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RV Power and Electrical

RV Solar Calculator
Let's find the right solar package for you! Finding the right solar package for your rig can be stressful with all those questions about wattage, amp hours, panel dimensions, conversion formulas, amperage ratings and more. Fortunately, we can take all that stress off your plate. Forget the complicated calculations - simply answer a few questions, and our solar calculator will find the right kit for you.
Keeping your RV, camper, or fifth wheel powered and fully operational is a must.Whether you're boondocking off-grid or camping at a site with shore power, we have products to help you make it through with no interruptions.Get power to your RV with some solar panels, a generator, shore power cords, or an extra battery or two. Manage your power systems with power inverters, converters, battery chargers, transfer switches, and voltage boosters Not only do we have those aforementioned power solutions, we also have accessories and parts to keep them running. If you need to upgrade or replace your lighting, we can help! Swap out your existing interior lights for efficient LEDs, or we have external lights such as tail lights and clearance lights to make you visible while on the road.With over 75 years of assisting our neighbors and customers, over 1 million photos and videos taken to make sure you’re getting exactly what you need, and over 35 thousand installations completed, we’ve got the product know-how and experience to help you make the right choices for the job at handWhat’s the difference between a 30-amp and a 50-amp RV power system?Your RV’s power needs determine the right setup. A 30-amp system supplies up to 3,600 watts, which works well for smaller RVs with fewer appliances running at once. A 50-amp system provides up to 12,000 watts, ideal for larger RVs with multiple air conditioners, microwaves, and TVs running at the same time. Choosing the right amperage ensures you have enough power without overloading your system.How do I keep my RV’s electrical system protected?Campground power isn’t always reliable, and one bad surge can fry your electronics. A quality surge protector prevents voltage spikes from damaging your appliances. Power management systems add extra protection by shutting off power when voltage levels are unsafe. What does an RV power converter do, and do I need one?Your RV runs on two power systems—120V AC for large appliances and 12V DC for lights, fans, and pumps. A power converter takes shore power or generator power and converts it to 12V DC to charge your batteries and run your 12V devices. If you camp with hookups, a good converter ensures a steady power supply and keeps your batteries topped off.How can I power my RV when camping off-grid?Going off-grid doesn’t mean going without power. A solar panel setup lets you generate power from the sun, keeping your batteries charged without running a generator. A portable generator or power station is also great for extra power when solar isn’t an option. For a breakdown of what solar can handle based on your setup, check out What Can You Run on Solar Power? to build a system that fits your needs.How do I safely plug my RV into shore power?Before plugging in, always check the power source for proper voltage and polarity. Use a surge protector or electrical management system to protect your RV from faulty wiring. If your RV’s power cord doesn’t match the campground outlet, an adapter (dogbone) ensures compatibility.