RV Power Accessories

RV Power Accessories: What You Need to Keep the Adventure Going

Owning an RV is synonymous with freedom and adventure, allowing you to explore the great outdoors without sacrificing the comforts of home. However, this freedom also comes with the responsibility of ensuring that your RV is well-equipped to handle various power needs. From keeping your appliances running to ensuring that your devices stay charged, having the right power accessories is non-negotiable. In this article, we’ll explore some essential RV power accessories that every RV owner should keep on hand.

1. Portable Generator

Integrated and portable generators are vital RV power accessories that serve as a reliable backup power source, especially when you’re camping off-grid or in locations where shore power isn’t available. Generators come in various sizes and power outputs, so it’s important to choose one that fits your needs.

While selecting your generator, keep in mind the total wattage you’ll need to run all of your RV’s appliances simultaneously. A generator with a power output of at least 3,000 watts is usually sufficient for most RVs, but if you have a large rig or heavy electrical demands you might require a more powerful model.

Inverter Generators: These generators are quiet, fuel-efficient, and environmentally friendly. This makes them a popular choice for powering small devices on the go. Their batteries are conveniently charged by your RV’s engine. It only takes around 3 hours of constant driving to fully charge your inverter, which will give you about 2 days' worth of use.

Dual-Fuel Generators: This versatile generator can run on either a gasoline or propane fuel source, providing you with the flexibility to use whichever fuel you have on hand.

2. Solar Panels

Solar panels are excellent for supporting the power demands of your RV and recharging your inverter. Since solar panels harness the sun’s energy to power your RV, they can help you to reduce your reliance on generators and shore power. They’re especially useful for extended stays in remote areas where traditional power sources aren’t available.

When investing in solar panels, you should also consider purchasing a solar charge controller. They regulate the power going into your batteries to prevent overcharging. This is great for significantly extending your solar panel’s battery life and reducing your need for replacements

Portable Solar Panels: These can be set up for use while you’re parked, and stored away when you’re ready to hit the road. To top it off, portable solar panels are lightweight and easy to position for maximum sunlight exposure.

Roof-Mounted Solar Panels: These solar panels are permanently installed on your RV’s roof, providing a continuous power source without the need for setup and takedown.

3. RV Battery Bank

A battery bank is an essential RV power accessory that is used for storing the power generated by your solar panels or generator. RV batteries come in two main types: lead-acid and lithium-ion. No matter your choice, we also recommend investing in a good battery monitoring system to help you keep track of your battery levels. This way, you never have to worry about running out of power unexpectedly!

Lead-Acid Batteries: This affordable option is the go-to choice for RV owners. However, they are heavier and have a shorter lifespan than lithium-ion batteries.

Lithium-Ion Batteries: While these batteries are more expensive than lead-acid batteries, they offer peak efficiency, a long lifespan, and are lightweight. They also have a faster recharge rate and can be deeply discharged without damaging the battery.

4. Inverter

An inverter is essential for converting the DC currents stored in your batteries into AC currents that can be used to power your RV’s appliances. The size of the inverter you need depends on the power requirements of the devices you plan to run. For example, a 2,000-watt inverter is generally sufficient for most RV needs. However, you may require a larger one if you use multiple high-wattage appliances

Pure Sine Wave Inverters: These provide clean, stable power that’s safe for sensitive electronics like laptops, TVs, and medical devices.

Modified Sine Wave Inverters: This inverter is more affordable than a Pure Sin Wave Inverter, but it might not be suitable for all electronics. That is, Modified Sine Wave Inverters are known to be loud and not quite as dependable as its Pure Sin Wave counterpart.

5. Surge Protector

A surge protector guards your RV’s electrical system from power surges, such as when you connect to shore power or use a generator. If left unchecked, power surges can cause significant damage to your RV’s electronics and appliances, leading to pricy repairs.

Basic Surge Protectors: These offer minimal protection and are often built into power strips.

EMS (Electrical Management System) Surge Protectors: They provide more comprehensive protection than basic surge protectors and fight a wide range of electrical issues like voltage spikes, low voltage, and improper wiring.

6. RV Power Cords and Adapters

Having the right power cords and adapters is essential for connecting your RV to various power sources. The standard RV power connections are 30-amp and 50-amp, but you might encounter different setups depending on where you camp. Luckily, our Dogbone Adapters instantly adapt plugs and receptacles to provide you with the connections that you need.

30-Amp Power Cords: These are for smaller RVs with fewer power needs. They are rated for up to 3,600 watts.

50-Amp Power Cords: Perfect for larger RVs with more power-hungry appliances, they are rated for up to 12,000 watts.

15A or 30A Dogbone Adapters: These adapters allow you to connect your RV to a power source with a different amperage. For example, a 30-amp to 50-amp adapter is useful when your RV requires a 50-amp connection, but only a 30-amp outlet is available. While our Dogbone Adapters can transform connections, it’s important to note that they can only be used for the lower amperage rating. For example, our 30A to 15A RV Adapter should never be used to distribute more than 15 amps of power.

7. Power Management System

A power management system (PMS) helps you optimize and manage your RV’s power usage by monitoring your power consumption in real-time. Many of these systems are built into the controls of your RV, since they automatically balance your system’s load to maximize efficiency and prevent circuit overloads. A PMS is particularly useful for large RVs with complex electrical systems, ensuring that you make the most of your available power.

Automatic Transfer Switches: These allow your RV to automatically switch between power sources (shore power, generator, or inverter) without manual intervention. They are typically electronic and built into the RV’s Power Management System.

Load Shedding Systems: They prioritize power to essential systems. When your RV is facing periods of high electrical demand, it temporarily shuts off less critical loads to prevent overloading.

8. Battery Charger and Maintainer

A battery charger is necessary for keeping your RV batteries charged when you’re plugged into shore power. A good charger will maintain your batteries without overcharging them, prolonging their lifespan.

In the off-season when your RV is not in use, we recommend using a battery maintainer to ensure that your batteries keep their charge. This way, they’re ready to hit the road whenever you are!

Smart Chargers: These adjust the charging rate based on the battery’s condition to prevent overcharging and extend your battery’s life.

Trickle Chargers: Ideal for maintaining battery charge during storage periods, they prevent the battery from discharging completely.

Equipping yourself with the right RV power accessories is key to enjoying a smooth and comfortable journey. Our RV Power Cords, Dogbone Adapters, and RV Power Outlets can all be found on our RV Products Page. If you have any questions about this article or would like to request a quote, please email us at info@bigelectricsupply.com or dial (317) 721-4702 today!