camp site electrical

[Eaganites]

Ok here is a question for a newbie. When I look at campgrounds that have electrical hookup they say 30 amp or 40 amp. What is the difference and how do I know what I want? We have always tented and never used an electrical hook up. Our tear will have AC and DC. thanks, Pat

[Steve_Cox]

Wal-mart or camping stores sell this adapter for 30 Amps to 15 Amps. Then you can plug in a regular extension cord into it. Usually enough amps for a Tear Drop.

[caseydog]

Most campsite shore power boxes have both the higher amp circular plug outlet, or the standard home-style AC outlet. The regular AC outlet should be fine, unless you will be running a lot of high-draw items.

The regular outlets are typically listed as 15 amps, at campsites around here. My TD has an air-conditioner, and the 15 amp outlet works fine for me.

CD

[madjack]

typically, there are 3 diff flavors of shorepower...15/20A, which is the same plug type as standard extension cord...30A which has the plug shown by Steve, requiring an adapter to hook to a standard extension cord or 50A which has a plug like an electric dryer and is meant for BIG RV's...most shorepower boxes have at least two of them(or all 3)...either 15(20)/30 or 30/50...these numbers relate to power available and type of plug...if you wire up for 15/20A which is typical for most tears, and get the adapter shown by Steve(or vice versa) you will be covered in 99% of cases...if all they have is 50A, the site is meant for a big RV and they probably won't allow you in there anyway.........
madjack

[Eaganites]

Thanks: great answer. Things are so simple when you do them all the time and so confusing the first time you approach them.
Thanks, where else could I get great answers to simple questions.

I asked about putting a sink and water tanks in - after all your answers I am sure I do not want it.

So now what will I question next? Guess what I assume shore power is what you call the outlets at a campground. Why is it called shore power?

Thanks, Pat

[caseydog]

Why is it called shore power?

Thanks, Pat

I believe the term has a boating origin.

[Wild Bill]

Shore power is a term for power available on land vs. the ship generator.
Also I think that when it comes to sinks and water tanks, If you plan to prep and cook food, you need water to wash food and hands. Can be as simple as a blue 5 gallon jug and hand pump or as complicated as you would like to make it. Bill