How often are campgrounds 50A only?

cbshoestring wrote:

cdevidal wrote:
Since FrankShore brought up surge protectors, here's a question I asked in another thread that didn't get answered:

I'm on 30A, and comparing the price of a standard surge protector ($70) to the Progressive Industries PT30C 30 ($270) is a sticker shock.

How commonly is this an issue? If it's very common it's worth the extra $200. But if I'm staying only at highly-rated campgrounds I don't know if the extra cost would be justified?

I did a lot of research before buying the inline progressive. I compared the portable adapter with the permanently installed, as well as some brands that had a cheaper price. I decided that $250.00 was cheaper than a new inverter/frigs/microwave, etc.... A lot of stories out there where systems have been fried.

I went with the progressive because it didn't just protect for high voltage, it also protected against low voltage (a more common problem) and had an automatic reset. Immediately after hooking up the electric, I put my eyes on that display to watch it makes sure the system is protected. It has gone off several times for low voltage since I installed it. What is the cost of peace of mind????

I went with the installed version, because of the stories of them coming up missing. By the time you buy the protector, then have to buy a lock, and still worry that someone may just cut the cord and take the entire thing (lock and all)....just seemed cheaper to install it in the trailer.

Easy install if you are at all handy. Simple white wire here, black wire there, green wire over that way. Lots of videos on how to do it.

Thanks! When I asked "How commonly is this an issue" above I neglected to copy what I was asking about: Brownouts. So apparently brownouts are common. I must have normalcy bias. We have high quality power at our house; We don't get brownouts and if there is a blackout, it's only about an hour or so, even through hurricanes.

I'd considered getting that surge protector and locking it up to the pole with a chain and lock but you make a good point, one could simply cut the cord and bam, there you go. Looks like I'll be wiring it internally, too.

C-Bears wrote:
I think when you are deciding what variety, and how many electrical adapters to carry, you have to determine what type of RVing you are doing.

Are you only traveling 500 miles from home for a 2 week trip once or twice a year, or are you full time and on the road 8 months and 15,000 miles or more?

Definitely not full time for the foreseeable future. 2000 mile trip planned but only staying at 3-4 different campgrounds. Most of the time will be with family.

Considering other trips but all would be less than 500 miles over a weekend.

C-Bears wrote:
We can plug into a 50amp, which 99% of CG's provide. Plus we have every adapter in between, all the way down to being able to use a extension cord to keep the batteries charged. Also have an 50amp extension just in case the electric box is 50' away from the back of my FW.

If we were not full time I sure would not have spent the money for 10 different adapters that take a tub to hold them all.

Thanks!

YamaDooed wrote:
Most 30 amp are well used and if theres a choice I always select the 50 amp and adapt it down to a 30 amp. Started this practice after smoking the 30 amp plug off just running AC on a triple digit temp weekend...

Hmm so more than one comment about failing 30A outlets. Seems an adapter is more than just "convenience insurance" then. Maybe I ought to get one.

cdevidal wrote:
Is it very common for a campground to not have 30A and 15A outlets, only 50A outlets? Just wondering if I should buy a 30A female to 50A male adapter such as this.

I'm sure they exist, but I've never seen a 50a only site. I do carry the 30a to 50a adapter you mentioned for the reasons noted prior. I think I have used it once in 12 years.

I think when you are deciding what variety, and how many electrical adapters to carry, you have to determine what type of RVing you are doing.

Are you only traveling 500 miles from home for a 2 week trip once or twice a year, or are you full time and on the road 8 months and 15,000 miles or more?

We can plug into a 50amp, which 99% of CG's provide. Plus we have every adapter in between, all the way down to being able to use a extension cord to keep the batteries charged. Also have an 50amp extension just in case the electric box is 50' away from the back of my FW.

If we were not full time I sure would not have spent the money for 10 different adapters that take a tub to hold them all.

cdevidal wrote:
Since FrankShore brought up surge protectors, here's a question I asked in another thread that didn't get answered:

I'm on 30A, and comparing the price of a standard surge protector ($70) to the Progressive Industries PT30C 30 ($270) is a sticker shock.

How commonly is this an issue? If it's very common it's worth the extra $200. But if I'm staying only at highly-rated campgrounds I don't know if the extra cost would be justified?

I did a lot of research before buying the inline progressive. I compared the portable adapter with the permanently installed, as well as some brands that had a cheaper price. I decided that $250.00 was cheaper than a new inverter/frigs/microwave, etc.... A lot of stories out there where systems have been fried.

I went with the progressive because it didn't just protect for high voltage, it also protected against low voltage (a more common problem) and had an automatic reset. Immediately after hooking up the electric, I put my eyes on that display to watch it makes sure the system is protected. It has gone off several times for low voltage since I installed it. What is the cost of peace of mind????

I went with the installed version, because of the stories of them coming up missing. By the time you buy the protector, then have to buy a lock, and still worry that someone may just cut the cord and take the entire thing (lock and all)....just seemed cheaper to install it in the trailer.

Easy install if you are at all handy. Simple white wire here, black wire there, green wire over that way. Lots of videos on how to do it.

.

On my trip thru Canada on my way to Alaska, I stopped at a couple of RV parks that had 20A and 50A, but no 30A. I've also been in a couple of RV parks in the states where the 30A was pretty worn. So I carry 20/30 and 50/30 dog bones with me. I don't need one very often, but they're good insurance. I also carry a 30A extension cord. I needed that once when "level" was too far away from the receptacle. Same reason I carry an extra "stinky slinky" and extra white water hose.

I have a 50-30A adapter. I use it when there is a 50A outlet. they are cheap and good to have if needed.

Buy the step down plug. If you use it just once, it will have been worth more than the minimal purchase price. And the time you need it may be at a time when you don't want to go without AC.

As for the surge protector, fixing a blown electrical system is going to cost more than a nice surge protection. I need to take my own advice as I have yet to get one. Not sure about the ones CW sells, so maybe I'll check out the one you linked.