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Njmurvin's avatar
Njmurvin
Explorer II
Aug 02, 2017

Should I carry a dogbone adapter?

We're heading out in Sept for a week in Utah (Zion and Bryce). We're spending the first night in Las Vegas (KOA) and then onto the parks from there. My trailer has a 30amp service. Is it wise to carry a 50-30amp dogbone adapter with me? Do campgrounds ever have a 50amp receptacle only? I already have the adapter for 30amp to 3 prong plug. I'm thinking it might be worthwhile to carry the 50/30 adapter if either there is no 30amp plug or, for some reason it doesn't work. Have any of you ever been stuck without power because you didn't have one of these on hand?

30 Replies

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  • jimh406's avatar
    jimh406
    Explorer III
    Aug 03, 2017
    Surprising yet educational to me that some sites only have 50 amp service. I haven't hit one yet.
  • rockhillmanor's avatar
    rockhillmanor
    Explorer II
    Aug 03, 2017
    I carry ALL the different combinations of adapters. And in my travels have used all of them at least once. I do sporting events and some times you have to be very creative to get power to the coach.

    Have pulled in later for the night to find out both 50 and 30 amp didn't work at pedestal. Pulled out the ole 30 to 15 adapter because that was the only outlet that worked.

    The only dog bone I do carry is the 50 to 30. All the other combo's I have are the small plug adapters. You never know what you will come up against regarding getting power.
  • path1's avatar
    path1
    Explorer
    Aug 03, 2017
    BarneyS wrote:
    I have always carried one and have had to use it quite a few times. Most times is because the 30amp is worn out but there have been a few campgrounds (mostly military ones) that have only 50amp sites.
    For the few bucks they cost I would carry one for insurance.
    Barney


    Exactly...30 amp questionable looking and the 50 amp socket looks like never been used.
  • hotpepperkid's avatar
    hotpepperkid
    Explorer
    Aug 03, 2017
    I carry a 50 to 30 dog bone and also have a 20 to 30 pig tail. Like several have said the 30 is wore out and the plug wont stay put or the breaker is weak and keeps popping and I also carry a 30A extension cord. Have been in a place were I had to decide to park where the electrical cord or the sewer hose would fit
  • Michelle_S's avatar
    Michelle_S
    Explorer III
    Aug 02, 2017
    I had one, but sold it to a couple with a 30 amp Born Free Class C when 50 amp was the only recepticle on the post.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Aug 02, 2017
    Absolutely. As others have mentioned, 30A's are often worn out and sometimes, 50A is the only thing available.
    When I had a 30A rig I would use the dog bone and 50A when ever it was available.
  • bluie5's avatar
    bluie5
    Explorer
    Aug 02, 2017
    I think the 50a outlets see less use than 30a outlets so you might get a better connection using the 50a with the dogbone. I've never seen just 50a pedestals but that doesn't mean they don't exist.
  • BarneyS's avatar
    BarneyS
    Explorer III
    Aug 02, 2017
    I have always carried one and have had to use it quite a few times. Most times is because the 30amp is worn out but there have been a few campgrounds (mostly military ones) that have only 50amp sites.
    For the few bucks they cost I would carry one for insurance.
    Barney

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