SE Florida
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Joined: 06/06/2007
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If they don't start at the same time you should be able to run both AC's just put the fridge on LP and make sure you don't draw too many amps with other things and you should be ok.
2008 Newmar 4330 (Modified)
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Carolyn&Keith
wherever we park it
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Joined: 10/28/2006
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My '94 Southwind, 34' gasser, is 30 amp. The 30 amp plugs are very distinctive from a 50 amp; I don't think you can make a mistake and plug into the wrong one. I cannot run both ac on 30 amps, shore power or generator. There is usually a on/off circuit switch on the power post in a campsite. I make sure it is "off" until I get the plug in; then switch it "on."
Oh, I just re-read your post: you don't actually say whether your rig is 30 or 50 amp? Do you know which it is? Makes a big difference in what it will do.
Now I know this next thing is a very debatable issue, but we run on refrigerator on lp when driving down the road; some turn it off. I turn it off whenever we are going to pump gasoline.
Have a great time!
Carolyn
Joey (Australian cattle dog/Brittany)
Oliver and Millie (don't know they're cats)
'94 Southwind (no slides)
'05 Honda Civic Hybrid
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LocomotiveBreath
Texas
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Joined: 02/10/2008
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Thanks All,
I just checked, my external power cord is a 50 amp. hookup. I call the external power cord wayside because that is what we call external or shore power in the railroad. Do they make an adapter that will allow me to use the 30 amp hookup at Watchman camprground in Zion NP with my 50 amp plug? We can probably get by with one A/C unit in the evening.
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AlanC
MD
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Joined: 01/02/2003
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Yes, there are adapters that will allow you to hook up your 50 amp cord to a 30 amp power supply. You can find them at Wal-Mart, Camping World and probably at a marine supply store.
Have Fun!
AlanC
36' Monaco Dynasty
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driveby
Vancouver BC Canada
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Joined: 01/07/2005
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One slight thing - if you haven't camped in "Camp Driveway" yet - do so. You'll be a long way from a CW or WalMart to pick up that can opener/dish rags/ etc. if you are at home at least you'll know what you forgot to pack 
2008 Itasca Sunova 35J Class A
1997 TJ Sahara, hard and soft tops and AC
Held together via Roadmaster Falcon 2 tow bar and stopped by US Gear Unified Brake system.
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Hurricaner
Hurricane Utah
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Joined: 02/17/2007
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Quote:Do they make an adapter that will allow me to use the 30 amp hookup at Watchman camprground in Zion NP with my 50 amp plug? Watchman has a few 50 amp sites but most are 30s. Remember these are electric only sites so you will have to fill your water tank at the dump station before you setup. I live 20 miles from Zion and go there often, any more questions, just ask.
Sam
Sam & Kari
Hurricane, Utah
2004 34' Damon Challenger 315
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LocomotiveBreath
Texas
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Joined: 02/10/2008
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I will check Wal-Mart one day this week for the adapter. I was hoping it was going to be that simple.
Hurricaner, should I risk the tunnel at Zion (with an escort of course) 12'6" x 102" ?
I appreciate everyone's help.
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kalynzoo
Los Angeles , California
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Joined: 12/30/2005
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Living out here in the West we drive with our generator and AC running most of the time. If the AC is on the frig is on auto, and it does not draw propane. Remember, most motorhomes are set so that the generator cannot use up all you gas. In mine, the generator cuts out at about 1/4 tank of gas. Therefore, I stop for fuel ever 200 miles or so, keeping my tanks at above 1/2. Besides, I like to stop and smell the roses whenever I can, so stopping every 200 miles fits right in. At Grand Canyon (we go often) we prefer to basecamp at Circle of Pines KOA in Williams. Lots of trees, a nice pool, large full hookup sites, and about 60 miles to the GrandCanyon. Only 15 min from Flagstaff, 30 to 40 min from Sedona, and about the same to Sunset Crater. All worth the trip. Zion is spectacular, if you have time head North a bit to Bryce Canyon. Ruby's is a good bet for a campground. Arches is HOT, and sightseeing requires driving. Again, it would be advisable to fill with fuel and water before heading that way. One thing for sure about the RV lifestyle...there are always wonderful people on the road who are more than willing to help a newcomer along the way. Can't tell how many times we stopped for lunch off the main road, and had locals stop by to make sure we didn't have a problem. Happy Trails.
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