Hi Everyone,
We bought a hybrid trailer so we can enjoy the spring and fall seasons when it is cooler here in Ontario. My problem is that all the inside 120 volt electrical outlets (3) are on one circuit. Thus when I run two ceramic heaters the breaker trips and I fear running anything else like our flat screen TV or DVD player at the same time as well. Also the refrigerator when on propane uses electricity for the control panel as well.
It does have an on board propane furnace that is ducted. As advised many times on the forums why run propane when you can use electricity at the site.
Other than running an extension cord out of the bunk end and to the site post, what else is there?
I've run two ceramic heaters on one circuit in the house and popped the breaker. So what you are experiencing is normal. If you can't get the heaters on separate circuits in the camper then you need to get an extension cord out to a separate circuit on the post. That is what I do, but I can easily sneak a cord out through my slide.
I've used one of these for the last few years and just one of them kept us comfortable in both a popup and 18' HTT, both spring and fall. If it dropped below freezing at night the LP furnace would kick on once in awhile but nowhere near what it would without the electric heater. I think the reason these work great has to do with its blower. The thing really moves the air.
I do have a second, but I too would have to run a dedicated extension cord for it to the site power.
As mentioned. You will either need to run a recepticle using the A/C circuit, or run an extension to the pole, if you want to use 2 ceramic heaters.
HOWEVER
if the temps go below freezing at night, you should use the propane. I mean you REALLY should use the propane. The duct work for the propane furnace runs next to the water lines/plumbing. The hear from the ducts will produce enough radient heat to keep the plumbing from freezing up.
Frank, I'm planning to do a mod this summer (hopefully) to permanently add a second power point to run our second electric heater. Providing I can find the parts I am looking for at a reasonable price.
Hoping to get something like this....And mount it into the roadside of the trailer right near the current power connection.
Then on the outside use the regular extension cord to the power post.. On the inside I'll run the wiring to a standard wall plug or to a short length of extension cord like this. And plug the heater into that. It will be a dedicated line for the second heater..
Snow,
Thanks for the help. I also considered another outlet inside the HTT. Is the alternating current (AC) side of your converter full? Is it normal for every circuit to be taken? OR every breaker? Is there room for another breaker?
I have to check mine when spring comes.
For the few times we will need the second heater; it seems to be alot of work.
Good Luck and Happy Camping.
[quote author=Bad seed link=topic=2287.msg21790#msg21790 date=1363629999]
Cindy you need to use a heavier gauge extension cord that will solve the problem.
Also make the length of the cord fit the use. Don't use 50 feet of cord to go 20 feet. As the length of the run goes up, the cord needs to be a larger gauge.
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