50 Amp Rig to 15A house power.
Looking for advice on how to connect our 50A fifth wheel (2014 Alpine, love it!) to our 15A house power while loading or cleaning the camper, and conceivably for longer periods. I have a 50-to-15 adap...
Forum Discussion
What is the "heavy duty 15A extension cord"? A retail venodr can call an extension cord whatever they want but doesn't mean you are getting heavy duty wire or a quality plug or connector. I'd use min. #12 gauge. I made up a #12 ga. extension cord with spec. grade plug and connector.
As mentioned, voltage drop is always a concern no matter where you plug in and depending on what load(s) you intend to run, the wire from the receptacle back to the house panel can be a significant factor too. I recommend installing a permanent voltmeter inside your camper, either a plug-in LED or wall mounted one.
Make sure to always turn the power off before plugging in. If you don't, the converter causes pitting on the plug blades and inside the receptacle which in turn attracts dirt leading to resistance and overheating. In the very beginning, I had 2 cheapo extension cords go up in smoke in the driveway because I didn't turn the power off and the cord's connectors overheated. I ended up installing a proper 30 amp recept. & disconnect switch in the carport and #8 wire to the panel.
As mentioned, voltage drop is always a concern no matter where you plug in and depending on what load(s) you intend to run, the wire from the receptacle back to the house panel can be a significant factor too. I recommend installing a permanent voltmeter inside your camper, either a plug-in LED or wall mounted one.
Make sure to always turn the power off before plugging in. If you don't, the converter causes pitting on the plug blades and inside the receptacle which in turn attracts dirt leading to resistance and overheating. In the very beginning, I had 2 cheapo extension cords go up in smoke in the driveway because I didn't turn the power off and the cord's connectors overheated. I ended up installing a proper 30 amp recept. & disconnect switch in the carport and #8 wire to the panel.
