If your RV electric bill is high, you should find the main cause of this issue. Here are 21 reasons that can result in a high electricity bill for your RV.
Why is my RV Electric Bill So High? Your RV electric bill can be high because of fluctuation of voltage, extra batteries, poor function of the electric system, multiple air conditioners, electronic generators of RV, the light-emitting electrode bulbs, in excessive propane, a device with low electric efficiency, no insulation, lack of light, weather effects, use of heaters and cooling tools, long-term stays, campground effect.
Why is my RV Electric Bill So High?
The electric bill of RV gets high due to the immense consumption of electrical energy. Sometimes other factors enhance the bill drastically.
The electronic device of the RV that consumes megawatts is known as vampire devices, which results in a high electric bill.
Electric current has a general pathway of movement, and all the appliances inside a vehicle have a connection with the connecting circuit.
The electric current divides into two passages inside an RV. These pathways are known as the DC system and AC system.
DC system
The DC system means it contains the direct flow of current. It comprises 11-12 volts in it, and there is no resistance in the flow. The DC system has the power of the battery.
The number of batteries varies from one to multiple, and it makes the system fantastic. The direct current system offers electrical power to a refrigerator and a water cooler.
The lighting system of the recreational vehicle work on the direct current system. The detecting devices like carbon monoxide detectors get their energy from the non-fluctuating current system.
AC system
The ac system means a configuration of alternating current. In this passage, the electric current changed its direction after few seconds. It is one of the most complex systems in terms of electric current. The advantages are immense. You should not plug 110V RV to 220V.
The alternating current supplies energy to large electrical devices. They include the generator, television, and all kitchen appliances.
Comparison Chart for Alternating Current and Direct Current for an RV
| Alternating current | Direct current |
| It is known as alternating current because it keeps on fluctuating. | It is a system of direct current flow. |
| A recreational vehicle uses an alternating current system for complex appliances. | It remains constant throughout its functionalities.
Direct current supply energy to small electrical devices like toasters and dryers. |
Causes of the high electric bill in an RV
In an electric vehicle, numerous factors enhance the bill. These things are part of the whole setup, but a few fluctuations lead to immense cost.
Fluctuation of voltage
The problem of voltage fluctuations usually occurs in the campgrounds. The voltage starts varying due to multiple reasons.
The system begins to damage, and it is one of the most expensive happenings inside the Recreational vehicle. The variation of electric current occurs due to a short circuit.
Sometimes an electronic device takes more voltage than its normal functioning. It enhances the per day usage of the electricity and ultimately the cost of RV electricity bill increases.
Extra batteries
The direct current system utilizes approximately twelve volts of electric power. Some people use one battery that comprises all the essential volts. There are few owners of recreational vehicles who have multiple battery systems.
They arrange batteries of six voltages in a parallel row. These devices not only accommodate a lot of space but also increase the consumption of electric power. The usage enhances up to 10 kWh per day, and it is a drastic enhancement in the electric bill.
Poor function of the electric system
Multiple factors determine the proper functioning of the electric system inside a recreational vehicle.
People insert the detectors of voltage changes between their electrical appliances. Sometimes the power detector fails to works or loses its power.
The resultant appears as a low power system of electricity. The consumption of voltage increases, and it is also damaging for the equipment. The repairing cost also adds to the whole expenses list.
Multiple air conditioners
The RV is of two types, and one of them requires more cooling than the other. Some of them need air conditioning when they are in the parking.
In this situation, although all other systems are not working, and it starts accumulating heat inside it. The warming energy is so intense that you can feel sweat and suffocation while entering a vehicle.
These RVs need an air conditioning device. The length and size of the recreational vehicle determine that how many AC are excellent for them.
The usage of multiple air cooling devices leads to a high monthly bill. If you use your vehicle two to three times a month, and mostly it remains in the parking, then you are at a loss.
Electronic generators of RV
This vehicle travels long distances, and the owner cannot rely on electric sources only. The generators help in providing maximum electric power to the appliances like kitchen items and hairdryers etc.
They require a low voltage, and generators can handle them without any distortion. The source of electric power for these generative devices is the battery of the RV. They drag more energy than casual systems. The bill increases by using the generators more than a limit.
The light-emitting electrode bulbs
Everyone wants the best lighting for their RV, and that is why people install light-emitting bulbs. These lights have more electric consumption than any other type of light. They utilize the same electric power either they are small or large.
The LED bulbs produce excellent light inside the vehicle and keep it enlighten, but they are heavy on the bill. Few people hide their RVs so well that there is no passage of light inside them.
The sunlight cannot move inside it, and that’s why they have to keep the lights on even in the daytime. In case of traveling, the vehicle remains in movement, and bulbs stay on lighting mode. It increases the average cost of the monthly bill.
Insufficient propane
Propane helps in the normal functioning of electric appliances like generators. Few irons can work on the basic formula of propane. Few RV owners fail to process the propane properly inside their vehicles.
It leads to excessive consumption of electrical energy. The rate of the bill; increases up to $5 to $6 every day. It is a difference that is not suitable for all the vehicle’s carriers.
A 20lb propane tank is enough for the functionality of multiple small devices. The dependence only on the electric sources makes the system worse and results in a high-cost bill.
A device with low electric efficiency
Few electrical devices have more stamina than others. These can drag many watts at one time. It results in the excessive consumption of electricity.
People tend to keep the devices on simultaneously. Sometimes when a person uses an electric iron and a microwave oven simultaneously, the electric units increase.
The batteries of the RV start speedily delivering the volts. The wattage increases and, it enhances the per day utilization of energy.
Sometimes the flow of electric current increases more than the limit. It results in a sudden breakdown, and devices stop working. The short circuits require repairing, and the cost also adds to the bill.
No insulation
Insulation of the vehicle is essential so that it cannot get the environmental effects. People use glass insulations for casual coverage of the recreational vehicle.
There are some foam insulations available that are expensive but provide various features of protection. The surface covering by denim insulation is one of the ideal ways to protect the whole setup of the RV.
The people who do not add these insulations get all the effects of weather. In the absence of curtains of insulation, the rainwater comes inside the vehicle.
The inner temperature fluctuates following weather conditions. It leads to the utilization of air conditioners and other heating devices, and they help in the moderation of heat. More electrical devices mean more flow of current, and it increases the bill drastically.
Lack of natural light
The sealing of an RV is essential, and it must have windows, natural light corners. The way of light must stay in moderate amount, but it should allow it.
The lack of natural light even in day time leads to the usage of electric lights. People keep them on in all areas of their RVs. These are diode lights, and they use maximum power.
Weather effects
The hotness of the weather compels the owner to turn on more than one air conditioner. The AC of the RV is one of the biggest electrical energy consumers.
They utilize watts every hour, and the bill starts getting high. The temperature remains cool inside the RV, but the external environment keeps on impacting it.
It is the same case for cold weather, and they require an electric heater with maximum power consumption. All of these factors make the electric bill high.
Long stops
People who have RVs like to do long-term stays at distant places. It requires all the essentials for the recreational vehicle.
The watts increase from the converting device to the mega equipment like generators and campground electric supply. Batteries start failing in their functions, and it leads to disaster.
Campground effect
The campground uses electrical energy in few recreational vehicles. In long-distance traveling, the system requires more power than the conditions.
There is equipment for measuring these spots that need energy, and these are multiple in numbers. In the cool places, the campgrounds do not require much cooling effect. They remain cold and smooth overnight even.
People prefer solar panels for such RVs, and they can never alter the batteries. You cannot run the air cooling devices on these solar panels regularly.
What is the average monthly bill of an RV?
The average monthly bill of a recreational vehicle depends on the cost per unit. In the United States, one unit of electrical energy is approximately $10.53-$10.54 Kwh.
The international point of electric current says it is the movement of current kilowatt per hour. The fluctuation of the cost also increases the rates and vice versa.
In a recreational vehicle, the cost leads up to $63-$65 per month. It is an approximate estimate of the electricity bill.
Comparison chart of RV electronic devices with their monthly electric cost and wattage
| Name of device | Watts | Monthly cost |
| Recreational vehicle heater (radiant) | 1250-1300 w | $42-$43 |
| Refrigerator | 1.53 kilowatts per hour | $12.2 |
| Water cooler | 0.2-0.5 kilowatt per hour | $10-$12 |
| Carbon monoxide detector | 0.1 kilowatts per hour | $10-$20 |
| Lights | 32-33 watts | $10 |
| Generator | 2000-3000 watts | $380-$470 |
| Television | 120-190 watts | $42 |
| Microwave | 1000-1200 watts | $40-$42 |
| Electric stove | 500-700 watts | $20-$35 |
| Air conditioner | 1500-1600 watts | $39-$45 |
| Furnace | 1000-1500 watts | $32-$34 |
| The pump of water | 15 watts | $5-$10 |
| Batteries | 1 amp per hours | $10 |
| Electric door | 300-400 watts | $5-$10 |
| Coffee maker | 850-900 watts | $20-$25 |
| Toaster | 1140-1150 watts | $30-$38 |
| Hairdryer | 100-150 watts | $5-$10 |
| Iron | 900-1000 watts | $10-$20 |
| Convertor | 500-600 watts | $10-$25 |
How can I stop my RV electric bill from being high?
Avoid the long-term stays in your recreational vehicle; in this way, it utilizes fewer electrical appliances.
Always prefer an excellent lighting system for the RV, keep the LED bulbs lesser in number.
Insulation of the RV is one of the essential features, protect it from environmental hazards.
Use clothing according to the temperature fluctuation, and it helps in the reduction of electric consumption.
Dry your wet clothes with artificial air; it reduces the drying machine’s electric consumption.
Always use those appliances in the kitchen area that has low electric dragging capacity.
Seal the RV in a way that allows sunlight at a moderate level.
Always take advantage of solar energy and utilize it all day, and it is one of the beneficial ways to reduce electrical power.
Never park the RV under the shade of trees and other greenery. The plants decrease the internal temperature, and it enhances the use of electricity.
A maximum number of people in a recreational vehicle helps in warming. The environment becomes cozy, and it requires no artificial device.
Use stoves and heaters that run by gas and fuel rather than electric power.
Repair all the windows and doors of the vehicle. In cold weather conditions, always cover all the vents.
Always use excellent bedding set up in a recreational vehicle. Switch off the lights when you are not using the particular area.
Avoid the use of unnecessary electrical equipment.
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