Electric Meter Setup For Camper Trailers: A Step-By-Step Guide

Hooking up an electric meter to a camper trailer is a straightforward process that can be done by following a few simple steps. First, you need to determine the power source, which is usually a campground, RV park, or an outlet at a friend's place. Next, check your RV's power requirements by looking at the plug on the shore power cord; 30-amp plugs have three prongs, while 50-amp plugs have four. It's essential to use the correct power cord for your RV to avoid electrical issues.

Once you've determined the power source and your RV's requirements, you can proceed with the hookup. Park and level your RV, ensuring it's exactly where you want it and that your power cord can reach the outlet. Connect a surge protector to the electrical stand first, as it will protect your RV's electrical system from power surges and other issues. After connecting the surge protector, plug in your power cord, either directly into the surge protector or by connecting one end to your RV's outlet and the other to the power source. Finally, check your systems by turning on your appliances and ensuring they're functioning properly.

Check your RV's power requirements

Before hooking up an electric meter to your camper trailer, it is important to understand your RV's power requirements. This will help you ensure you have the right equipment and don't overload the electrical systems.

Your RV has two separate electrical systems: a 12-volt DC electrical system and a 120-volt AC system. The 12-volt system is powered by a single 12-volt battery or several batteries wired together in a parallel circuit. This system powers things such as the startup of your water heater, furnace, and refrigerator, as well as most of the lights in your RV's living space. The 120-volt system, on the other hand, is powered by an RV electrical hookup plug or a generator and runs daily-use items like kitchen appliances, your TV, and other large electrical appliances.

When it comes to RV power sources, you'll typically be choosing between shore power, a generator, a vehicle engine, or a solar panel. Shore power is when you plug your RV into an AC electrical grid, usually at a campground, and it is measured in amps. The most common RV connections are 30 amps and 50 amps. Generators are rated in watts and are a good option when you don't have access to shore power. Solar panels are another option and are great for off-grid camping, but keep in mind that they charge your battery rather than providing on-demand power.

To determine your RV's power requirements, you need to calculate the watt rating of each appliance. You can do this using the formula: watts = amps x volts. So, for example, a 120-volt toaster with an amperage draw of 9 amps would be 1,080 watts (120 volts x 9 amps = 1,080 watts). Once you know the watt rating of each appliance, add up the ones you're likely to use at the same time, and you'll know your shore power needs in watts.

It's important to note that when you're plugged into shore power, your RV's 12-volt battery automatically charges. However, if you're boondocking or dry camping without access to shore power, you can use your batteries to power anything that runs off 12 volts. Adding an inverter can also convert the 12-volt battery's direct current to a 120-volt alternating current, allowing you to power appliances that need 120 volts.

Use an adapter to connect to shore power

Shore power is any power source provided by a campground, RV park, or even an outlet on the side of your friend’s garage. You’ll need to make sure that the power source is compatible with your RV’s internal electrical system. Most RVs will require either a 30-amp or 50-amp shore power connection.

RV power adapters allow you to plug a fifty-amp trailer into a thirty-amp service or vice versa. Adapters are also available to connect a 30-amp cord to a 110 VAC outlet, in addition to other applications. However, even with an adapter, you won’t get the full amperage that your coach’s power system is built for when connecting to an outlet with a lower-rated electrical service.

That means you CAN plug a 50-amp RV into a 30-amp plug or a 30-amp RV into a 110 VAC outlet, but you’ll need to be very strategic with your power usage. You must be careful not to run multiple large appliances at a time, such as two air conditioning units or the microwave and air conditioner, at the same time. Otherwise, you’ll run the risk of tripping an outlet or breaker (at best) or damaging your electrical system (at worst).

Step 1: Park, Level, and Stabilize

Complete parking, leveling, and stabilizing your RV or travel trailer before hooking up to shore power. Ensure your camper is exactly where you want it to be, and check that your power cord will reach the campground’s outlet before parking and disconnecting from your tow vehicle (for towable RVs only).

Step 2: Turn Appliances and Find Your Power Cord

Ensure your appliances (especially your A/C unit) are turned off, and find your power cord and surge protector. In some RVs, the power cord is coiled up in the same driver’s side compartment as your holding tank outlets. Others will have it in a separate storage area. Check around your RV or consult your owner’s manual to know where your power cord lives.

Step 3: Connect the Surge Protector First

Some power cords have an indicator light that turns on when plugged in. This light signals that you’re receiving power, but it doesn’t tell you anything about the quality of your electrical hookup.

That’s why we recommend using a surge protector. This accessory plugs into the electrical stand first. Once you’ve ensured that the breaker to your required electrical service is turned off, connect the surge protector, turn the breaker on, and check the lights or display on the surge protector. These indicate the quality of the electrical service and will alert you to potential issues before you plug in your power cord.

Step 4: Plug-In Your Power Cord

Some power cords are hardwired, so you’ll simply pull the cord out and plug it into the surge protector. Others will require you to connect one end to your RV’s outlet and the other to shore power. With the latter, we recommend plugging into the surge protector before connecting the other end to your RV’s power inlet.

Step 5: Check Your Systems

To check that you have power, go inside and look at your microwave. If the lights are on, you’re connected, but if you’re not getting power, check your trailer’s internal circuit breakers. If you’re still having issues, contact the campground, as they can most likely assist with power management at the park. You can also check if a nearby Camping World location offers mobile RV service.

Park, level, and stabilise your RV

Parking, levelling, and stabilising your RV is crucial for your comfort and the proper functioning of your appliances. Here's a detailed guide to help you with the process:

Parking Your RV

When parking your RV, it's important to choose a relatively even ground that is not on an obvious hill. Look for a spot that seems close to flat, especially if you're camping in a rustic area or boondocking. Get out of your vehicle and assess the area to ensure there is no obvious tilt in any direction. Avoid parking on soft ground, such as grass or soil after rain, as it can cause your RV's legs or levelling blocks to sink.

Levelling Your RV

Levelling your RV is essential to ensure your appliances work correctly and to prevent damage to the exterior. You can level your RV manually or with an electric levelling system. If using levelling blocks, place them in front of the wheels on the side that needs raising. Pull forward slowly until the wheels are on top of the blocks, then secure them with wheel chocks to prevent rolling.

If using an electric levelling system, start by parking on relatively even ground and using levelling blocks to even up your RV from side to side. Then, engage your electric levelling system and let it do the work of raising the front of your RV. Keep an eye on the components as the levelers adjust to ensure everything is secure.

Stabilising Your RV

Stabilising your RV is crucial to eliminate the shake and rattle and ensure a comfortable experience. Here are some tools and methods to stabilise your RV:

• RV stabilisers: These are different from levelling jacks and are typically used to minimise front-to-back rocking. They are often found on smaller motorhomes and lower-end trailers.
• Leveling blocks: Use levelling blocks under your tires and stabiliser jacks to help level and stabilise your RV. They can also be placed under your front tongue jack for travel trailers or under the landing gear for fifth wheels.
• Wheel chocks: Place wheel chocks in front of the front tires or behind the back tires to prevent your RV from rolling forward or backward.
• X-Scissor Chocks: These are inserted between tandem tires to provide added stabilisation and prevent tire shifts.
• JT StrongArm Stabilizers: These bolt-on installations eliminate annoying chassis movement and provide a rock-solid camping experience.
• RV Step Stabilizer: Upgrading your entry steps or installing a step stabiliser can reduce bouncing and improve stability when entering or exiting your RV.
• King Pin Tripod Stabilizer: For fifth-wheel trailers, this tripod stabiliser provides a wide footprint underneath the kingpin to prevent movement.

Remember, stabilising your RV may require a combination of these tools and methods, and it may take some time to find the right setup for your specific RV.

Connect a surge protector

Surge protectors are essential for protecting your camper trailer's electrical system. They prevent power surges that could destroy your electrical system and the appliances connected to it.

Surge protectors are a buffer between your trailer and the power of the electrical outlet. They monitor the amount of power from the outlet and ensure no power spikes travel through your trailer.

There are two types of surge protectors: basic surge protectors and electrical management systems (EMS). While they do different things, they have the same purpose – to keep your electronics safe.

Basic surge protectors offer protection from high voltage. An electrical management system is a more robust solution that protects your trailer from high voltage, low voltage, reverse polarity, open neutral, open ground, and various other issues.

• Purchase a surge protector that suits your needs. Basic surge protectors are cheaper but are one-and-done, meaning they must be replaced once they have experienced a protection event. EMS are more expensive but offer more protection and can be reset manually or will self-reset once the danger has passed.
• Plug the surge protector into the outlet where you would plug in your trailer.
• Plug your trailer's power cord into the surge protector.
• If your surge protector has a locking bracket, use a cable or combination lock to secure the surge protector to the power pedestal and prevent theft.

Plug in your power cord

Now that you've parked, levelled, and stabilised your camper trailer, it's time to plug in your power cord. This will allow you to turn on key appliances like your air conditioner and refrigerator so they begin cooling while you’re completing the rest of your campsite setup checklist.

First, ensure your appliances (especially your A/C unit) are turned off, and find your power cord and surge protector. In some camper trailers, the power cord is coiled up in the same driver’s side compartment as your holding tank outlets. Others will have it in a separate storage area. Check around your camper or consult your owner’s manual to know where your power cord lives.

Next, we recommend using a surge protector. This accessory plugs into the electrical stand first. Ensure that the breaker to your required electrical service is turned off, connect the surge protector, turn the breaker on, and check the lights or display on the surge protector. These indicate the quality of the electrical service and will alert you to potential issues before you plug in your power cord.

Some power cords are hardwired, so you’ll simply pull the cord out and plug it into the surge protector. Others will require you to connect one end to your camper trailer’s outlet and the other to shore power. With the latter, we recommend plugging into the surge protector before connecting the other end to your camper trailer’s power inlet.

Frequently asked questions