RV Shore Power Hookups Explained in 5 Minutes

The first time Emily and I pulled into a campground with full hookups, we stared at the power pedestal like it was a puzzle from another dimension. Breaker switches, different outlet shapes, and our RV cord just dangling there. We figured it out in about five minutes, and you will too. Shore power is just electricity from the campground grid delivered to your RV through a heavy-duty extension cord. That is literally it.

30 Amp vs 50 Amp: What Is the Difference?

Most campground pedestals offer two types of outlets. The 30-amp outlet has three prongs in a triangle pattern and delivers about 3,600 watts. The 50-amp outlet has four prongs and delivers about 12,000 watts. Your RV was built for one or the other, and your power cord matches the corresponding outlet shape. Smaller rigs, vans, and travel trailers are typically 30-amp. Larger Class A motorhomes and fifth wheels are usually 50-amp.

Plugging In Safely

Before you connect, make sure the campground breaker for your site is in the OFF position. Plug the male end of your cord into the RV first, then plug the female end into the pedestal. Now flip the breaker on. This order prevents any potential arcing at the connection point. When disconnecting, reverse the order: breaker off first, then unplug from the pedestal, then from the RV.

What About Adapters?

Sometimes the campground only has a 50-amp outlet and your rig is 30-amp (or vice versa). Adapters exist for both directions and cost around fifteen to thirty dollars. A 50-to-30 adapter (sometimes called a dogbone) lets you plug your 30-amp RV into a 50-amp pedestal. You will be limited to your RV's 30-amp capacity, but it works perfectly. We keep both adapters in our hookup kit because you never know what a campground will have available. If you are still getting comfortable with your overall RV setup, having both adapters eliminates one more thing to worry about on arrival day.

That is the whole story with shore power. Three prongs or four prongs, breaker off before connecting, and carry adapters for flexibility. You have got this.