Elec. sys. remodel - suggestions wanted 1984FC35SB

[Chuck Wheeler]

Gary,

I have never used the 30amp connectors in our coach so I feel that you are safe there. I do use a cheater and also carry a homemade cheater that splits the 50amp into two 20 amp leads. I use this when visiting family and at the ranch. With each one plugged into a separate 20 amp feed I have never blown a breaker. I also have a adapter that lets me use the 30 amp and a 20 amp connection at parks that do not have 50 amp. Again I have never tripped a breaker but a FC31 only has two ac units.

I though about a separate battery bank but needed the storage space more. We carry a small Honda that we use to recharge the batteries, and power Kathy's morning coffee when dry camping. I chose the Honda for two reasons, it is approved for parks where generators have noise limits, and since we spend a lot of time in very cold weather, it will power the block heaters and recharge the batteries if I have trouble starting one or both of the diesels. (I have never had to use it for this so far)

- Chuck Wheeler-

1982 FC 31SB Fort Worth TX

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From: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com [mailto:WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of hippieforever3
Sent: Sunday, January 18, 2009 12:46 PM
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Elec. sys. remodel - suggestions wanted 1984FC35SB

I'm in the early stages of a complete remodel on my 84FC35SB and
first up is the electrical system.

One thing that would make the design simpler is to disconnect the two
30A runs and only use the 50A connector with a "cheater" adapter on
the 50A cord.

If I understand this correctly the only downside to this is if you
hook up to shore power you will be limited to 30A MAX and never have
the infrequently used option of connecting to two separate 30A
supplies. Is this the ONLY downside? Have I over looked something?

I'm also convinced I'm going to need a separate house battery bank
for the type of travel we anticipate so I will have one alternator,
one shore hook-up and one generator (currently being refurbed for
reliable operation). If anyone have done a similar remodel, I would
absolutely love for you to share what you did. When I look at the
options I'm overwhelmed by the choices and I've got to solidify this
design soon.

Regards,
GPSGary
1984FC35SB