In my last article, RV Shows & FMCA Rallies With AIM: What You Need To Know<\/a><\/span>, I mentioned <\/span>roughing it<\/span><\/i> in the camping areas at these events:<\/span><\/p>\n \u201c<\/span><\/i>The Tampa RV Show and FMCA Rallies are held at large, regional fairgrounds and outdoor event centers. The camping area is a huge, grassy field with makeshift power systems providing individual electrical hookups. Caravans usually park in the 30amp service area.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n There are no individual water or sewer connections, but they do have fresh water and pump-out services you can arrange for a fee\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”] As a new-ish RV owner, I was not expecting this.\u00a0<\/span>Let\u2019s face it, most of us don\u2019t buy these big, beautiful motorhomes \u2013 basically fully-equipped luxury condos on wheels \u2013 to <\/span>rough it<\/span><\/i>. Am I right?<\/span><\/p>\n Before we started our full-time living, working and traveling adventure in our 2016 Entegra Aspire, I had never thought about amps or generators, mysterious black or gray tanks, or water pressure regulators.\u00a0<\/span>I just flipped the wall switch, flushed the toilet, or turned on the faucet, hot or cold, without another thought.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.nirvc.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/FMCA-Rally_AIM-Club-Gecko.jpg” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”FMCA-Rally_AIM-Club-Gecko” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”] Living full-time in the RV, I gradually learned \u2013 actually, sometimes quite abruptly \u2013 the difference between 20-, 30-, and 50-amp hookups.\u00a0<\/span>We had 20-amp service when Charlie-the-RV was in covered storage before we went full-time\u00a0(long<\/em> before we knew about NIRVC storage<\/a>). 20-amps provided power to the fridge, mini-heaters to keep her from freezing that first winter, and a camera\/alarm\/monitoring system.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.nirvc.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/FMCA-Rally_AIM-Club-RV-Electric-Hookup.jpg” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”FMCA-Rally_AIM-Club-RV-Electric-Hookup” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||on||||||” text_text_color=”#848484″ text_font_size=”13px” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”] 20-amp power in covered RV storage<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”] 50-amp service is, of course, the ideal for our multi-zone HVAC, residentially-applianced, teched-out rolling homes. 50-amp powers <\/span>everything<\/span><\/i>, and you don\u2019t have to think too much about it.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.nirvc.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/FMCA-Rally_Luxury-RV-Slideouts.jpg” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″ title_text=”FMCA-Rally_Luxury-RV-Slideouts”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||on||||||” text_text_color=”#848484″ text_font_size=”13px” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”] 104 degrees at sunset – 50-amp FHU in Walla Walla, WA<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”] 30-amp service was a shock – literally – when we first experienced the difference camping at RPI \/ Thousand Trails in Washington State and across the country. Sometimes 30-amp is all that\u2019s available (although you still have water & sewer hookups, so 30-amp service isn\u2019t really <\/span>roughing it<\/span><\/i>).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I quickly learned:<\/span><\/p>\n – Stovetop = 11 amps<\/span><\/p>\n – Microwave = 15 amps<\/span><\/p>\n – Convection Oven on Bake = 18 amps<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”] All the electric things have to add up to less than 30 amps in total, or bad things can happen. (In this specific example, you might end up crawling on your back in the basement to find the breaker for the Inverter, which is hidden <\/span>underneath the unit<\/span><\/i> in our Entegra, nowhere near any other fuses in the rig, but I digress.)<\/span><\/p>\n You can see how that might be a problem if you\u2019re trying to run all three kitchen appliances at once, or even two of three, with anything else running (say, if you\u2019re trying to make an elaborate brunch on a rainy Sunday morning\u2026).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Note: an automatic coffee maker is also a surprising amp-vampire (5 – 8 amps).<\/span><\/p>\n Just sitting quietly in the RV, with only accent lights and living room sconces, both of us working on our computers, with internet and all the various chargers and routers plugged in, consumes about 3 amps.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.nirvc.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/FMCA-Rally_RV-Dashboard-Lights.jpg” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”FMCA-Rally_RV-Dashboard-Lights” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||on||||||” text_text_color=”#848484″ text_font_size=”13px” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”] 16 amps on 20-amp service – Monitor amp usage on Power Control System display.\u00a0<\/span>Ours is located in the front panel over the door in our 2016 Entegra Aspire<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”] Six months into our full-time RVing adventure, we had 30-amp service figured out. We had even <\/span>boondocked<\/span><\/i> successfully, with <\/span>NO<\/b> hook-ups, surviving on battery power and our generator, for a night or two.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n But then, on our way to our first FMCA Rally in Tucson, Arizona, it suddenly occurred to me:<\/span><\/p>\n I panicked.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”] FB post – Entegra Owners Group<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”] Fortunately, fellow Entegra owners, friends and mentors came through for us, once again. They offered great tips and suggestions, some I would consider fairly extreme. B<\/span>ut we tested, experimented, and somehow figured it out at that first rally. And then again, six months later, at the FMCA Rally in Lincoln, Nebraska.<\/span><\/p>\n We learned how to <\/span>rough it<\/span><\/i> and survive five nights on 30-amp service without sewer or fresh water hookups. If we can do it, you can too!<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font_size=”25px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”] If you\u2019ve come this far\u2026\u00a0<\/span>Congratulate yourself and your partner on <\/span>roughing it<\/span><\/i> at the RV Rally \u2013 YOU DID IT!\u00a0<\/span>Safe travels & see you soon!<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.nirvc.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/NIRVC-Sherri-Blog-Bio.jpg” alt=”National Indoor RV Centers blogger Sherri Caldwell profile image” title_text=”NIRVC-Sherri-Blog-Bio” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||on||||||” text_text_color=”#848484″ text_font_size=”13px” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”] Sherri Caldwell is the founder of <\/span>BooksAndTravelUSA.com<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span>– Full-time RV Travel Blog & Book Club\/U.S. Literacy Project. With her husband, Russ, she is currently living, working, and traveling full-time in their 2016 Entegra Aspire: <\/span>Charlie-The-Unicorn RV<\/span><\/i><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]\n\n\n\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Learn tips and tricks for successful boondocking, RV hookups, proper motorhome amperage and roughing it at RV shows and rallies.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":5235,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[26,85],"class_list":["post-4753","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-rv-lifestyle","tag-rv-lifestyle","tag-rv-shows"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nPower, Sewer & Water<\/span><\/h3>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]
Amps for RV Beginners<\/span><\/h3>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]
\n
Successful Boondocking<\/span><\/h3>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]
\n
Go to the Experts<\/span><\/h3>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.nirvc.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/FMCA-Rally_AIM-Club_Entegra-Dry-Camping-Advice.jpg” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”FMCA-Rally_AIM-Club_Entegra-Dry-Camping-Advice” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||on||||||” text_text_color=”#848484″ text_font_size=”13px” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]
Twelve Quick Tips & Tricks for <\/span>Roughing It<\/span><\/i> at RV Rallies<\/span><\/h2>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]
\n
\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0– Fill fresh water tank to capacity.
<\/span>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0– Go in with clean laundry and dishes.
<\/span>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0– Plan on NO<\/span> dishwasher.
\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0– NO washer & dryer.<\/span><\/li>\n
(We didn\u2019t figure out how to sign up for services before our first rally, so now we take it as a personal challenge to manage our usage with all the tips & tricks we\u2019ve learned. \ud83d\ude09)<\/span><\/li>\n
<\/span>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0– Dump your gray and black tanks.
<\/span>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0– Turn up the HVAC in as many zones as you desire.
<\/span>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0– Catch up on dish washing, laundry, etc.
<\/span>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0– Enjoy a REAL shower.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]