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30 and 50 amp genny question

Plumber101010
Explorer
Explorer
Bought a 7500 W champion dual fuel generator for the home and has a 30 amp plug. I am ready to buy a fifth wheel that has a 50 amp service. I know I can buy a converter plug but they also offer this exact same gen in a 7500 W with a 50 amp plug.

Now my brain is working overtime 🙂

1) Does having an a 30 amp plug limit me and I am losing 20 A with the converter?

2) Is there a way to simply remove the plug on the generator and change it to a 50 amp plug and will I gain anything by doing that?

Thanks!
23 REPLIES 23

Sam_Spade
Explorer
Explorer
Plumber101010 wrote:
.....what will I lose using Hondas 4000 versus Champions 7500?


You lose the ability to run 3500 watts worth of equipment......which you likely don't have anyway.

P.S. I went back and read your original post.
A 5th wheel with 50 amp service likely has TWO air conditioners and you will NOT be able to run both of them with 4000 watts.
BUT.....all but the lowest end 5th wheels should come with a built-in generator so you likely won't have to worry about getting the wrong one.

If this will be a new unit, ASK what the max. AC draw IS.....if it doesn't already have a proper generator on board.
'07 Damon Outlaw 3611
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Plumber101010
Explorer
Explorer
So I guess I still have one question, that is, am I any better off using my champion 7500 W with a 30 amp plug then I am using my two 2000 W Honda generators in parallel? Since everyone seems to think I will never come close to using 7500 W and the champion is much louder, what will I lose using Hondas 4000 versus Champions 7500?

overhill7
Explorer
Explorer
My understanding is you only need the 50 amp if you want to run your 2nd a/c. When we are on the road I often grab the 30 amp cord because it's easier to handle.

cimac
Explorer
Explorer
If you are getting the Champion Model #100161, It comes with both 30 amp and 50 amp rv plugs. You should get 30 amp max on the 30 amp plug and 30 amps each leg on the 50 amp plug. The question/answer section of their site says it should run two rv air conditioners on the 50 amp plug side. My 4000/3500 Champion will run one 15000 btu ac with no issues.
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Sam_Spade
Explorer
Explorer
Plumber101010 wrote:
Just out of curiosity if I need a 12,000 W generator for 50 A then why do they offer this 7500 W with a 50 amp RV plug?


Because EVERY application the gen is used for doesn't have YOUR requirements.

Even YOU don't require that much all of the time.
'07 Damon Outlaw 3611
CanAm Spyder in the "trunk"

gtnsmlr
Explorer
Explorer
A 30A220 twist loc to 50A will work just fine. You'll need to balance the loads in your panel. I'm running a 6.5K Honda and it runs both ACs fine, even have enough left for the micro and a toaster.
The older we get, the faster we go

theoldwizard1
Explorer
Explorer
Plumber101010 wrote:
Just out of curiosity if I need a 12,000 W generator for 50 A then why do they offer this 7500 W with a 50 amp RV plug?

Most generators use locking (twist-lock) plugs for 240V outlets. Most RVs use straight (non-twist-lock) plugs.

Only RVs wired for 50A will accept 240V.

rjstractor
Nomad
Nomad
Plumber101010 wrote:
Just out of curiosity if I need a 12,000 W generator for 50 A then why do they offer this 7500 W with a 50 amp RV plug?


Because it's the most practical way for owners of an RV with 50 amp service to fully utilize the capacity of the generator. Even though the generator won't reach the full capacity that the RV is capable of drawing, it will work more efficiently than a 30 amp plug on the same generator. Unless an RV has all electric appliances, I think you would be hard pressed to overdraw a 7500 watt generator with a 50 amp plug. I'm sure it could be done but you'd have to try.
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time2roll
Explorer II
Explorer II
Plumber101010 wrote:
Just out of curiosity if I need a 12,000 W generator for 50 A then why do they offer this 7500 W with a 50 amp RV plug?
Because a 30 amp can only deliver 7200 watts and would be overloaded with 7500 watts. Next size up is 50 amp.

Plumber101010
Explorer
Explorer
Just out of curiosity if I need a 12,000 W generator for 50 A then why do they offer this 7500 W with a 50 amp RV plug?

jaycocamprs
Explorer
Explorer
avvidclif1 wrote:
On a 5500w generator the max output is 45.8A. How are you going to get 60????

5500/120 = 45.8 or 5500/240= 22.9 each leg.


Because the OP has a 7500 watt generator. 7500/240=31.25X2
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avvidclif1
Explorer
Explorer
On a 5500w generator the max output is 45.8A. How are you going to get 60????

5500/120 = 45.8 or 5500/240= 22.9 each leg.
Clif & Millie
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Ivylog
Explorer III
Explorer III
Plumber101010 wrote:
Thanks everyone PERFECT answers 🙂 One question, Ivylog did you mean to say gain 20amps?

No, I meant 30. Each leg of your 30 amp/240V outlet is good for 30 amps. Adapting it to a 50 amp/240V plug will give you 30 amps on two legs... the limit of your generator.
This post is my opinion (free advice). It is not intended to influence anyone's judgment nor do I advocate anyone do what I propose.
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Upgraded with a 08 HR Navigator 45’...

theoldwizard1
Explorer
Explorer
Plumber101010 wrote:

1) Does having an a 30 amp plug limit me and I am losing 20 A with the converter?


It is not the plug that will limit you. It is the breaker on the generator that will trip if you try to draw more than 30A.

Plumber101010 wrote:

2) Is there a way to simply remove the plug on the generator and change it to a 50 amp plug and will I gain anything by doing that

Don't remove the receptacle of the generator. Buy an adapter or have an electrician make one for you.

If your trailer is wired with a 50A plug, you likely have 2 air conditioner. I don't that generator will run both.