How to Operate RV Appliances

If you are gearing up for a camping trip and have purchased an RV, you may not be familiar with the ins and outs of using an RV. RVs are available in many different models and sizes and can include a variety of different amenities. Usually you can find a refrigerator, stove and bathroom as a minimum in an RV. This means that you need a power source for the appliances, as well as a means to heat up the hot water heater for showers.

Things You'll Need

• Propane tank or generator
• Electric hookup at campground

Instructions

1. Equip your RV with either a generator or a propane tank. It varies by RV as to which you can use. Typically, an RV comes with a propane tank or generator, while some come with both. If you have purchased a used RV, you may need to buy your own generator or propane tank. The exact location on the RV of each item varies. RV and camping supply stores are where you can purchase the needed items.

2. Fill your propane tank, if it is not filled and you need to use a propane tank. Typically a propane tank can be filled at a variety of places such as a local gas station, grocery store or home improvement store.

3. Flip the switch on inside of the RV to select "gas" or "electric" for running your appliances. With some RVs, you use a propane tank when not hooked up to electricity in a campground.

4. Attach your electric plug to the campground electricity, if you are in a campground. Most RVs have a large electric plug on the back side of the RV that you just pull out and plug into the campground electricity. This allows you to use the electricity at the campground and not your generator or propane gas.

5. Power on your appliances in the same manner as you would at home.

References

• RV Basics: RV Generator FAQ
• Jeff Newman, RV owner since 1988