Elecrtical observation - Hi-Lo camper travel trailer forum

Wrascal · 06-17-2013, 11:09 PM

We purchased our camper just before my wife decided she was ready to move back home (closer to the kids/grandkids). During our subsequent move home it became apparent that we couldn't continue to live in the place we were vacating (first no beds/ then no refridgerator). At this point our new camper was just sitting in the yard. BRIGHT! moment came when I realized ... why pay for a motel when we had a portable one.

Well, it was still totally untested, and now was a great opportunity to check it out. First up, if we were to sleep in it, we'd need Air Conditioning, and further down the road, a fridge.

My only AC source was an outside outlet, limited to 15A (thru a ground fault) outlet. I only had a heavy, 100 foot extension cord (necessary since I couldn't park close enough to use the original power cord). As I was very concerned that my 30 amp trailer would be connected this way I proceeded carefully.

I hooked it up using this cord ... and switched on the AC. Success! Then, overly concerned about the amps I was pulling, I fired up the fridge on propane. It came alive... and we were all set. I felt the extension cord repeatedly for heat yet it always felt fine. So far, all is well.

After my move, I went searching for a 50 foot, 30 amp extension cord; other than an RV 30 amp, with appropriate plugs/jacks, I was stymied. I couldn't even find a 20 amp 50 footer with 110V plug/jacks. I eventually settled on a Chinese built 10-3 spec'd, 15 amp , 110V extension cord. This thing was huge, as big around as my thumb, and appeared to be a quality cord.

NOW using this new cord, I slowly got back to trial and error. Knowing that the fridge worked on propane, I wanted to test it on AC power. I ERRORONESLY concluded that it didn't work on AC (due to the fact that it was absolutely QUIET in this operation). Without thinking, I set the air conditioner on for the night and left it. The next morning I found that both the fridge and trailer were cool. Yahoo! all was well thru my yet again limited outside outlet and a simple 15 amp extension cord.

Several days later, without thinking, I plugged in my pressure washer - thru another outlet tied to the same circuit - and started cleaning the exterior of my house. About 60 min. later I tripped the now 20 Amp main supply fuse. I had, without thinking, finally exceeded the limits of my setup. Turns out that my wife had also turned on a hair dryer, again plugged into the same GFI circuit. That was all she wrote!

Arm chair quarterbacking all this, I guess that my 30A trailer has a large reserve built in (for plasma TV, microwave, toaster, wife hair dryer, etc) otherwise a 15A extension cord is more than adequate if used with considerations to your total draw.

In summary (vodka fueled at this point), use your amps carefully and you could get by with much less than is "advised".

RichR · 06-18-2013, 12:36 AM

The fridge makes no sound, it has no moving parts unlike a home fridge.

Wrascal · 06-18-2013, 03:21 PM

and I sure was bummed when I thought it didn't work (on AC), but quite tickled pink when I found out it did.

Even more pleasing was finding out my house outlet and a 15A cord did this job without overheating even a bit. I won't be pushing it with power washers AND toasters AND plasma TV AND hair dryers, at least not all at the same time.

RichR · 06-18-2013, 03:31 PM

A word of caution. If you can check the voltage on one of your receptacles when you have the A/C running make sure it is running at least 110 volts to make sure the A/C doesn't overheat and burn the compressor motor out. It may be running but maybe not properly, low voltage is not good.

Wrascal · 06-18-2013, 04:05 PM

I just went out and checked; Mr. Fluke advises 116.4V.

Inside the house kitchen I read 122V.

RichR · 06-19-2013, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wrascal

I just went out and checked; Mr. Fluke advises 116.4V.

Inside the house kitchen I read 122V.

I assume that is when the A/C is running.

Wrascal · 06-19-2013, 04:23 PM

I can't tell when the fridge is On vs. idle, but I was able to toggle the thermostat to check that the air conditioner was cycled on.

Air Cond running was my 116V; air not running (except the blower fan) I had a bit over 121V.
As I said, I can't determine if fridge was also on or not.

RichR · 06-19-2013, 08:54 PM

If the fridge has been off for a while and then switched on, it will stay on for quite a while.

Wrascal · 06-19-2013, 09:45 PM

to control humidity and odors.

If things continue this well it might even become my man-cave, although it's kind of cramped.

OK, continuing here: I attempted to attach a picture of my love dogs, but am unable. Is there some minimums I need to meet before having that capability?

RichR · 06-19-2013, 09:50 PM

Did you try clicking on the little picture above the box you type your posts? It gives you options for doing it.

Wrascal · 06-19-2013, 11:27 PM

as I am unaware of what you are suggesting.

I think what I tried was clicking on manage attachments? Not sure at this late hour, perhaps for tomorrow.

Wrascal · 06-20-2013, 07:37 AM

I had to enable cookies for this site. Then I went back and edited my earlier post to show my furry campers.

sam · 06-20-2013, 07:54 PM

I see why you have no room in your Hi Lo for you and all three fury friends.

69hilo2 · 06-26-2013, 01:01 AM

Dogs Love hilo's and camping.
Here is a larger pic of what I'm using as my Avatar.
Took 2 weeks to talk him into getting into the hilo. Took a while to teach him to jump into our kayaks to go kayaking also. At about 80 pounds, he is lots of fun in a kayak.
Opps off topic. But 1st pic post also.

Ok, wiring always try to use the correct size cord or wire. Don't be cheap like someone than I know that saved money by using 18 gauge wire in a place he should have used about a 10 gauge. Of course that warm glow that it gave off at night was interesting.

Later Tim owner 18ft 1969 hilo