DIY Network

In Camp Can-Do and Owner's Advice The Quigleys share advice on checking the voltage at the campground pedestal. From "RV Roadtrips" episode DRVR-111

It's a wise RVer who checks the voltage and the polarity of that voltage at the campground pedestal before connecting the shoreline cord on the RV. Often reverse polarity and lower or higher than normal voltage can damage sensitive equipment on the RV, such as the air conditioner, microwave, computer and other devices.

Older campgrounds, especially, are more susceptible to this problem. Though the fault may lie within the campground grid, it's the RV and the RVer that suffers. But there is a way to test the pedestal first, before plugging in to be sure the polarity and voltage are set correctly. By using a voltmeter, a polarity tester and a surge protector, the RVer will not fall prey to these electrical traps that could cause damage to their RV.

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	Host Gary Bunzer, also known as the RV Doctor, shows Kevin Quigley how a polarity checker, seen here, can help prevent electrical problems inside his trailer.
	Figure A

Testing Voltage and Polarity at the Campsite

Materials and Tools:

anti-oxidant cleaner
voltmeter
continuity or polarity checker
30 amp surge protector

By using a voltmeter, a polarity tester and a surge protector, the RV is guaranteed not to fall prey to damage to electrical appliances.

1. Turn off the main circuit breaker inside the RV.

2. Using a voltmeter, measure the voltage at the pedestal connection. Be sure to measure the voltage at the receptacle you will actually be plugging the coach into. There may be two or three different receptacles in each pedestal.

3. If available, plug in the polarity tester to verify the polarity. (This step can also be performed by using just the voltmeter.)

4. Check the prongs on the shoreline cord. Use an anti-oxidant to clean the contacts if necessary.

5. Inspect the entire length of the shoreline cord for damage.

6. Measure for continuity between the ground prong on the shoreline cord and the frame of the RV verifying a good ground connection. There should be no continuity on the hot prong or the neutral prong.

7. Install the in-line surge protector (figure A) between the pedestal receptacle and the shoreline cord.

8. Turn on the main circuit breaker inside the RV.

Your RV is now protected!

Figure B

Owner's Advice

• When cranking down your stabilizers on the RV it usually is quite a workout due to the hand crank and multiple stabilizers. The Quigleys, however, have discovered a quick and easy way to get set-up in no time, by using a cordless drill (figure B). With a cordless drill you can even try this method while dry camping.

• With six pairs of feet in the Quigley family stray shoes used to be a big problem in the RV. By implementing a shoe box or crate as the case may be, however, now the kids know where their shoes go and where to find them.

• The Quigleys always bring along Glow-sticks for the kids since they are usually playing outside in the dark. They buy them in bulk so they always have a plentiful supply for their kids and for any friends they make at the campground. It makes the kids easy to see at night, and when it is time for lights out, they have a cool night light in their bunk. They usually leave a few of them in the trailer so night time restroom trips are not done completely in the dark.

	New Brighton State Beach
	The Quigley family enjoying a meal inside their trailer.
	The Santa Cruz Boardwalk is the Coney Island of the West!

New Brighton State Beach

• The beach features picnic areas, swimming, fishing and a nearby forest of Monterey pine and Coastal Live Oak. The camping area is on a bluff overlooking northern Monterey Bay.

• The beach is in the town of Capitola, just south of Santa Cruz. The beach can be reached by taking the New Brighton/Park Avenue exit off Highway One.

• The weather can be changeable so layered clothing is recommended.

• There are 110 campsites.

• The beach features nature trails.

• A fun boardwalk with rides is nearby.

RESOURCES :

In-Line 20 Amp Surger Protector
RV Upgrades
Website: www.RVupgrades.com

GUESTS :

Todd Allen
State Park Supervising Ranger
New Brighton State Beach
Capitola, CA 95010
Website: www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=542

Kris Reyes
Community Relations
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
400 Beach St.
Santa Cruz 95060
Phone: 831-423-5590
Website: www.beachboardwalk.com