50 amp to 30 amp stepdown.

Big Katuna wrote:
I would ALWAYS use the 50a receptacle. 30a connectors are used at near capacity and are usually worn out and loose which means more voltage drop. The 50a connector has more surface area so less drop and a better connection.

You are not "stepping down". You are adapting. You are still using the same amount of current.

I agree 100 percent !!! If I have a choice I always use the 50a even tho I have 30a to the TT unless the Park charges more for the 50a

You can call it a "stepdown", no skin off here. The thing is, though, the term step down also refers to another electrical device, a transformer that lowers voltage. Don't be surprised if the term causes confusion.

No real reason that the 50 amp receptacle can't be used other than there are two extra connections. Some purists would object but the 50 amp receptacles are used less than the 30 amp receptacles so may be in better condition. Depending on the owner of the CG, there may be some issue, some CG's like to upcharge for 50 amp service.

haydoracin wrote:
I'm sorry, but if a 50 amp outlet is capable of delivering up to 50 amps and the adapter reduces that capability to 30 amps, in my mind it is "stepping down" from 50 amp capability to 30 amp capability.

I understand your thinking here, but the adapter doesn't reduce anything. It is a straight wire connection to one leg of the 50 amp. The thing that provides the limits are the breakers on the post (set to 50 amp or 30 amp depending on which you plugged into) and the breaker box in your RV.

I always use the 50 /30 adapter when I can. I have seen may too many burnt 30 amp outlets and that burning transfers to YOUR plug. Pretty soon then you start burning the campground outlet and the cycle continues. You have a 30 amp main breaker in your camper so your cord will NOT overload. In case of a SHORT the 50 amp will blow faster than you can blink, so that is a non issue. Breakers do wear out so a heavly loaded 30 amp outlet may trip at say, 20 amps. Look at your plug and if you see any burning or spots like welding splatter you are going to have trouble sooner or later.

I'm sorry, but if a 50 amp outlet is capable of delivering up to 50 amps and the adapter reduces that capability to 30 amps, in my mind it is "stepping down" from 50 amp capability to 30 amp capability.

I won't argue the point any further as it will surely get the post closed and I am curious about any other opinions regarding my original question.

Thanks again for the replies.

I only use at sites that have both 50-30 hook ups.
If when hooked to the 30AMP one and the breaker at the box starts tripping.
Then I move it to the 50AMP. Breakers get old and start tripping before they get a 30 AMP load on them. Or they have been tripped a lot of times in the past and gotten weak.

I would ALWAYS use the 50a receptacle. 30a connectors are used at near capacity and are usually worn out and loose which means more voltage drop. The 50a connector has more surface area so less drop and a better connection.

You are not "stepping down". You are adapting. You are still using the same amount of current.

haydoracin wrote:
Is that not "stepping down" from 50 amps to 30 amps?

No. A 50 amp outlet is capable of delivering up to 50 amps. It only delivers what the load requires, which is no more than 30 amps for a 30 amp RV.

Is that not "stepping down" from 50 amps to 30 amps?

Thanks for the replies. Pretty much what I was thinking.

Makes no difference at all. Do what makes you feel good.