Jerry & I obviously were labeled – newbie RVers at our first camping site – and rightly so. Did you know that an RV can hook up to either 20, 30, or 50 amps at a campground? Based on Dave’s recommendation, we asked for a site with 30 amps which was cheaper than using the 50. But our check-in gal insisted on assigning us to a 50 amp because she was concerned where the rig would fit.
Parking, stabilizing jacks and getting the sliders out all went fine – the entertainment occurred as we tried to figure out the water and electrical hookups. We pulled out practically everything – the 30 and 50 amp cords and pig tails (the different short thingies used to connect the long cords together) and after some brow wiping (it was pretty humid), a “Dave call” and advice from a local, we managed to plug in everything correctly.
One bit of advice, make sure you attach hoses and cords through the hole in the floor of the rig so you can shut the door. It takes a little longer to do the hook ups if you have to unplug everything and then figure which end goes through the hole and re-plug the things. The one advantage is the pressure from the water faucet, as one unhooks the hose, makes for a nice shower on a hot day.
Later that night, we had a knock on our door from the owner of camp. “You’re new RVers, aren’t you?” he asked as he handed me $4. He explained that since we hooked up the 30 amp in the 50 amp section, he wanted to give us our money back. He also was very concerned that we had taken a 50 amp cord and connected it to the 30 amp cord which would be a very bad thing to do. “Let me feel your cord to see if it’s hot”. He was pleasantly surprised when he took a look at the very organized water & electricity & dumping station (compliments of Dave).
“Now you can run a few things with the 30 amp but you’ll blow a fuse when you run the 2 air conditioners” our new friend stated with authority. “Well, we’re only running one.” “Oh”, he pondered as he scratched his head, “you know you can’t use your hair dryer or toaster either – they use up too much electricity.” I shook my head, “Don’t even have those.” “Can’t watch TV either” he said, hopefully. “Don’t do that either”, I replied. “Well, I guess you’ll be OK with 30amps then, but you know it would be a lot easier if you just used the 50…”
Now there’s a campground owner who is one persistent salesman! Maybe it’s a sign of the times that he needs that extra $4 so badly. If so, it’s all the more admirable that he voluntarily refunded it without being asked!
Seems that he gave you good advice for the most part, but I do wonder why he said you can’t watch TV — which is fairly low power and will work fine on 30 amps.
And that thing about putting hoses and cords through the porthole before connecting??? We did review that a time or two before you left. Unfortunately, it was so darn hot in the sun on those afternoons that your sweat probably washed all memory of it away! I’m glad you understand it now!
Best,
Dave