More Power

LarrySharon · 07-23-2016, 06:10 AM

I have a new TT and I know when the unit is parked and not connected to power source that the power is shut off from the plugs. My question is why when I have the TT connected to an extension cord from the house the plugs still do not work? At the camp ground when connected to the power source there was no problem with the electricity.

Desert185 · 07-23-2016, 06:49 AM

Check the GFI reset and/or the circuit breakers in the trailer power center.

LarrySharon · 07-23-2016, 07:28 AM

thanks, did that. But will check again to make sure I did not miss anything.

Desert185 · 07-23-2016, 07:31 AM

You may have popped the house CB, so I would check that the cord to the trailer has power.

LarrySharon · 07-23-2016, 09:06 AM

Do you think it is due to extension cord isn't carry more amps? I am not sure what amp is the rating.

Tbos · 07-23-2016, 09:43 AM

What size circuit are you plugging into for power from the house? If the house plug you are using doesn't have a switch turn your main CB in the TT off when you plug in. That prevents any arching that could pop a breaker or damage something. Make sure you have everything in the TT off and turn your main on. You should have power at the plugs at that time.

LarrySharon · 07-23-2016, 10:16 AM

20 amp circuit, we mainly want to be able to run the frig prior to traveling and not the AC. because I know that would be too excessive. thanks

Tbos · 07-23-2016, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LarrySharon

20 amp circuit, we mainly want to be able to run the frig prior to traveling and not the AC. because I know that would be too excessive. thanks

I've run the AC and frig off 20 amps before. A friend does it all the time at his house. I had a plug on the house go bad once. Are you sure you still have power at your plug? Make sure 20-30 adapter hasn't gone bad too. I bit the bullet and had a 30 amp installed so I didn't have to worry anymore. Hope you figure it out.

Desert185 · 07-24-2016, 06:29 AM

I can run both fridges, the 13.5K AC in the bedroom and the small draw of the converter off a 20A circuit. The surge protector readout indicates there are some reserve amps available.

LarrySharon · 07-24-2016, 06:57 AM

Thank you.

**sourdough** · 07-24-2016, 10:05 AM

See if you haven't tripped the breaker in the house. Unless you have a dedicated 20A plug for the RV you may have something running in the house on the same circuit as the plug you are using. If anything is running in the house, in addition to what you turn on in the RV, you can trip the breaker easily (yes, that is from personal experience). Depending on length, you need to have an extension cord with larger conductors. The one I use at my house has 12ga wire. I would suggest the same for you.

LarrySharon · 07-24-2016, 12:37 PM

Thank you, I did buy a an extension cord good for 15 amps. But no CB tripped. I am wondering if I don't get all my power till my slide is out. Just a crazy thought I had.

**sourdough** · 07-24-2016, 01:51 PM

To my knowledge the slide would have no bearing on getting power.

You need to get a meter and determine where the AC is...or isn't. If the unit worked fine at the campground and you have no breaker tripped in the RV or the house it points to the extension cord, your plug or your AC adapter for the trailer. A meter is pretty much a must have for your trailer IMO to troubleshoot lots of things. You can get one at Walmart, Home Depot etc. Not expensive; you can get a cheap one for $20 but I would opt for one a little more upscale. The cheap ones will do what you need to do. Just look for a digital multimeter/VOM (volt/ohm meter).

You may want to re-think your extension cord as well. Although it is rated for 15 amps if you have a 20 amp circuit coming to it and you have a 20 A breaker in the trailer you have made the extension cord the "weak link" in the circuit should you actually try to pull 20A (thinking AC etc.). You want the breakers to go first, not the cord to burn up.

Desert185 · 07-24-2016, 07:38 PM

Is the electric switch on the water heater off? Did you ever get power?

bsmith0404 · 07-24-2016, 07:58 PM

I never use an extension cord to plug the RV in. I have additional an additional 30 amp RV cord and use an adapter at the house plug. House electrical circuits can be fun to troubleshoot. A couple thoughts, you have a 20 amp breaker, but as already mentioned may have other items drawing on the circuit. Additionally, if you have a GFI anywhere in the circuit, most of them are 15 amp. A meter is a good idea to measure what you are actually getting at the trailer.

LarrySharon · 08-03-2016, 11:58 AM

Okay folks, I am totally embarrassed. My issue was the GFI in the bathroom. I thought I had tested it and it was OK but imagine my surprise when my wife came to me and said it was fixed. Then she preceded to tell me how she went in to the bathroom and pushed the button and all was well again. I thank all of you for you input. Signed: Total Dunce

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