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Tripping breakers

Scott_85
Explorer
Explorer
I'm camping and my camper has a 30 amp feed and on this trip it seems I'm going out every couple of minutes. I know what causes the breaker to flip but it's not like I'm running everything in the camper. The last time it went just the ac, fridge and hot water was on and whatever else stays on.

Should I be worried?

Can I upgrade to a 50 amp feed?
TV: 2013 Ram 2500 Laramie, G56, Andersen Ultimate 5th Wheel Hitch.
5er: 2013 Coachmen Chaparral 280RLS
20 REPLIES 20

john_bet
Explorer
Explorer
I had the pedestal breaker trip July 5th while plugged into a 30amp service. Went out to check it and the cord was pretty hot. Then I remembered I had the water heater on as well as A/C. We had both showered just before it happened and also the sun was beating down hard on the pedestal making it very warm also. Ambient temp's will effect the tripping point of c/b's as they trip on thermal temps caused by current draw as well as direct short. Just reduce total load to under 24amps when plugged into 30amp service.
2018 Ram 3500 SRW CC LB 6.7L Cummins Auto 3.42 gears
2018 Grand Design 337RLS

plauterer
Explorer
Explorer
One detail to think about, your converter could at times pull 8 amps or more depending on batter charging or how many lights etc. You have on.

Scott_85
Explorer
Explorer
The fridge and hot water heater has been on gas since last night and no trouble
TV: 2013 Ram 2500 Laramie, G56, Andersen Ultimate 5th Wheel Hitch.
5er: 2013 Coachmen Chaparral 280RLS

Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Explorer III
CG pedestal 30A breaker tripping......correct?

You have control of how much load you use......limit your 120V AC load.

Put your fridge and water heater on propane. Simple.
Is it time for your medication or mine?


2007 DODGE 3500 QC SRW 5.9L CTD In-Bed 'quiet gen'
2007 HitchHiker II 32.5 UKTG 2000W Xantex Inverter
US NAVY------USS Decatur DDG31

abom2
Explorer
Explorer
I upgraded my RV to 50 amps. It required a bit of work but it is not difficult. I did run new circuits/outlets for the Microwave and a dedicated one for the coffee maker (priorities). This leg also has receptacles into the bedroom, 2nd A/C.

Original 30 Amp side of RV is on the other leg.

I was lucky in that I have a friend that is a licensed Master Electrician with years of experience and is very knowledgeable. He reviewed my one-line drawings, loads, and my wire schedules.

I did over size all of my wiring. I would rather spend money on the individual components that easily handle the potential maximum voltage and amps and stay cool.

Anyways, even with 50 amps I have to consider loads on the system. When it is hot and both A/C's and fans are going. Fridge is on electric, HWH is on gas.

I monitor the temps on my circuit breakers and the HWH needs to be on gas with all of the other equipment and entertainment running. I do keep the lighting to the minimum due to personal preference. Besides with a TV on it throws a lot of light.

50 amps means a lot more convenience, but you still need to be aware and monitor your loading/demand. If pulling from a 30 amp pedestal you are back to the original load management scheme. One A/C, Fridge and HWH on gas, etc.

With TV on, Microwave use, lights on, A/C on, coffee maker, you stand a good chance of tripping the breakers.

houstonstroker
Explorer
Explorer
Are any of the breakers hot to touch? Breakers do wear out.
2016 Dynamax Force HD Super C

dan-nickie
Explorer
Explorer
Have switched the water heater to propane as several have suggested?
Dan and Nickie
2014 Forest River Berkshire 390RB

Scott_85
Explorer
Explorer
The pedestal was reading 120 volts. I only have 30 and 20 amps at the pedestal.
TV: 2013 Ram 2500 Laramie, G56, Andersen Ultimate 5th Wheel Hitch.
5er: 2013 Coachmen Chaparral 280RLS

Pipeman
Explorer
Explorer
I just had the same problem. I forgot to turn the hot water heater over to gas.Tripped the breaker twice. No problem since I went to gas.
Pipeman
Ontario, Canada
Full Member
35 year Fire Fighter(retired)
VE3PJF

houstonstroker
Explorer
Explorer
I'm assuming that you are currently camping on the busiest weekend of the summer and depending where you are the hottest. The campground's grid may not be up to the task of a full campground and the electrical demands. I would first see what the voltage is at the pedestal.
When voltage goes down amps go up. Buy an adapter and plug into the 50 amp outlet. That is what we did one 4th of July weekend in Texas, no more tripped breakers after that.
2016 Dynamax Force HD Super C

Scott_85
Explorer
Explorer
Dick_B wrote:
`Only have one ac. Early today the tv and Xbox was running with the other stuff. I might trip a breaker once a trip, but only at the older campgrounds.'
Something might be wrong somewhere. I don't trip a breaker once a SEASON. Tripping more often than that has got to be more than bad luck. Can you use an ammeter to determine the actual current draw of your normal load?


I got a multi meter, how to I determine my load?
TV: 2013 Ram 2500 Laramie, G56, Andersen Ultimate 5th Wheel Hitch.
5er: 2013 Coachmen Chaparral 280RLS

Dick_B
Explorer
Explorer
`Only have one ac. Early today the tv and Xbox was running with the other stuff. I might trip a breaker once a trip, but only at the older campgrounds.'
Something might be wrong somewhere. I don't trip a breaker once a SEASON. Tripping more often than that has got to be more than bad luck. Can you use an ammeter to determine the actual current draw of your normal load?
Dick_B
2003 SunnyBrook 27FKS
2011 3/4 T Chevrolet Suburban
Equal-i-zer Hitch
One wife, two electric bikes (both Currie Tech Path+ models)

Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Explorer III
YC 1 wrote:
Put the refer and the hot water on propane. The hot water heater can draw 8-12 amps, refer 6, Air conditioner easily 12-17. If the power post is in the sun it will trip at less than 30 amps.


Yep......
Is it time for your medication or mine?


2007 DODGE 3500 QC SRW 5.9L CTD In-Bed 'quiet gen'
2007 HitchHiker II 32.5 UKTG 2000W Xantex Inverter
US NAVY------USS Decatur DDG31

YC_1
Nomad
Nomad
Put the refer and the hot water on propane. The hot water heater can draw 8-12 amps, refer 6, Air conditioner easily 12-17. If the power post is in the sun it will trip at less than 30 amps.
H/R Endeavor 2008
Ford F150 toad >Full Timers
Certified Senior Electronic Technician, Telecommunications Engineer, Telecommunications repair Service Center Owner, Original owner HR 2008