Forum Discussion

lrash's avatar
lrash
Explorer
Mar 04, 2015

pluging in to 110 v when parked

Hello all. I am new to Class A motorhomes. Have had travel trailers and 5th wheels. Here is my question: My buddy keeps his Class A plugged in to 50 amp all the time, even when parked at home. I do not have 50 amp service where I park my 2008 Cross Country 383 FWS but do have 110. Would it help to keep batteries charged or be advisable to plug in to 110 when parked at home? Thank you for your help

23 Replies

  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    First: 110 is no longer used,

    You have 120 volts, possibly at 15, 20 or if previously installed for a smaller RV 30 amps. Speaking of the voltage is not really proper.

    Assuming you wish to plug into either 15 or 20 amps (Some home "Duplex" receptacles are 15 or 20 amps (Plug's choice) (So are some of the outlets in this RV).

    Yes, You may do that, no problem,, I used to run this rig on 20 amps (or less) at home.

    Just remember, you can not run a lot of stuff.. ONE A/C. or the water heater OR the microwave OR a space heater,, but not two of the above and on 15 amps not even one of the above with the fridge. (On 20 you can run one and the fridge).
  • Up sides and down to having constant power. First you will need to check your AC/DC converter charger to insure it has multistage capability. Most do but some do not. A constant high charge rate can boil the batteries dry

    If you only have 15 or 20 amp power available just be mindful of what systems you might run from time to time. With the fridge on electric power up an air conditioner and you could trip the breaker for the outlet powering the coach.

    And finally, most building codes require outlets that could get wet to be protected with a GFI device. Sometimes a GFI and a coach will not get along and the GFI will trip.

    I was able to run a 30 amp circuit to my driveway and the coach is always powered. During the summer fridge is always on keeping the items we leave cold. Starting our fifth year with the rig and have not run into any problems with constant power.
  • Sure! Makes no difference what type of RV it is. Reason for leaving it plugged in is battery charge.