DIY: Our New 30 amp Driveway Hookup

By Mike Wendland | Updated Jan 10, 2015

For visiting Roadtreking friends and to warm and power up my own rig, I've added a 30 amp driveway hookup.

Brandon installing the metal mounting post through the frozen ground. — Electrician Brandon installing the metal mounting post with a drill through the frozen ground.

Brandon from Brachter Electric did the install, in 15-degree Fahrenheit temperatures. He used a power drill to get a pole in the ground and mounted the hookup box. We'll bury the cable come spring thaw.

I used the same firm a couple weeks ago to install a 20kW whole house automatic generator. That way, when we're on the road, I don't have to worry about losing power at home and damage from freezing pipes or other issues.

The 30 amp hookup is located alongside a parking area I use for the RV.

I'm tempted to leave my Roadtrek CS Adventurous XL plugged in all the time, with the heater set for keep the inside of the rig around 45-50 degrees.

Not sure how much power that would take and what it would add to the monthly utility bill.

But most of the use will be by visiting Roadtreking pals who need a place to stay and hookup.

Just to see how it worked, I plugged in to my new 30 amp driveway connection and started the electric part of the coach's Alde heating system. It was 23 degrees when I turned it on. After a few hours, it had warned to 50. I think I'll keep it there unless my house electric bill shoots up dramatically.

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Mike Wendland

Published on 2015-01-10

Mike Wendland is a multiple Emmy-award-winning Journalist, Podcaster, YouTuber, and Blogger, who has traveled with his wife, Jennifer, all over North America in an RV, sharing adventures and reviewing RV, Camping, Outdoor, Travel and Tech Gear for the past 12 years. They are leading industry experts in RV living and have written 18 travel books.

2 Responses to “DIY: Our New 30 amp Driveway Hookup”

January 11, 2015at10:43 am, BlvdCruiser1 said:

I am going to do the same project this spring. We are on a septic tank and will also install a dump station and a fresh water connection. Thankfully my septic tank, water and electricity are within 25 feet of where I park my 5th wheel. After all connections are installed, we are going to pour a concrete pad to park on.