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12-Volt DC Chassis Automotive System<\/h3>\n\n\n\n It is worth mentioning here that drivable motorhomes have a separate battery-operated system to run the vehicle. As in the tow vehicle, a 12-volt DC system (called a chassis) is necessary to provide the needed power to start the engine.\u00a0<\/strong> The lights and other things like the radio can be run on the battery as well.\u00a0 (Of course, until it dies.)<\/p>\n\n\n\nSimilarly, travel trailers use the wiring connections at the hitch to supply the 12-volt DC automotive system to the trailer brakes as well as parking and brake lights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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120-Volt AC System<\/h3>\n\n\n\n The 120-volt power source for your RV is much like the electrical system you have in your house.<\/strong> It is responsible for supplying electricity to your television, all the outlets, the microwave, and the air conditioner. <\/p>\n\n\n\nAdditionally, it provides electricity for the hot water heater in electric mode. The 120-volt system will also run the washing machine and dryer, if your RV has them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The 120-volt power in your camper comes from either a 15-, 30-, or 50-amp plug.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you are plugged into shore power many systems will run on AC power. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Interestingly, most RVs are set up with smart systems. So when you are off-grid on battery, only some of the smart appliances will switch over to run on DC.\u00a0 Smart appliances – like the refrigerator and water heater – use the DC power and propane together when disconnected from the 120-volt system. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe 120-volt AC system generally powers the following things:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nOutlets<\/li>\n\n\n\n Interior Lights<\/li>\n\n\n\n TV<\/li>\n\n\n\n Refrigerator when switched to AC<\/li>\n\n\n\n Microwave<\/li>\n\n\n\n Air conditioner<\/li>\n\n\n\n Converter will charge\/maintain battery<\/li>\n\n\n\n Water heater when switched to AC<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Common RV Makes and Models and Their Voltages<\/h2>\n\n\n\nRV Manufacturer<\/strong><\/td>RV Model (2020)<\/strong><\/td>DC Voltage(s)<\/strong><\/td>Electrical Plug Type<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Winnebago<\/td> Solis <\/td> 12-Volt Battery<\/td> 50 amp<\/td><\/tr> Winnebago<\/td> Vista 31BE<\/td> 45 amps Battery Converter<\/td> 30 amp<\/td><\/tr> Leisure Travel Vans<\/td> Unity Rear Lounge<\/td> 12-Volt Battery<\/td> 30 amp<\/td><\/tr> Airstream<\/td> Caravel 20FB<\/td> 12-Volt Direct Current<\/td> 30 amp<\/td><\/tr> Cedar Creek<\/td> Hathaway 36CK2<\/td> 12-Volt Battery<\/td> 50 amp<\/td><\/tr> Keystone RV<\/td> Montana 3121RL<\/td> 265-watt Solar Panel<\/td> 50 amp<\/td><\/tr> Taxa<\/td> Mantis<\/td> 12-Volt Direct Current<\/td> 30 amp<\/td><\/tr> Shasta<\/td> 31OK<\/td> 12-Volt Battery<\/td> 30 amp<\/td><\/tr> Venom<\/td> V-Series V3815TK<\/td> 12-Volt Battery<\/td> 50 amp<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>The voltage for the AC and DC system of common RVs<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
What’s the Difference Between 30 Amp and 50 Amp?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n RV electrical systems can come in 30 amp and 50 amp systems. Some older or smaller RVs may have a 15 amp system, but these are rare. The difference between 30 amp and 50 amp RVs is the electric load capabilities – a 50 amp RV has a higher load requirement than a 30 amp RV.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Common RV Electrical Plug Types<\/h2>\n\n\n\n Almost every RV found in the market comes equipped with a power cord, which you can use to plug in to the electrical system (aka shore power) at a campground.<\/strong> These electrical plugs are determined by the wiring in the RV and the amount of power necessary to run all the different features in that RV. \u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\nYour RV electrical plug should match the required amps of your RV. <\/strong>These plugs – also known as shore power connections – can be 30 amp or 50 amp. Some smaller or older RVs may have 15 amp connections but this is unusual.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nSimilarly, the voltage of RV hookups at your campground will be 30 or 50 amp (maybe 15 as well). <\/strong>Some places only supply 30 amp wires and limit the amount of power you can draw. At your site, there will be a pedestal with one or more receptacles that you can plug into – if there’s more than one, make sure you’re plugging your RV into the receptacle that matches your amperage.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIf the receptacles are not labeled, you can tell them apart by the number of prongs<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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30 Amp RV Plugs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n A 30 amp plug has three prongs. It is equipped with a neutral wire, a 120-volt hot wire, and a ground wire. <\/strong>This plug type is mainly used on the lower load requirements of a motorhome or travel trailer. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhen wondering if a 30 amp RV plug is 110 or 220 volts, you should know that a 30 amp RV requires 110v. This will generate a maximum of 3,600 watts, even with an adapter.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
50 Amp RV Plugs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Conversely, a 50 amp plug has four prongs: a ground wire, a neutral wire, and two 120-volt wires<\/strong>. Additionally, it supplies two different 120-volt feeds. <\/p>\n\n\n\nAn RV with a 50 amp electrical service can provide a maximum power of 12,000 watts. However, if you use an adapter on it, that power load will be limited to 3,600 watts.<\/p>\n\n\n
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Larger RVs, such as fifth wheels, often have 50 amp electrical systems.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Common RV Electrical Questions (FAQ)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Are RV Outlets the Same as House Outlets?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n RV outlets inside the RV are essentially wired the same as house outlets.\u00a0 You can plug in as you would at home.\u00a0 However, the actual plug assembly <\/em>may be self-contained and require an RV plug when replaced.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nSimilar to a house, you will find GFCI plugs in the kitchen and bathroom. These are the same as in a house and can be reset in the same way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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What Happens When You Plug 110 Camper into 220v?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Accidentally plugging in a 110 camper into a 220v outlet could cause internal damage to the electrical systems in the RV.<\/em>\u00a0<\/strong> However, the RV is equipped with a breaker box and fuses that will hopefully protect your electrical system.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nChances are you would damage the converter and inverter in the camper and possibly other systems which were switched on at the time.\u00a0 Other systems that could be damaged include the TV, radio, microwave, and air conditioner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An RV electrician would be needed to work on the electrical system at the cost of over $100 per hour. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Is 50 Amp RV Plug 220 Or 110?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n If your 50 amp RV plug has four prongs, then that means it has 220 volts of power. <\/em><\/strong>Two of these prongs will carry 120v and 50amps each. As for the other two prongs, one should be neutral while the other should be grounded. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
What is the Difference Between 30 amp and 50 amp RV Hookup?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Campground outlets for 30Amp and 50 Amp<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nAgain, the main difference between a 30 amp and 50 amp plug hookup is that 30 amps have three prongs while 50 amps have four.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nA 30 amp RV hookup is more common in smaller motorhome units with fewer appliances that rely on electricity. <\/strong>It also typically has a single 120-volt hot pin, a round ground pin, as well as a flat neutral. A single 30 amp RV cam handle up to 3,600 watts.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOn the other hand, larger RVs have 50 amp hookups to power their more luxurious setup. A 50 amp hookup has two 120 volt hot pins, a ground, and a flat neutral. This can provide your RV with up to 12,000 watts of power, which is pretty substantial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Can I Plug My 50 Amp RV into My Dryer Outlet?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Usually, you will not be able to plug your RV straight into your home…but there is an exception. Most Class A motorhomes work on 50 amps electrical systems. That means they need a power of 240 volts, which is the same as the modern dryer outlet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Proceed with caution: You can plug your 50 amp RV into a dryer outlet if the voltage, amps, and plug match the power requirements for your RV.<\/em><\/strong> You should first double-check with an electrician to ensure the outlet matches your RV.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHowever, please note that this is not recommended and tends not to work very well.<\/em><\/strong> This is because your home’s power supply often cannot provide the electrical draw of your RV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Can you run a 50-amp RV on 110?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n You can run a 50 amp RV on a 110 outlet with the use of an adapter. However, you will be very limited on the amount of power supplied to your RV. You will not be able to run the AC, microwave, or other big appliances.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you try to run the features that take too much power you will likely flip a breaker in your house. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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How Much Does It Cost to Install a 50-amp RV Outlet?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Installing a 50-amp RV outlet requires more electrical work than the outlet itself and will cost $1,500 to $3,000. The cost to install a 50-amp RV outlet will include breakers, conductor wire, upgrading your electric box, and more. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nA standard 50-amp RV service may seem straightforward but the outlet is just the beginning of the project.\u00a0 You will likely need two 50-amp breakers, heavy gauge conductor wire to run from the panel to the outlet, a 50-amp box, and a receptacle. Also, if you do not already have the capacity for the two new 50-amp breakers, you will need to upgrade your service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n$4 – $6\/foot for the wire\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n $70 for the outlet\/service box to plug in to<\/li>\n\n\n\n $100 – $200 for breaker at service\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n $100 – $300 for trenching to lay the conduit<\/li>\n\n\n\n $150\/hour for the electrician for \u00bd to a full day\u2019s work<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Final Thoughts on RV Electric Setup Basics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n To sum things up, while you don’t need to be an electrician or memorize all of this information, you should get familiar with the basics of your RV’s electrical systems. This will help you avoid many common mistakes and problems. Plus, it can also help you save money by knowing what appliances to buy and what products to use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To read more about electrical components of your RV, including batteries and other electrical questions, read these:<\/p>\n\n\n\n