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Mr_Steve's avatar
Mr_Steve
Explorer
Mar 03, 2015

Should I go 50amp or 30amp?

Hi!

I'm new to the site. I have found a great deal of knowledge on this site and want to thank you for that. I am currently building a 28'X8' Tiny Home on a triple axle trailer. The outside should be completed by the end of next week. I am currently planning my electrical system and that is what leads me to this post. I plan to have propane for heat and the stove/oven. Major electrical appliances will be a fridge, microwave, and a mini split AC unit. I feel I could get by with 30 amps but I am also looking at resale value and since it is a new build it might not be any more difficult to install a 50amp split panel to get 100 available amps at 120v? I have zero experience with RV'ing so that's why I bring this question to you. Right now I am leading towards a 50amp as it would provide flexibility for potential buyers down the road but am I missing some cons? What added challenges will I have compared to 30amp?

Thanks in advance,

Steve

58 Replies

  • On general electrical advice - put in large enough panel to have PLENTY of 20amp breakers and have no more than 2 wall plugs per breaker!!! Overkill?? NO!! You will be glad you did when you and the wife start to plug in ALL the electrical stuff you will use. Better to have too much than not enough - hard to add later. Just saying....
    PS: Get the Furrion inlet with the cord and handle adapter together.
    It's easy for me to spend your money!!:B

    I speak from experence. Built a 24x8 concession trailer. Had an electricion friend help me wire it. He "MADE" me put in larger panel than I thought I needed and more outlets. Turned out HE WAS RIGHT.
  • Draw back of 30 amps. You can only run 2 major appliances. Turn on the third and you will be resetting your breaker.

    Go 50.
  • Thanks for the reaffirmation. Any general electrical advice you guys would have if you had a clean slate to do whatever you wanted?
  • I would go 50 amp.
    30 amp would work in many cases.
    If you go with two AC units 50 would be better.
    If you have a 120 volt element in water heater 50 amp is better.
    If you install an electric heater 50 amp is better.
    Very little difference in wiring beyond the entrance panel. Between the panel and shore connection you would need the four wire cable.
  • 50 amps. You should have a heat pump on A/C. When you pull into a park and use electric water heater, A/C, microwave, fridge, and lights you will be happier with 50 amps.

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