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We recently purchased a 24-foot Aerolite RV. We've noticed that many sites offer 30- or 50-amp service and are uncertain which one our RV would require for running a heater, air conditioner, stove, refrigerator and small electric appliances. Can you advise us? --Kathy Cunningham Dear Kathy, Many campsites equipped with a 50-amp service will also have a 30-amp connection located in the same pedestal. The service your unit requires is always dictated by the size and rating of the power supply cord (shoreline cord) on the RV. If your cord has three prongs, it's most likely a 30-amp cord. I'd guess this is what your 24-footer will have. If it contains four prongs, it's 50-amp. A word of caution; always verify the voltage and the polarity of that voltage before plugging in at any site pedestal. Be sure the voltage falls between 103-volts and 125-volts. It's wise to carry a small volt-ohmmeter (VOM) and an inexpensive polarity tester while traveling. Your air conditioner is indeed a 120-volt AC appliance, but your furnace is probably powered by 12-volt DC (battery power) so it does not directly factor into the shoreline ampacity question. Keep in mind you have two different and separate electrical systems in your rig. However, if you're talking about a small, portable, aftermarket plug-in ceramic heater, that would also be 120-volts AC, so it would draw current from the park pedestal and factor into your overall requirement. Your maximum limit, however, is the rating of the shoreline power cord and the main breaker.  Gary Bunzer, The RV Doctor,
is a well known RV author and the host of RV Roadtrips, the DIY Network
cable television show. He is one of the RV industry's most sought after
speakers and the host of the popular DVD titled Do It Yourself RV Care. Deep Cycle Batteries DVD shows how to use them Deep Cycle Batteries run the "house" part of your RV -- not an engine. Problems with deep cycle batteries are usually because an owner did not understand how to properly maintain them. With this DVD by RV Education 101's Mark Polk, learn to maintain your batteries and extend their life. Top of Page Get your FREE RV Travel Newsletter every week - sign up now.
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