Archive for February, 2010

When To Use A 30 Amp Surge Protector For Your RV

For as long as there has been surge protection available to RV campers, the 30 amp surge protector has been the device of choice. Whether you choose the portable unit with a ground fault, the portable unit without ground or the hardwire unit that fixes internally to your RV, these devices have protected RV equipment when plugged into the electric mains of campground jacks.

Today there are 50 amp units, but these are only necessary if your camper has more than one air conditioner. Some of the larger camper models may have this but for the most part any one of the 30 amp surge protectors will suffice for standard protection. Since most RV parks have fluctuating campground voltage readings at any of their electrical jacks, it is in the owner’s best interest to install one of these devices prior to plugging in for the night.

When setting it up you want to make sure all the electronics inside the RV are turned off. Then you connect the RV 30 amp surge protector at the camper side first before plugging the unit into the park outlet. Once you turn it on there will be a loud pop. That’s normal. It comes from varying levels of current flow in the park’s power source. Campgrounds are notorious for power spiking issues from dirty energy sources and damage to electronic appliances is commonplace.

Does this mean you need to have more protection and convert your RV to 50 amp protection? Not necessarily. If you intend on running a lot of energy sucking appliances at the same time it might be wise to make the conversion, but for the most part RV parks are only able to support 30 amp surge protection. Several parks only support 15 amp units making it impossible to connect a 50 amp surge protector as there are no adapters for that kind of conversion.

Larger RV’s are made for 50 amp connections. This is because a typical A/C unit will require 20 amps of power to run, leaving only ten amps free for other uses. In this case, 30 amps is not going to suffice should you need to run a hot water heater at the same time. As larger campers provide space for these kind of luxuries, it only makes sense for them to have 50 amp units. The problem, again, is finding an RV park to support them.

While the RV surge protector has been around for decades, the technology is still relatively unregulated. Until there is a standard for campgrounds supporting RV power jacks, you’re best bet is to stay with a 30 amp surge protector.

Awnings For Caravans and RVs

If you own a recreational vehicle, also known as an RV or caravan, then you may be looking to make the vehicle feel as much like home as possible.  One way to do that is by adding an awning to the structure so that you have a covered or enclosed outdoor area, like a covered porch, to enjoy when you are away from home.  You can find a caravan awning in a selection of styles and sizes, so you are sure to find one that fits your needs.

One of the biggest manufacturers of awnings in the U.K. is Dorema.  When you choose a Dorema awning, you know you are getting a quality product from a company that prides itself on customer service.  There are many models to choose from.  Some awnings are fully enclosed with a roof, four walls and zippered windows and doors.  Others have an overhead protective roof, but only have walls on two of the sides while the front area is left open.  Still others only have an overhead covering with one wall of protection.

Depending on whether you want a lot of privacy or a lot of fresh air, you can choose an awning style that will best fit your needs.  Most of the protective structures are fairly easy to assemble and disassemble, which is an important feature, since you will have to take them down each time you are ready to hit the road to move to another location.

The nice thing about having these accessories for your RV or caravan is that they provide a comfortable space for you to enjoy just outside the vehicle, rather than having to be cooped up inside all day or night.  While enjoying the great outdoors, however, the awnings provide some protection from the sun, wind and rain and also provide some privacy from neighboring vehicles.

Make the most of RV Travel with Camper Awnings

If you have ever been stuck inside your RV on a rainy day, you may have wished for some additional rainproof space.  Likewise, a very hot day in a dry, open area may have been improved with a little added shade.  If you have experienced either of these scenarios, then you may want to look into purchasing a camper awning for your trailer or RV.  A camper awning comes in a variety of sizes and materials, and in addition to the uses listed above, they can also equalize trailer temperatures, allowing your heating and cooling systems to work more efficiently.

When buying an awning, you have several choices.  You can purchase one that covers just a window or door, either of which would increase temperature control, or you can purchase one that extends the length of the RV and out several feet, providing added living space.  For materials, the awnings are made of plastic, canvas, or acrylic, all of which are waterproof.  They are attached to the RV with supports made of either wood, steel or aluminum.  All rv awnings retract, allowing you to store them easily when they are not in use.

The price of the awning is dependant upon its size, material and accessories.  Some awnings are manually retracted with a lever that rolls up the material.  For more money, you can purchase ones that retract electronically with the push of a button.  Some even have high-wind detectors that automatically retract the awning when winds reach damaging speeds.  Though easier to operate, electric awnings have more moving parts, which means more potential breaks and repairs required.

If you take good care of your awning, it will likely last as long as your RV.  Stowe it carefully, and keep it dry and clean, and you will get years of use out of your investment.