hookup

[CricketSail]

A little closer to my rv life every day. I'm already starting to plan an itinerary. I plan to visit so many friends and family all over the US. Now, what about hookup when I'm visiting. Is it possible or advisable to hookup electric from someone's driveway to their house. Is this ok to do this or poor form to even ask? What could/might go wrong? thanks

[Redetotry]

Here is a web site I found some time ago, it has pictures and information about plugging into a home electrical system. Hope this helps.

http://www.everything-about-rving.com/c ... ystem.html

[BirdbyBird]

You can always ask to hook up.... Right after to ask how flat and long their driveway is. I have even run my AC off of the house current but this only works when the house have good wiring and electrical service and that the electrical circuit you are using is not trying to support a lot of other electrical needs of the house. Should also use a heave duty extension cord....

[JudyJB]

I have a Class C with 30 AMP hookup. I have hooked up electric, mostly so I could run my single AC, at both of my sons' houses, using one of those 30-to-20 amp adapters. A couple of warnings, however:

- Make sure you use ONLY your 30 AMP cord and the adapter. If it is not long enough, buy a second 30 AMP extension cord. It isn't a bad idea to own a 25' 30 AMP extension cord anyway, as every once in a while you will end up at a camping spot with the hookup a very long way away.
- Choose an outlet in the house that is NOT hooked up to much of anything else. For example, at one son's house we discovered the extra refrigerator he had in the garage was also hooked to that outlet because it kept blowing fuses. My son plugged the refrigerator into another circuit and all was well.
- Switch your refrigerator over to propane instead of allowing it to run on electric or auto while you are hooked up to the 20 amp fuse. You should probably NOT use your microwave or coffeepot or other high-usage items while you are plugged in. TV was fine because it does not pull much current, however.

Over time, I have tended to make things simpler and just find a nearby campground, even when visiting relatives. It just gives everyone some privacy, but I think a lot depends on how long your visit is going to be. Remember the old "Fish and visitors stink in three days."

Living with limited water is another issue. I recommend you try to get full hookups until your kids are old enough to more easily shower in public facilities. We have done very quick showers with toddlers, but it is tough to teach them to use limited water for things like hand washing and teeth brushing because they tend to leave the water running. Not sure how old your kids are.

[Bethers]

And I always offer to pay towards my electric. Friends and family always say no - but there are ways to contribute - food, etc, to cover it.

[BayouLady]

And I always offer to pay towards my electric. Friends and family always say no - but there are ways to contribute - food, etc, to cover it.

Leave a check in the bathroom, they won't see it til after you're gone and by that time, they can't give it back lol

[Pooker]

Most of my experience plugging into household current at friends and family homes does not allow running the A/C without blowing a circuit breaker. Seems to ALWAYS happen when visiting in heat and humidity (when you'd like it the most!). We usually only used it for the fridge and perhaps a fan. If full hookups were absolutely necessary we opted for a nearby RV park. We're told pulling lower amps than the appliance requires can possibly ruin the appliance.