“If You Can Plug in a Toaster, You Can Run an RV—Here’s How”
Written by Jimmy Gerhold
Let me guess—you’re thinking about getting an RV, but when it comes to all the hookups, switches, hoses, tanks, and mystery buttons… it’s a little intimidating?
Totally normal.
Most first-time RV buyers are excited about the lifestyle, the road trips, the family memories—but then they start asking questions like:
“How do I power everything?”
“What do I do with the water tank?”
“Will I blow up the propane system if I touch the wrong thing?”
Here’s the good news: It’s not as complicated as it looks.
If you can plug in a toaster, screw on a hose, and turn a knob—you’ve got this.
Let’s break it down real simple:
🔌 1. Understanding RV Power: Shore Power, Batteries & Generators
RV power comes in three main forms:
✅ Shore Power (Plugging In at a Campground)
This is like plugging your RV into a giant outdoor outlet. You’ll usually have a 30-amp or 50-amp plug depending on your RV.
Once connected, everything runs like home: outlets, AC, microwave, etc.
➡️ Pro Tip: Always use a surge protector to protect your RV from campground power spikes. It’s a $100 investment that can save thousands.
✅ Battery Power (For Basic Needs)
Your RV has at least one 12V battery. This runs your lights, water pump, and maybe your fridge—but not your AC or microwave.
The battery charges when you’re plugged into shore power, or if you have solar or a generator.
➡️ Pro Tip: If you’re boondocking (camping off-grid), keep an eye on your battery levels so you don’t drain them completely.
✅ Generator (Optional, but Powerful)
Some RVs have built-in generators. Others use portable ones. These let you power big appliances like the AC when you’re off-grid.
➡️ Just like with a lawn mower, they need fuel and basic maintenance.
💧 2. RV Water Systems: Fresh, Gray, and Black Tanks
RV water is simple when you think of it in three parts:
✅ Fresh Water (Clean Drinking Water)
- You’ll either fill your fresh tank with a hose or hook directly to campground water.
- Use a white drinking-safe hose and always run water through a filter if possible.
✅ Gray Water (Used Sink/Shower Water)
- This goes into the gray tank and gets emptied at a dump station. Not gross, just soapy water.
- You’ll know it’s full when your sink or shower starts draining slower.
✅ Black Water (Toilet Waste)
- This is the one everyone asks about. It’s not as bad as you think.
- You empty the black tank at the dump station using a sewer hose.
- Use RV-specific toilet paper and tank treatments to keep smells and clogs away.
➡️ Pro Tip: Always dump black first, then gray—so the cleaner water helps rinse your hose.
🔥 3. Propane: Cooking, Heating, and More
Propane in your RV powers:
- Your stove/oven
- Your furnace
- Sometimes your fridge (when off-grid)
- Your water heater (depending on the model)
Your tanks will either be refillable (motorhomes) or swappable (travel trailers with 20 lb bottles).
➡️ Safety First: RVs come with propane leak detectors. Make sure they’re working. If you ever smell strong propane, shut everything off and air it out.
➡️ Pro Tip: Turn off propane while traveling (especially in tunnels or on ferries), and always know where your shutoff valve is.
👨🔧 Final Thoughts from Jimmy:
Here’s the bottom line—you don’t have to be an electrician or plumber to own an RV. You just need someone to show you how it all works once.
That’s exactly what I do for my customers at Riverside Camping Center. I don’t just sell you an RV—I make sure you know how to use it confidently. I’ll walk you through every system until it clicks.
If you’re ready to take the leap, or if you just want to tour a few RVs and get your questions answered without pressure, text me anytime at 252-404-9207 or come see me in New Bern, NC.
Let’s get you road-ready the right way.
See you soon,
– Jimmy
Riverside Camping Center
