Buying camper, need help

The only question I can answer is plugging your 50 amp service into a 30 amp outlet will not hurt anything. You just may not be able to run two air conditioners and the microwave at the same time.

I don't think you need sway bars for a Travel Trailer (or Bumper Pull). Sway bars are usually considered needed for Truck Campers, or Slide-in Campers. Plus, are you sure your 2500 doesn't already have sway bars? In the rear, at least?

You are going to want to plug into 50amp service when camping if your camper is setup for that. If you try to "get by" with a 30amp service, almost inevitably you'll end up trying to use too much, tripping breakers, and possibly damaging something electrical.

NEED a surge protector? No, you don't need one. We've camped for 11 years without one, with no problems. BUT... if I was regularly using sensitive electronics (computers, etc) I would want a surge protector / voltage monitor.

Tvov wrote:
I don't think you need sway bars for a Travel Trailer (or Bumper Pull). Sway bars are usually considered needed for Truck Campers, or Slide-in Campers. Plus, are you sure your 2500 doesn't already have sway bars? In the rear, at least?

I believe you are confusing "sway bars" with (anti) roll bars.

bandtroberts wrote:
Hey all. I'm new to campers and need some help. I'm purchasing a Keystone Laredo bumper pull, my truck is a 2006 2500 Duramax.

1. Do I need sway bars?
2. The campground I will be at mostly only has 30 amp service and the camper is 50. Will 30 amp do any damage by not sending enough juice to a/c, fridge etc.?
3. Do I need a surge protector or some type of voltage monitor?

All I can think of for now. Like I said, brand new to campers so any tips appreciated...Thanks

1. Yes. Trailer sway is dependent on many factors and is an additional means of ensuring safety both of yourself and others on the road around you.
2. Depends on how many appliances you have running at the same time.
3. Good idea - I have both. The Surge Guard protects the entire camper and I'd rather replace it than any of the appliances on board. Has worked well in the past shutting down power when needed on at least 3 occasions in as many years. The Voltage monitor helps you keep an eye on the level of voltage in the RV and warns you when it gets too low for expensive appliances (like the AC) to run safely.

If you are going to spend the thousands of dollars to buy an RV it is a false economy to scrimp when it comes to these articles.

wmoses wrote:

bandtroberts wrote:
Hey all. I'm new to campers and need some help. I'm purchasing a Keystone Laredo bumper pull, my truck is a 2006 2500 Duramax.

1. Do I need sway bars?
2. The campground I will be at mostly only has 30 amp service and the camper is 50. Will 30 amp do any damage by not sending enough juice to a/c, fridge etc.?
3. Do I need a surge protector or some type of voltage monitor?

All I can think of for now. Like I said, brand new to campers so any tips appreciated...Thanks

1. Yes. Trailer sway is dependent on many factors and is an additional means of ensuring safety both of yourself and others on the road around you.
2. Depends on how many appliances you have running at the same time.
3. Good idea - I have both. The Surge Guard protects the entire camper and I'd rather replace it than any of the appliances on board. Has worked well in the past shutting down power when needed on at least 3 occasions in as many years. The Voltage monitor helps you keep an eye on the level of voltage in the RV and warns you when it gets too low for expensive appliances (like the AC) to run safely.

If you are going to spend the thousands of dollars to buy an RV it is a false economy to scrimp when it comes to these articles.

Talking Surge protector/voltage monitors. If I buy the 50 amp surge protector and have my camper plugged into a 30 amp service then the surge protector is useless correct? Do I need a 30 amp SP/VM when plugged into a 30 amp service with my 50 amp camper? Maybe that's not to confusing.. I guess what I'm asking is do I need to have a 50 amp Sp for when I'm plugged into 50 amp service and a 30 amp SP for when I'm plugged into 30 amp service.

Replace the OEM receiver on your truck.
Buy a weight distributing hitch with integrated sway control.
Buy a 50A to 30A adapter.
Do not use both AC units at once.

I have to disagree with Tvov you do not need a 50 amp service at all unless you need "50" amps. If you are full timing and have a washer and dryer and two ac's then sure. If your just vacationing and camping more than likely 30 amps will be just fine and won't hurt a thing.JMHO

dave17352 wrote:
I have to disagree with Tvov you do not need a 50 amp service at all unless you need "50" amps. If you are full timing and have a washer and dryer and two ac's then sure. If your just vacationing and camping more than likely 30 amps will be just fine and won't hurt a thing.JMHO

yep, a 30 amp coach with a decent EMS will do just fine. and yes, get either a progressive or other type of multi-function surge protector, $250 and up, not the $90 special.
bumpy

bandtroberts wrote:

Talking Surge protector/voltage monitors. If I buy the 50 amp surge protector and have my camper plugged into a 30 amp service then the surge protector is useless correct? Do I need a 30 amp SP/VM when plugged into a 30 amp service with my 50 amp camper? Maybe that's not to confusing.. I guess what I'm asking is do I need to have a 50 amp Sp for when I'm plugged into 50 amp service and a 30 amp SP for when I'm plugged into 30 amp service.

All you need is the 50 amp SurgeGuard. It will do the job for both the 50 amp and 30 amp hookups. Plug your 30x50 dog bone into the pedestal, then plug your 50 amp SurgeGuard into that, then plug your RV into that.

Buying a 30 amp SurgeGuard also would be a waste of money.

Bruce

APT wrote:
Replace the OEM receiver on your truck.
Buy a weight distributing hitch with integrated sway control.
Buy a 50A to 30A adapter.
Do not use both AC units at once.

I assumed the OEM receiver would suffice. I'll be pulling less than 200 miles per year. Is OEM on a 2500 not good enough?