30A or 50A Choice

At around 29', only 1 A/C, mostly boondocker usage, I have never once wished I had 50A. I sure do not miss wrestling with that thicker cable for 50A. On the other hand, I would not avoid a 50A unit if I was shopping. If they provided 50A, it is because their calculations said it was either necessary, or close enough that customer would pay extra for it. For example with a pre-wired second A/C option.

I did go out and buy a 50 to 30 adapter, so that if a park only had 50A available, I would be prepared. Have had it a couple of years, never used it, but still a useful thing to have just in case.

Mich F wrote:
In all fairness to the OP, it is just over 24 hours since he started this thread.

History shows he doesn't return to most of his posts. Talk amongst yourselves.

2oldman wrote:

ol Bombero-JC wrote:
Since the OP ("gmctoyman") never bothered to reply (clarify/define) whether he meant an RV or an RV site...

Doesn't appear he's coming back.

In all fairness to the OP, it is just over 24 hours since he started this thread. :B

ol Bombero-JC wrote:
Since the OP ("gmctoyman") never bothered to reply (clarify/define) whether he meant an RV or an RV site...

Doesn't appear he's coming back.

gmctoyman wrote:
Which would you choose ?

May depend on what campgrounds you plan to stay at.

The NEC only required 20% of a CG to have 50 amp pedestals up to 2017 and prior to 2005 only 5% of pedestals had to be 50 amps. In 2017, the NEC increased the number of 50 amp pedestals to 40% but am pretty sure you won't find many new CGs in the past year or so. But you may find some older ones that have upgraded to the latest requirement. Some CGs/RV parks will have voluntarily upgraded above min. code requirements like casinos and some gov't ones. Some old CGs don't have any 50 amps available at all.

Unless you inquire or research ahead of time and choose CGs with more 50 amp pedestals than the code min., you can find yourself having to run off a 30 amp pedestal. When a CG has only a handful of 50 amps available, it can be a fight to get one. Some CGs have a list you can sign up for and they will notify you when a 50 amp site becomes available. Not much help if staying only a few days or are over-nighting tho. And try getting 50 amps plus sewer in some CGs!

We use Thousand Trails most of the time and since they have mostly older CGs and most haven't upgraded, finding 50 amps is next to impossible in the high season. We see lots and lots of 50 amp RVs using 50/30 amp adapters all the time, including huge mega-buck MHs. RV dealers and manufacturers never tell you how hard it can be to find 50 amp pedestals out there as you travel around.

We are 30 amps with a 29' TT. I installed an LED ammeter on the wall and we rarely go much above 15-20 amps. Have never once tripped a 30 amp breaker. Personally, I would go for a 30 amp RV unless you have a larger RV with 2 or more AC units and you want to run the HWT on electric and other appliances at the same time (hair dryer, kitchen appliances, electric heater(s), etc.). Or maybe ensure you are able to operate off 30 amp pedestals with a 50/30 adapter in your particular unit when needed.

Cummins12V98 wrote:

gmctoyman wrote:
Which would you choose ?

Before posting read your own words. Ask your self would "I" be able to answer my own question with the info "I" provided???

Since the OP ("gmctoyman") never bothered to reply (clarify/define) whether he meant an RV or an RV site......

Guess he's still asking - or answering - or?...:@..:h..:?..:S

Nice plethora of replies though.

:W

I run 3 air conditioners, choice has to be 50 amp.

Dutch_12078 wrote:

badsix wrote:

this is what I was wondering, can you can plug into a 50 amp supply with a 30amp R/V with a proper adapter? and if so can you draw 50 amp. I guess what i'm try to get to is the cord from the R/V to the power supply on a 30amp R/V is not rated for 50amps. mine looks like # 10.
Jay D.

If you plug your 30 amp capable RV into a 50 amp source with the proper adapter, you'll only be able to draw a total of 30 amps before the RV's main breaker trips. Only a short in the RV cord itself could draw a heavier load, but the 10GA wires in the cord are capable of tripping a 50 amp breaker if shorted. A partial short could conceivably cause enough heat to melt the insulation before the breaker trips, but that would be an extremely unusual event.

thanks Jay D.

If you are anywhere it gets hot 50 amp is a must for two A/C's. I can always use a 30amp site with an adapter but your still limited to 1 A/C & not the micro wave at the same time.

90% of the time our 50 amp RV is plugged into 30 amp. We do a lot of state parks. But one of our favorite state parks did have 50 amp this year. Not sure if 30/50 would be a deal breaker on a purchase. If thats what your looking for.