Forum Discussion

Explorer

Aug 24, 2021

30amp Gen/50 Amp RV Generator Help

Alright folks, need your help as I am at a lost on this one. We have a 2022 Thor ACE 32.3 Motorhome that uses “50 amp” service. I have a Firman Generator that has the TT-30R receptable on the side (30amp/3650 watts/120). We would like to be able to run our RV off this generator (obviously I know I won’t be able to run both AC’s and the microwave at the same time). Coach keeps coming across with “SHORE POWER DEFAULT” code. I know that a lot of people are able to run their 50amp RV’s off 30amp service, just have to be very careful to not overload it (i.e., AC units, microwave, etc.). Thoughts?

I have tried…
Generator (30amp) with 30amp to 50amp dog bone connector to 50 amp cord to COACH: NO GO
Generator with 30 amp cord directly to coach meeting a 30 AMP to 50 amp connector into the coach: NO GO

This worked perfect on our other coach, any thoughts?

13 Replies

bob213
Explorer
Aug 24, 2021
Make a neutral bonding plug yourself for a couple of dollars.
Watch here starting at 1:45 plug
rlw999
Explorer
Aug 24, 2021
RV generators have the neutral and ground bounded (as do shore power connections), so your EMS is probably faulting when it doesn't detect that bonding.

Your generator may have a way to connect a bond strap, or you can buy (or build) an RV bonding plug to plug into one of your generator's 120V 20A plugs:

Southwire CompanyNeutr al-Ground Bonding Plug

Most 30A->50A adapters will connect both 50A hots together (so you get power on both hots), so it's possible that your EMS is complaining about that, but it's most likely the neutral-ground bond.
JCK
Explorer
Aug 24, 2021
Maybe your running through a surge protector that’s detecting a open ground . Other people have said if that’s the case you need a neutral grounding plug and plug it into one of your 110 outlets . Some one will come along and discripe this better