When you’re settling in for more than just a weekend getaway, power management becomes a critical part of RV living. At Coastal Cowboy RV Park, our full hookup sites with 30- and 50-amp service make extended stays comfortable and convenient, but it’s up to you to use that power wisely. To avoid electrical headaches, protect your equipment, and maximize your comfort, it’s essential to understand surge protection and load planning from the start.
Why Surge Protection Should Be Your First Priority
Power surges can strike at any time, and they don’t care if you’re parked at a luxury resort or a quiet coastal getaway. A surge can be caused by lightning, fluctuations in the grid, or even other rigs drawing too much current on the same line. One spike is all it takes to damage your A/C, fridge, or control panel, and those repairs don’t come cheap.
Surge protectors are the gatekeepers for your RV’s electrical system. They plug into the pedestal before your rig does and monitor the voltage flowing into your system. A good one will shut down power before any damage occurs, protecting your appliances and wiring from short-term damage and long-term wear. For extended stays, a basic surge guard is helpful, but an Electrical Management System (EMS) is even better. EMS units check for open grounds, reverse polarity, high or low voltage, and protect against sustained power issues, not just sudden spikes.
Choosing the Right Surge Protection for Long-Term Use
If you’re staying parked for a month or more, you need a surge protector that’s built for durability and constant exposure. Look for weatherproof casing and locking brackets to keep it secure and protected from the elements. Portable units work well, but if you’re in it for the long haul, you may want to invest in a hardwired EMS unit that’s permanently installed in your RV’s electrical bay. It keeps things clean, tamper-proof, and always active.
The most important part is to choose a surge protector that matches your amperage. A 30-amp RV needs a 30-amp protector. A 50-amp rig needs a 50-amp version. Don’t try to mix and match, and never plug into shore power without one. At Coastal Cowboy RV Park, our pedestals are regularly maintained, but surge protection is always your responsibility, and your best insurance policy.
Load Planning: Know What You Can Run and When
Even with surge protection in place, you still need to understand how to manage your power usage. This is called load planning, and it’s essential for long-term stays where you’re likely running multiple appliances at once. Every RV has a limit on how many amps it can draw at one time. Exceeding that limit can trip your breaker or damage onboard systems.
Start by knowing how many amps your major appliances pull. A single A/C unit can draw around 12 to 15 amps. A microwave might take another 10. Add in a water heater, fridge, and space heater, and you can see how quickly it adds up. If you’re on a 30-amp system, you’ll need to be strategic, avoid running the microwave and A/C at the same time, for example. On a 50-amp system, you have more breathing room, but you should still monitor your usage.
Monitor and Manage Your Load Daily
Load planning isn’t a one-time thing. It’s a daily habit for long-term RVers. Turn off high-draw items when they’re not in use. Use propane when possible to reduce electrical demand. For example, running your water heater and fridge on propane can free up enough amps to power other essentials.
Savvy RVers use plug-in monitors or energy management systems to track their power usage in real time. These tools show exactly how much current you’re drawing and alert you when you’re nearing your limit. Some RVs even come with built-in monitoring systems. The more you understand your power draw, the more comfortably and safely you can live day to day.
Planning for Power Outages and Recovery
No one expects a power outage, but they happen. Coastal storms, grid issues, or even maintenance work can cause temporary interruptions. For extended stays, it’s smart to have a basic backup plan. Keep flashlights, charged batteries, and a few propane-powered essentials on hand. If your RV has an onboard generator, make sure it’s in good working order and topped off with fuel.
Once power is restored, always check your surge protector and pedestal before flipping everything back on. If you have an EMS system, it will run diagnostics and verify that power is stable. Don’t just start flipping switches; bring systems online one at a time to avoid an initial overload.
Why It All Matters at Coastal Cowboy RV Park
We know our guests expect more than just a parking spot. That’s why Coastal Cowboy RV Park is committed to offering reliable, well-maintained shore power at every site. Whether you’re plugged in for a week or staying with us for a season, our infrastructure is built to support comfort, convenience, and safety.
But even with top-tier hookups, your rig still needs the right tools and planning to thrive. Power management is part of the long-stay lifestyle. When you understand how to protect and prepare your usage, you spend less time worrying and more time enjoying everything our coastal park has to offer.
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Experience the comfort, community, and coastal charm of the Texas Gulf Coast. Whether you choose Coastal Cowboy RV Park, Redfish Bay RV Park, or Sunrise RV Resort, you’ll find the perfect place to relax, recharge, and feel at home from the moment you arrive.