Dedicated Outlet

[CabinetmakerII]

We like cook to outside to minimize the associated mess inside the coach. More often than not, we would end up tripping a circuit breaker inside the coach. My wife asked if there was a way to install a separate circuit to prevent tripping the breakers. There was space within the breaker panel for an additional breaker and after a bit of looking I decided to place the dedicated 20 amp circuit inside the basement within easy reach with an extension cord. I purchased all the necessary supplies from the local hardware store (only one trip!) and had the outlet installed in about two hours. Now when we cook or have other electrical needs outside we can do so without worry of tripping other breakers.

[Y-Guy]

Cabinetmaker the extra circut makes sense, kudos on wiring it up and solvign yoru issue.

Another thing for all of us to check is how they wire the plugs. Most often they backstab the wire into the electrical outlet. In a home that isn't moving it might be ok (not my preference) but in an RV this can be a much bigger issue. I had issues with a couple of mine popping breakers. When I went through the RV and changed from backstab to twist the wire around a screw and I stopped having issues.

It's also helpful to know which plug are on the circuit and which are tied into a GFI outlet.

[CabinetmakerII]

2oldman wrote:
Ok.. I would have suggested running another cord to the pedestal. Most have multiple outlets.

The lot we "Winter" on has only a 50 amp connection at the pedestal. Also an issue when dry camping running the gen set. Now there is no worries about turning on the microwave or anything else when cooking outside with an electric skillet.

[Dirtclods]

You could also install one of these:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton-20-Amp-125-Volt-Duplex-Self-Test-GFCI-Outlet-White-R12-GFNT2-0RW/...

[pianotuna]

Another idea for the kitchen area is to add a dedicated inverter powered outlet. That gets me around the 1 appliance limit.

I do have the OEM 30, 20 and 15 amp shore power cords. It works well for me.

[Happy_Prospecto]

Good idea CabinetmakerII, glad it's working for you.

[rockhillmanor]

It's just a matter of getting used to not turning on two appliances on at the same time. Which IMHO does not in any way restrict your use of the RV.

Almost all of us when we get our first RV we are tripping breakers left and right. Then over time you get in the habit of making sure not to use 2 major appliances at the same time and the constant tripping of breakers goes by the wayside. :C

[bob213]

You are still limited by the max amp. of your trailer. 2oldman's suggestion would be separate from the load on your coach.

[Dirtclods]

Here's a good chart as well


http://www.diybyexample.info/2010/07/what-size-extension-cord-do-i-need/

[CA_Traveler]

Good plan. Now install a inside circuit that plugs into your new storage plug. I use mine to plug into a second pedestal plug with an extension cord for additional inside ceramic heaters when I'm on 30A. So I have 30A + 20A.

[RoyB]

I run a multi-tap extension cord from the 20AMP Pedestal connection to our patio area to use. This does not draw from the 30AMP Connection feeding the trailer...

Similar to this one from google search...



Roy Ken

[enblethen]

2oldman has the right idea.
Hopefully you installed a GFCI receptacle!

[2oldman]

Ok.. I would have suggested running another cord to the pedestal. Most have multiple outlets.