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Old 03-18-2017, 09:27 PM   #1
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Electrical adapters

Being newbies to camping with a trailer we've been studying up on what to do when we arrive at a campsite. I keep coming across mention of plugging the shore power cord into the campsite receptacle that matches the trailer requirements, and that electrical adapters may be needed.

Do we need to bring adapters with us so we can usually connect?

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Old 03-18-2017, 09:34 PM   #2
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You should have a 30 amp to 15 amp adaptor so that you can plug into an ordinary home type 110 volt outlet.

Most power poles in campsites etc. have an 15 amp, homestyle outlet, a 30 amp and a 50 amp outlet. Normally you can just plug your 30 amp cord in but it's good to have the option of using a household type 110 outlet. I've never had to use a 50 amp outlet and don't have an adaptor for them.

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Old 03-18-2017, 09:54 PM   #3
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Ron, so this is what I would need? If so, I probably have one somewhere in one of my electrical bins.

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Old 03-18-2017, 09:58 PM   #4
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Ron, so this is what I would need? If so, I probably have one somewhere in one of my electrical bins.

Gary
Yes, a 15A to 30A is what you want, not the other way around (they usually list line side first, load side second....usually). I have never bought one, but some folks say that a 50A to 30A is good to have for pedestals that don't have a 30A outlet.

That one looks almost exactly like the one Escape gives out.
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Old 03-18-2017, 10:02 PM   #5
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Ron and Jim, thank you! I love to learn.

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Old 03-18-2017, 10:14 PM   #6
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ETI will give you a 30 to 15 amp plug when you get your trailer. I used it when I had the trailer plugged to a 20 amp outlet in our house.

I also purchased, when I did a motorhome rental, a 50 to 30 amp adapter. Yep, did use it once. It's in the trailer, just in case. Since it's there it'll never be needed. But when I take it out - yep, I'll need it. Never fails, does it?
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Old 03-18-2017, 10:26 PM   #7
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You're right, Laura. Better to have than not!

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Old 03-19-2017, 08:22 AM   #8
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I also recommend having a 50 to 30 amp connector. We've run into reverse polarity several times with the 30 amp connector but for some reason they always seem to get get the wiring correct for the 50 amp receptacle. Easier to break out the 50 to 30 than to head back to the office to switch sites.
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Old 03-19-2017, 10:59 AM   #9
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I also recommend having a 50 to 30 amp connector. We've run into reverse polarity several times with the 30 amp connector but for some reason they always seem to get get the wiring correct for the 50 amp receptacle. Easier to break out the 50 to 30 than to head back to the office to switch sites.
I also carry one. On this trip I have used it 3 times (including today) at sites that only had a 50 amp connector (not even a 15/20 amp receptacle) and once when the 30 amp connector is "iffy".

Since I have a detachable power cord, I made a 3' #12 cord with a standard household 15 amp connector on one end and a Marinco twist lock on the other that I use with a 25' #12 extension cord when only 15/20 amp receptacles are available.
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Old 03-19-2017, 12:20 PM   #10
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For those who want belts and suspenders, or just like carrying around gadgety stuff, I made a 30 to 30 amp plug that reverses polarity just in case I get a pedestal that is reversed and doesn't have 50 amp. I know, I know, just a bit over overkill!
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Old 03-19-2017, 01:11 PM   #11
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All great ideas, everyone, thanks! I'll make some adapters that hopefully will cover anything we come across.

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Old 03-19-2017, 01:29 PM   #12
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Also, a surge protector is highly advisable. Not every campground is fully protected. Just FYI.
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Old 03-19-2017, 02:50 PM   #13
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Thanks, Art, we have the ETI surge protector on our build sheet.

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Old 03-19-2017, 06:18 PM   #14
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An extra 30 amp to 30 amp extension cord can also be helpful. (along with an extra water hose)
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Old 03-19-2017, 07:43 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by H46Driver View Post
I also recommend having a 50 to 30 amp connector. We've run into reverse polarity several times with the 30 amp connector but for some reason they always seem to get get the wiring correct for the 50 amp receptacle. Easier to break out the 50 to 30 than to head back to the office to switch sites.
Dave,
How do you make a 30 amp to 30 amp reverse polarity plug? thanks.

Tonny
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Old 03-19-2017, 08:30 PM   #16
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There is a lot of good info in this thread on how to make verious adapters to plug a trailer rated at 30 amp into 15,20 and 50 amp outlets but not much about why you should not do this or what precautions you need to take if you do so. There are different plugs and breakers for a reason and adapters should be used with caution.
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Old 03-20-2017, 09:22 AM   #17
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Originally Posted by gyuill View Post
There is a lot of good info in this thread on how to make verious adapters to plug a trailer rated at 30 amp into 15,20 and 50 amp outlets but not much about why you should not do this or what precautions you need to take if you do so. There are different plugs and breakers for a reason and adapters should be used with caution.
Graham
Hi Graham,
You are right. It could be dangerous, but can you buy any certified plug for reverse
polarity?

Tonny
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Old 03-20-2017, 10:21 AM   #18
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An extra 30 amp to 30 amp extension cord can also be helpful. (along with an extra water hose)
I carry that, along with a cheap sewer hose connector, for when we place the trailer in a nice spot that is too far from the service hookups. Rarely used, but nice when needed. When we travel with friends it is handy to have one set between us so one of us can reorient our RV to face the other.
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Old 03-20-2017, 10:27 AM   #19
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For those who want belts and suspenders, or just like carrying around gadgety stuff, I made a 30 to 30 amp plug that reverses polarity just in case I get a pedestal that is reversed and doesn't have 50 amp. I know, I know, just a bit over overkill!
I would be very cautious with that, Dave. You know full well what it's intended use is, but I would take every precaution to make sure nobody else got hold of it and used it improperly. Slim chance, I know, but not sure I would want to take it.

I do have an EMS in my new trailer, but have never had one before, and never have I ever checked the outlet at a campground even though I have a meter on me. If there was a problem, would it not be found by one of the hundreds of others who used the connection before me, or be caught by the EMS if you have one?
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Old 03-20-2017, 12:28 PM   #20
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Hi Graham,
You are right. It could be dangerous, but can you buy any certified plug for reverse
polarity?

Tonny
I don't think there would ever be such a thing available for sale.

Graham
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