RV/Van Life Shore Power Calculator
Created by: Emma Collins
Last updated:
Plan your electrical usage when connected to campground shore power. Calculate available wattage for your appliances, estimate battery charging time, and understand your electricity costs for extended stays.
What is an RV/Van Life Shore Power Calculator?
A Shore Power Calculator helps RV and van owners determine their electrical needs when connected to campground or external power sources. This tool calculates available power capacity, battery charging time, electrical costs, and helps ensure you don't overload circuits during your stay.
Whether you're planning a campground stay, comparing power options, or setting up your RV electrical system, this calculator helps you understand the relationship between your appliances, charger, and available shore power capacity.
Understanding Shore Power
30-Amp Service: 3,600 watts (30A × 120V) - standard for smaller RVs and vans
50-Amp Service: 12,000 watts (two 50A legs at 120V) - for larger motorhomes
Load Percentage: How much of available capacity your appliances use
Daily kWh: Your total energy consumption for cost calculation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is shore power and why do RV and van owners need it?
Shore power is AC electricity from an external source like a campground pedestal or home outlet. It allows you to run AC appliances, charge batteries, and power climate control without relying on batteries or generators. For extended stays or when batteries need a full charge, shore power is the most convenient and economical option.
What's the difference between 30-amp and 50-amp shore power?
30-amp service provides 3,600 watts (30A × 120V) through a single hot leg. 50-amp service provides 12,000 watts (50A × 240V split into two 120V legs). Most vans and smaller RVs use 30-amp, while larger motorhomes and fifth wheels need 50-amp for multiple AC units and high-draw appliances.
Can I plug my RV into a regular home outlet?
Yes, using an adapter you can plug into a standard 15 or 20-amp household outlet. However, this limits you to about 1,800 watts (15A) or 2,400 watts (20A), which may not be enough for AC units or high-draw appliances. It's suitable for basic charging and light use but not full campground-style power.
How do I calculate my shore power needs?
Add up the wattage of appliances you'll run simultaneously: AC unit (1,200-1,500W), microwave (1,000-1,500W), battery charger (500-2,000W), water heater (1,500W), and other devices. Peak demand occurs when multiple appliances start - this total determines whether you need 15, 30, or 50-amp service.
How long does it take to charge batteries on shore power?
Charging time depends on your charger's amperage, battery capacity, and current state of charge. A 40-amp charger can add about 40Ah per hour to a lithium battery. For a 200Ah battery at 50%, reaching 100% takes about 2.5-3 hours. Lead-acid batteries take longer due to decreasing charge acceptance above 80%.
What size battery charger should I use with shore power?
Size your charger based on battery bank capacity: lithium batteries can handle 50-100% of capacity, while lead-acid should use 10-25% of capacity. For a 200Ah lithium bank, a 60-100A charger is appropriate. Also consider your shore power capacity - a 60A charger uses about 720-900 watts on a 30-amp circuit.
How much does campground shore power cost?
Most campgrounds include electricity in nightly rates ($30-80/night). Some charge separately, typically $3-8 per night for electric sites vs non-electric. A few campgrounds meter usage at $0.10-0.20 per kWh. On average, RV electrical usage costs $2-5 per day depending on AC and appliance use.
Can I run my air conditioner on 30-amp shore power?
Yes, most single AC units (13,500-15,000 BTU) draw 12-16 amps, leaving 14-18 amps for other appliances on a 30-amp circuit. However, you likely cannot run two AC units or an AC plus high-draw appliances like a microwave simultaneously without tripping the breaker. A 50-amp service allows running two AC units.
Sources and References
- Progressive Dynamics - RV Converter/Charger Specifications
- U.S. Energy Information Administration - Electricity Rate Data
- National Electrical Code - RV and Mobile Home Standards
- Campendium - Campground Amenity Database