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Y-Guy
Tri-Cities, WA
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![[image]](https://i.postimg.cc/QNYC5NSJ/greenacres.jpg)
So if you are old enough you will remember the comedy Green Acres. Oliver assigned every electrical device a number from one to seven, all the devices could up to a total of seven can be plugged in at the same time.
Same thing in your RV. Plugging a 2nd cord into the 15 amp cord may do no good depending on how it's wired as it may well still pop when you exceed your AMP draw.
We have a 30amp RV too, thankfully our power center shows me the AMP draw so we have a good idea of how much we're using. We generally run a couple space heaters, however I set them for the 750watt draw which is the "low" setting, it takes the edge off and the LP heater kicks in if it gets colder.
If we want to use the microwave, coffee maker, etc we shut off or or both space heater(s). That's the easiest way, just know how much you can use and manually turn things off. To give you some idea of the draw here is a list of some common RV devices and their general amp draw amounts.
2007 Winnebago Sightseer 35J
2011 Jeep Wrangler
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Lwiddis
Near Mammoth, California
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I bought and installed the Noco Iamick mentions. Works well. I set my portable electric heater only for 750 watts however.
Winnebago 2101DS TT & 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 LTZ Z71, WindyNation 300 watt solar-Lossigy 200 AMP Lithium battery. Prefer boondocking, USFS, COE, BLM, NPS, TVA, state camps. Bicyclist. 14 yr. Army -11B40 then 11A - (MOS 1542 & 1560) IOBC & IOAC grad
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wapiticountry
Mountain West
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There is also the possibility that each individual pedestal has a main breaker in the line that limits the total draw at that pedestal. If that is the case, running a separate line wouldn't make a difference.
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ndrorder
Southwest
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30 amps should be enough to run two large appliances simultaneously. Might be worth a second to measure the voltage inside. Could be an indication of a failing cord,, plug,, adapter, or dirty contacts in the transfer switch.
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Cliff
2011 Four Winds Chateau 23U
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Terryallan
Foothills NC
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One answer would be to get a adapter to reduce the 50 amp plug to 30 amp, and use that to run the trailer. Of course then you may trip the breakers inside the trailer.
BTW. i run my 30 amp TT off the 50 plug via the dog bone every time 5o amp is supplied
Terry & Shay
Coachman Apex 288BH.
2013 F150 XLT Off Road
5.0, 3.73
Lazy Campers
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stallsmi
Northern Alabama
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We've also been doing this for years. We installed a separate plug (https://www.amazon.com/Marinco-150BBI-Marine-Charger-125-Volt/dp/B000NI38MG/ref=sr_1_16?dchild=1&keywords=15+amp+marine+plug&qid=1610989066&sr=8-16). From the plug we ran romex cable to an interior wall switch. Then we run an extension cord goes from that separate plug to the pedestal 15 amp outlet. We plug our space heater into that wall switch. That puts the heater on a dedicated circuit and runs independently from all appliances in the RV. Never had a problem. If a pedestal doesn't have a 15 amp plug (nearly all do, tho), we use a 30amp to 15amp dogbone to adapt to the extension cord. DW also uses that plug to run her hair dryer as that draws a lot of amperage.
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Chum lee
Albuquerque, NM
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DD716TED wrote:We use our trailer a lot during the winter and in COLD weather. Normally we use the propane furnace but it gobbles propane. The trailer is connected to the 30 amp outlet on the park post BUT when we try to use an electric space heater to help, the post breaker often trips when the microwave or other appliance is used. Any thoughts about connecting a separate power cord from the park 15 amp pedestal outlet/breaker then routing it into the trailer to power the electric space heater??? had to ask
You fail to mention the most critical information to answer your question. Is your campground space short term or long term (daily, weekly, monthly, other) AND is the pedestal you plug into metered or not? If it's metered/measured AND you pay long term rates, you will most likely be charged (separately) for every kilowatt of electricity you use. (regardless of the electrical capacity of your trailer) If it's not metered/measured, AND/OR you are paying short term rates, the electricity is most likely included in your short term campground fee.
If you pay for a 20, 30, or 50 amp unmetered space, (electricity is included in the daily/weekly rate) IMO, you can use all the plugs available at the pedestal in YOUR campsite. You can add additional extension cords, if needed. If the campground owner/manager complains, have them move you to (or charge you for) a larger service/space. (which will, most likely, be more expensive) Do not attempt to argue with with people who do not understand how electricity works. Simply move to another campground.
In my 30' Class A MH (30 amp service) I use an additional 25' 12 gauge 3 wire copper extension cord all the time. My 6 gallon gas/electric water heater has a separate 120 volt exterior plug JUST for that purpose. In cold climates I run the extension cord inside and plug it in to a 1500 watt space heater (water heater unplugged) all the time. I'm not interested in hearing from "others" who can't figure this out. Instead, . . . . just do what you're going to do. Hint: In an RV with a 30 amp service, you cannot use ALL the electrical consumers at the same time. You MUST manage your electrical consumption or you'll trip the main breaker at the pedestal or at your load center. (or you'll start a fire) Your choice!
Chum lee
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wapiticountry
Mountain West
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Chum lee wrote:DD716TED wrote:We use our trailer a lot during the winter and in COLD weather. Normally we use the propane furnace but it gobbles propane. The trailer is connected to the 30 amp outlet on the park post BUT when we try to use an electric space heater to help, the post breaker often trips when the microwave or other appliance is used. Any thoughts about connecting a separate power cord from the park 15 amp pedestal outlet/breaker then routing it into the trailer to power the electric space heater??? had to ask
.
If you pay for a 20, 30, or 50 amp unmetered space, (electricity is included in the daily/weekly rate) IMO, you can use all the plugs available at the pedestal in YOUR campsite. You can add additional extension cords, if needed. If the campground owner/manager complains, have them move you to (or charge you for) a larger service/space. (which will, most likely, be more expensive) Do not attempt to argue with with people who do not understand how electricity works. Simply move to another campground.
Chum lee Two things: One, it is not YOUR campsite. It is the park's. They have an absolute right to set any rules and conditions they deem fit as long as they do not violate the law. If the park wants to limit pedestal usage to one connection, then one connection is all you are entitled to use.
Second, it has nothing to do with understanding electricity. There may be many reasons to not allow additional connections. It may very well be an economic decision or it might be a wiring or capacity issue. Regardless, it is the park's decision to set policies. You do have the right solution, if you don't like the policies, move on.
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Chum lee
Albuquerque, NM
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wapiticountry wrote:Chum lee wrote:DD716TED wrote:We use our trailer a lot during the winter and in COLD weather. Normally we use the propane furnace but it gobbles propane. The trailer is connected to the 30 amp outlet on the park post BUT when we try to use an electric space heater to help, the post breaker often trips when the microwave or other appliance is used. Any thoughts about connecting a separate power cord from the park 15 amp pedestal outlet/breaker then routing it into the trailer to power the electric space heater??? had to ask
.
If you pay for a 20, 30, or 50 amp unmetered space, (electricity is included in the daily/weekly rate) IMO, you can use all the plugs available at the pedestal in YOUR campsite. You can add additional extension cords, if needed. If the campground owner/manager complains, have them move you to (or charge you for) a larger service/space. (which will, most likely, be more expensive) Do not attempt to argue with with people who do not understand how electricity works. Simply move to another campground.
Chum lee Two things: One, it is not YOUR campsite. It is the park's. They have an absolute right to set any rules and conditions they deem fit as long as they do not violate the law. If the park wants to limit pedestal usage to one connection, then one connection is all you are entitled to use.
Second, it has nothing to do with understanding electricity. There may be many reasons to not allow additional connections. It may very well be an economic decision or it might be a wiring or capacity issue. Regardless, it is the park's decision to set policies. You do have the right solution, if you don't like the policies, move on.
So . . . . where do we disagree? (a distinction without a difference) Do you HAVE something (anything really) valuable to say . . . . BECAUSE YOU CAN? This is why I HATE social media.
Chum lee
* This post was
edited 01/18/21 04:12pm by Chum lee *
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wa8yxm
Davison Michigan (East of Flint)
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Just one thought... Done it.. Worked
USE a 12 ga Cord though not a cheap one But a good quality 12 ga cord. the Big Box Home Improvement have 'em.. Lowe's< home Depot, Mennards... Some smaller chain hardwares may have 'em. and K-Mart (The old Sears one with a push button on the outlet end)
Home was where I park it. but alas the.
2005 Damon Intruder 377 Alas declared a total loss
after a semi "nicked" it. Still have the radios
Kenwood TS-2000, ICOM ID-5100, ID-51A+2, ID-880 REF030C most times
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