New, as well as seasoned, RV owners may have a good grasp on how much electrical power it takes to run what they need in their rig such as 50amp vs. 30amp, how many appliances can run at once without flipping the breaker, and how to keep batteries operational. But when the power goes off and nothing works due to electrical problems or a storm, there are solutions that can keep things running without losing either the functionality of household and personal items such as refrigerators and computers, or items necessary to maintain one’s health.
People on certain medications that need to be refrigerated are of most concern for many who have taken to a full-time RV lifestyle. Hundreds of dollars can be wasted in medications as they are not easily replaced if the lights go out due to a power outage. This not only applies to humans, but pets as well, who may be on medication such as insulin.
Regular coolers cannot maintain the correct and constant temperature needed to maintain viability. Solar power may or may not be an option depending on location and batteries working up to par. And while one solar panel can be outfitted for between $1,500 and $1,800, Gabe Hornelaz, Parts Department Manager at Affinity RV in Prescott, Arizona says, “we’re still not at the place where solar can run air conditioners.”
So, what are the options and pitfalls not often discussed and/or practiced when disaster strikes – which can result in a deadly outcome to everything in the rig – or, worse, to you or Rover?
The dangers that can result at your RV park due to electrical issues and not having the proper equipment.
Keeping Things Cool in the Heat of the Moment
Inexpensive portable, powered coolers (some also heat food) can run on auxiliary power from your vehicle’s adapter. Manufacturers such as Cooluli and Gourmia sell portable coolers that fit the equivalent of six cans of soda and could certainly keep medicine in more of a controlled environment during an emergency for about $100.
And while it’s true that one can invest in a portable generator, they can run from $1,200 to $1,300 for a reliable, quiet model. That option may not be workable for those who are on fixed incomes or don’t have the financial resources to purchase one. “An onboard generator runs between $5,000 to $7,000,” according to Gabe.
Gabe recommends the Dometic line of refrigerator/freezers in case the refrigerator goes down for a variety of reasons:
1. They work very well.
2. The cost is reasonable at $300-$900, depending on size.
3. They run on 120v and can be plugged into a car lighter.
4. They are ‘dual-zoned’, meaning there are two compartments where you can refrigerate both sides, freeze both, or use one compartment to refrigerate and the other to freeze – even dial it down to below freezing.”
5. A Dometic unit can be small enough to sit in the passenger side of a truck or take up the entire back seat of a car.
“In addition,” says Gabe, “It [Dometic] is great for trips and sporting events. For example, I cool mine down for a couple of hours in the house and take it to my daughter’s soccer games. I also use it for trips to Phoenix and if I find a great deal on grocery items, it’s not a problem to get those cold or frozen goods back home on the long drive back to Prescott.”
However, there’s another, larger issue to consider in the middle of this discussion about cooling options.
Wattage fluctuations can fry your electrical appliances within a second. Ninety percent of RV’s do not have any electrical protection. Combine this issue with the fact that there are many older parks with outdated and aging power grids. For this reason, many seasoned RV owners know the risks involved with plugging directly into a power pedestal. Making the wrong move can result in replacing your refrigerator appliance at the cost $1,000.
Gabe continues, “If you’re in an RV park where there can be instability in the electrical system, it’s not just a matter of the power going out, it’s also a matter of the power being too low. Let’s say you lose one leg of the shore power. Your appliances are still going to draw the same needed wattage to run efficiently - and they can burn themselves out by trying. When the power kicks back in suddenly, you could have the same problem with too much wattage too fast.”
Gabe went on to demonstrate why he strongly recommends Surge Guard, model 34950, 120/240V, 50A. “We had customer who bought a rig from us but forgot his surge guard at home. He thought he could make it home in the new rig without it and ran into a storm. He got lucky. He could have wound up paying for all new appliances at up to $2,000 in value versus his investment of $400-$500 for the Surge Guard.”
The Surge Guard plugs into the post, then you plug your rig into it instead of into the post directly. If the Guard detects a fluctuation, it will either compensate or shut the power off entirely to prevent potential damage.
“The cost for the Surge Guard might sound high but when you weigh that against the replacement cost for everything electrical you own, it’s a low-cost insurance investment. In fact, I call it ‘triple protection’ because the unit comes with its own insurance policy.”
The difference in surge protectors’ costs go according to effectiveness against not only power spikes or surges, but also too low of power and fluctuations that put wear and tear on appliances before their time. A typical surge protector for household items won’t do the job.
It is one thing to prepare for RV power outages and affordable options available with portable coolers, but full-timing RVers who may be parked on a seasonal or annual basis, the issue circles back around to what can be done to avoid damage and loss due to RV power outages and fluctuations. The key is to take precautionary measures beforehand. And while we can also discuss generators and solar power, those can be great options for folks who travel and boondock frequently.
While electrical current fluctuations due to Mother Nature’s hissy fit storms or a park’s faulty electrical service cannot be controlled by an RV owner, the purchase of a Surge Guard is and will stand as a buffer between a healthy RV and potential disaster.
The next time you get a ‘flicker,’ take it as a warning. The next one might just be the one that signals the loss of the fridge…and everything else running on power! These are simple steps you can take to help to protect your investment should you have an RV power outage, power surge, or too many power fluctuations. The decision to safeguard your electrical appliances with a Surge Guard, as well as protecting medications using a portable refrigeration unit, is equivalent to an insurance policy well worth considering.