I recently installed a 20 amp transfer switch that allows me to run 2 A/C units on a 30 amp site.
Now some claim you can run 2 on a 30 amp site via the standard 30amp pedestal plug no problem.
I have found it really depends on the site. A few properly wired and maintained sites you can run 2 AC's at once.
However many sites are unable to support 2 AC's at once.
I have also found that while 2 AC's may appear to be operating the voltage is often low and the pedestal struggles to maintain proper voltage.
So while both AC's maybe running they are running at a low voltage which will eventually cause problems.
My solution was to install a transfer switch that is wired to my bedroom A/C unit. I can use a dedicated cord that plugs into the amp circuit at the pedestal and supplies power directly to my bedroom AC unit. The transfer switch can choose between the 20 amp outlet at the pedestal or the standard 30 amp RV circuit supplied by my 30 amp cord. Both cords are plugged into the pedestal. The 30 amp cord supplies the living room AC and the rest of RV. The 20 amp cord supplies the bedroom A/C unit.
With the transfer switch I can have 2 AC's running on 30 amp sites with ease.
Yes I have 3 AC units on my 390 MP and if I'm lucky I can run all 3 on a 30 amp site using the switch, but I'm not counting on luck. With my transfer switch I am confident I can run 2 AC units, which is enough to keep my unit cool.
The transfer switch allows me to camp at a lot of state parks and older campgrounds without worrying about power for my AC's,
I'm not forced to only stay on 50 amp sites. Don't get me wrong I enjoy 50 amp sites. But there are many great destinations that don't
offer 50 amp sites. With the transfer switch I can venture to 30 amp destinations without concern for AC power
The 20 amp transfer switch is truly a gamechanger for my style of camping.
Transfer Switch
Now some claim you can run 2 on a 30 amp site via the standard 30amp pedestal plug no problem.
I have found it really depends on the site. A few properly wired and maintained sites you can run 2 AC's at once.
However many sites are unable to support 2 AC's at once.
I have also found that while 2 AC's may appear to be operating the voltage is often low and the pedestal struggles to maintain proper voltage.
So while both AC's maybe running they are running at a low voltage which will eventually cause problems.
My solution was to install a transfer switch that is wired to my bedroom A/C unit. I can use a dedicated cord that plugs into the amp circuit at the pedestal and supplies power directly to my bedroom AC unit. The transfer switch can choose between the 20 amp outlet at the pedestal or the standard 30 amp RV circuit supplied by my 30 amp cord. Both cords are plugged into the pedestal. The 30 amp cord supplies the living room AC and the rest of RV. The 20 amp cord supplies the bedroom A/C unit.
With the transfer switch I can have 2 AC's running on 30 amp sites with ease.
Yes I have 3 AC units on my 390 MP and if I'm lucky I can run all 3 on a 30 amp site using the switch, but I'm not counting on luck. With my transfer switch I am confident I can run 2 AC units, which is enough to keep my unit cool.
The transfer switch allows me to camp at a lot of state parks and older campgrounds without worrying about power for my AC's,
I'm not forced to only stay on 50 amp sites. Don't get me wrong I enjoy 50 amp sites. But there are many great destinations that don't
offer 50 amp sites. With the transfer switch I can venture to 30 amp destinations without concern for AC power
The 20 amp transfer switch is truly a gamechanger for my style of camping.
Transfer Switch
