I would like to add an electrical subpanel from my home to a parked rv.?

Question

I plan to have a professional do this but would like to know a bit more about options before I contact any for estimates.  The home was built about 1950, and the panel in my home was installed in 1979, and seems small although I cannot tell what the capacity is.  I think it has 16 switches, and they all appear to be designated - I guess I would say it is "full."  In the house, there is a small two-fuse box for the washer and dryer too, I guess sort of a subpanel already.  Anyway, my main question is, would this panel have to be upgraded before adding a subpanel for the trailer?  The trailer will function as a guest cottage, and will have washer/dryer and a range, as well as lights, microwave, etc.  I am sure there are lots of variables, but at this point, I am just trying to figure out what I might be getting into it.  Thank you.

T C · Accepted Answer

Sounds like you have 100 amp.
If the panel is full, there could be some configuring done to add two sub panels one near the main and the other for the trailer. Much of this depends on what type of load you are using….and going to be using. 
You might have a service drop capable of 150 amp, in which case you may wish to upgrade to a new main panel. 
Have an electrician take a look at it to give you the options, and suggestions.

f100_supersabre · Answer

Based  on WHEN your house was built, it probably has 100 amp service.
MOST RVs, if large enough to have what you state THIS one has require 30 amp service minimum, and with an electric dryer, (and electric? range,) most likely 50 amps or possibly even 100 amps. (Check the RV main panel to determine what it is designed for.) 

There SHOULD be a MAIN breaker centered at the top of the main panel.  IF it is labeled as 100 Amps, then THAT is the service you have.
Adding a "secondary" panel for a dryer (220) is not a problem as MOST houses do not use the entire 100 amps of service they are wired for.

HOWEVER, adding another 30-50-100 amps for the RV is a different matter.  You may or may not need to upgrade the panel you have, (THAT depends on HOW the work is done as it is possible to "split" off an additional circuit in many cases AT THE METER, rather than the panel.)

Your main problem is that the power company is going to have to upgrade your service line to handle the additional load, probably to 200 amp service, (they tend to operate in multiples of 100 amps.)  THAT IS NOT CHEAP.

It MIGHT be cheaper just to have a NEW service line and meter run for the RV and "pole mounted" near where the RV is parked, (so it can be unplugged when not needed, like in an RV park.)  That depends on the power company you deal with, and LOCAL regulations.

SOME power companies have a "seasonal" rate that would permit you to be charged for the RV power ONLY when it is being used, so long as it is NOT more than 6 months at a time, with no charge, or minimal charge, the rest of the time.

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I would like to add an electrical subpanel from my home to a parked rv.?

2 Answers