Measuring electricity use
Hello, I'm not sure if this is the proper forum to post in, but I thought it was the most relevant area. I would like to know suggestions on how to measure electricity usage in a travel trailer ...
Forum Discussion
gbopp wrote:
Kill A Watt meter?
This should get the results you want. I'm not sure how many amps it will handle.
X2...though you probably won't be able to test the whole RV at one time, because I believe they are rated for about 20A.
But, you could get some estimates on the usage for the microwave, or the A/C by only running those items...and taking a reading.
You want to find out what the KwH rate for the bill is, and you will want to know how many Kw you use in an hour.
Amps X Voltage = Watts (30A x 110V = 3300W = 3.3Kw So, if the rate is $0.15/kwh.....you would have about $0.50/hour = $12/day.....but remember, you don't use 30A anywhere near 100% of the time in a 24-hour day. The A/C isn't "on" 100% of the time (unless it's really HOT)
If the RV is just sitting (storage), there is virtually no load, other than the converter to charge the batteries.
If you are looking for a number to pay someone?
If it's friend or family, and you are visiting, I'd offer $5-10/day, if you living in the RV. If it's just sitting at somebody's house for storage, I might even just consider a solar panel to charge the battery, and not even plug in!
If you are storing at a commercial lot...maybe $25/month, since you aren't really using much if any electricity, but it's a show of good faith.
