I am in the middle of a complete re-design on my 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 conversion/camper van. As part of my "onboard supplies" I need an adapter that allows me to plug in at a campsite's 30A service and turn it into two 15A outlets.It's a yellow, marine grade, "Y" adapter. I had one in the past but don't remember if I lent it to someone and never got it back, or what the heck happened.In any event, I found a 30A to THREE 15A - but it's a high-end Marinco item and costs $91.I thought there was one about half that price, but I can't find it anywhere.Yes, I do have the normal little black 30A adapter (30 to 15) but that creates a plug for only one extension cord and sometimes you need more juice.Many thanks in advance to anyone who might know what site or store to check.

I thought that Amazon would have it but I was wrong, they have splitters but not the RV kind. I would be tempted to buy a splitter and change the 30 amp end to the RV type.

Thanks, wsfurrie.My skills run more to carpentry, upholstery, flooring - with a little bit of plumbing thrown in. I'm a bit "chicken" when it comes to electrical.When you say change 30 amp end to RV type - what do you mean...? Would I have to splice something...?

I have just the 30->15 amp $5 converter. I always worry about leaving it in the camp outlet. But I think (if I understand correctly) you want a 30amp that splits to more than 1 - 15 amp so here is one for $22 Conntek 1.5-Feet 30-Amp Tri-Outlet Cord, 30-Amp Locking L5-30P Plug to Tri-Female (3*5-15R)

drsolo wrote:I have just the 30->15 amp $5 converter. I always worry about leaving it in the camp outlet. But I think (if I understand correctly) you want a 30amp that splits to more than 1 - 15 amp so here is one for $22 Conntek 1.5-Feet 30-Amp Tri-Outlet Cord, 30-Amp Locking L5-30P Plug to Tri-Female (3*5-15R)The one in the link has a 30 amp twist lock male end. Common on generators. He could swap a 30 amp RV plug on the end and be good to go.

I take the 30amp power cord into my Van and plug a 4 gang GFI box into it. The GFI box gives me four 110vac outlets that I plug my Micro, fridge, tv, light and window ac into as needed. The same 4 gang box can also plug into my 900watt inverter when boondocking (not for window ac tho). Not a perfect system but works well for me. Usually there are 15amp outlets at most camgrounds which I prefer, but sometimes I have to use the 30.

30A Male to two 15A Female Y Adapter - where is it...?

BillMFl
Explorer
May 26, 2013
Rex Roamer wrote:
BillMFI - can you provide a link to the 4 gang box you're talking about...? I just wonder what kind of wiring this would entail.

The reason I like the Marinco (http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|328|299260|319692&id=1563668) is that it appears very safe to me. And I have two cords for inside and one for outside.

Like I say - it's a great cord, no doubt. Was just hoping for something a little less pricey.

I got the 4 gang box at either Home Depot or Lowes in the electrical department. In addition to the 4 outlets it has an on/off switch that cuts power to all 4 outlets. As I recall it cost less than $20. I especially like the GFI function.
markopolo
Explorer
May 26, 2013
An Amazon search turns up many extension cords with built-in resettable circuit breakers.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Outdoor+Extension+Cord+with+Circuit+Breaker

That should eliminate the risk I mentioned. Your local hardware stores will probably have a selection of them in various lengths/prices. You might already have one or have couple of power strips or surge bars that also have a built-in resettable 15 amp circuit breaker.
markopolo
Explorer
May 26, 2013
Low demand for it also. Most RV's have a 30A or 50A connection point already.

The risk would be similar to using one of these:

There's just nothing to prevent the full 30 amps from passing though that or through either leg of the Conntek adapter then through an extension cord and to a malfunctioning appliance.

We are used to seeing multi outlet taps or power strips etc. but they are always going to limited by the 15 amp breaker in the circuit. They could have 10 outlets but you can't pull more than 15 amps through it.

What is different here is 15 amp rated parts, extension cords, appliances etc., being used on a circuit that has a 30 amp circuit breaker.
Rex_Roamer
Explorer
May 26, 2013
I kind of think, NMace, that it might be more of a distribution thing. It seems this company (Conntek) is pretty locked into Amazon - maybe Camping World has a problem with that, takes too large a cut, etc...?

Pure speculation on my part, but I haven't found any other place to buy it than Amazon. I looked, out of curiosity.
NMace
Explorer
May 26, 2013
Yes, that is the one I saw at Camping World, I wonder if there should be concern that they don't seem to now?
markopolo
Explorer
May 26, 2013
I'm happy to have helped. :)
Rex_Roamer
Explorer
May 26, 2013
WOW, marcopolo! I don't know how the heck you found that - I searched until my eyes blurred. All I found were those daggone generator/twist connect cords.

I cannot thank you enough, truly.

Hopefully I can someday return the favor and find something you're searching for.
markopolo
Explorer
May 26, 2013
I think this is what you are looking for:

http://www.amazon.com/Conntek-3-Feet-Adapter-Connector-Indicator/dp/B007ZTAE5A

same thing:

http://cordtec.com/products.asp?id=744

It is rated 3,750 watts so two 15 amp outlets (not circuits).

I'm a little surprised it exists because, without any 15 amp circuit breaker protection, you could easily overload a 15 amp extension cord.

It is safe enough though if used correctly.
Rex_Roamer
Explorer
May 26, 2013
Thanks for your response, marcopolo. As mentioned in my original post - I do have a 30/15 adaptor - but that only allows for one extension cord and takes my amperage down to 15.

My appliances total about 18A - so I need two 15A extension cords inside, and one outside for outdoor lights, radio, etc.

I have contacted an electrician about creating what I need - that way I know its: A) safe; B) definitely capable of handling 30 amps of power, i.e. a full 15A on each outcoming plug.

Will post the details, cost, etc. as soon as I get them from him.

With regards to an electric panel - yes, if the cost to create the cord I want is close enough, I'll cut an opening where the regular hatch is now and just have an electrician put in a 30A hook-up with two "indoor" 15A outlets.

Will keep you updated.

And thanks for trying, NMace - much appreciated! ;0)
NMace
Explorer
May 26, 2013
I can't find it online either, but I am sure I had one in my hands off the shelves in the store. I didn't buy it, as the camphround had both a 30 amp and a 15 amp outlet, don't most. One AR State park had a 50, 30, and two 15s.