Electrical scamp question

[joytoy1963]

I have a scamp that needs electrical work, the question is do I have to replace the so called 30 Amp wire since some crackhead stole it and cut part of it before I bought it from previous owner. The wire that it has right now is "14/3 recreational use " and it has a 15 Amp circuit breaker. Do I need to replace the wiring to the circuit breaker box to a different type of wire? or replace the box and circuit breaker?

[gordon2]

No way I would address this without an on-site inspection. That's my suggestion.. get someone comfortable with RV electrical systems to check it out in person.

Of course if you are only replacing what the crackhead stole with equivalent part(s), that should be OK, assuming things were right to start with (which may or may not be right).

PS.. your profile still shows "looking"... I assume you have "found."

[Thinh]

IMO, you do not need to replace every indvidual wire in your trailer. All you need is replacing the main feeder( extension wire with proper rate-for 30AmpAC-). The choice for double rating your consumption ( from 15 to 30 ) means you will have more options...i.e....hook up more branches for your trailer. That what I did for my Trillium1300 years ago, upgrading it from 15 to 30A and it has been OK for all the past years of campings..My upgrading actually was a 5oAmp feeder with extra 4x120VAC outlets before going to Trillium. Share..

[Thinh]

One more thing I forgot to mention: you will have to replace circuit breaker rating of 30Amp

[gordon2]

Originally Posted by Thinh

One more thing I forgot to mention: you will have to replace circuit breaker rating of 30Amp

Making a lot of assumptions about the wiring in a trailer you have not seen. If it is unmodified that might be safe. If the wiring has been modified then all bets are off.

[Darwin Maring]

We use a 12 Gauge extension cord to plug into the camp ground supply. I recommend that you use a 12 Gauge wiring as a minimum.

[Casita Greg]

If you want 30 Amp power capability, 12 gauge wire would be undersized.

The original post is a bit confusing in that she talks about replacing the QUOTE: "so called 30 amp wire," and then further down she mentions 14/3 gauge wire. Well, 14 gauge wire is only good for 15 amps. 12 Gauge wire is only good for 20 amps. And 10 gauge wire is necessary if you want to have 30 amp capability. Of course your circuit breakers must be rated accordingly as well.

In short, and sight unseen, the best advise I can give if you want to upgrade to 30 amp capacity is to completely replace your shore power cord with a length of 10/3 wire. Don't forget that your breaker will also need to be up-sized as well.

[BARNEYCONE]

Check out "wire gauges and capasity [sic]" on your computer,a world of info! Also go to "battery stuff".

[David B.]

Joy, if your Scamp does not have and air conditioner, what would be the biggest power draw in your scamp. Both of our 13' Scamps only had a fluorescent light over the stove top, and if we used an electric cube heater, we would only be drawing 1500 watts, so 15 amp service was plenty.
Dave & Paula

[joytoy1963]

Thank you for both answers, appreciate all the help.