Gen & Shore Power

[George H. Wall]

In my search for things to help with my 30 amp campsite outlet I found this.  Might be of use for others.

Camco Power Maximizer.  Around $40 plus shipping from Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Camco-55025-PowerGrip-Maximizer-Adapter/dp/B0024E70L2

MJ
Mike, I made one of these to use. It works IF the 15 and 30 amp recepticles are on separate circuits ONLY. In an older park, this may not be the case.  Henry

[Michael Hannan]

In my search for things to help with my 30 amp campsite outlet I found this.  Might be of use for others.

Camco Power Maximizer.  Around $40 plus shipping from Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Camco-55025-PowerGrip-Maximizer-Adapter/dp/B0024E70L2

MJ
Mike, I made one of these to use. It works IF the 15 and 30 amp recepticles are on separate circuits ONLY. In an older park, this may not be the case.  Henry

George, each has their own breaker so hopefully it will work.

MJ

[Michael Hannan]

Mike,

One caution with these devices. If your issue is kicking the power post breaker at 30 amps but the voltage is still 118 to 120V then this could help. If your issue is, as you draw current and approach 30 amps, you are also getting lower voltage like 110 to 112V or lower then the voltage drop in the campground wiring grid is inadequate to supply the voltage at the current you are trying to achieve. You can monitor the AC voltage on your coach panel as you add load to see what the issues are.

Later Ed

I'm not tripping the breaker. I'm careful not to run too much at once. Only one big draw at a time. As for voltage, according to the AC In meter on the Trace display I'm only getting 107 - 108 volts. It's an old electrical system. The biggest problem is around dinner time, the convection & microwave will run but at a reduced cooking power.

MJ

[Edward Buker]

Michael,

With those low voltages within the campground grid you are at the mercy of everyone else's current usage in the park. That cord with the extra 20 amp plug connector really will be of little help given your situation. All you can do is manage your load like you have been as best that you can. You are at voltage levels that are not always kind to electronics so there may be times that you should consider manually disconnecting if need be. Anything below 105V would be my disconnect point.

Later Ed 

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

Michael,
Just my opinion, but sounds like you would be much better off getting out of that campground. With ac voltages running that low, you are risking a spike or voltage loss that could damage the electrical equipment in your coach. The cost of a new inverter, etc. can cover a lot of nights in an RV park with adequate electrical power.
Steve

[Michael Hannan]

I've had some issues with the amp for the theatre system shutting off & on so I have started buying & using UPS battery backups to maintain an operational level for them.  But that doesn't help the coach's builtin electronics.   I'm looking for a new RV Park but given the price of this place is $350 month electric included I'll be hard pressed to find something remotely close.  My armed forces pension only goes so far.   I may end up selling the coach and finding an apartment.  The place I just left was $930 a month which is an expensive price to park.  I cancelled my order for the adapter as there's no sense buying something that isn't going to be useful.

MJ

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

MJ,
Understand your dilemma. Using a UPS is a good strategy. I used one in my Marquis to prevent a surge that would turn off the TV every time the generator shut down. Sounds like you're making the best of the situation.The Marquis can be real power hogs so when on 30A be sure to reduce power needs as much as possible. I think those ideas have already been floated in this thread. Be sensitive to your lighting needs. E.G. The halogens are not at all efficient. In ours the dinette chandelier and the bath vanity lights would really throw off the heat. We replaced them with LEDs from HD / Lowes and no more heat.
Best of Luck,
Steve

[Michael Hannan]

Thanks Steve.  I've replaced all of my 12v lights with LED and don't use the 120 lights at all.  With both sets of front ceiling LED lights on I swear you could get a sun tan.

MJ

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

MJ,
Good! I did that same in my Marquis and the 07 Contessa.
Steve