Running power to trailer storage pad -- what amperage? - Escape Trailer Owners Community
Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×

Go Back   Escape Trailer Owners Community > Escape Tech > Escape Systems | Water, Waste, Charging & Propane
Click Here to Login
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 05-13-2014, 12:15 AM   #1
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Trailer: 2014 Escape 21--FOR SALE
Posts: 411
Running power to trailer storage pad -- what amperage?

We're widening our driveway and levelling an area to store our Escape 21. Once this stump is removed and the area becomes a level gravel pad, we plan to run AC power to it.

Not being electrically savvy, I'm unsure what amperage will be required. The line would run underground up the driveway for about 70 feet.

We would like to be able to have guests stay in the trailer occasionally and use the lights and perhaps the furnace. We'd also like to run a small electric heater in the rainy season, plug in a vacuum cleaner once in a while, and power six or so LED lights up the driveway.

The trailer does not have AC, and guests would not be using the fridge or cooking in it.

Can we get by with 15-amp service for this, or should we spend the extra money to install a 30-amp line? Thanks for your expertise on this.
Attached Thumbnails
stump.jpg  
__________________
Brent and Cheryl.
Catchlight is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2014, 12:42 AM   #2
Senior Member
 
gbaglo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: North Vancouver, British Columbia
Trailer: 2009 Escape 17B 2020 Toyota Highlander XLE
Posts: 17,136
I know nothing about electrical, but I really wish I had a septic dump at home.
Twice I've had to use the sani-dump at the only nearby campground, where they charge $16.50 to dump, camping extra.
Handy when you just don't feel like lining up for your turn and when winterizing.
__________________
What happens to the hole when the cheese is gone?
- Bertolt Brecht
gbaglo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2014, 01:33 AM   #3
Senior Member
 
gbaglo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: North Vancouver, British Columbia
Trailer: 2009 Escape 17B 2020 Toyota Highlander XLE
Posts: 17,136
BTW. I run an extension cord ( heavy duty, about 50' ) from a house outlet in the shop to the trailer. It's plugged in all winter.
I have blown a breaker when I forget that I'm running the 1,500 watt heater ( which I do occasionally ) in the trailer and turn on another 1,500 watt heater in the house that's on the same circuit.
__________________
What happens to the hole when the cheese is gone?
- Bertolt Brecht
gbaglo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2014, 05:38 AM   #4
Site Team
 
Donna D.'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Portland, Oregon
Trailer: 2014 Escape 5.0 TA
Posts: 11,023
Larry Gamble has a sticky post on the CasitaForum that addresses power for travel trailers. Folks that know Larry's reputation, know he is extremely knowledgable and his full time business is 100% all molded towables. I think it would be in your best interest to read the thread. You must be a CasitaForum member to access the information. It's easy to join, just like it was easy to join here:

Adding 30 amp electric service at home A must read for all who hire this done

Don't fry the electronics in your trailer!
Donna D. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2014, 07:14 AM   #5
Senior Member
 
cpaharley2008's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Central, Pennsylvania
Trailer: Escape#5 2022 E19
Posts: 26,268
I have had my Escape 19 and 21 plugged in at my garage on a 15 amp circuit without any issues for 3 years. I leave a 400 watt heater plugged in for the winter, otherwise the solar and converter takes care of the battery. Water and sewer would be nice as well as cable/wifi for guests.
__________________
Jim
Sometime life gets in the way of living.......
cpaharley2008 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2014, 07:54 AM   #6
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Trailer: 1979 Boler B1700
Posts: 14,935
I would do the 30-amp, but for your use as you described it (no air conditioner, no large heater, no electric cooking) a dedicated 15-amp circuit would be more than enough.
Brian B-P is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2014, 08:04 AM   #7
Commercial Member
 
tractors1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Trailer: 2014 Escape 21 - "Felicity"
Posts: 2,945
30 amps. The only added cost is a different breaker (probably the same price) and a bit more wire; labor and piping costs are the same.
__________________
Charlie Y

Need custom storage to your design? Don't drill holes!
www.RVWidgetWorks.com
tractors1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2014, 08:05 AM   #8
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: N/A, Indiana
Trailer: Escape
Posts: 976
Install a 30 amp circuit and you will not regret having not done so in the future. Do it right the first time if you are installing a new circuit.
__________________
"Never argue with an idiot. They only bring you down to their level and beat you with experience." George Carlin
Jubal is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2014, 08:05 AM   #9
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Phoenix Metro Area, Arizona
Trailer: 2014 Escape 19
Posts: 767
The extra cost is for the wire - the breakers and outlets cost about the same. And running it, the inside wiring, etc. should be the same. If you are trenching that may cost more than anything else.

So I would go with 30 - that way you can run an electric heater and run the water heater on 110V. By the same cost logic I would run 20 rather than 15.
jamman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2014, 10:10 AM   #10
Senior Member
 
PGDriver's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Southern Alberta, Alberta
Trailer: 2015 Escape 5.0TA
Posts: 1,734
I would install a 30 amp service using 10 gauge wire running through PVC conduit.
__________________
Cheers
Doug
PGDriver is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2014, 12:19 PM   #11
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Trailer: 2014 Escape 21--FOR SALE
Posts: 411
Thanks for those very helpful posts, everyone.

Donna D., that sticky thread on the Casita forum was also enlightening about the dangers of getting it wrong.

We're going to go with a 30 amp connection. As well as handling our trailer without issues, it will enable RVers we know to come and "camp" in our driveway without tripping breakers or putting their appliances at risk.
__________________
Brent and Cheryl.
Catchlight is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2014, 06:35 PM   #12
Senior Member
 
barry's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Fraser Valley, British Columbia
Trailer: 2012 Escape "Classic" 5.0 SA
Posts: 554
Quote:
Originally Posted by gbaglo View Post
I know nothing about electrical, but I really wish I had a septic dump at home.
Twice I've had to use the sani-dump at the only nearby campground, where they charge $16.50 to dump, camping extra.
Handy when you just don't feel like lining up for your turn and when winterizing.
Baglo

If you come through Mission on your way home they have a Municipal one that is free. It's in the industrial area at the foot of the Mission Bridge.

Barry
__________________
Photography website: https://bjustice.zenfolio.com

2012 Escape "Classic" 5.0 SA / 2017 F150, 2.7 EcoBoost 4X4 Supercab
Former trailers: 2005 Escape 17B / 1972 Boler 13'
barry is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2014, 08:52 PM   #13
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Forks, Washington
Trailer: Working on my build list
Posts: 93
30 amps will let you have full use of your trailer and everything in it. Be aware if you are planning on visitors, that the very large RVs have 50 amp service. They can still use 30, they just can't turn on everything at once. I wouldn't spend the money since it's mostly for your Escape.

Also, if you think you might have an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle in your future that you might want to park out there it might be worth laying the wires you will need now. It would be cheaper than trenching a second time to run more wire.
WestEnder is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2014, 08:53 PM   #14
Site Team
 
Donna D.'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Portland, Oregon
Trailer: 2014 Escape 5.0 TA
Posts: 11,023
Quote:
Originally Posted by Catchlight View Post
Thanks for those very helpful posts, everyone.

Donna D., that sticky thread on the Casita forum was also enlightening about the dangers of getting it wrong....
You are MORE than welcome. You'd think journeymen electricians would know the rules... but bad stuff can happen when dealing with RV issues. They ARE different. It's not about the plug... it's about the need!

Don't fry your electronics!
Donna D. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-14-2014, 10:34 AM   #15
Senior Member
 
abby's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Northern, Maryland
Trailer: 2014 E21
Posts: 273
Catchlight,

Since you decided on a 30A circuit, you may find this thread, especially jamman's links, useful: http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f3...cape-3741.html.
__________________
Vella, Glenn, and Abigail
Escape 21
abby is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-14-2014, 02:04 PM   #16
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Trailer: 2014 Escape 21--FOR SALE
Posts: 411
Thanks for the excellent link, abby. Very informative, and confirmed our choice.
__________________
Brent and Cheryl.
Catchlight is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off




» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Escape Trailer Industries or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:56 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Copyright 2023 Social Knowledge, LLC All Rights Reserved.