Need 50a to 30a power adapter?

[Fbastian]

My bride and I are planning our first long distance trip in our new International 23FB (from Pennsylvania to Wyoming/Utah) and I'm trying to cover as many 'what if's' as possible. One that has been on my mind is the possibility of finding only 50 amp service when I have a 30 amp system.

1) how likely is that scenario to happen? (don't virtually all 50 amp pedestals also have 30 amp connections)

2) will a simple 30a female to 50a male dogbone work? (like this one http://www.campingworld.com/shopping...a-female/27987). Makes sense to me, but I have little experience with this and have matured to an age where I value the opportunity to ask for help from others who know more


Thanks
Frank

[nvestysly]

It's not very likely to happen but it has happened to us. More often than not (when it has happened) the 30A outlet is worn or the breaker trips or some such crazy stuff so we use the dog bone and plug into 50A

Yes, the part from Camping World solves the problem.

Good luck on your trip.

[pmclemore]

We carry the 50a - 30a dogbone also. You never know - and when you need it, you need it.

Pat

[moosetags]

You definitely want a 50 amp to 30 amp adapter. You don't need it often, but when you do, it is an absolute necessity. In our 1,800 nights of Airstream, we have needed it about 10 times.

Brian

[mimiandrews]

I've needed to use my 50 amp to 30 amp dogbone connector twice, but it was nice to be able to reach inside the equipment bin in the trailer and pull it out.

First time was at a KOA when our reserved 30 amp site had a bad ground at the power connector. The only site available for us to move to was 50 amp only, and the campground owner didn't have an adapter. Fortunately, I did.

Second time was last summer at Amana, IA. Their entire park is wired 50 amp only. They have a big bin of dogbone connectors in the office, and the attendant who shows you to your campsite asks if you have one. I guess they're ready for the problem.

[2012FB]

I carry an extra 30A cable, extra 50A cable and all the adapters including 30A to 110 20A. Never been without power and had to hook up two sites down once. Bad pedestal at my site and the next with the park full.


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[RxGuy]

i bought this one. Just didn't want a dogbone connecter.


https://www.walmart.com/ip/Road-Powe...apter/16817352

[nvestysly]

Originally Posted by RxGuy

i bought this one. Just didn't want a dogbone connecter.


https://www.walmart.com/ip/Road-Powe...apter/16817352

Here's a picture of the adapter you purchased at Walmart.

I have something similar and have found it useful in certain situations. Like somebody said above, it's hard to have too many electrical adapters. I probably have a dozen or more if I include the 30A, 50A, 15A, male to female and vice versa.

A problem I've experienced with the adapter shown in the picture is the extra torque it applies to the receptacle in the power box. The adapter moves the center of gravity out several inches and if the receptacle isn't in good condition the cord and adapter will fall out of the receptacle. I've remedied that by using elastic cords to secure the electrical cord to the box - creating a strain relief of sorts.

[MelGoddard]

Originally Posted by nvestysly

Here's a picture of the adapter you purchased at Walmart.

I have something similar and have found it useful in certain situations. Like somebody said above, it's hard to have too many electrical adapters. I probably have a dozen or more if I include the 30A, 50A, 15A, male to female and vice versa.

A problem I've experienced with the adapter shown in the picture is the extra torque it applies to the receptacle in the power box. The adapter moves the center of gravity out several inches and if the receptacle isn't in good condition the cord and adapter will fall out of the receptacle. I've remedied that by using elastic cords to secure the electrical cord to the box - creating a strain relief of sorts.

Walmart is keeping China in business. Period!
Just about everything comes from China or close by.

I don't trust Chinese made goods at all.
Give me good Canadian or American made goods anytime. They may initially price more, but inevitably cost less for the most part.
Camco and Amazon seem to have some quality 'stuff ' for us.
'NUFF' said.

Trailer Trash.........."

[2012FB]

Originally Posted by MelGoddard

Walmart is keeping China in business."

Sorry but is good ole Americans keeping China in business but I am hoping that is about to change or at least become "fair" trade. Been one sided way to long. Been addicted to low cost but grossly cheap products.


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[banderabob]

Only happened to us once in 4 years, and the park (we had reservations) let us know in advance that all they had was 50 amp. Most unusual IMO and experience.

[kb0zke]

Several years ago we had our little mpg trailer when we visited the Airstream factory. The nice people at the desk suggested that we spend the night at their campground (for a small fee, of course). We did, and used the 30A outlet. Later on, an Airstream arrived and was supposed to plug into the same power pedestal. Their coach was a 30A model, but we were already using the 30A outlet, so they used their 50A to 30A dogbone.

[rvb]

I always carry a 30A to 50A dogbone and have encountered 50A only pedestals twice in the past year. I have used the 30A to 50A adapter 3 times when the 30A outlet had a ground fault but the 50A was OK and used it as a 12" extension cord when the pedestal was just a little too far away. I also carry a 30A to 20A plug adapter and can run my A/C on 20A if I am not running anything else which I have done at non-RV sites in state parks.