30 Amp vs 50 Amp: How to convert your RV safely

Welcome to another Todd’s Two-Minute Tech Tip Tuesday, brought to you by the National RV Training Academy, the largest hands-on RV training center in America. Today, we’re diving into a common question that many RVers have: “Should I convert my 30-amp RV to a 50-amp system?” Our question comes from @JTbama2007, who asks if converting his 2019 Wolfpack 24T Toy Hauler from 30 amps to 50 amps is feasible, and whether it’s worth the effort. Let’s break it down.

@JTbama2007’s Situation:

• He has a 2019 Wolfpack 24T toy hauler.
• Primarily camps with full hookups (not boondocking).
• Has a 1,000-watt inverter, but no solar power.
• Appliances include:
  • An electric-only refrigerator.
  • 1 air conditioner.
  • A convection microwave.

The question is: Is it worth converting from 30 amps to 50 amps to better manage power distribution?

Is It Possible to Convert from 30 Amp to 50 Amp?

Yes, it is possible and feasible to convert a 30-amp RV to a 50-amp system. However, there are several steps and considerations that come with the upgrade:

1. Power Cord Replacement: Your 30-amp RV currently has a 10-gauge power cord capable of handling one “hot leg” of power. Converting to 50 amps will require a new 6-gauge power cord with two hot legs, which allows for more electrical load.
2. Breaker Panel Box: You’ll need to replace the breaker panel box with one that supports a 50-amp service. The new panel will have two hot legs for distributing the electrical load between different circuits.
3. Wiring Replacement: The wiring between the power cord inlet and the breaker panel needs to be replaced with heavier gauge wire to handle the increased amperage. The cable must have enough conductors (two hot legs, one neutral, and one ground) to support the new service.
4. Rewiring Considerations: While installing the new breaker panel, you’ll need to disconnect and reconnect all existing circuits. This includes both 120-volt AC wiring and the 12-volt DC system.

So, while it’s not overly complex, it does require a fair amount of rewiring and labeling to ensure everything is connected properly. A qualified technician is recommended for this upgrade unless you have electrical experience.

What Do You Gain from Converting to 50 Amp?

Many people think upgrading from 30 amps to 50 amps will allow them to add more circuits and run more appliances. While you do get some benefits, it’s important to understand what actually changes.

• Load Balancing: Converting to 50 amps allows you to distribute electrical loads across two legs of power, rather than a single 30-amp leg. This can help if you’re using several high-draw appliances, like an air conditioner and microwave, at the same time. By balancing the load, you can reduce the chances of tripping breakers.
• Simultaneous Use of Appliances: If you’re often running into situations where turning on multiple appliances (such as the AC and microwave) causes the breaker to trip, converting to 50 amps could allow you to use them simultaneously without overloading your system.

However, it’s worth noting that you’re not actually increasing the number of circuits or outlets. Your RV’s wiring is built into the walls, and adding more circuits would require significant modifications that may not be practical.

Is It Worth It?

After looking at the process and the benefits, the question remains: is it worth converting to 50 amps?

Here’s my take:

• If you’re not constantly tripping breakers, and you’re happy with your current setup, the conversion may not be worth it.
• If your issue is only occasionally having too much load (like running the AC and microwave together), you might not need to go through the trouble of rewiring your entire RV.

Instead, you can try an alternative solution:

Alternative: Using an Extension Cord for Extra Power

If your main issue is running high-load appliances like the microwave and air conditioner at the same time, here’s a simpler solution:

1. Use a 50-amp Pedestal: Many campgrounds provide pedestals with 50-amp, 30-amp, and 20-amp outlets. Rather than rewiring your entire RV, you could use a heavy-duty extension cord plugged into the 20-amp outlet to run specific appliances.
2. Dedicated Extension Cord for Extra Load: For example, you could use the extension cord to power your microwave or a separate device. This would allow you to run the AC and the microwave simultaneously without overloading the 30-amp system.

While this approach involves running an extension cord into your RV, it’s a practical solution that avoids the complexity and expense of a full conversion.

Final Thoughts

Is converting your RV from 30 amps to 50 amps feasible? Yes, it is, and it can be done without too much difficulty by a professional. However, in most cases, you may not see a significant return on the investment. The main benefit is load balancing, which allows you to use more appliances simultaneously without tripping breakers. But unless you’re frequently overloading your current system, the gain might not justify the cost and effort.

If you’re tripping breakers often, first consider replacing the breaker itself, as it might be getting weak. If you still face issues, the extension cord solution might be a simple and effective workaround.

As always, if you have more questions or want further clarification, drop a comment below, and I’ll be happy to address them in my next Tech Tip Tuesday. And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a tip!