charging an EV at a campground

[pianotuna]

Hi all,

Some interesting results.

https://youtu.be/Xnyc6oNsB_w

[3_tons]

wapiticountry wrote:

time2roll wrote:

PButler96 wrote:
Real world experience from a former campground owner and not a lot of hot air blown out of an Rvnet resident experts arse? That's a refreshing breeze.

Yes and the real world experience does not describe any actual electrical issues.
Like chasing the boogie man at 2am.

Still should respect the owners demand and go somewhere else next time.

EV charging at 240 volts continuously draw approximately 32 amps. Typical RV loops are seven 50 amp pedestals with a 200 amp main. They are designed and constructed under the demand factors for RV usage set out by the National Electrical Code(NEC). Two EVs charging on a loop consume more than 30% of the available power before an RV draws a single amp. It is not a boogie man it is a physics and mathematical fact. Of course we don’t have reams of real world experiences with mains overloading because we could do our research and add. In the real world 2 plus 2 still equals 4 and using 30% of a power circuit’s available power will materially effect the ability of that circuit to supply additional power to the other items on that circuit. The purpose and mission of our parks was to provide the necessary services for the RV. Not the incidental items or vehicles they might bring with them. EV charging, in our opinion ( the only opinion that mattered) was EV charging could compromise that mission.

Thanks for pointing out that ‘Facts Matter’ adding to what some might think should be merely intuitive…Call me late to the party :Z, (lol-!!), but I’m now starting to see through the Grift :S ($$)…

3 tons

[time2roll]

3 tons wrote:
I don’t own an EV, but it’s been reported that charging an EV can often cost $30-40 dollars (please correct me if I’m wrong)…To some (count me out…), subsides ROCK!!…I get it - But is it ok for this added expense to be absorbed by the CG’s owner??…Enquiring Minds would much appreciate a rational answer - please advise…

3 tons

Yes I agree the campground should impose an additional fee of maybe $30 to $50. I would recommend $50 the first night and $25 each subsequent night. Larger RVs with larger batteries could be more. The convenience to the camper should bring profit to the campground.
Probably should restrict charging times also. Or limit to L1 plugged into the RV exterior outlet.

[wapiticountry]

time2roll wrote:

PButler96 wrote:
Real world experience from a former campground owner and not a lot of hot air blown out of an Rvnet resident experts arse? That's a refreshing breeze.

Yes and the real world experience does not describe any actual electrical issues.
Like chasing the boogie man at 2am.

Still should respect the owners demand and go somewhere else next time.

EV charging at 240 volts continuously draw approximately 32 amps. Typical RV loops are seven 50 amp pedestals with a 200 amp main. They are designed and constructed under the demand factors for RV usage set out by the National Electrical Code(NEC). Two EVs charging on a loop consume more than 30% of the available power before an RV draws a single amp. It is not a boogie man it is a physics and mathematical fact. Of course we don’t have reams of real world experiences with mains overloading because we could do our research and add. In the real world 2 plus 2 still equals 4 and using 30% of a power circuit’s available power will materially effect the ability of that circuit to supply additional power to the other items on that circuit. The purpose and mission of our parks was to provide the necessary services for the RV. Not the incidental items or vehicles they might bring with them. EV charging, in our opinion ( the only opinion that mattered) was EV charging could compromise that mission.

[3_tons]

I don’t own an EV, but it’s been reported that charging an EV can often cost $30-40 dollars (please correct me if I’m wrong)…To some (count me out…), subsides ROCK!!…I get it - But is it ok for this added expense to be absorbed by the CG’s owner??…Enquiring Minds would much appreciate a rational answer - please advise…

3 tons

[PButler96]

time2roll wrote:

PButler96 wrote:
Real world experience from a former campground owner and not a lot of hot air blown out of an Rvnet resident experts arse? That's a refreshing breeze.

Yes and the real world experience does not describe any actual electrical issues.
Like chasing the boogie man at 2am.

Still should respect the owners demand and go somewhere else next time.

Perhaps because the campground owner anticipated the electrical issue before it occurred, and put measures in place to prevent the issue from cropping up, which is called being proactive BTW.

[time2roll]

PButler96 wrote:
Real world experience from a former campground owner and not a lot of hot air blown out of an Rvnet resident experts arse? That's a refreshing breeze.

Yes and the real world experience does not describe any actual electrical issues.
Like chasing the boogie man at 2am.

Still should respect the owners demand and go somewhere else next time.

[3_tons]

PButler96 wrote:

wapiticountry wrote:

NamMedevac 70 wrote:
At some point campground owners will give up the ghost and chuck it if these outrageous demands on them continue for ever more power for electric sucking RVs and EVs. Expecting them to invest in expensive rewiring underground wires, pedestals is a form of arr

Of course, some will but many won't. I almost feel pity for the mom and pop owners but like other mom and pop business owners they are being squeezed out by the chain business and some of them are now losing profit due to consumer reduced demand due to new round of inflation. Happy camping to the egg

Before we sold and got the heck out of dealing with the public we had a firm no EV charging policy. Had more than a few EV zealots argue on and on why they should be allowed to charge. Usually had to end the conversation with mom’s tried and true “because I said so”.
Even though we made it abundantly clear to every guest with an EV that charging wasn’t allowed we would have a few that though they could sneak it in under the cover of darkness. But they didn’t realize we had nightly security patrols. When security saw an EV being charged their orders were to alert me or the on-site manager. We took great pleasure in waking the occupants at 2am and informing they they were to immediately disconnect and if they did it again leave immediately.
As others have pointed out, EV draw power on a much different demand cycle than RVs. They are not compatible with the electrical loops that are designed for RV usage. We were not willing to risk having entire loops of RV pedestals going down because a couple of EVs charging continuously created additional demand that tripped the main breakers.

Real world experience from a former campground owner and not a lot of hot air blown out of an Rvnet resident experts arse? That's a refreshing breeze.

BINGO!!…. ‘Unless advised otherwise’, site pedestals were not designed to be repurposed for EV charging - but shouldn’t prioritizing RV’s just be common sense?? (not so much!)…

I’m sticking with my prediction, when the air conditioners crash, ‘something wicked this way comes’ :E…

3 tons

[Fisherman]

Part of the issue is that campgrounds were set up for camping and not charging EV's at whatever rate they use. Maybe campgrounds sould charge an extra $50 for that and slowly improve the wiring.

[Grit_dog]

dedmiston wrote:

time2roll wrote:

3 tons wrote:
Maybe the real question is, when the heat wave hits, should CG pedestals be repurposed for charging EV’s??… Like it or not this will surely be the position of some affected others…Just saying…

3 tons

Actually the heat wave is upon us right now today. Plenty of reserves in CA. Feel free to plug in.
Although still best to conserve from 4 to 9 pm. However there will be NO enforcement.

No enforcement, but how did you like your latest Edison bill? Ours was 3x last years, but our usage was slightly down.

There are no free lunches.

Ouch! As in now being charged $.30-.50 per kWh?

[PButler96]

wapiticountry wrote:

NamMedevac 70 wrote:
At some point campground owners will give up the ghost and chuck it if these outrageous demands on them continue for ever more power for electric sucking RVs and EVs. Expecting them to invest in expensive rewiring underground wires, pedestals is a form of arr

Of course, some will but many won't. I almost feel pity for the mom and pop owners but like other mom and pop business owners they are being squeezed out by the chain business and some of them are now losing profit due to consumer reduced demand due to new round of inflation. Happy camping to the egg

Before we sold and got the heck out of dealing with the public we had a firm no EV charging policy. Had more than a few EV zealots argue on and on why they should be allowed to charge. Usually had to end the conversation with mom’s tried and true “because I said so”.
Even though we made it abundantly clear to every guest with an EV that charging wasn’t allowed we would have a few that though they could sneak it in under the cover of darkness. But they didn’t realize we had nightly security patrols. When security saw an EV being charged their orders were to alert me or the on-site manager. We took great pleasure in waking the occupants at 2am and informing they they were to immediately disconnect and if they did it again leave immediately.
As others have pointed out, EV draw power on a much different demand cycle than RVs. They are not compatible with the electrical loops that are designed for RV usage. We were not willing to risk having entire loops of RV pedestals going down because a couple of EVs charging continuously created additional demand that tripped the main breakers.

Real world experience from a former campground owner and not a lot of hot air blown out of an Rvnet resident experts arse? That's a refreshing breeze.

[wapiticountry]

NamMedevac 70 wrote:
At some point campground owners will give up the ghost and chuck it if these outrageous demands on them continue for ever more power for electric sucking RVs and EVs. Expecting them to invest in expensive rewiring underground wires, pedestals is a form of arr

Of course, some will but many won't. I almost feel pity for the mom and pop owners but like other mom and pop business owners they are being squeezed out by the chain business and some of them are now losing profit due to consumer reduced demand due to new round of inflation. Happy camping to the egg

Before we sold and got the heck out of dealing with the public we had a firm no EV charging policy. Had more than a few EV zealots argue on and on why they should be allowed to charge. Usually had to end the conversation with mom’s tried and true “because I said so”.
Even though we made it abundantly clear to every guest with an EV that charging wasn’t allowed we would have a few that though they could sneak it in under the cover of darkness. But they didn’t realize we had nightly security patrols. When security saw an EV being charged their orders were to alert me or the on-site manager. We took great pleasure in waking the occupants at 2am and informing they they were to immediately disconnect and if they did it again leave immediately.
As others have pointed out, EV draw power on a much different demand cycle than RVs. They are not compatible with the electrical loops that are designed for RV usage. We were not willing to risk having entire loops of RV pedestals going down because a couple of EVs charging continuously created additional demand that tripped the main breakers.

[Reisender]

As a customer I don’t worry about the infrastructure. When I ask at check in or when we call they let me know if I can charge. If the voltage is low the car automatically limits the current in 25 percent increments.

Just like WIFi or other services campground customers will make their decisions on campgrounds based on amenities provided and price. Those who want on site charging will stay at campgrounds that provide it. We are already seeing that play out. Nothing wrong with a campground owner putting a big sign at the gate saying “no EV charging”. EV RVers will spread the word on campgrounds that have charging as an amenity, the price, wether it’s on the site or in a parking lot etc etc.

It’ll all work itself out free market style. It already is.

Jmho.

[K3WE]

Interestingly, no one has brought up electric space heaters.

Campgrounds often ask that you not use them. This is because of capacity and expenses.

Of course, saving on LP is nice...and don't forget electric water heaters.

Additionally, space heaters are a steadier load that will also peak at night.

I dislike absolute black and white thinking, but its fair to say that EVs present a new challenge to many underpowered RV parks, (and homes and power grids).

No such thing as a free lunch.

[NamMedevac_70]

At some point campground owners will give up the ghost and chuck it if these outrageous demands on them continue for ever more power for electric sucking RVs and EVs. Expecting them to invest in expensive rewiring underground wires, pedestals is a form of arr

Of course, some will but many won't. I almost feel pity for the mom and pop owners but like other mom and pop business owners they are being squeezed out by the chain business and some of them are now losing profit due to consumer reduced demand due to new round of inflation. Happy camping to the egg