Why 30 amp and not 50 amp

Simple, most smaller RV's don't need it and it adds to the cost. Smaller RV sales tend to be more price driven than bigger RVs that need the 2nd air/con.

Really other than air/con, there aren't generally any long term draws that are needed (water heater can run on gas, microwave is typically just for a few minutes, most other items are low draw and can be on with the air/con)

Staying at a small RV park here in Montana, only has 30 amp service anyway, and my previous fifth wheel only had one air conditioner ,so it was not issue. Although we seldom used it anyway, nor will we use the two we have now. We have never camped in 100 degree weather ,and don't plan on it. If I want to be in 100 degree weather I will go home to Utah :B

We have a small tt and when hooked up to power we use electric for water heater, AC, refrigerator, wife uses hair dryer TV, and cook with electric induction cook top. Why use gas when your paying for full hookups. 50 amp instead of 30 would not add that much to the cost. Maybe it could be offered as an option.

Agree with valhalla, a 20' TT or smaller generally serves more as sleeping quarters than living quarters. And 50 amp power is not needed. As the RVs get larger with more amenities and needing more power, then yes, 50 amp makes more sense. 50 amp service is not a lot more dollars to install, but at the low end of the price spectrum even a few dollars can make a difference.
And 50 amp RV sites typically cost more than 30 amp only sites.

It really comes down to manufacturing cost. The designers have a price point to meet and few pennies over thousands of units makes a difference. Once you start letting manufacturing cost creep, where do you stop it?

It's easy for us as the consumer to think "it would have cost only a few pennies or a few dollars more, I would pay that" But then each consumer has their own idea what they are willing to pay extra for. Start adding up all those extra pennies and the cost goes up and profit goes down.

Simply order the RV you want WITH 50A.

Many don’t need 50 amp service including me.

My A/C needs a 15 amp circuit to start up. I suspect it runs on a fraction of that juice. We use the microwave for storage and it has only been used a handful of times in years of RV use. We have no other electrical "appliances" and rarely even have electrical connections of any type. I try to avoid RV parks.

Lwiddis wrote:
Many don’t need 50 amp service including me.

As already noted - why don't RV mfgrs just install 50amp in ALL RVs?
Easy ans: "Bean counters" - the mfgr & some buyers!

Even if you don't need 50amp - or seldom use 50amp - two good reasons to have it:

Besides being an inexpensive option (if not standard) from the factory....

1. Re-sale value. I wouldn't have an RV without 50 amp. Kinda like ordering a car with roll-up windows to save a buck (yes there is still one brand where it's possible).

2. The 30amp receptacles at many parks have loose connections due to years of use & abuse - and need replacement.

If you have 50amp (and the park does also) you can connect to the 50amp receptacle. (see next) -

BTW - *If* you only have 30amp - be sure to carry a 50 to 30 adapter for that reason!

I have been to parks/campgrounds that charge extra for 50amp, but never had a problem if I said I don't need/want it.

Put me on the 50 yard line (ahhh... 50 amp line) LOL.

:)

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Hi,

I actually prefer 30 amp to 50 amp. It is easy to add auxiliary shore power cords, which I have done for winter use. My peak load, in extreme cold, is 7700 watts.

The rest of the year I can manage on as little as 15 amps. That's great for visiting folks where power is often only 15 amps.

I do limit my consumption to 80% of what ever amperage is available to me.