RV electrical was something that confused us as first. We had never owned an RV or even stayed in a friends before jumping into this lifestyle, so everything was a steep learning curve. We were even more nervous when it came to RV electrical because we knew messing something up could have serious consequences.
After researching this topic to see what type of RV electrical accessories we would need, we can now attest to how important RV accessories are! Having the right tools for your RV electrical is critical to ensuring your RV is working properly and that you’re staying safe in the campground.
Throughout this post, I will cover the accessories you need for both 50 amp and 30 amp, depending on which RV type you have. So without further ado, let’s dive into all of the reliable RV electrical accessories that are totally worth the money!
RV Electrical Safety
Because of how important it is, we’re going to discuss electrical safety first. Ensuring you are using the proper cords and safety items will prevent you from dangerous situations such as electrical fires, blow fuses, and low voltage.
Let me make this perfectly clear: you need a surge protector! We went back and forth on this RV electrical accessory. Due to it’s higher price tag, we weren’t sure if it was worth the investment. We can confidently say, it absolutely is and we advise every RVer to have one.
Portable RV Surge Protector (50 AMP)
A surge protector helps protect your RV against voltage fluctuations, power surges and incorrectly wired shore power. Ours has saved us from bad shore power a handful of times over the last three years.
- Surge Protection: 5-Mode / 3,580J / 88,000A. Ratings: 50A / 120V/240V / 12,000W. Operating Temperatures: -40C to +105C
- Weather Resistant/designed for Outdoor Use
Portable RV Surge Protector (30 AMP)
If you have a 30 AMP rig, this is model you’ll want.
- Surge Protection: 3-Mode / 1,790J / 44,000A. Ratings: 30A / 120V / 3,600W. Operating Temperatures: -40C to +105C
- Weather Resistant/designed for Outdoor Use
RV Electrical Cords
Your RV should come with an electrical cord, but if it doesn’t you want to make sure to have the right size. Additionally, you will want to have an extension cord available to use as well. Each campground places its electrical hookups in different locations, and in our experiences, some have been extremely far from the RV site. This is when you’ll be relieved to have an extension cord ready to go!
50-Amp Extension Cord
- Safe and Durable Construction: Extension cord is constructed with 100 percent copper wiring coated with a heavy duty...
- High Conductivity with a Flexible and Sleek Design: Bendable extension cord adapter allows easy conversion from a...
30-Amp Extension Cord
- Safe and Durable Construction: Extension cord is constructed with 100 percent copper wiring coated with a heavy duty...
- High Conductivity with a Flexible and Sleek Design: Bendable extension cord adapter allows easy conversion from a...
15-Amp Extension Cord
- Flexible, Safe and Durable Construction: Extension cord is extremely flexible. Coated with a heavy-duty flame retardant,...
- NEMA Configuration: 5-15P/ 5-15R.
RV Dogbones
Dogbones are RV electrical accessories that help you connect your RV to different types of hookups. For example, even though our Solitude is a 50 AMP rig, we sometimes have to park in 30 AMP only sites. This means we need to have the right tools to be able to safely connect to 30 AMP and power our RV.
The tools listed below will help in all types of electrical situations: 50 AMP, 30 AMP, and 15 AMP.
50 Amp Male To 30 Amp Female
- Converts Electrical Connection Type: Designed to allow you to hook-up to your campground's power pedestal, adapting the...
- High Conductivity: Heavy-duty 50-amp male (NEMA 14-50P) and 30-amp female (NEMA TT-30R) electrical heads. Rated for 125...
30 Amp Male to 15 Amp Female
- Handles make unplugging easier
- 30 AMP male to 15 AMP female
15 Amp Male to 50 Amp Female
- Converts Electrical Connection Type: Designed to allow easy conversion from a 50-amp to 15-amp connection.
- High Conductivity: Heavy-duty 15-amp male (NEMA 5-15P) and 50-amp female (NEMA 14-50R) electrical heads. Rated for 125...
30 Amp Male to 15 Amp Female
- Handles make unplugging easier
- 30 AMP male to 15 AMP female
Locking RV Dogbones
These particular type of dogbones aren’t meant to adapt different types of connections. But rather, make connecting your electrical cord to your RV easier. We love our locking dogbone because it prevents our 50 AMP cord from bending and reduces strain. In other words, they protect the cord and increase the lifespan.
50-AMP Locking 90 Degree Dogbone
- 90 degree connector reduces cord strain and allows easier connection in tight places
- Threaded locking ring helps to create a weatherproof connection
30-AMP Locking 90 Degree Dogbone
- 90 degree 30 AMP locking female end and 30 AMP standard male end
- 90 degree connector reduces strain on cord and allows easier connection in tight places
RV Electrical Storage Accessories
When you’re not using all of your RV electrical accessories, you will want to store them in a dry, safe space. You can either use a storage container or an easy reel for the cords. Personally, we used a storage container with a lid for years but recently switched to the Easy Reel. Both options are great and you need to find what works best for your situation!
15 Gallon Storage Container
- 15-gallon capacity ideal to store camping gear, sports equipment, tools, hunting supplies, shoes, clothes, seasonal...
- Heavy duty impact-resistant construction and design with nesting capabilities, making it great for stacking
Easy Reel Cord Spooler
- Neatly stores your 30 Amp or 50 Amp power cord
- Uses a small footprint, freeing up valuable storage space
Final Thoughts
I hope by now you understand the importance of having the right RV electrical accessory for the job! By having proper products you not only extend the life of your RV but you’re being a responsible RVer.
If RV electrical accessories aren’t enough for you, check out The Ultimate List of RV Accessories (Over 150 Items!)
Last update on 2021-06-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Simple answer: Yes I use the electrical items you have suggested. In ~40 years of RVing I suggest very strongly that you invest in a GOOD surge protector. I never used one until~4 years ago though. I had bought a new tt and was going out with a group of RV-er’s . One of the guys came to see our new tt. He noticed I didn’t have one. He basically bawled me out & said, ” you just spent a good sized chunk of change on a new trailer and nor won’t spend another $350 to protect it”? . He had once blown a microwave & A/C due to low power & then a spike in a RV campground. A lot of campgrounds have not done any updates, but added more spaces and people are using more juice. Needless to say I bought one the next week. Since then it has tripped several times over the years. Who knows what i could have blown out if I hadn’t. Low voltage is a killer in some parks. Buy one !
Very good information, but should we all do get our self a3500 power greater ran on gas.
Jason How do we purchase your sponsored items on Amazon up here in Canada. $206 for a 50amp 30ft extension cord up here on Amazon