PapPappy
Wilmington, NC
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Joined: 12/23/2007
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We were at the CG last month, and when I checked the voltage at their connection, I had 125 VAC. I plugged in, and all was pretty much OK, until we had the A/C running. Then, the voltage dropped to about 105-108 VAC at the meter we have in an outlet inside.
A/C seems to be working fine, and I don't have this problem with the genset. I'm sure it's a CG problem. I also notice that the shore cable is getting rather warm at the plug. Would a bad plug cause the voltage drop with a load?
What do you do, when the voltage is a bit lower than you'd like. I know we could (and probably should) cut off the A/C, but my wife has Asthma/COPD, and we can't really just open the windows. I hate to run the genset, and disturb others (though this particular place was about empty).
We liked the site, and while we could probably have moved, I really wonder if there would have been a difference at another site?
Thanks for any help....
DH Bill / DW Claudia / DD Jenn / DS Chris
The Paps! Sophie, Abby, Brandy, Kahlie and Annie 
2000 Winnebago "Minnie" 31C, Ford V-10
Purchased April Fools Day, 2008 
The Pets
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CSpenceFLY
Macon,Ga
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Joined: 06/12/2006
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It wouldn't hurt to check your plug for corrosion or discoloration. 108V is about as low as I want to run my air.
One thing that might help in the future, get yourself a 50amp to 30amp adapter. If a park has 50 amp service it usually is more reliable.
"You're lucky to be alive my friend."
Quote from the "Do it yourself police" and many others that have known me.
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nor-easter
On The Road Again
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Joined: 10/27/2004
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I am not an Electrician so my reply is based only on my limited experiences in life, thus far accomplished.
You have, I think, a 30 Amp service in your Class C Coach, so you are familiar with the needs of the right cord for your unit.
You should do as the previous poster suggests, clean the plug ends.
I don't know what else you may have on that would load your electric system, like Battery Chargers or Micro wave Oven or Electric water heater. All electric items use their 'little bit' of juice and soon something has to be taken off the line to keep the Voltage up.
We have a 50 amp coach which is also capable of running on 30 Amps if that is what is available.
On 50 Amps we can run the entire coach, no sweat, but on 30 Amps we have to monitor our use to maintain the proper flow of juice.
Take your Meter and go outside to other close Electric Pedestals and see what the readings are around you.
It could be that the Park is running heavy use and all are low, or, it could just be you.
Good Luck
Capt. Chet
03 Journey DL 39.5 w/330 CAT and bells & whistles!!!!
Toad is a 04 Malibu
Full timing
Member ODW, TT Alliance,PA
FMCA f10045d
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bob213
Fresno, CA
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Joined: 12/09/2007
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Your air may seem to be running fine but the compressor is slowly burning up. It won't happen immidiately, but it has a cumilative effect. Every time you encounter this problem you are shortening the life of your air, microwave etc. I finally bought a Powermaster voltage controller and it keeps you at a power level that doesnt do damage to your equipment. You should be able to find them cheaper but check here: Powermaster
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skipnchar
Topeka Kansas USA
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Joined: 12/17/2003
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The vast majority of 120 volt appliances have a tolerance of plus or minus 10% making 108 volts within the safety range for the appliance. Sounds like you'd be OK but JUST BARELY OK. Did you notify the campground of their power problem?
2004 F-150 HD 3,050 lb. payload
Rockwood 8314SS 34' travel trailer
We have enough YOUTH...how about a fountain of SMART
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mr. ed
Madison, SD (currently traveling the US)
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I would check not only the blades on your plug but check the pedestal's socket, too. Look inside after unplugging your cord. You may likely see what appears to be burnt areas on the bakelite plastic around the terminals or the terminals themselves may appear corroded. This is a common condition, especially in older campgrounds.
You can clean the blades on your plug with very fine sandpaper or emory cloth (don't use anything coarse since this can score the metal and cause further problems). You can't do much if the pedestal's socket is bad other than move to another spot or get the CG owner to replace it.
If none of these fixes cures the problem then the CG's electrical supply is underrated and the only device that may help is a transformer/surge suppressor that is available to RVers. They come in 30 amp and 50 amp ratings.
Mr. Ed (fulltiming since 1987)
2007 Hitchhiker II LS Model 29.5 LKTG
2007 Dodge Ram 3500/6.7 CTD/QC/4X4/SB/SRW/6-speed man/Big Horn edition
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Chuck&Gail
In the Colorado Mountains
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Joined: 06/16/2004
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We carry an Hughes autoformer for use when CG voltage is below 110 VAC with A/C running. Need to use it at about 20% of the CGs we visit, every year.
We need ac as wifes oxygen concentrator uses 120 VAC. We can run on battery, but prefer not to do that overnite, as we only have a single 12 volter.
Chuck
Wonderful Wife
Lovely German Shepherd.
1999 Mercedes ML320 TV
2003 Wanderer 187TB Toybox (3620# UVW, 4800# loaded)
Not yet camped in Hawaii, 2 Canada Provinces, & 2 Territories.
I can't be lost because I don't care where this lovely road is going
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LarryJM
NoVa
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Joined: 11/09/2007
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PapPappy wrote:We were at the CG last month, and when I checked the voltage at their connection, I had 125 VAC. I plugged in, and all was pretty much OK, until we had the A/C running. Then, the voltage dropped to about 105-108 VAC at the meter we have in an outlet inside.
A/C seems to be working fine, and I don't have this problem with the genset. I'm sure it's a CG problem. I also notice that the shore cable is getting rather warm at the plug. Would a bad plug cause the voltage drop with a load?
What do you do, when the voltage is a bit lower than you'd like. I know we could (and probably should) cut off the A/C, but my wife has Asthma/COPD, and we can't really just open the windows. I hate to run the genset, and disturb others (though this particular place was about empty).
We liked the site, and while we could probably have moved, I really wonder if there would have been a difference at another site?
Thanks for any help....
Below about 108 I would be turning off the A/C since low voltage can damage that. Don't think anything else would really be damaged by low A/C such as TVs, etc., but might be wrong.
Larry
2001 standard box 7.3L E-350 PSD Van with 4.10 rear and 2007 Holiday Rambler Aluma-Lite 8306S Been RV'ing since 1974. TRAILER MODS
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BobMary8101
Lake County FL for the winter
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Joined: 10/25/2007
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Put an autoformer in you line and you won't have to worry about low voltage any more. If the voltage goes below what the autoformer can boost, it cuts the power off to protect your equipment.
Bob
Bob and Mary
Pace-Arrow Vision 36B
Ford V-10 36 feet
Toad: 2008 Ford Focus
FMCA F398511
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wa8yxm
Wherever I happen to park
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Joined: 07/04/2006
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Well.. I have a Hughes Autoformer in the line so when the voltage does that it kicks in and boosts the voltage for me..
Nothin adds excitment like something that is none of your business
John is Near Kenwood TS-2000 housed in a 2005 Damon Intruder 377
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