Plugged in at storage area, but only 20 amp

[johnboytoo]

I need to get a gauge to measure how much juice the coach is pulling when nothing is on, so I can see what (other than a lite or two) can be used...

Know my 55" LED and direct tv DVR is out

but is there something you recommend to measure the actual power pulled ?

Any of these any good ?

on edit - read the reviews on the p3 units and now way am wasting my time on them maybe other mfg's are better ?

[spindrift]

You can always use an amp clamp on your battery positive cable to the buss. However, not many folks have a DC amp clamp.

[mhs4771]

Guess I'm a little lost. Are you trying to measure the AC Current draw, or the DC current draw.
If on a 20 Amp AC circuit you could run just about everything, just not at the same time, I.E. you could even run one AirConditioner as long as not much is on.
If you're looking to measure the DC current draw you need to either us a DC Clamp, or put a Digital Multimeter set to read Amps inline between the Battery and the RW.

[JerryL]

Originally Posted by johnboytoo

I need to get a gauge to measure how much juice the coach is pulling when nothing is on, so I can see what (other than a lite or two) can be used...

Know my 55" LED and direct tv DVR is out

but is there something you recommend to measure the actual power pulled ?

Any of these any good ?

on edit - read the reviews on the p3 units and now way am wasting my time on them maybe other mfg's are better ?

20 amps has always been good for my storage. I think about the only thing running in most of these while stored, and everything turned off, is the battery charger. The co2 detector shouldn't be much of a draw on the batteries.

[johnboytoo]

I've winterized, but since the plan is to go out twice in December,

and sorry to be ambiguous in my question - I knew EGG-xactly what I meant

AC wattage is what I'm interested in ...
know 20 amp is a little over 2000 watts or so @ 100V, so I'm wondering if I could put a small (say 900 to 1500 watt) electric heater to supplement the furnace and use the electricity I'm given versus
having to wrestle those 40 lb bottles out to get them filled right in the middle of our trips

[mhs4771]

You should be fine, as long as you don't try and run much more. I'm not sure how much the converter would draw if it were to kick into the bulk charge mode, as long as it stayed in float mode probably not a big draw.
I had at one time a short (only a few feet) extension cord that I cut into the cord and cut the hot lead and put banana plugs on the cut ends. Allowed me to put my amp meter in-line and measure the current draw of each appliance (did that on a previous TT).

[redwoodin with remy]

Originally Posted by johnboytoo

I've winterized, but since the plan is to go out twice in December,

and sorry to be ambiguous in my question - I knew EGG-xactly what I meant

AC wattage is what I'm interested in ...
know 20 amp is a little over 2000 watts or so @ 100V, so I'm wondering if I could put a small (say 900 to 1500 watt) electric heater to supplement the furnace and use the electricity I'm given versus
having to wrestle those 40 lb bottles out to get them filled right in the middle of our trips

You're getting close. I have done this and found that the cheaper ceramic heaters work well. You can set at low power and most have thermostat setting as low as 38 degrees.
I have two in my 39mb to supplement the fireplace set at low power (750w) when unit is in use. Hardly ever hear gas kick on, unless in lower twenties, which is ok because basement needs a little love.

These heaters usually have good saftey features. The ceramic are less likely to burn pets or children or Redwoods.

Remember...every watt that you use is more gallons in your tank.

[redwoodin with remy]

NOW here is my opinion on 40 pound tanks.

I use 20 pound instead because...

1. LIGHTER

2. If filling by the gallon, same cost

3. You can strap a spare in truck for convience

4. If fill is unavailable, you can exchange at a lot of places, but a little extra cost, and usually only 15 pounds.

5. Did I mention lighter

[almcc]

If this information is any help to you, using an A/C clamp on meter I measured the A/C draw to our older 5th wheel (a Glendale Titanium) while in Mexico (because most campsites there were 15 amp). The convertor was similar to what's in the Redwood. With the TV and satellite internet running and everything else off (water heater and fridge running on gas and CO/propane detector running) I was pulling about 4 amps.

I would expect a similar amp draw on the Redwood. You should be able to run an electric heater.

[atom ant]

Originally Posted by redwoodin with remy

NOW here is my opinion on 40 pound tanks.

I use 20 pound instead because...

1. LIGHTER

2. If filling by the gallon, same cost

3. You can strap a spare in truck for convience

4. If fill is unavailable, you can exchange at a lot of places, but a little extra cost, and usually only 15 pounds.

5. Did I mention lighter

Brian,

Did you change to longer pigtail hoses to use the 20#, or did you elevate them? Some folks had problems with the hoses being too short even with the 30#.

Something to be said for lighter, and the ability to exchange doesn't hurt either We got the 40s, and they are heavy, but I like the extra capacity.

[Dan]

Brian

Since you like the 20#'s did you ever think of trying to configure a rack for 4

[redwoodin with remy]

Originally Posted by atom ant

Brian,

Did you change to longer pigtail hoses to use the 20#, or did you elevate them? Some folks had problems with the hoses being too short even with the 30#.

Something to be said for lighter, and the ability to exchange doesn't hurt either We got the 40s, and they are heavy, but I like the extra capacity.

Only had to change one pigtail, and dropped the strap a few inches. I still use the 40's in summer because they last so long on fridge..still carry a 20 spare on long trips, fits below sides of bed.

Changing the pigtails is not a bad idea every 2-3 years. If you have a gas leak, it will be most likely there.

[redwoodin with remy]

Originally Posted by Dan

Brian

Since you like the 20#'s did you ever think of trying to configure a rack for 4

Funny you should say that, when I was installing the generator and beating myself up on fuel sorce, I looked into stacking a 20 on top of a 30. You would have to fab a new bottom bracket, but the tanks would stack. You could do this by installing a second tank switch an a tee.
You can also fit a small motorhome tank on the basement framerail, but then you would have to drive up to gas fill, axed that idea, but would make out of the way storage.

[mhs4771]

We actually looked at an Open Range recently that used Dual 20 pounders on a tray, 2 on each side. Problem it took away from the front storage/generator area.