New to RVing.....please help

Underoath1842 wrote:
I just got a coachmen apex 31' and have been reading all the manuals and watching a ton of videos. And so I went there to where its stored and checked all the inventory that it had. Now there were a few things I had no idea what they were....I was hoping someone on here could help me. Also, I've heard its imperative to get a surge protector for electric hookup, is that true? Here are some pictures of what I'm not sure of. Any help is much appreciated thank you.

Ps I'm adding in all the photos I took just in case you noticed something I didnt.***Link Removed***

Several years ago I was camping and a friend was in the next spot.
Lightening hit the huge Pine tree between us. It came down and run in on his electrical system. Fried it.
I had a surge protector. My camper suffered no damage.
I'm a believer.

Do not buy the bottom of the line surge device.

You want the top of the line which will prevent open neutral from connecting among other things,

If the power cord has four prongs it is 50 amp; if only 3 then 30 amp.

If you are a 30 amp RV then it is quite possible to manage without such a device, provided you are willing to manually check the outlet before you plug in.

Underoath1842 wrote:
Would this be an okay one for us? Also do I need 30 or 50 amp? Sorry if these sound like stupid questions. I have been reading other posts but didnt see anything about this.

Underoath1842 wrote:
Before I order...which I need to do soon....is this what you're talking about?

You don't want this if your TT is 30 amp. If your TT is 30 amp you want a 50 amp male to 30 amp female.

Thanks Mark. Thanks everyone.

MarkTwain wrote:

Underoath1842 wrote:
Last question. What's a dog tail? Lol and thanks for the rest of the advice

It is a little electrical cord 2' long that has a 50 amp connector on 1 end and 30amp on the other end. you can also buy a dog tail that is 30 amp on one end and 15 on the other end if you need to plug you trailer in when you have it home. 1st look to seek the size of your trailer/RV electrical cord. The 50 amp cord is bigger than the 30amp. If your trailer was has a 50amp, and you get into an RV park that only offers a 30 amp connection, then that is when you connect your dog tail. Just go to Amazon or Camping world to buy the dog tail. They are not real expensive.

fixed it.

Underoath1842 wrote:
Oh one more important question....my AC is 15,000 btu, I'm wondering what the cheapest most reliable quiet generator rd would work for that?

Harbor Freight 3500 watt with electric start. Do get the extended warranty.

or

Champion 3400 watt with remote electric start.

Before I order...which I need to do soon....is this what you're talking about?

I see them being called "dogbone"...same thing?

Underoath1842 wrote:
Would this be an okay one for us? Also do I need 30 or 50 amp? Sorry if these sound like stupid questions. I have been reading other posts but didnt see anything about this.

Look at your main breaker. If it’s 30A, then get a 30A. Same with 50A.
That’s the minimum of surge protection. I would go with a Progressive Industries surge protector.
Also good to have are a 30 to 50 amp dogbone and a 30 to 15 amp dogbone if your camper is 30A. If it’s 50A, then get dogbones made for that size. These allow you to plug into various outlets.

Underoath1842 wrote:
Last question. What's a dog tail? Lol and thanks for the rest of the advice

It is a little electrical cord 2' long that has a 50 amp connector on 1 end and 30amp on the other end. you can also buy a dog tail that is 30 amp on one end and 110 on the other end if you need to plug you trailer in when you have it home. 1st look to seek the size of your trailer/RV electrical cord. The 50 amp cord is bigger than the 30amp. If your trailer was has a 50amp, and you get into an RV park that only offers a 30 amp connection, then that is when you connect your dog tail. Just go to Amazon or Camping world to buy the dog tail. They are not real expensive.