Hi Everyone. Well, after 15 years the RV-Dreams Community Forum is coming to an end. Since it began in August 2005, we've had 58 Million page views, 124,000 posts, and we've spent about $15,000 to keep this valuable resource for RVers free and open. But since we are now off the road and have settled down for the next chapter of our lives, we are taking the Forum down effective June 30, 2021. It has been a tough decision, but it is now time.


We want to thank all of our members for their participation and input over the years, and we want to especially thank those that have acted as Moderators for us during our amazing journey living and traveling in our RV and growing the RV-Dreams Family. We will be forever proud to have been founders of this Forum and to have been supported by such a wonderful community. Thank you all!!

Members Login
Username 
 
Password 
    Remember Me  
RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> RV Maintenance and Technical Tips -> Disconnecting Shore Power
Post Info TOPIC: Disconnecting Shore Power
tanakh777


RV-Dreams Community Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 11
Date:
Disconnecting Shore Power
Permalink  

Hi all. I am a newbie fulltimer. So far, I'm loving every minute of my new life. I live in Indiana and am (I think) ready for my first winter.

My question is, I've been told that I need to disconnect from shore power before starting the engine on my RV. Is this true? I have a 1987 Winnebago Elandon. There is a switch on the dash that I must turn on before my refrigerator and some of my 12v lights will work. I had assumed that I would need to turn that switch off before starting but didn't know if I needed to disconnect from shore power.

Thanks for any insights you may have.

Greg


__________________
NorCal Dan


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 1192
Date:
Permalink  

I disconnect totally from shore before starting my rig. Too easy to forget and attempt to move the rig.

I have seen rigs stretch their power cord and bend the pedestal. One friend of mine tried stretching his power cord once, didn't find any damage, then months later his cord reel showed an open ground condition (resulted from the stretch). Cost him 2 TV's and the motor in his washer/dryer combo. And he had to replace his cord reel, about $700 if I remember correctly. Expensive lesson.

__________________

2018 Thor Windsport 35M -- 2018 Camry Toad

-- USAF Retired -- Full-timing since December 2007 - Part-Timing since July 2011
VisitedStatesMap.jpg
http://http://travelingrvwx.com/
thebearII


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 544
Date:
Permalink  

No mechanical or electrical reason to disconnect from shore power if the RV has been wired properly.

Probably more of an urban myth passed on or just a means to make sure you unplug the shore power before driving away like Norcal Dan suggests.

I've started mine many times while still plugged into shorepower with no ill effects.

__________________
Larry
"Small House, Big Yard "
7 years to go to FT
Alfa See-Ya 5'er and 2007 Kodiak C4500 Monroe Pickup
tanakh777


RV-Dreams Community Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 11
Date:
Permalink  

Thanks a lot for the info. I couldn't see any electrical reason either. My neighbor told me that I needed to unplug first but I wanted to ask the experts.

Thanks again.

__________________
Serengeti


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 50
Date:
Permalink  

One thing too remember is to turn  off the breakers in the box before you plug in or unplug.
If you don't it could lead to a nasty spark.
Be safe and have happy travels.

__________________

Blog: Trailsofserengeti.blogspot.com
40 ft. Safari Serengeti 350hp diesel pusher
being pushed by a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox
Page 1 of 1  sorted by
 
Quick Reply

Please log in to post quick replies.
RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> RV Maintenance and Technical Tips -> Disconnecting Shore Power
Tweet this page Post to Digg Post to Del.icio.us