Forum Discussion

swwyld12's avatar
swwyld12
Explorer
Sep 14, 2014

RV Selection & Electrical Question

Hello, I have a rather strange question. I am looking to buy either a class C or Class A motorhome (both used). Unfortunately, there is a complicating factor: I have toured both Class A and Cass C units and, considering size, they are both acceptable. Here is my issue, I am required to use a medical device (which run nearly 18 hours per day and pulls about 10 amps @ 110v. So, I could get a class A without any electrical modifications or a class C with either a modified electrical system (increasing it to 50 amps since most come in 30 amps) or I can get a class C and add two power outlets which would be attached separately to the power hookup.

For completions sake, I am buying this unit because I am starting graduate school and will need to travel to new locations every 4-6 weeks for about three years, and this seemed a lot more feasible then packing and moving every 4-6 weeks.

So, as I am new to this, I would appreciate any and all advice that you guys can provide.

Thanks!
Class C
  • toedtoes's avatar
    toedtoes
    Explorer III
    Sep 14, 2014
    Will you be financing? A lot of banks/credit unions won't finance an RV that is over 10 years old. That could make your decision for you as to which way to go.

    If all you're wanting to add is the 10amp concentrator, maybe you could simply add a 15 amp (household) power outlet and cord. I think you are more likely to find pedestals with one 15 amp and one 30 OR 50 amp hookup (rather than 2 - 30 amp or 1 - 30 and 1 -50 amp). This would likely require little work as you could install the outlet on the inside, install a male plug on the outside (directly opposite the outlet) and then run an extension cord from the outside male plug to the pedestal. And you wouldn't have to worry about needing adapters.
  • swwyld12's avatar
    swwyld12
    Explorer
    Sep 14, 2014
    Yes, I do have a different kind of unit. The portable battery operated units only provide low intermittent flow while the one I require is a high output unit. I would love to be able o use one of the smaller ones, but we've tried in the past and it has been an complete failure. Thats the big limitation, the device I have now is the best that the power draw is going to get.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Sep 14, 2014
    swwyld12 wrote:
    Thanks. The equipment is an oxygen concentrator (with a normal draw of about 6.5 amps, but with a startup power requirement of 10 amps).
    Some of these units are portable, with batteries. They don't draw anywhere near that kind of power @ 120v.

    You have a different kind of unit?
  • swwyld12's avatar
    swwyld12
    Explorer
    Sep 14, 2014
    Thanks. The equipment is an oxygen concentrator (with a normal draw of about 6.5 amps, but with a startup power requirement of 10 amps). It is not an issue if it occasionally trips a breaker, but, as I would be living in this rig for a prolonged time, I was worried if this would become an issue (computer running, heat in the winter, a/c in the summer, and fridge running). I know that a Class A, on the surface, is my best bet, but, based on my budget ($30-45k), it would heve to be a class A that is 12-15 years old, and I am not sure how they tend to hold up.
  • kcmoedoe's avatar
    kcmoedoe
    Explorer
    Sep 14, 2014
    A device that draws 10 amps continuously is some serious equipment. What happens if the breaker trips? Can you easily reset and have no problems? If the occasional loss of power is going to be an issue, get a 50 Amp rig and a rig with a generator sized to run 50 amp service. Having one third of your available power already taken before you turn anything on is going to be a big issue with a 30 amp rig.
  • swwyld12's avatar
    swwyld12
    Explorer
    Sep 14, 2014
    Thank you. I will be taking a car with me. I have a Ford C-Max, that can be flat towed. The car was a better option for me considering how much driving I will need to be doing (my car is a hybrid that gets 48 mpg vs the pickup that gets <15).

    Also, the budget I am looking at is between $30-45k, not sure if it matters.

    Does anyone have experience with altering the native motorhome electrical systems?

    Thanks again for any info!
  • DougE's avatar
    DougE
    Explorer
    Sep 14, 2014
    Will you be taking secondary transportation with you? If not, the Class C may be a little better for occasional local trips. Or even better a pickup and 21' travel trailer.
  • n7bsn's avatar
    n7bsn
    Explorer
    Sep 14, 2014
    OK
    Looking at the load, on a 30 amp system that still leaves 20 amps. Enough to run the A/C -or- a heater but nothing else heavy like a microwave, coffee-maker, electric water-heater, etc.

About Motorhome Group

38,707 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 05, 2014