30 amp to 50 amp conversion

[87bob]

Hi all we have a 2014 Zinger Crossroads and we would like to up grade to 50 amp service. Have you done this up grade? We are tired of the breaker tripping every time the AC is on and we want to use a hair dryer, microwave, ice maker, ect. ect..

[enblethen]

System for 50 amp is not just 120 volts to the rig. Properly wired it is 120/240 four wire.
I would be checking out your existing system. Many times a loose connection can cause nuisance tripping of circuit breakers. Check connection is the 120 volt power distribution center paying close attention to the insulation on the individual conductors. Melted insulation is a good sign of excessive heat caused by loose connection.

[Bobbo]

If you want to use the hair dryer, turn off the AC and electric water heater element first. Drying hair doesn't take so long that the RV will get hot.

[valhalla360]

cavie wrote:
Lots of $$$$$. You need new Electric panel, shore power cord, added circuit breakers, Transfer switch if you have a gen, an Electrician.

Money yes but it shouldn't be that bad.

Everything is still running 120v.

Swap out the panel and connect the breakers to one leg or the other. Assuming you aren't adding a 2nd air/con unit, I would put the air/con on one leg and everything else on the other. If the panel uses the same type, you could use your old breakers (assuming they are in good shape but they aren't that expensive). Maybe $150 for a new panel.

Yes, you need a new cord and inlet plug. Say $50 for the inlet and $200 for two 25ft cords.

Most 30amp RVs don't have a generator built in.

So about $400...round up to $500 for misc hardware, caulk, etc...

If you are comfortable wiring outlets in your home, this is within the DIY range of projects.

If you aren't comfortable with AC power, I'm thinking an electrician for 2-3hrs...and total cost should still be under $1000.

If you have access to 50amp pedestals most of the time, it would be a nice upgrade as you don't have to pay attention when running the microwave or you could leave the water heater on electric while the air/con is running.

[naturist]

If the breaker that trips is the one at the pedestal, the problem is not on your rig, and the expense of converting all that stuff will be unnecessary.

If the pedestal breaker trips, it is probably because it is worn out and needs to be replaced. Every time a breaker trips, it gets a wee bit weaker. Eventually it will trip at the drop of a hat. If this is the case, besides breaker replacement, a cheap fix is a 50 amp to 30 amp pigtail that’s will enable you to plug in your existing 30 amp cord to the 50 amp circuit.

Your AC draws about 15 amps. If you run a hair drier (5 amps) and a coffee maker (5 more amps) and the microwave (another 7amps) along with every light in the house, it it true you can exceed the 30 amp capacity of your electrical system. In which case, you might find that trading up to a rig already wired for 50 amps is cheaper than rewiring your current one.

[cavie]

Lots of $$$$$. You need new Electric panel, shore power cord, added circuit breakers, Transfer switch if you have a gen, an Electrician.

[LanceRKeys]

Which breaker is tripping?