30 AMP VS 50 AMP

I have had 5 trailers and 5th wheels that were 30 amp. My wife was tripping the breaker all the time. My current trailer is 50 amp. It is great. Calling it a 50 amp is somewhat of a misnomer in that it is really 100 amps. It is not a problem if 50 amps is not available, you simply put a 50 to 30 adapter on the plug. I also have an adapter that I can put on it if 50 is not available, but if two 30's are available then I can get 60 amps. Or if there is only a 30 or a 20 available then I can plug into both and get 50 amps.

GMandJM wrote:


Wow...seriously? If that were true, why didn't the manufacturer just slap a 50a plug on it?

I guess I would have asked him to explain specifically what he meant by "already wired to 50 amps".

That what we were told, just wondering if anyone else has heard of units being pre-wired 50 amps even though it comes with a 30 amp cord setup?

Calicajun wrote:
We were looking at some new 5th wheels the other day that came with 30 amp service. My wife asked the salesman if we could get the unit in a 50 amp service. He said that all we would have to do, on their units, is change our the 30 amp connectors to 50 amp connectors that the rest of the unit was already wired for 50 amps. Anyone know if that can be done?

Wow...seriously? If that were true, why didn't the manufacturer just slap a 50a plug on it?

I guess I would have asked him to explain specifically what he meant by "already wired to 50 amps".

Doug33 wrote:

On our last stay in Delaware, we were having all kinds of problems with tripping the circuit breakers and the A/C was struggling due to poor delivery of electric in the CG. Because it was hot and the CG was full, I believe they had a peak draw that their system couldn't handle.

You absolutely need to get a voltage meter. Check the minimum voltage that your unit can use, usually 104 to 108 volts. If the voltage is too low do not operate the AC. An autoformer can be used to boost voltage if needed, but they ain't cheap.

Funny how I never really noticed that there is a sticker on my TT right by the electric cord that specifically states 30 amps only.

On our last stay in Delaware, we were having all kinds of problems with tripping the circuit breakers and the A/C was struggling due to poor delivery of electric in the CG. Because it was hot and the CG was full, I believe they had a peak draw that their system couldn't handle.

50 amp means no energy management is needed. You can run both A/C's microwave water heater all at the same time. With 30 amp you must pick and choose.
I can heat my RV totally on electric with 3 space heaters when its cold.
30 amp is fine usually unless its extremely hot.
50 amp makes life even easier/better. If the RV is larger than 30'and 50 amp is an available option get it.

It is nice to be able to run two a/c's in the summer. BUT know what gets me? I paid for 50A and all the outlets in the RV are on one stinking 16 amp breaker. Tried running 2 small space heaters last winter, one in front and one in back. Can't do it. Tripped it every time.

I plan to install a heating element in the back BR a/c this year and run a space heater up front. Just don't understand why it's wired that way.

The downside to 50 amps is that the most 50 amp pedestals you will find in most CG/RV parks is max. 20% which is the min. requirement of the NEC with the balance at 30 amps .And that is in the most recent 2014 edition. In the 2002 edition of the NEC, only 5% of the pedestals were required to be 50 amps. I haven't researched older editions, but we were in one large older CG last year that had no 50 amps anywhere. If you want to increase your chances of finding 50 amp pedestals, go to relatively newly built or renovated ones.

There may be some "higher end" CGs that have more 50 amp pedestals available, but as that would cost a lot more to build, I'd expect to see premium rates.

With so many MHs and other RVs around these days with 50 amps, the competition can be fierce for 50 amps. All the $$ you spent to have a 2nd AC can be for naught.

If it were me, I'd install a 20 amp power inlet and run the 2nd AC off the 20 amp recept. on a pedestal. Could even install a 20 amp SPDT switch to switch the AC between the 20 amp inlet and 50 amp service.

I've seen some expensive MHs with a 50/30 amp adapter and an extension cord running out a window to the 20 amp recept. on a pedestal.

If you buy an RV with 50 amps, the dealer is never gonna tell you that 50 amp pedestals can be in short supply in a CG.

I like 30 amp service better than 50 amp even though my present TT has 50 amp.

30 sites are usually cheaper. Only a few bucks but cheaper.
30 cords, adapters, plugs and sockets are all smaller, lighter and cheaper.
It's easier to connect a 30A to my Honda generator.

I only have a 23' TT and I doubt there is any place to put a second A/C. I think the reason it was made with 50A service is because there is an optional electric fireplace that I don't have.

Unless you have some pressing need for the extra juice from 50A service I'd rather have the 30A.

penguin149 wrote:
A couple of the campgrounds I frequent charge more per night for a 50 amp RV.

Yes, but you can probably stay in a 30A spot if you want to - say cooler weather and you don't want to run 2 air conditioners. I know the OP said he only has one A/C, but that's now, not when he gets tired of being hot and installs a second one...........

Bill