Forum Discussion

ShadySkins's avatar
ShadySkins
Explorer
Jul 13, 2018

Safe to use a 30 amp Extension on 50 amp trailer at home??

We are trading our 30 amp trailer in tomorrow for a trailer with 50 amp service.

We currently have 30 amp receptacle in our garage which we use to plug in the trailer as we pack it to utilize the air conditioner and cool down the refrigerator. As the trailer is in the street, it requires me to use two extension cords in addition to our shore power cord to reach the receptacle.

Here is the question:

Can I safely use my existing 30 amp extension cords to plug my new 50 amp trailer into my homes 30 amp receptacle with the intention of using the AC and fridge?

Travel Trailer --> 50 amp shore cord --> 50 amp female to 30 amp male pigtail --> 30 amp extension --> 30 amp extension --> 30 amp receptacle?


Thanks!!

Chris
  • Boomerweps's avatar
    Boomerweps
    Explorer
    Jul 13, 2018
    Since you can only pull (basically) 30 amps from your home 30 amp supply, your current cables designed for 30 amp (10awg) are sufficient safety wise.
    However, you do not mention how long a cable run that is to the street to your RV. There will be some line loss of voltage. The more 50amp 8awg cable used, compared to the 10awg, will result in less line loss. I don't have the link handy but web search "AC line loss calculator" and you will easily find it. You can add the losses up separately for each length of different diameter wire.
  • GordonThree's avatar
    GordonThree
    Explorer
    Jul 13, 2018
    ShadySkins wrote:
    I'm not wanting to buy 30 feet of 50 amp extension if I can safely utilize the 30 feet of 30 amp I currently own.

    Thanks!


    I'd buy the new extension cord, sooner or later you'll need it.

    In RV speak, the 50 amp is kind of misleading. There's a lot more than just a 20 amp difference

    30 amp RV service provides 30 amps, that's it, 3600 watts
    50 amp RV service provides TWO 50 amp circuits, 6000 watts each.
  • ShadySkins's avatar
    ShadySkins
    Explorer
    Jul 13, 2018
    ReneeG wrote:
    We have a 50 amp FW and only a 30amp plug in at home. When plugged in and ready for a trip, we can run one AC (we have two), the fridge, and run the water heater on propane, plus the TV's, with no problem. Again, we are in testing mode just to make sure all is working before heading out, so we don't leave the TV's on and for sure we don't run the fireplace or built in vacuum.


    Are you using 30 amp extension cords in the mix? The extension cord is my big concern. I'm not wanting to buy 30 feet of 50 amp extension if I can safely utilize the 30 feet of 30 amp I currently own.

    Thanks!
  • ReneeG's avatar
    ReneeG
    Explorer
    Jul 13, 2018
    We have a 50 amp FW and only a 30amp plug in at home. When plugged in and ready for a trip, we can run one AC (we have two), the fridge, and run the water heater on propane, plus the TV's, with no problem. Again, we are in testing mode just to make sure all is working before heading out, so we don't leave the TV's on and for sure we don't run the fireplace or built in vacuum.
  • ShadySkins's avatar
    ShadySkins
    Explorer
    Jul 13, 2018
    enblethen wrote:
    Yes, you can use the 30 amp for the majority of the functions in your new rig.
    Care should be taken on using multiple air conditioners and 120 volt water heater element.


    Thanks Bud.... we only have one AC. We are wired for two, hence the 50 amp service. Thanks for the tip on the HW heater. While I won't turn it on at home, it is good to know if I'm ever stuck with 30 amp service at a campground.

    Cheers.

    Chris
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Jul 13, 2018
    Yes, you can use the 30 amp for the majority of the functions in your new rig.
    Care should be taken on using multiple air conditioners and 120 volt water heater element.

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