Every electrical appliance draws current , measured in amperage , from about 5A for a typical microwave to 9A for a typical toaster . Think of it this way : a van ’ s air-conditioner might draw 7A which , on a caravan ’ s 15A circuit , leaves 8A for other appliances .
Ultimately , a 15A circuit gives a caravanner more scope to safely run the many appliances found in a typical RV .
When the 15A ‘ standard ’ was determined , caravans weren ’ t as extensively fitted-out with electrical appliances as they are today . You could argue that a 20A circuit would nowadays be more appropriate . However , that ’ s unlikely to change , given the ‘ infrastructure ’ that supports the RV lifestyle runs off 15A – caravan parks are a case in point .
It ' s always a good idea to measure the ball weight before hitching up and setting off .
BALL WEIGHT WORRIES
You ’ ve packed your van and filled your water tanks , but before you hitch up you decide to measure the ball weight with a portable scale only to find that it ’ s much heavier than expected . Why ?
Think of your caravan as a seesaw , with the axle as the fulcrum . When heavy items are placed at the extreme end of a seesaw , greater leverage is exerted . In the case of a caravan , this effect can have implications on towing stability .
This is why it ’ s important to load particularly heavy items over the axle as much as possible . Anything else should be gradually loaded towards the front of the van so that the weight will be supported by the towbar – but it should go without saying that you must never exceed your vehicle ’ s maximum towball mass .
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