Camper Energy Hookup: A Step-By-Step Guide

RV hookups refer to the amenities that you connect to your camper. These include electrical, water, and sewer hookups. Electrical hookups allow you to connect your camper to the power grid, known as shore power, which usually comes in 30 and 50 AMP outputs. Water hookups require a hose specifically designed for RVs, and it is recommended to use a water filter and pressure regulator to ensure safe and clean water. Sewer hookups can be connected to a dedicated sewer line at your campsite or by using a dump station to empty your black and grey water tanks.

Electrical hookups: 30 and 50 AMP outputs

Electrical hookups for RVs primarily come in 30 and 50 AMP outputs, with 20 AMP outputs being phased out. The type of hookup you need depends on your RV. Smaller RVs typically use 30 AMP outputs, while larger RVs use 50 AMP outputs.

The main difference between 30 and 50 AMP hookups is the number of prongs on the plug. A 30 AMP plug has three prongs, while a 50 AMP plug has four. This design ensures that you never accidentally plug your RV into the wrong power source.

RVs with 30 AMP hookups can usually power lights, coffee makers, small AC systems, TVs, and stereos. On the other hand, RVs with 50 AMP hookups can power almost anything you have in your RV, such as high BTU electric heaters, large rooftop AC systems, water heaters, and washer and dryer sets.

With a 50 AMP breaker, you can draw 12,000 watts of power, compared to the 3,600 watts you get from a 30 AMP hookup. This means that you can power more energy-consuming products and run more of them simultaneously.

Adapters can step down voltage from 50 AMP to 30 AMP, and some adapters will let you plug your 30 AMP into a 50 AMP. However, this won't change the amount of power you receive.

Water hookups: BPA-free water fill hose

When preparing to hook up your camper to water, it is important to use a hose that is drinking water-safe, often referred to as a potable water hose. A BPA-free water fill hose ensures good-tasting water. A 25-foot long hose is typically long enough for most campground hookups, but having an additional 25-foot hose on hand can be useful for connecting to group stations.

There are a few additional components you should consider for your water system:

• Water filter—Water filters are available in a range of price points and styles, from simple in-line water hose filters to more complex reverse osmosis systems. These filters reduce the number of chemicals and contaminants that enter your RV’s plumbing, improving water quality when traveling.
• Pressure regulator—A pressure regulator helps maintain a safe PSI, ensuring that the water pressure coming from the spigot does not damage your RV's plumbing. It is best to install the pressure regulator between your water source and your hose.

When connecting your water hose, it is recommended to use a 90-degree connector or a flexible hose fitting to reduce the pressure on your city water inlet and maintain a leak-free connection.

• Camco TastePURE 25-Ft Water Hose—This hose is constructed with NSF/ANSI 61 certified hose for drinking water and is lead, BPA, and phthalate-free. It features a diamond-hatch reinforced PVC design for maximum kink resistance and durability. It has a 5/8" inner diameter and is made in the USA.
• BEBOBLY 25 FT RV Water Hose—The BEBOBLY hose is made of BPA-free and phthalate-free material and is safe for drinking water. It is designed with a 3-layer reinforced structure, providing durability and burst strength of up to 600 PSI. The hose is flexible and has a standard 5/8" diameter, making it easy to connect and disconnect.
• RV Water Hose 25 ft—This hose is lead, phthalate, and BPA-free, making it safe for drinking water. It is anti-kink and features a 5/8" inner diameter, making it suitable for RV campers and marine use.
• RV Water Hose 50FT—This 50-foot hose is ideal if you need a longer option. It is BPA-free, anti-kink, and leak-free, ensuring safe drinking water for your RV, camping, marine, trailer, or truck.

Sewer and wastewater hookups

Identifying Sewer Hookups

Your campsite may have a dedicated sewer hookup, typically identified by a white PVC pipe, around 3 inches in diameter, protruding from the ground near your camping spot. If you're unsure, don't hesitate to ask the camp host for clarification.

Connecting to Dedicated Sewer Hookups

• Park and level your RV as close to the sewer hookup as possible, ensuring your sewer hose can comfortably reach the connection without stretching too thin.
• Put on rubber gloves for hygiene and safety.
• Connect one end of the sewer hose to the pipe underneath your RV. This pipe carries wastewater from both the black and grey tanks, so you'll see a convergence of these pipelines.
• Attach the other end of the sewer hose to the sewer hookup on the ground. You may need various connections to secure and tightly seal the hose, which are usually included in sewer kits.
• As an optional precaution, place rocks on top of the connection for added stability.
• You can leave the grey tank valve open during your stay, but it's best to keep the black tank valve closed. Only empty the black tank when it's 2/3 or more full to prevent clogs.

Campsites Without Dedicated Sewer Hookups

If your campsite doesn't have a dedicated sewer hookup, you'll need to locate a dump station to empty your black and grey water tanks periodically. This usually involves driving to a designated area within the campground or state park to dispose of your wastewater.

Additional Tips

• Always wear gloves when handling the sewer hose to avoid direct contact with wastewater.
• Consider investing in a sewer hose support system, which some RV parks require. These systems elevate the hose, allowing waste to flow downhill and reducing the chance of clogs.
• When dumping tanks, it's recommended to empty the black tank first, followed by the grey tank. This allows the grey water to rinse out any solids from the black tank, keeping your system clean.

TV hookups: coaxial cables

To hook up a camper TV using a coaxial cable, you'll need to follow these steps:

Firstly, check if the RV park offers television hookups—either cable or satellite. It's important to do this before booking a site, as not all parks provide these connections. You can usually find this information on the park's website or by calling them directly.

If you plan to use a coaxial cable connection, make sure to bring your own cable. Coaxial cables are readily available at big box retailers, tech stores, or office supply stores. It's a good idea to have cables of different lengths, ranging from 10 to 50 feet, to accommodate varying distances between your camper and the park's output.

Once you've arrived at your campsite and levelled and stabilised your RV, locate the cable input on your trailer. This is usually found on the exterior wall, often on the driver's side, or in the docking station in an underneath compartment. Connect one end of the coaxial cable to this input.

Next, find the park's cable output, which is typically located near the shore power hookup. Connect the other end of your coaxial cable to this output. With everything connected, turn on your TV and perform a channel scan to detect the available channels.

If you're having trouble getting a signal, ensure that the coax cable inside your trailer is connected to the back of your TV. If you have a signal booster, make sure it's turned off to avoid interference. Additionally, ensure that any extra loops of coaxial cable are not intertwined to minimise AC power interference.

For those who prefer a satellite connection, this can be a little more complex and varies depending on the RV manufacturer. Some RVs may have a built-in satellite system, while others may have attachments and systems to install one. Refer to your RV user's manual or consult an RV forum for specific instructions on setting up a satellite connection.

Adapters: step down voltage

Adapters are a great solution when you arrive at your camping spot and realise they don't have your specific electric hookup type. The right adapter will step down the voltage from 50 amps to 30 amps, and some adapters will let you plug your 30-amp connection into a 50-amp source.

Adapters are widely available from camping and hardware stores, as well as online. It's a good idea to keep a few different types stored in your RV before you leave home.

When using adapters, it's important to be strategic with your power usage. Even with an adapter, you won't get the full amperage that your RV's power system is built for. Be careful not to run multiple large appliances at the same time, such as two air conditioning units, a microwave and air conditioner, or a hairdryer, as you could trip an outlet or breaker, or even damage your electrical system.

• 30-amp to 15-amp
• 50-amp to 30-amp
• 30-amp to 110-volt
• 50-amp to 110-volt

Frequently asked questions