Plugging and unplugging motorhome

[DebiA]

hello,
I'm wanting to learn the proper sequence when unplugging and plugging from shore power. meaning- Do I turn everything off inside then unplug? should i turn batteries off? can i start motorhome while plugged in? do i disconnect batteries when storing or is it ok to leave plugged into 30 amp on my property while not in use?

thanks in advance

[pasdad1]

I make sure no large power draws are on when disconnecting. Turn off breaker at pedestal before unplugging.

Make sure pedestal breaker is off before plugging in the shore power cord.

You can remain connected to shore power to maintain your batteries.

You can start engine while connected to shore power.

Highly recommend you have one of these to protect your motorhome from miswired pedestal recepticals, and voltage issues.

[Scooter]

You should buy a device that is interposed between your coach and the shore power. It will sample power for problems for a minute or two....before allowing a connection. Progressive Industries is one mfr. Be sure the pedestal breaker is off....before you plug in as well as when unplugging. Use smooth and slightly forceful actions when plugging and unplugging.....You might get a spark or shock if one blade lags behind the other.

[KanzKran]

I would add that if you're running air conditioning off the generator, shut it off and let it sit for a few minutes before plugging in, or before closing the shore power breaker at least. That lets the refrigerant pressure bleed down so the compressor(s) isn't trying to start against a high head pressure. Same with the refrigerator/freezer, if it's a compressor type. Puts less wear on the compressor's internal stalled-rotor/overload/overcurrent protection switch.

[pasdad1]

Originally Posted by KanzKran

I would add that if you're running air conditioning off the generator, shut it off and let it sit for a few minutes before plugging in, or before closing the shore power breaker at least. That lets the refrigerant pressure bleed down so the compressor(s) isn't trying to start against a high head pressure. Same with the refrigerator/freezer, if it's a compressor type. Puts less wear on the compressor's internal stalled-rotor/overload/overcurrent protection switch.

I believe many (most?) thermostats provide a delay before starting air conditioning units, so you might not need to worry about this.

[DebiA]

i am plugged into 30 amp shore power. everything shut off except microwave, and electric recliner., frig. is off. just replaced ECM due to storm. I want to make sure when i am getting ready to drive it that I have unplugged and turned in proper order. (hope that makes sense) do i need to disconnect batteries (red light switch) for any reason?

[DebiA]

hi thanks for advise but what is a pedestal breaker ? i have a large panel of breakers in the hallway

[CountryB]

In a campsite, the electrical post (Shore power connection) where you plug the coach's power cord into, will have a set of breakers.

[Mudfrog]

Originally Posted by KanzKran

I would add that if you're running air conditioning off the generator, shut it off and let it sit for a few minutes before plugging in, or before closing the shore power breaker at least. That lets the refrigerant pressure bleed down so the compressor(s) isn't trying to start against a high head pressure. Same with the refrigerator/freezer, if it's a compressor type. Puts less wear on the compressor's internal stalled-rotor/overload/overcurrent protection switch.

Not to nit pick but if he shuts it off before turning off the genset, then it won't matter if he plugs on into shore and turns on the breaker. The ac won't come back on until he physically takes action at the thermostat. On that note though, I definitely agree to give it a few minutes before turning the ac back on. Most thermostats do have the delay built in but,, ya never know.

Turn off larger power draw appliances such as ac, microwave, electric water heater, portable heater, etc,, before plugging/unplugging. I would also turn off TVs, computers, and other electronics just to be safe.

Whether plugging in or unplugging from shore,, Turn off the shore power breaker first.

And yes, not often that you'd need to but you can start the engine while connected to shore power.

Situations vary but I don't feel the need to have a surge suppressor or power monitor system on our 18 year old rig.

[DebiA]

so i make sure that breaker is off when plugging and unpluging?

[KanzKran]

Originally Posted by DebiA

so i make sure that breaker is off when plugging and unpluging?

Either the one on the pedestal (belongs to the RV park), or the "Main" breaker in the coach (belongs to you). Either one disconnects shore power from the coach.

[Ljwt330]

Originally Posted by DebiA

i am plugged into 30 amp shore power. everything shut off except microwave, and electric recliner., frig. is off. just replaced ECM due to storm. I want to make sure when i am getting ready to drive it that I have unplugged and turned in proper order. (hope that makes sense) do i need to disconnect batteries (red light switch) for any reason?

Originally Posted by DebiA

hi thanks for advise but what is a pedestal breaker ? i have a large panel of breakers in the hallway

Pedestal breaker is the breaker on the post or pedestal that you plug your RV cord into. In a campground, there should be a circuit breaker for each outlet in their pedestal.

Shutting off ac devices that draw significant power from the shore cord are what you are striving for. The electric element on your water heater, if you have one, is an example of something that can be drawing amps without you being aware.

Don't turn off the battery disconnect. While you drive, your alternator will supply a charge to your coach batteries once your chassis (vehicle) battery has been charged and you will arrive with fully charged house batteries.

Turn OFF the battery disconnect only when you are storing the RV and have no plug-in power to keep the batteries charged.

Being new and uncertain, you can turn off you main 30 amp breaker in your electrical panel before you unplug from the pedestal. That cuts all ac power to your interior devices.

[96 Wideglide]

Originally Posted by CountryB

In a campsite, the electrical post (Shore power connection) where you plug the coach's power cord into, will have a set of breakers.

You mean 'may' have a set of breakers.

I've stayed in several parks where you don't get access to the breaker.

All the pedestal breakers are kept in an off-building, and require you to contact management if you trip yours !

[DebiA]

ok thank you very much. I am a lady who retired and purchased a 37 ft. ,2004 National Tropical with 32,000 miles, and I love it. when I asked Camping World tech. he said He can answer all my questions but, I have to make an appointment and pay over $100. (can't remember exact amount)and i refused.