If you’re driving an RV, it's bound to have a set of deep cycle batteries that you can charge using the vehicle’s alternator when you’re driving. But what do you do when you’re stationary or parked at an RV park or campsite for a few days? This is where you can take advantage of RV shore power, a term used to describe an external power source that can run your RV’s appliances when you’re stationary.
While you’ll find various options for generating RV shore power, such as solar panels or an RV generator, a Jackery Solar Generator is a versatile and renewable option you can consider. These solar generators rely on solar energy and offer enough capacity to run most of your RV’s appliances quietly and safely.
Key Takeaways
Shore power is critical to ensure you have enough electrical output to run your RV and its appliances when parked at a campsite. Here are a few key takeaways from this guide:
- Shore power refers to an external power source that can run your RV’s appliances when you’re stationary or parked somewhere.
- You’ll typically find 30 and 50-amp systems depending on the size of your RV.
- You can use various options as an external power source for your RV, such as solar panels or a Jackery Solar Generator, RV generators, batteries, or shore power.
- You should either check the power pedestal or the circuit breaker if your shore power isn’t working.
What is RV Shore Power?
As mentioned in the introduction, shore power refers to an external source of power that you can use to run your RV appliances, and you’ll often find these at RV parks or campsites. They’re an AC (alternating current) source while the batteries in your RV run on DC (direct current) power.
When you plug your RV into a shower power source, it provides the output needed to run any AC appliances onboard your motorhome. The AC power also runs through a power inverter, which turns it from AC to DC power to charge the deep-cycle batteries in your RV.
This is a convenient option, especially when your vehicle is stationary. You can’t rely on your RV’s batteries to run your appliances for fear of them completely draining out.
How Does the RV Shore Power Work?
RVs are usually connected to shore power using a 30—or 50-amp electrical system. You can check what kind of system your RV uses by checking its power cord. A 30-amp system typically uses a three-pronged plug and can receive 3,600 watts of power, whereas a 50-amp system has a four-pronged plug and can receive up to 12,000 watts of power.
The RV’s battery is charged when it’s plugged in, and despite using an AC plug, it has a built-in converter that converts AC power to DC power to charge your 12V battery. Devices that run on DC electricity, such as your RV lights or refrigerator, will draw power from the 12V battery, whereas the incoming AC power and the converter will ensure that the battery is topped up at all times.
Additionally, since external plugs use AC, they will run your AC electricity directly.
RV Shore Power Amperage
When it comes to the amperage of shore power, there are three different kinds and these include:
- 30 amp power for medium-sized RVs: The most popular 30 amp system is designed for a setup that doesn’t require a lot of power at the same time.
- 50 amp power for larger RVs or motorhomes: These are ideal for larger recreational vehicles, often with more power-hungry appliances that draw more power.
- 20 amp power for smaller RVs and towables: These options are less common than the others mentioned above and will limit the number of appliances you can use in your RV.
In this situation, the term amperage describes the amount of electrical charge flowing through the electrical system. Most campgrounds or RV parks tend to have 30—or 50-amp chargers for RVs, and you will need to invest in either a 30—or 50-amp adapter.
However, you should know that you can pair a 50-amp outlet with a 30-amp cord, but vice versa isn’t possible. So, if your RV has a 30-amp cord and you plug it into a 50-amp outlet, you will only get a maximum output of 3,600 watts, which the cord is designed for.
RV Electricity Options
When it comes to the different sources of shore power for your RV, you have multiple options, and this section explains them in detail.
RV Solar Panels
RV solar panels are among the best options for providing shore power for your RV as they’re renewable and thus sustainable. Additionally, they can generate enough power via solar energy even on partially cloudy days, so you won’t have to worry about having bright sunny days all the time.
When you combine this with a portable power station, as is the case with Jackery Solar Generators, you get enough output to run 99% of your RV appliances, including refrigerators, outdoor grills, lights, smartphones, laptops, and more. This is also a great option for an off-grid RV.
Pros
- It’s a renewable energy source and thus has a very low environmental footprint.
- They can be used for extended periods as they recharge over time. As a result, you won’t have to worry about running out of power for your motorhome’s appliances.
- They’re cost-effective in the long run.
Cons
- They have a high initial cost, which is compensated for in the long run.
Shore Power
Shore power for your RV refers to plugging your RV into the AC electrical grid to run its appliances and simultaneously recharge its batteries. The power you can draw is measured in amps. As mentioned earlier, medium-sized RVs typically have a 30-amp system, whereas target rigs tend to have a 50-amp system for their more power-hungry appliances.
You will need a compatible adapter when you connect your RV to a line from a house or at an RV park. However, you must be careful, as if you draw more power than the shoreline is rated for, you could damage your electrical systems. The worst that usually happens is that the fuse blows, but in some cases, it can damage the power source for your RV as well.
Pros
- It’s an environmentally friendlier option as it allows you to turn off your diesel engine or generator, thus limiting the emissions released into the air.
- They’re quieter and help ensure a calm and peaceful environment inside your RV.
- Since it relies on not idling an engine, it also reduces its wear and tear over time so your engine can run in optimum condition for a much longer duration.
Cons
- You could face compatibility issues, as you will need a 50-amp cord to pair with a 50-amp system. The same principle applies to a 30-amp system as well.
- They’re not portable, so you will have to be stationary if you want to rely on RV shore power.
RV Generator
An RV generator works similarly to shore power, providing AC power for your RV or motorhome. In most cases, however, they don’t provide as much output as shore power. However, this will eventually depend on the size of your generator as well. Unlike shore power rated in amps, generators are rated in watts (for example, a 1000-watt generator).
Pros
- Built-in RV generators are housed in a separate bay on the outside, which reduces the amount of noise entering the inside of your motorhome. An indoor generator is a better option.
- Unlike shore power, a generator can be overdrawn, but the downside is that you won’t have enough power to run all your appliances properly.
Cons
- Despite being housed in an external and separate bay, they’re still noisy and are thus prohibited during quiet hours or at night.
- They can’t be used indoors as they emit large quantities of carbon monoxide.
- They rely on gasoline or diesel, so you’ll have to ensure you have adequate fuel and account for these added costs when you consider how much RV living costs.
Batteries
Every RV has one or more batteries, which provide electricity when no external power source is available. The batteries provide limited power, typically enough to run the lights, water pump, and other small appliances in the RV. However, they won’t be able to drive the air conditioning or heating systems, as these draw high amounts of power.
Pros
- They’re a good battery backup power option because they are an essential part you will find in your RV.
- You can use it at any time and don’t need an external power source, which can be handy if you find yourself stuck in the middle of nowhere.
Cons
- They only have limited output, which means they can only run lights and a few smaller appliances.
- If you use your batteries to run your appliances for extended durations without allowing them to charge, you risk draining them.
Fuses
Like the electrical system in your home, RVs also have fuses that protect them from overdrawing or power surges. So, if you lose power in your RV, chances are a fuse has blown somewhere, and as a result. You must know where the fuse panel is before you take your RV so you know where to find it if it needs to be replaced.
Most modern RVs also have resettable fuses like those in the homes, whereas others may have fuses you may need to replace when blown. So, if you happen to have a replaceable kind, you should have a few spare fuses with you so you’re not left stranded.
Pros
- They act as a safety net for your RV’s electrical system by protecting it from power surges.
- Some models can be reset, whereas others can be replaced.
Cons
- You will need to know where the fuse panel is so you can replace or reset it if needed.
Jackery Solar Generators for RV
Jackery is one of the most well-known manufacturers of solar generators, portable power stations, and solar panels. The Jackery Solar Generators seamlessly combine the Jackery Portable Power Stations with the Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels.
When you place the solar panels under direct sunlight, they absorb solar energy from the sun’s rays and convert it to DC. This is then passed through the pure sine wave inverter in the portable power station to convert it to AC, which can be used to run most of your RV’s appliances.
The Jackery Solar Generators are quiet and don’t release any emissions, so they can safely be used inside your RV without causing harm or disturbance.
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus
The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is an expandable solar generator for an RV that offers more than enough capacity to run most of its appliances. The solar panels are foldable, so you can carry them wherever you go and set them up when camping at an RV park. The portable power station can be wheeled anywhere with the built-in handle. You can also charge it via ultra-fast solar charging or a wall adapter, making it incredibly versatile.
Appliances Running Time:
- Portable Air Conditioner (1150W) = 1.5H
- Kettle (850W) = 2H
- Coffee Maker (550W) = 3.1H
- Smartphone (29W) = 59.8H
- Laptop (65W) = 26.7H
Customer Review:
“Easy to set up and use, thoughtful design to have a battery mounted on wheels. Since this is a modular system, I will be adding more components in the future.” - Denise.
Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro
The Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro is the brand’s large-capacity solar generator, offering enough capacity to run 99% of your RV’s appliances. Like the previous model, it has foldable solar panels and a portable power station, so you can carry the entire setup with you wherever you go. Its versatility and portability also mean that you can use it both inside your RV and when you leave it behind to go camping or overlanding.
Appliances Running Time:
- Portable Air Conditioner (1150W) = 2.2H
- Kettle (850W) = 3H
- Coffee Maker (550W) = 4.6H
- Smartphone (29W) = 88.6H
- Laptop (65W) = 39.5H
Customer Review:
“We took our Explorer 3000 Pro with us on a dry camping trip, which was a total success. Instead of having to rely on our generator like we normally do, the Jackery literally carried any load we needed it to, and the solar recharging was awesome!” - Andrew.
What to do When Shore Power Doesn’t Work
While most RV parks or campsites will have a provision for shore power, you might find yourself in a situation where it doesn't work and are left without any power supply. There are a few different things you can do in this scenario, and these solutions are discussed in this section.
Check the Power Pedestal
The first step to resolve a shore power issue is to check the power pedestal, which is the panel that provides the outlets to connect the RV to the power grid. First, unplug the cord from the RV and plug it into a different pedestal outlet. If the power comes back on, you know that the previous outlet was defective and needs to be repaired.
If the power doesn’t come back on, you’ll have to check for any visible signs of damage in the wiring, breakers, or pedestal receptacles.
Test the Circuit Breakers
Most RVs have a circuit breaker that contains breakers that protect the RV’s electrical system from power surges. If there’s a problem with the electrical system, it could mean one of these breakers tripped. To check this, you must turn off all the appliances and flip all the breakers. Then, wait a few seconds and flip them back one by one.
If one of the breakers doesn’t stay on after you’ve flipped it, it could mean that there’s a short circuit in that circuit’s wiring or one of the appliances connected to it.
Check the Power Cord
Sometimes, the power cord could be the source of the problem. It could be damaged, the connections are loose, or there’s a problem with the wiring. Check the cord for any signs of wear and damage, and if you’ve identified a problem, you’ll have to replace it with a new one.
You should also check for loose or disconnected connections where the cord plugs into the RV or the power pedestal.
RV Shore Power FAQs
What size solar generator do I need for my RV?
The right size of the solar generator you need in your RV will depend on how many appliances you need to run when you’re out fishing. For example, if you’re using the Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro to run a smartphone (29W) and a portable air conditioner (1150W), here’s how you can calculate the working hours:
Working Hours = Battery Capacity in Wh × 0.85 ÷ Operating Wattage of the Appliance = 3,024Wh × 0.85 ÷ 1179W = 2.1H
Note: The 0.85 is the power conversion factor multiplied by the battery capacity to account for power loss when charging the appliances.
Is it safe to plug your RV into shore power?
Yes, it is perfectly safe to use AC plugins for your recreational vehicle, but you have to make sure that you use the cord that comes with it. If you don’t have one, you can use a high-quality extension cord that’s grounded so you don’t damage your electrical system.
Is RV shore power 120 or 240?
The three-pronged plug, which is rated at 30 amps, consists of a 120V hot wire, a neutral wire, and a safety ground wire.
Can I run my RV engine when plugged into shore power?
No, you should never run your RV’s engine when you’re connected to shore power.
Can I run my RV on shower power without a battery?
The best way to check if you can run your RV on shower power without using its batteries is to plug your RV into shore power, turn on some lights or appliances, and then turn off the battery disconnect switch. In most cases, you will see that the appliances work just fine.
Final Thoughts
If you have decided to park your motorhome or RV in an RV park or a campsite, you cannot run your appliances using their batteries, as you could face the risk of them draining out completely. This is why shore power becomes important, as you can use it to draw power from the grid in the form of AC current to run the many appliances you have inside your RV.
If you’re searching for a good power supply for RV shore power, you’ll come across several options. Among them, a Jackery Solar Generator is the most reliable and versatile. It is also quiet and safe for you to use inside your RV because it doesn’t emit any harmful gases. As a result, you won’t have to worry about your safety and can live in a peaceful and quiet space.
What form of external power supply do you use to run your RV’s appliances? Let us know in the comments below!
Leave a comment