Forum Discussion

mikestock's avatar
mikestock
Explorer
Mar 24, 2022

Storage RV lot with GFIC breakers

I have had my rv's stored in this lot for 17 years with an electrical hookup. The last 10 have been a 40ft. Tiffin Pheaton. Ever since the Phaeton has been here we have had problems keeping the 120 volt 15 watt GFCI breaker from opening. I am not the only one in the lot that has the same issue. Usually, the only thing operating is my charger to maintain the battery banks although all my ac receptacles are available. I have a household fridge which I like to keep plugged in if we're planning a short time between trips but I am concerned it will be shut down. I have checked the power draw which is under 120 watts even with the fridge on. I keep the ice maker turned off to keep the ice heater from overdrawing power.

If I don't keep a regular check I will find the breaker out. One of my neighbors has the same problem so he keeps a check for me also. We're not the only two on the lot with the problem. The owner is aware of the issue and also has problems with other units.

I am looking for any idea as to what/if anything I can do.

Yes, I meant "amp" not volt-amp.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Mar 24, 2022
    lryrob9301 wrote:
    Tell the owner to get off his dead *** and call an electrician to fix the problem. The problem is with the storage facility not having a sufficient electrical supply to carry the load.
    Seems more like a GFCI issue rather than overload. Maybe the OP can confirm if each outlet is on a separate GFCI breaker.
  • Skibane's avatar
    Skibane
    Explorer II
    Mar 24, 2022
    If you have a DMM capable of measuring AC voltage, you might use it to measure the voltage between the Neutral and Ground pins on an outlet.

    Ideally, you shouldn't measure any voltage between them.

    If you measure more than a few volts between them, the electrical hookup that feeds your RV doesn't have a proper bond between those two wires.

    In a residence, those two wires are usually bonded together at the main disconnect switch or breaker box.

    In a commercial building, the bonding location may be different - but it needs to be present.
  • DougE's avatar
    DougE
    Explorer
    Mar 24, 2022
    I would suggest connecting a ground wire from the chassis to the electrical ground at the supply plugin.
  • lryrob9301's avatar
    lryrob9301
    Explorer
    Mar 24, 2022
    Tell the owner to get off his dead *** and call an electrician to fix the problem. The problem is with the storage facility not having a sufficient electrical supply to carry the load.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Mar 24, 2022
    A 30 watt $45 solar panel from Amazon and a $25 weatherproof controller from WindyNation will keep your batteries charged.

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