50A questions

RobWNY wrote:
Here's the surge protector that I bought. $109 Link
I don't know about out West but in the Northeast, campgrounds are starting to prohibit 50A RV's from staying in 30A sites. Not all but it seems to be the trend. I ran into this problem last summer when I tried to book a site at a KOA near Pittsburgh.

I do not believe that unit will shutdown on an open neutral if it occurs while in use. It will indicate an open neutral on initial plug in.

The EMS units include this statement:
Accidental 240V Protection.

Chris

Here's the surge protector that I bought. $109 Link
I don't know about out West but in the Northeast, campgrounds are starting to prohibit 50A RV's from staying in 30A sites. Not all but it seems to be the trend. I ran into this problem last summer when I tried to book a site at a KOA near Pittsburgh.

OK, here is the deal. If you plug your new trailer into a 50A outlet with neutral missing, you burn up most of your AC devices with 240V across them.

I have two trailers with 50amp service and both have hardwired Progressive Industries EMS units with remote panels that I installed myself.

I highly recommend this device.
https://www.amazon.com/Progressive-Industries-Hardwired-Electrical-Protection/dp/B003AN1UA8/ref=asc_df_B003AN1UA8/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312094794461&hvpos=1o4&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3891345746911194882&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1027744&hvtargid=pla-535849621413&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=62497261819&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=312094794461&hvpos=1o4&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3891345746911194882&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1027744&hvtargid=pla-535849621413

Regarding the generator. PI EMS require a bonded neutral and ground, Honda eu generators do not have that. You take a male cord cap and put a jumper between Neutral(silver) and Ground(green), plug that into one side of the duplex outlet and the trailer into the other. The EMS will be happy and turn on the power.

Did I say that a lost neutral will burn up most or all your AC devices! Yep, but I will say it a second time!!!! A friend had this happen to his America Eagle MH and the repair was 12K+! TV's frig, MW, converter, inverter on and on.

BTW
Using a 50amp to 30amp dog bone does not expose you to the lost neutral issue when you plug into a 30amp circuit on the power pole.

Chris

Sorry for miss-interpertation. Yes, you can use a 50 amp to a 30 amp adapter and step DOWN to 30 amps:

Here.

Or go the other way from a 30 amp to a 50 amp, but you'll still have only 30 amps. The 30 amp protector will work both ways on shore power:

Here.

There are countless other places you can get these adapters, including Camping World and Wall Mart.

If using a 30 amp service on a 50 amp RV, the secret to success is power management and run as many items as possible on propane or battery.

I never use a surge protector on a generator. As someone else mentioned, when I'm connected to generator power, it's only for low draw usage. Furnace, TV, microwave, etc.

I have read you do not want to use a Surge Protector on a Generator, only on a Land Line.
Out

Yes, on using the surge protector. Make sure you switch heavy items to propane. Water heater, refer.
Your genset will not be large enough to support AC units.
You will need a 50 amp to 30 amp adapter, Thet is a female 50 to a 30 amp male.

if you can manage your electricity use to get by on 30 a an adapter will suffice. if you need more, reserve a 50a site. and as stated, a good SP is a wise investment.
bumpy

I guess what I should have asked is this. Can I simply use a 50A to 30A adapter and plug into my 30A surge protector? Out here in the Pacific NW, we rarely need 50A power, as we don't often use the AC when camping.

Well, in all reality, you don't "need" anything. It's really a matter of how comfortable you want to feel protected, like insurance.

Think of it this way, you probably paid $50,000 or more for your new 5er. $300 is nothing compared to the loss and expense you'd have to replace out of your pocket if something happened that overloaded and blue your electrical up and all your appliances.

Keep the 30 amp protector and use it when you don't have a 50 amp receptacle. It's good protection. I've used mine on my 50 amp 5er a few times. Peace of mind is priceless.