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Sunnyside42's avatar
Sunnyside42
Explorer
Mar 16, 2016

Power Management Panel standard on 50A configurations?

Hey Folks,
We're getting closer to pulling the trigger on a new RV. We're looking at bunkhouse models with 50a service. I've become aware of the concept of a power management panel which allows management / selection of power applications when using 30A. Specifically I've seen these in the Grand Design Momentum lines.

Is this something that's standard on mid-level RVs equipped with 50A power. If not, is this something that can be added after-market at a reasonable cost (<$500)?

To help put our search in perspective we're looking at Open Range, Grand Design and Keystone Montana High Country.

Thanks!
  • I don't know about other brands but Heartland uses a management system on the higher end trailers. It is not retrofittable nor is it field programmable. Might check into that on what you are looking at. A friends Class A has a management system and it also is not programmable.

    For the cost the best management system is between your ears. My 2 cents.
  • It seems to be very common in trailers with 3 air conditioners as even on 50 amps 3 air conditioners can be too much. If you don't have 3 air conditioners and are often plugged into 50A I don't think you should really need it.
  • We have a Grand Design 385TH with the same feature. It allows the system to shed loads on a priority basis on less-than-50A service connections. One nice thing is that you can see what various loads are drawing.

    I have seen similar systems before, but I don't remember what specific brands were using them.
  • I can't answer your exact question.
    I was recently in a similar situation. I was looking at Montana High Country and Open Range.
    For some reason Grand Design could not draw me in for a closer look.
    We ended up purchasing an Open Range Roamer 367BHS. Picked it up last weekend, and have spent 2 nights in it already.
    So far zero problems.
    We love that it is relatively short, but big at the same time.
    The other models we were looking at were 3'-6'longer. Trying to stay as short as possible was initially what drew us to this floorplan. I also liked the 7k axles on a trailer with a 14,600 GVWR.