Electric Problems

[tinah159]

Do any of you have problems with throwing breakers while at FW? Our RV was rented this week and the occupants had problems all week. The only time our unit does this is at FW. I have never had a problem at any other campground. Any ideas?

 

[clkelley]

I would imagine as hot as it is in the summer, with all those ACs running, there is some overload going on.

 

[yoopermom]

Did you ask the people in the know at FW if they had any electrical issues in that loop during that time period, surges, outages, what have you? One time while we were there, there was an outage in the middle of the night, and the technician who came out told me that FW techs know EXACTLY what's going on with the electric there at all times.

On the other hand, could it be some kind of user error with the renters not using the electric in the camper right? I can't imagine how they could "throw" it repeatedly, but who knows?

I know that I can't run the a.c. in the motorhome when I have it plugged into our house's electric supply because the voltage isn't high enough, but I can't imagine that would be the case at a place like FW.

Please let us know what you find out!
Terri

 

[tinah159]

That could be it. Maybe I will leave directions for our guests to flip the switch outside. We really cant afford to drive to Orlando all summer long!

 

[Gatordad]

are they running 30 amp or 50?

 

[tinah159]

50 amp

 

[abbdrey]

Hi Tina, We had the same problem a few weeks ago when there was a really bad storm. We had rented the camper and had to go out and flip the breaker for the AC. I thought it was because the awning had flown over the top of the camper and smothered the AC, but it sounds like it was a problem with FW and not the camper. We live alot closer to the Fort, so it was no problem, but I can imagine it was quite a hike from Jax.

Take care - Kim

 

[big kahuna1]

The breaker at Disney's end could have been going or is bad. But, if it happens again on a different site then I would say there is something wrong on the trailer side.

 

[TheGreatGonzo]

Tina,
Next time you're there check the voltage with a meter if you have one. With all the AC's running there (and everywhere else in FL) the voltage may be dropping due to the load - also known as a brown-out. With lower voltage, the AC units need more amperage to do the same amount of work - the higher amperage is what would blow the breaker. If the voltage drops by much more than 10% it could even damage some of your equipment in the long run.

 

[JPG]

Could be a weak breaker in your RV. Could be the AC breaker is getting too hot-are there any other appliances on the same breaker with the AC? If so, separating them could solve the problem. I have seen this before on some RVs. Mine included. Last thing, look at getting an Autoformer. It is a device that will boost the voltage if it drops at the campground preventing damage to your alliances.
There are two major brands of Autoformers out there. One is the Franks, see here: http://www.bestconverter.com/Franks-Electronics-Autoformer_c_103.html
And the other is the Hughes. see here: http://www.autoformers.com/

 

[dwluvsdh]

This happens to us sometimes FW. Sometimes it is worse than other times. For example, when we were there for Labor Day weekend it happened alot. But when we were there in October and place was not as full it didn't happen as often. Our TT is 30 amp. I thought it was just our camper but after hearing this I'm relieved (somewhat) to know it's finally not us Next time I will call them to come checkout our box. We always just flip the breaker switch when it happens and everything comes back up.

Joanne

 

[Marek 4]

I am not an electrical expert by far, but I know in our 5th wheel that you cannot have the air, hot water heater and microwave run at the same time or it trips the breaker. Oh yeah, and using a hair dryer will sometimes do it also.

On the other hand, we had a scary experience camping at a State Park in Texas last summer. The voltage coming into the trailer was low and irratic. It ended up causing a fire at the junction inside the trailer. We happened to be in the trailer eating dinner and caught it before it became a huge fire, but it was luck that we were there. It was also luck that it was not the middle of the night - especially with the kids- or during the day when we leave the dog by herself. We ended up buying some super expensive box to plug into that shuts the trailer down when high or low voltage is detected.

So for everyone with kids - ALWAYS have a fire plan, even in a small trailer. You think you have plenty of time to get out in a small space, but that is not always the case. ALWAYS check your fire extinguisher and detectors.

 

[cyberdeb]

Tina, I was the other part of the family that rented your trailer, last week. I was in the site next door and we too blew the breaker a few times. We had the ac on, the hot plate outside for bacon, the toaster and that was enough and the sevice couldnt handle it. The hair dryer also did it. It seemed to be better after the fact, but i think you should put instructions on in the camper for all of the operations and where things are. We got there the day after and my husband and other brother were able to show them things. But for people renting that have never camped in an RV, things we all take for granted are unknown, such as the sewer, flushing etc. By the way, your trailer is really nice and a great set up for families. I am so sad to be home and back to work. We really had a blast.

 

[tinah159]

Thanks everyone..I am going to send Darrell (DH) here to review the info. Cyberdeb, I am glad you had a good trip. I am working on a DVD with instructions that will be placed on the website as well as kept in the camper. Thank you for helping..