Forum Discussion
- Another summertime issue in many campgrounds is sure to be that EV charging may preempt the ability of others to operate their air conditioning… As temperatures rise to to 100’s (uh-o :( !!), this is sure to test the mental metal of otherwise friendly fee-paying for services campers…
3 tons - mostly (happily!) :) off-the-grid…
(full disclosure, 400a/hr LFP, 660w rooftop solar - newly added 360w of portable MPPT PV..) - Time2roll,
Thanks for the overhead figures--that is useful information. 3 tons wrote:
Another summertime issue in many campgrounds is sure to be that EV charging may preempt the ability of others to operate their air conditioning… As temperatures rise to to 100’s (uh-o :( !!), this is sure to test the mental metal of otherwise friendly fee-paying for services campers…
3 tons - mostly (happily!) :) off-the-grid…
(full disclosure, 400a/hr LFP, 660w rooftop solar - newly added 360w of portable MPPT PV..)
I read this twice and I’m not sure I understand. Why would using an RV pedestal to charge a car pre-empt someone else on another site from running an AC? Maybe I misunderstood this.Reisender wrote:
3 tons wrote:
Another summertime issue in many campgrounds is sure to be that EV charging may preempt the ability of others to operate their air conditioning… As temperatures rise to to 100’s (uh-o :( !!), this is sure to test the mental metal of otherwise friendly fee-paying for services campers…
3 tons - mostly (happily!) :) off-the-grid…
(full disclosure, 400a/hr LFP, 660w rooftop solar - newly added 360w of portable MPPT PV..)
I read this twice and I’m not sure I understand. Why would using an RV pedestal to charge a car pre-empt someone else on another site from running an AC? Maybe I misunderstood this.
Because electrical systems in many CG’s are already running at their upper amperage delivery limits during the summer heat (due to widespread air conditioner operation), now add to this EV’s with their high charging amperage rates - not a part of the original system design factor…You might then simply assume a costly upgrade is in order (true enough - $$, but guess who subsidizes the bill - ugg…….), though quite naturally, this not so simple fix woefully dismisses the ability of rural grids…Just another unintended consequence…
3 tonsReisender wrote:
3 tons wrote:
Another summertime issue in many campgrounds is sure to be that EV charging may preempt the ability of others to operate their air conditioning… As temperatures rise to to 100’s (uh-o :( !!), this is sure to test the mental metal of otherwise friendly fee-paying for services campers…
3 tons - mostly (happily!) :) off-the-grid…
(full disclosure, 400a/hr LFP, 660w rooftop solar - newly added 360w of portable MPPT PV..)
I read this twice and I’m not sure I understand. Why would using an RV pedestal to charge a car pre-empt someone else on another site from running an AC? Maybe I misunderstood this.
Because there is a finite capacity in campground wiring, in most cases installed prior to today where everyone has to have a huge monster of an RV with 2 or 3 air conditioners, heat pumps, electric clothes dryers etc.
The vast majority of places I have been have had issues such as low voltage on crowded weekends etc.- PButler96 said, “The vast majority of places I have been have had issues such as low voltage on crowded weekends etc.”
Exactly, this is one reason why folks are forced to buy EMS system managers, Autoformers, Surge Guards and Soft-starts…I wouldn’t be looking forward to a campground even with just 10% EV’s..Admittedly, JMHO…
3 tons PButler96 wrote:
Reisender wrote:
3 tons wrote:
Another summertime issue in many campgrounds is sure to be that EV charging may preempt the ability of others to operate their air conditioning… As temperatures rise to to 100’s (uh-o :( !!), this is sure to test the mental metal of otherwise friendly fee-paying for services campers…
3 tons - mostly (happily!) :) off-the-grid…
(full disclosure, 400a/hr LFP, 660w rooftop solar - newly added 360w of portable MPPT PV..)
I read this twice and I’m not sure I understand. Why would using an RV pedestal to charge a car pre-empt someone else on another site from running an AC? Maybe I misunderstood this.
Because there is a finite capacity in campground wiring, in most cases installed prior to today where everyone has to have a huge monster of an RV with 2 or 3 air conditioners, heat pumps, electric clothes dryers etc.
The vast majority of places I have been have had issues such as low voltage on crowded weekends etc.
Ah ok. I don’t know though. We drove a pusher for 18 years. On hot days with the various systems running that sucker gobbled up the electrons.
When we charge in a campground we are almost always on a 30 amp site. Our car can’t pull more than 24 amps. Literally can’t trip the breaker. But our little trailer can. Between AC, hot water, fridge, converter, microwave etc etc. Easy to pop the breaker. And if the voltage drops the trailer just pulls harder. The car automatically current limits to 18 or 12 amps if the voltage drops to 111 ish volts.
Jmho. Not an expert.
John- Reisender said, “When we charge in a campground we are almost always on a 30 amp site. Our car can’t pull more than 24 amps. Literally can’t trip the breaker. But our little trailer can. Between AC, hot water, fridge, converter, microwave etc etc. Easy to pop the breaker.”
Well, I’m old enough to recall the gas rationing of the 70’s (due to OPEC), snd the long lines at the service stations (even and odd days, etc) and saw more than one uber heated argument (and WORSE!)…Are we to suppose that human nature has by now evolved enough to avert such hostile interpersonal behavior??
3 tons Reisender wrote:
PButler96 wrote:
Reisender wrote:
3 tons wrote:
Another summertime issue in many campgrounds is sure to be that EV charging may preempt the ability of others to operate their air conditioning… As temperatures rise to to 100’s (uh-o :( !!), this is sure to test the mental metal of otherwise friendly fee-paying for services campers…
3 tons - mostly (happily!) :) off-the-grid…
(full disclosure, 400a/hr LFP, 660w rooftop solar - newly added 360w of portable MPPT PV..)
I read this twice and I’m not sure I understand. Why would using an RV pedestal to charge a car pre-empt someone else on another site from running an AC? Maybe I misunderstood this.
Because there is a finite capacity in campground wiring, in most cases installed prior to today where everyone has to have a huge monster of an RV with 2 or 3 air conditioners, heat pumps, electric clothes dryers etc.
The vast majority of places I have been have had issues such as low voltage on crowded weekends etc.
Ah ok. I don’t know though. We drove a pusher for 18 years. On hot days with the various systems running that sucker gobbled up the electrons.
When we charge in a campground we are almost always on a 30 amp site. Our car can’t pull more than 24 amps. Literally can’t trip the breaker. But our little trailer can. Between AC, hot water, fridge, converter, microwave etc etc. Easy to pop the breaker. And if the voltage drops the trailer just pulls harder. The car automatically current limits to 18 or 12 amps if the voltage drops to 111 ish volts.
Jmho. Not an expert.
John
I agree. I think the "too much power for the campground infrastructure" argument is partially flawed.
It is correct in that if a person plugs in BOTH their RV and their EV, they are possibly putting more pull on the infrastructure than most other campers.
However, in that most campground infrastructures are ALREADY underpowered for campers' RV only usage, then the rare EV isn't really doing more than what is already happening on a holiday weekend in 100+ degree temps.
I think we can all agree that campground infrastructures are for the majority not able to handle the load for a campground at full capacity RV usage.
With more and more RVs using residential fridges, multiple ACs, multiple 120v appliances, etc, I doubt an EV only campsite is pulling more power than an RV only campsite. And, as most EVs are only capable of pulling small trailers, you aren't likely to see one campsite pulling power to charge the EV plus run 2+ ACs, 2 televisions, a microwave, coffee maker, hair dryer, electric fireplace heater, electric blanket, etc.3 tons wrote:
Generally the EV can charge after the sun goes down and the A/C cooling load is reduced. Can we ever just get along?
Another summertime issue in many campgrounds is sure to be that EV charging may preempt the ability of others to operate their air conditioning… As temperatures rise to to 100’s (uh-o :( !!), this is sure to test the mental metal of otherwise friendly fee-paying for services campers…
3 tons - mostly (happily!) :) off-the-grid…
(full disclosure, 400a/hr LFP, 660w rooftop solar - newly added 360w of portable MPPT PV..)
