Campground charging checklist? What do I need?

[Firn]

I have not charged at a campground so take this as you will.

The tesla mobile charger can be equipped with half a dozen or so ends to fit different outlets. Each end changes the power draw of the charger to the max that outlet can support. For $500 you not only get a highly rated adjustable mobile charger, you also get a large number of adapters for different plug-ins.

It is possible that the power pedistal at the campsite will have 120v but on different phases. It is possible to get a special cable that will use the two 120v outlets to give you 240v (note, two 120v outlets doesn't automatically give you 240v). With a custom made adapter you can get your Ford mobile charger to provide 240v 12a, which will charge at almost three times faster than 120v 12a. This is much faster than 120v if the campsite does not provide a 14-50 connector.

There is a VERY SLIM chance the Cadilliac TT-30 connector end would work with out Ford mobile chargers to provide 24a on a 120v 30a plug. It has been tested with the Mach-E charger and does NOT work, however maybe the Lightning charger is different enough.

If you switch the 14-50 end with one from a Mach-E i believe your charger will provide 240v 32a instead of 30a.

Sponsored

 

[Wattsgas]

Looking at the plugs, does this look compatible with our portable Ford Charger?

Yes it is

 

[Newton]

Campgrounds around here (in the Pacific NW) are getting fairly sticky about it - not to be mean but honestly many campgrounds electrical systems barely handle normal campground loads safely and are not designed for continuous maximum power draw from many EVs. It is best to call ahead, more modern ones that cater to big RVs are likely to have 14-50s which are a real score if you are in a hurry. We have had very good luck by asking nicely (not in the busy season). We have had really good luck at places with small/tiny buildings or dorms that you can stay at, many already have EVSEs somewhere. Sometimes they are ICEd. At our age, small buildings are really nicer than tents.

As a boater, I have a whole trunk full of adapters which you can get on Amazon. I use the Grizzl*E mini which allows you to set the amperage (very important!) and which comes with a few adapters. It is a bit fiddly but works, honestly though look for one that lets you set the amperage from the device rather than connecting to a private WIFI connector and playing internet games. Bring something to wrap the interface between the connectors and your cable.

 

[SMMD]

Having just completed a 10,000 mile coast to coast RV (not an EV) trip, from west to east on I80 and I90 and back mostly on I40, and staying at about 60+ campgrounds, I’d say about 20-25% explicitly state “No EV charging”. I can only imagine this percentage will increase with time as the infrastructure in campgrounds wasn’t designed to fill up our very large batteries. They might work in a pinch, but relying on them as a standard practice may not be optimal.

 

[WilliamRobert]

I made my own extension cord, 30’ , seal tight conduit UV resistant, 6awg thhn , out door 14-50 receptical box mounted to 1x6 treated lumber that I set on blocks and hold in place with the leveling jack. Charge at 40 amps! Some campground 50amp breakers maybe old and not take that load, then you charge at 32amps. I had a permanent camp site so I just put in a new breaker, I also payed for my own electric.

Sponsored