Wanderlodge Gurus - The Member Funded Wanderlodge Forum

My 1973 FC has a 30 amp service, or at least that's what is stamped on
the shore cord. This bus has two air conditioners front and back. The
previous owner never used the back one (mainly because it was
inoperable) I have ordered and intend to have both up and running. My
question? Am I going to be ok with 30 amp service? This bus was
delivered new with two air conditioners I am pretty certain but every
RV I have ever seen with two airs was always 50 amps. And I guess I
could be wrong but there are two there now anyways. What if anything
needs to be done?

The previous questions about the weather striping and the refrig worked
out. A trip to Lowe's took care of the air leaks and the refrig fixed
its self. I was about to dig into it and I tried one more time and the
gas took right off. Don't you just love it when something fixes
itself?

John Heckman
central Pa
1973 31ft FC

John,
In the compartment where the shore cord(s) plug in, is there also a 50
amp receptacle in there?

Curt Sprenger
1987 PT38 8V92 "MacAttack Racing"
Anaheim Hills, Calif.



bubblerboy64 wrote:

> My 1973 FC has a 30 amp service, or at least that's what is stamped on
> the shore cord. This bus has two air conditioners front and back. The
> previous owner never used the back one (mainly because it was
> inoperable) I have ordered and intend to have both up and running. My
> question? Am I going to be ok with 30 amp service? This bus was
> delivered new with two air conditioners I am pretty certain but every
> RV I have ever seen with two airs was always 50 amps. And I guess I
> could be wrong but there are two there now anyways. What if anything
> needs to be done?
>
> The previous questions about the weather striping and the refrig worked
> out. A trip to Lowe's took care of the air leaks and the refrig fixed
> its self. I was about to dig into it and I tried one more time and the
> gas took right off. Don't you just love it when something fixes
> itself?
>
> John Heckman
> central Pa
> 1973 31ft FC
>
>

John, Hmmmmmmmmm, This is marginal, my opinion!!

Big difference 30 amp three prongs X 110 = 3300 Watts
50 amp four prongs X 220 = 11000 Watts,

Look for a 50 amp four prong plug at the hookup.

On 30 amps, 110V, an A/C will draw 10 to 15 amp each.
Do not start at the same time, 30 amps is about the
limit capacity for two A/C's nothing else will be able to be turned
on, (maybe a TV) , but no high wattage items such as refrig, HWT,
charger etc.
Also check the generator for its' capacity..????

Bill 88 FC Michigan


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "bubblerboy64"
wrote:
>
> My 1973 FC has a 30 amp service, or at least that's what is stamped
on
> the shore cord. This bus has two air conditioners front and back.
The
> previous owner never used the back one (mainly because it was
> inoperable) I have ordered and intend to have both up and running.
My
> question? Am I going to be ok with 30 amp service? This bus was
> delivered new with two air conditioners I am pretty certain but
every
> RV I have ever seen with two airs was always 50 amps. And I guess I
> could be wrong but there are two there now anyways. What if
anything
> needs to be done?
>
> The previous questions about the weather striping and the refrig
worked
> out. A trip to Lowe's took care of the air leaks and the refrig
fixed
> its self. I was about to dig into it and I tried one more time and
the
> gas took right off. Don't you just love it when something fixes
> itself?
>
> John Heckman
> central Pa
> 1973 31ft FC
>

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Curt Sprenger
wrote:
>
> John,
> In the compartment where the shore cord(s) plug in, is there also a
50
> amp receptacle in there?
>
> Curt Sprenger
> 1987 PT38 8V92 "MacAttack Racing"
> Anaheim Hills, Calif.
>
>
>
> bubblerboy64 wrote:
>
> > My 1973 FC has a 30 amp service, or at least that's what is
stamped on
> > the shore cord. This bus has two air conditioners front and back.
The
> > previous owner never used the back one (mainly because it was
> > inoperable) I have ordered and intend to have both up and
running. My
> > question? Am I going to be ok with 30 amp service? This bus was
> > delivered new with two air conditioners I am pretty certain but
every
> > RV I have ever seen with two airs was always 50 amps. And I guess
I
> > could be wrong but there are two there now anyways. What if
anything
> > needs to be done?
> >
> > The previous questions about the weather striping and the refrig
worked
> > out. A trip to Lowe's took care of the air leaks and the refrig
fixed
> > its self. I was about to dig into it and I tried one more time
and the
> > gas took right off. Don't you just love it when something fixes
> > itself?
> >
> > John Heckman
> > central Pa
> > 1973 31ft FC

I would check to see how much amps those a/c's pull. I know when I
run mine it really stretches the limits on what else is running in
the coach. You can always wire up the other on and put it on its own
fuse but of course this will take a little bit of work. What kind of
generator do you have? I have a 6500 KW after market on mine and it
does provide enough juice to run both A/C's and a few other
accessories.
> >
> >
>

30 amp service will be barely adequate for 2 ACs. If you're replacing
one, try to get one of the "high efficiency" models that draw 10 amps
instead of the more typical 14-15 amps.

The problem with 30 amp service is that the AC will spike to 25-30
amps when the compressor kicks in before it drops back to the normal
14-15 amp draw. The 10 amp models only spike to about 20 amps.

When I was plugged into a 30 amp service, I was successfully running
two ACs (both 10 amp high efficiency models) -- then the refrigerator
went on and then the lights went off....

So, load management is a serious issue when running dual ACs on 30 amps.

Some of the early 'birds had dual 30 amp cords, so it might be
possible to convert yours to 50 amp service.

The 30 amp cords have 3 pins on the plug and the 50 amp cords have 4
pins. In RV setups, the 50 amp service is split into two 50 amp/120
vac legs -- you'll need to do some internal rewiring of your
distribution panel... and you may want to install "mains" for the
inbound cord if you convert to 50 amp service -- but it's probably
doable if you're conversant with electrical matters or can get some
help from a competent electrician who's familiar with RV wiring
techniques.

===============================================
Pete Masterson, Author of
Book Design and Production: A Guide for Authors and Publishers
Aeonix1@...
Aeonix Publishing Group http://www.aeonix.com
===============================================


On Jul 7, 2007, at 8:25 AM, bubblerboy64 wrote:

> My 1973 FC has a 30 amp service, or at least that's what is stamped on
> the shore cord. This bus has two air conditioners front and back.
> <snip>

> Am I going to be ok with 30 amp service? This bus was
> delivered new with two air conditioners I am pretty certain but every
> RV I have ever seen with two airs was always 50 amps. And I guess I
> could be wrong but there are two there now anyways. What if anything
> needs to be done?



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

if your 73 is the same as the 77 mine has only one inbound rectale the
30 amp cord has a jumper in the plug to make act like a 50 amp
I have safely run 2 airs plus anything else I want to the third air
however is out of the question
Also if you are using a cheater or dog bone or some other device to
connect to power watch out you will probably cook it
With the jumper the 30 amp cord has the ability to draw way over its
intended rating
Stephen 77fc35



--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "pattypape"
wrote:
>
> John, Hmmmmmmmmm, This is marginal, my opinion!!
>
> Big difference 30 amp three prongs X 110 = 3300 Watts
> 50 amp four prongs X 220 = 11000 Watts,
>
> Look for a 50 amp four prong plug at the hookup.
>
> On 30 amps, 110V, an A/C will draw 10 to 15 amp each.
> Do not start at the same time, 30 amps is about the
> limit capacity for two A/C's nothing else will be able to be turned
> on, (maybe a TV) , but no high wattage items such as refrig, HWT,
> charger etc.
> Also check the generator for its' capacity..????
>
> Bill 88 FC Michigan
>
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "bubblerboy64"
> wrote:
> >
> > My 1973 FC has a 30 amp service, or at least that's what is stamped
> on
> > the shore cord. This bus has two air conditioners front and back.
> The
> > previous owner never used the back one (mainly because it was
> > inoperable) I have ordered and intend to have both up and running.
> My
> > question? Am I going to be ok with 30 amp service? This bus was
> > delivered new with two air conditioners I am pretty certain but
> every
> > RV I have ever seen with two airs was always 50 amps. And I guess I
> > could be wrong but there are two there now anyways. What if
> anything
> > needs to be done?
> >
> > The previous questions about the weather striping and the refrig
> worked
> > out. A trip to Lowe's took care of the air leaks and the refrig
> fixed
> > its self. I was about to dig into it and I tried one more time and
> the
> > gas took right off. Don't you just love it when something fixes
> > itself?
> >
> > John Heckman
> > central Pa
> > 1973 31ft FC
> >
>

This bus has a three prong connector so it is obviously 30 amp. The
generator is I am all but certain the original ONAN which I think
might be 8.5 kilowatts (?) I can check on that and get back. Sounds
to me like it might be a good idea to see about switching to 50 amp
some time. I am also not happy with the position of the circuit
braker panel which is in the one largest closet a long with the
switch to go from shore power to generator. If you have stuff in the
closet you are have to dig thru your stuff to get to that switch. I
guess that gets put on the list of things to do. I can likely live a
while running just the one air conditioner at a time until I get to
this. One thing that does seem good is the shore cable is a 10 gauge
heavy sucker. I'll have both airs up and running in a week. How do
you know when the generator is being "worked" too hard. I have used
Honda portables in the past and they have protectors which will shut
the generators down. With this ONAN how would a person know if it is
being pushed too hard?

John Heckman
central Pa
1973 FC





>
> 30 amp service will be barely adequate for 2 ACs. If you're
replacing
> one, try to get one of the "high efficiency" models that draw 10
amps
> instead of the more typical 14-15 amps.
>
> The problem with 30 amp service is that the AC will spike to 25-30
> amps when the compressor kicks in before it drops back to the
normal
> 14-15 amp draw. The 10 amp models only spike to about 20 amps.
>
> When I was plugged into a 30 amp service, I was successfully
running
> two ACs (both 10 amp high efficiency models) -- then the
refrigerator
> went on and then the lights went off....
>
> So, load management is a serious issue when running dual ACs on 30
amps.
>
> Some of the early 'birds had dual 30 amp cords, so it might be
> possible to convert yours to 50 amp service.
>
> The 30 amp cords have 3 pins on the plug and the 50 amp cords have
4
> pins. In RV setups, the 50 amp service is split into two 50
amp/120
> vac legs -- you'll need to do some internal rewiring of your
> distribution panel... and you may want to install "mains" for the
> inbound cord if you convert to 50 amp service -- but it's probably
> doable if you're conversant with electrical matters or can get
some
> help from a competent electrician who's familiar with RV wiring
> techniques.
>
> ===============================================
> Pete Masterson, Author of
> Book Design and Production: A Guide for Authors and Publishers
> Aeonix1@...
> Aeonix Publishing Group http://www.aeonix.com
> ===============================================
>
>
> On Jul 7, 2007, at 8:25 AM, bubblerboy64 wrote:
>
> > My 1973 FC has a 30 amp service, or at least that's what is
stamped on
> > the shore cord. This bus has two air conditioners front and
back.
> > <snip>
>
> > Am I going to be ok with 30 amp service? This bus was
> > delivered new with two air conditioners I am pretty certain but
every
> > RV I have ever seen with two airs was always 50 amps. And I guess
I
> > could be wrong but there are two there now anyways. What if
anything
> > needs to be done?
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

50 amp female plug are also 3 prong they use the outside case as the
ground
I would guess unless the coach was wired for strictly 30 amp that it
has a 30 amp plug on on end and a fifty amp female on the other with a
jumper in it to light both legs
you could call bluebird and ask them if there any records left on that
coach they will be able to tell you
Stephen 77fc35

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "bubblerboy64"
wrote:
>
>
> This bus has a three prong connector so it is obviously 30 amp. The
> generator is I am all but certain the original ONAN which I think
> might be 8.5 kilowatts (?) I can check on that and get back. Sounds
> to me like it might be a good idea to see about switching to 50 amp
> some time. I am also not happy with the position of the circuit
> braker panel which is in the one largest closet a long with the
> switch to go from shore power to generator. If you have stuff in the
> closet you are have to dig thru your stuff to get to that switch. I
> guess that gets put on the list of things to do. I can likely live a
> while running just the one air conditioner at a time until I get to
> this. One thing that does seem good is the shore cable is a 10 gauge
> heavy sucker. I'll have both airs up and running in a week. How do
> you know when the generator is being "worked" too hard. I have used
> Honda portables in the past and they have protectors which will shut
> the generators down. With this ONAN how would a person know if it is
> being pushed too hard?
>
> John Heckman
> central Pa
> 1973 FC
>
>
>
>
>
> >
> > 30 amp service will be barely adequate for 2 ACs. If you're
> replacing
> > one, try to get one of the "high efficiency" models that draw 10
> amps
> > instead of the more typical 14-15 amps.
> >
> > The problem with 30 amp service is that the AC will spike to 25-30
> > amps when the compressor kicks in before it drops back to the
> normal
> > 14-15 amp draw. The 10 amp models only spike to about 20 amps.
> >
> > When I was plugged into a 30 amp service, I was successfully
> running
> > two ACs (both 10 amp high efficiency models) -- then the
> refrigerator
> > went on and then the lights went off....
> >
> > So, load management is a serious issue when running dual ACs on 30
> amps.
> >
> > Some of the early 'birds had dual 30 amp cords, so it might be
> > possible to convert yours to 50 amp service.
> >
> > The 30 amp cords have 3 pins on the plug and the 50 amp cords have
> 4
> > pins. In RV setups, the 50 amp service is split into two 50
> amp/120
> > vac legs -- you'll need to do some internal rewiring of your
> > distribution panel... and you may want to install "mains" for the
> > inbound cord if you convert to 50 amp service -- but it's probably
> > doable if you're conversant with electrical matters or can get
> some
> > help from a competent electrician who's familiar with RV wiring
> > techniques.
> >
> > ===============================================
> > Pete Masterson, Author of
> > Book Design and Production: A Guide for Authors and Publishers
> > Aeonix1@
> > Aeonix Publishing Group http://www.aeonix.com
> > ===============================================
> >
> >
> > On Jul 7, 2007, at 8:25 AM, bubblerboy64 wrote:
> >
> > > My 1973 FC has a 30 amp service, or at least that's what is
> stamped on
> > > the shore cord. This bus has two air conditioners front and
> back.
> > > <snip>
> >
> > > Am I going to be ok with 30 amp service? This bus was
> > > delivered new with two air conditioners I am pretty certain but
> every
> > > RV I have ever seen with two airs was always 50 amps. And I guess
> I
> > > could be wrong but there are two there now anyways. What if
> anything
> > > needs to be done?
> >
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>

The newer coaches have an automatic switching system -- if you're
going to upgrade your shore power system, you may want to look into
the auto-switch. (I'm afraid I don't know what it's called, exactly.)

While I would expect a modern generator to have various safety
switches/overload protection, a vintage '73 Onan may not be so well
equipped. You'll need to study the owner's manual, if it is still
available to you to see what service you should expect from the
generator. Conservatively, I'd guess that keeping a maximum load to
80% or so of the rated capacity would probably be a wise practice.

10 gauge cable is appropriate for 30 amps at 120 vac. For 50 amp
service, you'll want 6 gauge, four conductor cable. (You may need to
buy a 50 amp "extension cord" to use as the primary service cord as I
found it very difficult to get 6 gauge, 4 conductor wire locally. Cut
off the female end, strip it back and wire it into your safeline
switch.)

Pete Masterson
'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
El Sobrante CA
aeonix1@...



On Jul 7, 2007, at 3:20 PM, bubblerboy64 wrote:

>
> This bus has a three prong connector so it is obviously 30 amp. The
> generator is I am all but certain the original ONAN which I think
> might be 8.5 kilowatts (?) I can check on that and get back. Sounds
> to me like it might be a good idea to see about switching to 50 amp
> some time. I am also not happy with the position of the circuit
> braker panel which is in the one largest closet a long with the
> switch to go from shore power to generator. If you have stuff in the
> closet you are have to dig thru your stuff to get to that switch. I
> guess that gets put on the list of things to do. I can likely live a
> while running just the one air conditioner at a time until I get to
> this. One thing that does seem good is the shore cable is a 10 gauge
> heavy sucker. I'll have both airs up and running in a week. How do
> you know when the generator is being "worked" too hard. I have used
> Honda portables in the past and they have protectors which will shut
> the generators down. With this ONAN how would a person know if it is
> being pushed too hard?
>
> John Heckman
> central Pa
> 1973 FC
>



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Thanks for the information on this subject. The ONAN is rated at
6500 watts not 8500. I would think if all is well it should handle
the two air conditioners. I'll have to consider the conversion to 50
amp service. I was not aware that 6 gauge wire for shore power was
available. And here I thought 10 gaurge large. JOhn Heckman
Central Pa
'73 FC



>
> The newer coaches have an automatic switching system -- if you're
> going to upgrade your shore power system, you may want to look
into
> the auto-switch. (I'm afraid I don't know what it's called,
exactly.)
>
> While I would expect a modern generator to have various safety
> switches/overload protection, a vintage '73 Onan may not be so
well
> equipped. You'll need to study the owner's manual, if it is still
> available to you to see what service you should expect from the
> generator. Conservatively, I'd guess that keeping a maximum load
to
> 80% or so of the rated capacity would probably be a wise practice.
>
> 10 gauge cable is appropriate for 30 amps at 120 vac. For 50 amp
> service, you'll want 6 gauge, four conductor cable. (You may need
to
> buy a 50 amp "extension cord" to use as the primary service cord as
I
> found it very difficult to get 6 gauge, 4 conductor wire locally.
Cut
> off the female end, strip it back and wire it into your safeline
> switch.)
>
> Pete Masterson
> '95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
> El Sobrante CA
> aeonix1@...
>
>
>
> On Jul 7, 2007, at 3:20 PM, bubblerboy64 wrote:
>
> >
> > This bus has a three prong connector so it is obviously 30 amp.
The
> > generator is I am all but certain the original ONAN which I think
> > might be 8.5 kilowatts (?) I can check on that and get back.
Sounds
> > to me like it might be a good idea to see about switching to 50
amp
> > some time. I am also not happy with the position of the circuit
> > braker panel which is in the one largest closet a long with the
> > switch to go from shore power to generator. If you have stuff in
the
> > closet you are have to dig thru your stuff to get to that
switch. I
> > guess that gets put on the list of things to do. I can likely
live a
> > while running just the one air conditioner at a time until I get
to
> > this. One thing that does seem good is the shore cable is a 10
gauge
> > heavy sucker. I'll have both airs up and running in a week. How
do
> > you know when the generator is being "worked" too hard. I have
used
> > Honda portables in the past and they have protectors which will
shut
> > the generators down. With this ONAN how would a person know if
it is
> > being pushed too hard?
> >
> > John Heckman
> > central Pa
> > 1973 FC
> >
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>