KOA Rules -- 30 amp

[amandasgramma]

I was just reminded of something on another site.....a "problem" we ran into.

We were at a KOA campground in Apache Junction, AZ. When they asked if we are 30amp or 50amp, I responded 30amp. Our old rig was 30amp and my mind went there. We ARE 50amp however, we only have one a/c and we do fine with an adapter. When we went out to have the man in the golf cart lead us around, he stopped everything. Had them change us to a different site that is 50amp only. Said the rules of KOA is NO ADAPTERS..!!!!!!!!! Is this true???? Has anyone else run into the problem or is it only the KOA campground in Apache Junction????

[coolbreeze01]

I have stayed at KOA's, but never read the rules. If you don't like the campground rules, don't stay there.

[toedtoes]

Veebyes wrote:
As we all know many charge extra for a 50amp site. It is not like many actually need a 50amp site.

The OP has stated that there was no difference in rates for the 50 amp vs. the 30 amp site.

So again, in this particular instance, what is the issue?

The OP had a 50 amp rig. The park has a policy to put 50 amp rigs in the 50 amp sites. There is no difference in the rates. There was no problem identified by the OP regarding the 50 amp site. The only reason the OP was originally placed in a 30 amp site was because the OP told the park he had a 30 amp rig by mistake. So, while the OP might have been inconvenienced by having to move their rig - that inconvenience was due to the OP's own error.

I get why people are happy to use adapters, etc., but I don't see any problem with the park having a policy against them.

[Dutch_12078]

I've seen the "No adapters" rule three or four times over the years, but not at at a KOA so far. I'm sure there are a few with the rule though, just as apparently some KOA's follow the "Keep On Adding" concept, but the ones that we've stayed at do not. We've stayed at four different KOA's so far this year, and none have an adapter rule, and none had any add-on charges other than the common extra person charge.

[bikendan]

lbrjet wrote:

bikendan wrote:
just one of the many reasons we refuse to stay at any "Keep On Adding" campgrounds.

What did they add? The OP got a 50 amp site for the price of a 30 amp site.

To the OP, I have stayed at approx 150 campgrounds, some were KOA's, and have never seen this rule.

wasn't talking about this particular incident, but that is the common nickname for KOA on RV forums.

[Veebyes]

As we all know many charge extra for a 50amp site. It is not like many actually need a 50amp site.

We came across a CG that since we are a 50amp rig, we had to take a 50amp site, at extra cost of course. The claim was that 50amp rigs on 30amp posts damages their system. Oh really!

We moved on to the next CG down the road.

The only time we could possibly exceed even 30amp draw is if the water heater is actually heating, the battery charger is charging, an electric space heater is on, the coffee maker is brewing & the microwave is on all together. Now how often is all of that happening at once?

We have on of those Progressive Industries surge guards. It reads off what the amperage draw is on each leg at anytime. It is quite surprising how little is being used most of the time.

Don't understand the CGs issue with a 50amp rig being in a 30amp site. Heck when we all are on our Honda 200s that is about the same as a 15amp home outlet. It is all about knowing what you draw & how to manage it.

[wandering1]

MrWizard wrote:
You came out better off.. you got a 50 amp site for your 50 amp rig
Rule or not..he did you a good turn

Ditto!

[Geocritter]

The first campground I stayed at with my 30amp RV I burned out my brand new plug because of a worn-out plug-in. The campground wouldn't consider reimbursing me for a new plug to replace my old plug, nor would they replace the 30amp plug-in. I ended up plugging into a like new 50amp receptacle using an adapter.

Steve

[toedtoes]

I'm not really sure why this is a big issue. It's not like they were screwing you over or something. The only reason you had to change sites is because YOU informed them incorrectly as to your RV's amps.

While you may be 50 amps with only one AC and you know how to limit your usage accordingly when using an adapter, there are many out there who don't know or don't care about limiting their usage accordingly. The resulting blown circuits can be a problem for more than the idiot over-utilizing, and the park then has to deal with every unhappy client whose power was affected in 110 degree weather.

[spadoctor]

I get so sick and tired of the KOA bashing. There are many bad campgrounds not just KOA. We have been all over the country camping since the mis 80's and only once had a bad KOA. We now seasonal at a KOA...as well as take road trips... and it has many rules all have a purpose. Yes weekend rates are higher but everything in the place is new and constantly expanding.....As for them moving the OP to a dedicated 50 amp...AT NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE... probably has to do with them having balance issues on one phase or another. You use a 30 to 50 adaptor you put all the load on one phase....have a lot do it... if the campground was laid out poorly... they have problems...low voltage...tripping breakers etc.

[MrWizard]

amandasgramma wrote:
Could you explain, MrWizard??? Seriously, we spent a lot of time with 30 amps and adapters this winter. No problems. Is there a "hidden danger" in this?

The only danger, is pushing the limit on the 30 amp circuit, drawing a constant 28~29 amps

A 50 amp RV service is TWO 50 amp hot legs 100 amps of 120v power
A 30 amp RV service is One 30 amp hot leg of 120v power
A difference of 70 amps

A 50 amp RV service is more than THREE TIMES the available power

when you have a 50amp rig, Either running electric heat or air conditioning, you want that 50 amp. Service if it's available

[Winterwolf227]

We used to avoid KOA, but as our kiddo grows older, we find KOA has a lot to offer for her.Our last stay was at Astoria/Warrington KOA in Oregon, and we had a very nice stay !! I have seen the 30/50 amp issue popping up more and more recently.

But I have also seen other campers/RV's treat Campgrounds as roadside rest stops with no regard for the owners or other campers. So I understand why they make silly rules

[lbrjet]

bikendan wrote:
just one of the many reasons we refuse to stay at any "Keep On Adding" campgrounds.

What did they add? The OP got a 50 amp site for the price of a 30 amp site.

To the OP, I have stayed at approx 150 campgrounds, some were KOA's, and have never seen this rule.

[tsetsaf]

We had the same issue at that KOA. It honestly angers me because it is a "policy" based upon their rules BUT they pass it off as a "safety" issue. We have been running into this recently as we plan our travels along the east coast. A lot of the county parks have the same ludicrous rules and use the "safety" logic. It does no good to explain how electrical systems work.

Their park their rules.

[bikendan]

just one of the many reasons we refuse to stay at any "Keep On Adding" campgrounds.