240 volt connectors???

[gparker]

I went o buy an adaptor so I could plug in to a 20 amp circuit, and I couldn't find any to match my plugs. Looked closer and discovered my umbilical is made with 30 amp, 240 volt connections. On my trailer, the rear connector is also 30 amp 240 volt, but the connection in the front (was this owner added or an option?) is 30 amp 240 volt. Was this the "in" thing to do in the '70s? Should I buy all new comnnections?
Greg

[Chaplain Kent]

Iam curious, does your plug look like the one below? If so you have the standard 30 amp plug. You should be able to find an adapter at any RV store or even a good size Tru Valu will have one.

[68 Overlander]

30 to 20 amp adapters are not common but 30 to 15 is and somewhat dangerous especially when running the air conditioner but I've been know to do it too in a pinch. Unless your Airstream was made for European standards, and I doubt it was, everything should be 110 unless it was modified for 50 amp service and then it starts out as 220 but ends up 110.

[gparker]

My connectors look like the diagram except that the "N" connector has an "arm" that goes to the inside on the rear jack, and an arm that goes to the outside on the front jack, which I believe is a 20 amp, 240 volt config.
Greg

[Smokin Camel]

Greg. Please check the wiring very carefully. I just fried my wfco and a bose stereo because of a wiring error jsut yesterday. I have a 72 tradewind and it is a 3 prong 30 amp plug for 120 volt.

I had "help" wiring a 30 amp cable to convert a 4 way 120/240 into a 3 way plug. this was intended to be a 120-30a circuit. (I know..there is a possibility that there could be slight NEMA code violation doing that). The long and the short ..no pun intended.. is that my friend inadvertantly sent two hots into the system. Many 3 way plugs are Hot-Return-Ground and are 120 volt. Be very sure you have a 240 system if you are planning on sending 240 into it. Get your meter out and check the hot to haot side and see if it is actually 240. I had the meter but didn't check before the system was plugged in.

My damage was not too bad. The wfco (great chargers!) and the bose stereo were the only casualties. It sucks but I had a meter and should have checked the work befor it was plugged in.

When the AC fan ran as hard as it did I figured it out real quick, but not quick enough. I don't want to see someone with a 70s series trailer get a 240 shot through a 120 system like I did.

Now I will be ordering a new wfco as I seriiously doubt that the warrenty covers running a 240 v shot into it. The stereo will have to wait.

Better that I feel a bit foolish but pass it on than have another make a similar mistake...use your meter!