Park power can fluctuate from weather, loose wiring, old connections and a crowded capacity putting loads on the supply source all at the same time.  To protect sensitive electronics on the RV from damage due to varying current, strongly consider adding a surge protector.

A surge protector is designed to protect on board RV electronics by diverting electrical spikes when incoming current rises above acceptable levels.  Many model motor homes, fifth wheels and travel trailers come equipped with a built in surge protector, however, if this is not a standard feature on your unit, there are a few things to know before adding one on.

Surge protectors are rated in joules, a unit of energy that dictates how much energy the protector can absorb.  The higher number of joules, the higher rating of protection the surge device will provide.  Time delay built into the surge protector will vary between models and brands.  For maximum protection, install a surge protector with the least amount of delay.

A surge protection device built into the transfer switch is efficient, but can also be expensive.  Added surge protection designed to plug into the shore power cord is usually effective, however, beware that these portable devices can be stolen during the night or while you are away from the RV.  Check with the surge protector manufacturer for hardwire information.    It may be necessary to have the surge protector installed by a certified technician to assure warranty coverage.

There are a few steps you can take to guard against electrical damage.  Turn off electronics and appliances prior to plugging in.  Before connecting the shore cord, check the power pedestal using a voltmeter to confirm adequate voltage supply.  Unhook the RV from shore power during electrical storms.  Never rewire a faulty power pedestal and always use a high quality adapter when hooking up to anything less than the vehicle’s rated amperage.

Low voltage supplies can be a common problem in crowded campgrounds.  Vehicles supplied with an Energy Management System (EMS) will shed pre-selected loads when demand exceeds supply.  When park supply is at a minimum and you do not want to engage the generator, run the refrigerator on propane to assure continued operation.  Low voltage will not damage smaller items, such as lamps, clocks and countertop appliances, but merely cause them to work at half capacity.  Larger appliances, however, can be harmed when low voltage prevents built in fans from properly cooling interior components.  To prevent system breakdowns due to low voltage, keep a voltmeter plugged into an easy to reference outlet.  If voltage is low, run the generator while using larger appliances such as the microwave oven and television.