Forum Discussion

kt0819's avatar
kt0819
Explorer
Jun 14, 2013

Dumb question alert. Can I use 15 amp power?

I was in full RV mode 2 months ago but then we purchased our TT (factory ordered a 2014) and life got really intense and I forgot about all things RV'ing, expecting our TT to arrive early July.

Well it's here and we are scrambling to find a campsite and try it out. Plus, I have forgotten a lot about what I learned a few months ago. :(

I found a campground that is first come first serve (everything else is booked solid) but they only have 4, 30amp sites and 20, 15 amp sites. It is the only campground within 45 min of where we would like to go that has any remote chance of an opening so even though there isn't water or sewer we will go check things out. It's the Canada day long weekend and sites are impossible to come by (we didn't book earlier as we weren't expecting our TT to be here).

I have a WhiteHawk 31DSLB with 30amp power. Can I use a 15amp hook up? We would be there for 4-5 nights so I need at least the fridge and hopefully the heater to make it through that time. We plan to take a full water tank and be very careful about usage (there are free showers so we wont' need to use the TT shower).

I can't believe I am asking such a dumb question but I need to get back to the campground owner ASAP as to what night we can come out so I can find out the likelihood of getting a site and I can't find the info I need as fast as posting a question.

30 Replies

Show More
  • Wishbone51's avatar
    Wishbone51
    Explorer
    Jun 14, 2013
    I've never measured my load, but I can run the fridge and AC when connected at home.
  • Golden_HVAC's avatar
    Golden_HVAC
    Explorer
    Jun 14, 2013
    When running the electric heater, on high it might draw very close to 15 amps, so best to run it on low heat. The refrigerator is about a 3 amp load (unless on gas only) and water heater if you have electric option is between 8 and 10 amps. TV is typically only about 1 amp.

    Big users are the microwave - 12.5 amps even if you are running only 50% power, it actually runs at 100% for only 50% of the time if set to 50% power.

    Coffee maker, toaster, and such have a amp rating on the bottom or other label. Should be in the 1000 watt range or about 10 amps each, so don't try running more than 1 at a time if on 15 amps, or 2 at a time if on 30 amps.

    Air conditioner can use between 12 and 15 amps, the warmer it is outside, the more amps it will consume..

    Fred.
  • Valkyrie1's avatar
    Valkyrie1
    Explorer
    Jun 14, 2013
    I learned from hooking up at home. I can run the tv,fridge and lights on 15amp service,turn the AC on and it trips my CB...
  • rockhillmanor's avatar
    rockhillmanor
    Explorer II
    Jun 14, 2013
    You won't be able to and should not use the Air Conditioning. And using it and other items at the same time and letting it blow breakers and resetting them is not the answer nor is it a smart thing to do.
  • dan-nickie's avatar
    dan-nickie
    Explorer
    Jun 14, 2013
    Couple things to add.

    1. It would be unusual for the adapter to come with the TT.

    2. In many campgrounds around here, the 15 amp sites cannot take a TT, but are for Tent Sites. I would suggest making sure your TT will fit in their 15 amp sites.

    3. Have fun...:)
  • kt0819's avatar
    kt0819
    Explorer
    Jun 14, 2013
    Thank you so much, everyone. I think the amp adapter comes with our tt through the dealer but I will make sure to double check.
  • Vet_Man's avatar
    Vet_Man
    Explorer
    Jun 14, 2013
    Make sure you know where to reset the breaker and you can access it and its not locked up.
  • lizzie's avatar
    lizzie
    Explorer
    Jun 14, 2013
    Yes you can. We have done it several times this week on the Alcan. One of the CG's gave us an excellent list of what 15amp service will and will not run. I am saving it for future reference, Basically almost anything that heats up something else is iffy (hair driers, toasters, coffee makers, heaters, microwaves) as well as air conditioners. We can use one appliance at a time, either the toaster OR the coffee maker. We can also use the lights, water pump, and refrigerator. Be sure and find out where the breaker box is located so that you can switch the power back on if you overload it. Just be careful and don't try to power everything at once. lizzie
  • limbery's avatar
    limbery
    Explorer
    Jun 14, 2013
    You can run the fridge, water heater and heat on propane....so the 15Amp will do you for lights...maybe the air and microwave will work if everything else is off when using...hey, 15amp is still better than no electrical at all...
  • bob213's avatar
    bob213
    Explorer
    Jun 14, 2013
    Yes,but you will need a 30 to 15 amp adapter available at Walmart or might be included in your starter kit. You won't be able to run the air. May need to shut everything off to use the microwave. Water heater on LP will help alot. Converter and refrig. and heater fan will probably max you out.

About Travel Trailer Group

44,056 PostsLatest Activity: Dec 27, 2025