Charging at RV parks

[DBC-]

I wonder how the state parks in my state (NY) are wired. I've seen a number of Teslas plugged in on extension cords on what are definitely 30 amp sites. My camper's power wasn't affected a few sites down. But there was a single car or two. Not a lot. We'll see!

 

[DblOSmith]

I've camped at several parks across the gulf coast and I've only been refused charging at one spot in Florida. They made it crystal clear that EVs could not charge and that they will be checking, even if only using 5-15. Everywhere else, they welcomed me charging using 14-50 and out of courtesy, I've amped down to 20 amps which was perfect for the running the AC and peripherals... as well as comfortable sleeping on hot days/nights... and still leaving with full charge after a weekend.

 

[kpanda17]

this is the one, I used it, TT-30P

 

[DuncanM]

In some situations, charging at RV parks is the most efficient way to get from A to B on a road trip. When that is the case here are a few things you should know:

RV parks are a relatively low-margin business, and electrical infrastructure is a large capital expense. Wiring, breakers, and receptacles are sized based on normal RV use, which is pretty light compared to the continuous draw of a charging EV. Therefore, RV park owners have a very valid point when they refuse to allow EV charging, or they charge extra for EVs. The extra cost is not so much due to the extra cost of the electricity delivered, which is something, but not very much, but the extra cost in meeting saftey standards for a continuous draw of a high level of power. Larger gauge wire of higher quality, and more robust fixtures are not cheap.

Tesla owners could move the conversation forward by gently educating RV park owners that it is possible to control the amperage that our cars draw from their pedestals. We are in this together, and can approach the situation as a problem to be solved in the interests of everyone. The impact to the electrical infrastructure of an RV park is significantly less with an EV charging at 24 amps instead of 32 amps (which is the default using the standard NEMA 14-50 adapter on 50-amp service at an RV Park). Both amperage levels will get the job done overnight, but dialing down the amps you draw on the screen under "Charging" so that you just meet your target charge level in the time you have, will benefit everyone. Park owners will be less likely to see overheating or damage, and Tesla owners will be less likely to cause damage to undersized electrical infrastructure.

An example: Long Range Model 3s and Ys have about a 75 kWh battery pack. Therefore, to go from 15% state-of-charge to 80% is a difference of 65%. Sixty-five percent of 75 kWh is 48.75 kWh, or rounding-up, 50 kWh. Twenty-four amps times 230 volts is 5.52 kW. Twelve hours times 5.52 kW gives you 66.24 kWh, enough to get about +88% charge, or more than enough in almost any situation. Fast charging is great, but when you are spending the night anyway, all that really matters is that you have enough juice the next morning to get to your next charging station!

View attachment 1058338
"Tesla Road Trip - staging for the Colonial Parkway drive" by NathaniaJohnson is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
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I have planned some EV road trips where RV campgrounds were potential charging sites (Would only need 1-2 hours max at 30A/240v) to get me to the next DCFC. I phoned ahead to make sure that EV charging was OK and the results were mixed, despite the sites being listed on plugshare, and the fees quoted were, in one case, exorbitant.

 

[Earl]

I have planned some EV road trips where RV campgrounds were potential charging sites (Would only need 1-2 hours max at 30A/240v) to get me to the next DCFC. I phoned ahead to make sure that EV charging was OK and the results were mixed, despite the sites being listed on plugshare, and the fees quoted were, in one case, exorbitant.

That is fairly typical of my experience. When you're in remote areas and have to resort to RV parks, you need to be grateful for what you can find. Its likely to cost a few $, not for the electricity but for someone actually having what you need and who has no idea what you're going to do with/to it or how much it is likely to cost them.
My standard response to them when they ask how much I think it will cost electricity I'll use is "I'll probably need about $10 of electricity but how about $20?"
I've also run into RV parks that have meters and charge high prices for electricity. Unless there's a better, certain option and I have time to shop around, I smile and say "Thanks!", then pay it. If there is a better option, I'll generally charge for a little at the high rate, pay them, smile, thank them for the electrons (you may have to come back to them) then move on to try the other option(s). This approach does a couple of things:
1) it does not alienate them to EV drivers (again, you may need their services - still cheaper than a tow from the middle of nowhere).
2) it leaves them with the impression that it isn't like a $100 tank of gas of their pickup truck and won't be a big cash cow so maybe they'll be reasonable.

 

[MikeGracz]

I have planned some EV road trips where RV campgrounds were potential charging sites (Would only need 1-2 hours max at 30A/240v) to get me to the next DCFC. I phoned ahead to make sure that EV charging was OK and the results were mixed, despite the sites being listed on plugshare, and the fees quoted were, in one case, exorbitant.

Yeah, I have been charged extra- much more than a charging session would cost- but often willing to pay for the convenience the RV parks provided (remote location and an overnight stop). One problem with Plugshare is that anyone can list a business, even without the business owner's knowledge. That practice should stop. It's nice to let other EV drivers know that you were able to charge at a spot, but you should clear it with the owner first. Many are willing to grant a one-time favor, but don't really want their locations to be broadcast to everyone!

 

[Earl]

One problem with Plugshare is that anyone can list a business, even without the business owner's knowledge. That practice should stop.

I always ask the owner (not necessarily the clerk at the desk) whether its ok to list a site on Plugshare.com. Once I show them the app, most are delighted for the free publicity but it is still reasonable courtesy to ask.
It's hard to police this though. Early on, there were 2 contending apps/sites, plugshare.com and carstations.com (ignoring evchargernews.com - the grandfather of them all and Recargo.com, both of which ceded to plugshare.com). Carstations tried to verify and validate new stations but this eventually overwhelmed them and they shut down. I'm not sure there's a feasible way to verify without a huge, unrealistic amount of operating money. I think the best option is for plugshare users to limit their expectations from plugshare by realizing it is not a commitment but, rather, just the experience of whomever made the entry and subsequent reviewers and subject to change.
It isn't perfect by a long shot but I think its pretty much the best we can hope for at this time. Just keep checking in when you use stations.

 

[Oparide]

Currently in Dubois Wyoming for 3 nights and happy to say they were very accommodating to allow me to charge my Tesla here. They are also planning on setting up a few ev chargers as they are having many ev owners camp here.

 

[Dangaurd_Ace]

We were at a campground (in japan/100V POWER) asked for a site with electricity. owner came to look cause we didn't have an RV, but a tent, scratched his head, asked what we are powering, said fridge, laptop and car, scratches head, wife comes over, looks scratches head, guy that looks like wise old samurai in every anime. asks if I can drive to the back of the building (200V LAUNDRY MACHINE) would you like to plug in to this? WOOOOO HOOOO, so engaging, chatting, getting a warm relationship with the facility goes a long way, as generations fade out of OMG I have to talk to someone, it's less harmful if I'm sneaky, and won't cause self induced anxiety from OMG talking to someone....japan is great for this that it's still old...like using cash, and having to not do reservations but gamble driving to a spot and hope something is open.

definitely pitch in extra for the AMPS + bathrooms/wi-fi/ place to walk the dog...and chat with OMG talk to people.

stay safe

RECOGNIZE

 

[DblOSmith]

Currently in Dubois Wyoming for 3 nights and happy to say they were very accommodating to allow me to charge my Tesla here. They are also planning on setting up a few ev chargers as they are having many ev owners camp here.View attachment 1068938View attachment 1068938

Heya. I'm planning a potential Wyoming trip later this year. A few spots I want to try. How was that spot? Is there a lot to see up there?

 

[Oparide]

Heya. I'm planning a potential Wyoming trip later this year. A few spots I want to try. How was that spot? Is there a lot to see up there?

The highlight was Yellowstone National Park

 

[Oparide]

Heya. I'm planning a potential Wyoming trip later this year. A few spots I want to try. How was that spot? Is there a lot to see up there?

Depends if you like being away from the crowds and no internet connection. If remote is appealing to you then you’ll probably enjoy it.

 

[iamreacher]

Which is the best way to charge RVs during a long trip, gas stations or there?

 

[kpanda17]

Which is the best way to charge RVs during a long trip, gas stations or there?

arrive almost uncharged, hopefully you get a 14-50 for 40 amps at the RV site and you will be 80% or higher in the AM