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05-13-2014, 12:15 AM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Trailer: 2014 Escape 21--FOR SALE
Posts: 411
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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.
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Brent and Cheryl.
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05-13-2014, 12:42 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: North Vancouver, British Columbia
Trailer: 2009 Escape 17B 2020 Toyota Highlander XLE
Posts: 17,136
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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
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05-13-2014, 01:33 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: North Vancouver, British Columbia
Trailer: 2009 Escape 17B 2020 Toyota Highlander XLE
Posts: 17,136
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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
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05-13-2014, 05:38 AM
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#4
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Site Team
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Portland, Oregon
Trailer: 2014 Escape 5.0 TA
Posts: 11,050
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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!
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05-13-2014, 07:14 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Central, Pennsylvania
Trailer: Escape#5 2022 E19
Posts: 26,268
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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.......
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05-13-2014, 07:54 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Trailer: 1979 Boler B1700
Posts: 14,935
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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.
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05-13-2014, 08:04 AM
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#7
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Commercial Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Trailer: 2014 Escape 21 - "Felicity"
Posts: 2,945
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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
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05-13-2014, 08:05 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: N/A, Indiana
Trailer: Escape
Posts: 976
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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
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05-13-2014, 08:05 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Phoenix Metro Area, Arizona
Trailer: 2014 Escape 19
Posts: 767
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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.
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05-13-2014, 10:10 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Southern Alberta, Alberta
Trailer: 2015 Escape 5.0TA
Posts: 1,734
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I would install a 30 amp service using 10 gauge wire running through PVC conduit.
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Cheers
Doug
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05-13-2014, 12:19 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Trailer: 2014 Escape 21--FOR SALE
Posts: 411
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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.
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05-13-2014, 06:35 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Fraser Valley, British Columbia
Trailer: 2012 Escape "Classic" 5.0 SA
Posts: 554
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gbaglo
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.
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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'
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05-13-2014, 08:52 PM
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#13
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Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Forks, Washington
Trailer: Working on my build list
Posts: 93
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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.
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05-13-2014, 08:53 PM
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#14
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Site Team
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Portland, Oregon
Trailer: 2014 Escape 5.0 TA
Posts: 11,050
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Catchlight
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....
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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!
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05-14-2014, 10:34 AM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Northern, Maryland
Trailer: 2014 E21
Posts: 273
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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
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05-14-2014, 02:04 PM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Trailer: 2014 Escape 21--FOR SALE
Posts: 411
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Thanks for the excellent link, abby. Very informative, and confirmed our choice.
__________________
Brent and Cheryl.
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