20 vs 30 amp service.

[German Shepherd Guy]

Hello, hoping to get some confirmation to what I believe is the case. :ermm:

In October we are heading out to the German Shepherd Dog National competitions. (This year in Colorado on the east side of the divide)

The only RV spot we could get on site is a 20 amp service. Now, by then it should be cool enough to not need the air conditioner and I can run the fridge on propane so I believe I will be OK. Would you all agree with that assessment or is there something I am not thinking about? :facepalm:
We have the Premium 26RBPR model. I have 2 30lb propane tanks up front and the batteries are new and in good shape.
I was even thinking if I had to I could run the AC if everything else was turned off?
Thanks
Oak

[NH_Bulldog]

I can safely run my 13.5k AC unit as long as the fridge and water heater are on gas. I wouldn’t suggest operating the microwave while the AC is running, but otherwise you should be fine

[JRTJH]

The only issue I think you might encounter is low voltage if you have a significant drain (such as trying to run the A/C). You'll be fine with the lights, converter, TV, etc on a 20 amp circuit and adding the refrigerator probably wouldn't be an issue. If you do need to run the A/C, then watch your input voltage carefully, either a EMS or a "plug in voltmeter" would be a good way to know that you're not "burning up the A/C compressor" with voltage in the 105 range because of heavy load.

An EMS is your best protection, but there are a number of "plug in voltmeters" available, here's a photo of the one I use, available at most RV parts stores, Amazon and EBay.

https://www.amazon.com/Prime-Products-12-4055-Voltage-Meter/dp/B002P48KLK/ref=sr_1_13?keywords=rv+voltmeter&qid=1567346016&s=gateway&sr=8-13

[Steveo57]

I use a 20 amp circuit at home and can run the AC if I need to if the voltage is good. And keep your extension cord as short as possible. Use a 12 gauge cord at a minimum if you have to use an extension cord. You can't run anything else and you might need to open the breaker for the converter depending on how much it's drawing.

The problem you might run into at a big event like that is low voltage if there are a lot of others trying to do the same thing.

Just watch your voltage and if it gets down near 105 volts you probably don't want to be running the AC.

[Stumpy75]

Just manage your power use, and as posted above, you will be fine. Watch out for the hot water tank on electric too, because that's the other big draw.

[SummitPond]

Concur ^^^

A number of years ago we camped at the fairgrounds in Springfield, MA on a 20A circuit. No issue running the A/C as long as all other high-draw loads on gas (fridge, WH). If you have a power management system or some other way of indicating current draw/voltage, keep an eye on it to be sure.

[KeithInUpstateNY]

Your main concern has been addressed. Just a heads up, you may need a 30 amp female to 20 amp male plug adapter. This isn't an adapter that you can get at Walmart or Home Depot, as I found out when I bought a 2500 watt generator with a 20 amp outlet last year.

[sourdough]

Like was said, get the proper adapter. I run my 15k on a 20A circuit with my lights quite often with no issues. All lights are LED. Run everything else on LP. If you use induction cookers or any other kind of electric cooking appliance (curling irons/hair dryers), including the microwave, the AC must be off. An EMS would be beneficial.

You said on the east side of the divide. Where specifically? Being from Norwood I'm sure you know that the "east" side of the divide can get pretty warm in Oct.

[German Shepherd Guy]

Thanks all. Sourdough and John convinced me to buy a very good EMS last fall (though they probably didn't know that ;)) so I am good to go on watching the ac voltage. :cool:

Had not thought about the WH but will run that on propane too.

That I couldn't get a 30 amp site is due to my tremendous ability to procrastinate, which I nearly carried to the extremes this time and was lucky there were even some 20 amp sites available. :facepalm:

I am really looking forward to this show and camping out with all the other German Shepherd Dog junkies. ;)

Oak