Advantages of having 50 amp Travel Trailer

zackyboy3rs wrote:

What advantages will I see and use if I get one with the 50 amp?.... What about campgrounds that only have 20/30 amp sites?
Thanks

In addition to the advantages you listed of being able to run a heavier load, you will find that the 50 amp outlets are usually newer and are in better shape than the old 30 amp outlets (less arcing and poor connections than an old socket). Also, because they are wired with larger wire, the 50 amp source is better regulated and is less prone to low voltage caused by your neighbor's load - "cleaner power".

When you camp at a campground with only a 30 amp outlet all you need is a 30 amp to 50 amp adapter. Of course your source current will still be only 30 amps, but it's a simple connection. Same thing with a 20 amp source - just adapt it down. The 30 amp(male) to 50 amp(female) adapters that are available commercially will connect both hot legs of your 50 amp plug so all your circuits will work.

I'll put it this way; a 50a RV can do everything a 30A RV can do but a 30 a RV can NOT do everything a 50a can do.

AC uses about 15a. 20a on start up. MW uses 12A. Coffee maker about 5.
Hair dryer 13.

50A is 12,000 watts allowing you to run everything at once: 2 AC/heat pumps, MW, HW, ceramic heaters, refer etc. Disadvantage is larger power cord.

30A is 3,600 watts and much more restricted. Low voltage and worn plugs are more common.

I added a second independent 20A circuit with an extension cord and gives me 30+20A in a 30A CG. Typically used for ceramic heaters or coffee pot. Also plugs into a unused rig circuit so the plugs are usable when connected to 50A

You will be better off with the 50 amp coach, no worrying about tripping a 30 amp breaker, melting 30 amp plugs. 30 amps is just not really adequate for a modern coach anymore. We have too many toys and luxuries. If you end up in a site without a 50 amp connection just use a 30 to 50 amp adapter and you are back to the old days. :) We do that all the time, but the 50 amp sure is nice.

Thanks

We have a 30 amp trailer and have never had a problem running the microwave, coffee maker, crockpot, frig, television and our air conditioner at the same time. I thought 50 map was only needed if you had 2 air conditioners and washer/dryer.

You use a 50AMP to 30AMP dogbone adapter at camp gorunds that only have 30A and 20A service... Everything is still hooked but you only have 30AMP service so you have to watch what is on at the same time.

I wish our last TT had 50 amps, then we could make coffee and run the micro or fireplace, or both the micro and the fireplace, LOL. our friends new TT has 50 amps and 2 AC units (its a 34' TT)
I guess it depends on what all you have that runs off the electric.

if your at a campground with 30 amp as we so often are then you will have to be more selective in what you use. our camper is 50 amps and when we do get a 30 amp site we are just more aware of what we use. when we camp in hot weather I try to book a 50 amp site.

50 amps will generally get you things like a second AC ready, washer/dryer hookups. They can all be run on one 50 amp circuit. 30 amps limits you to running one AC, maybe a washer/dryer at the same time. As long as you turn the refer and water heater to gas too.