Ive done a search and have been reading for a couple hours and dont think Ive found my answer yet. Camping without power next weekend and want to run the ac. One time trip, usually have power hookups. TT has 30 amp plug, ac is 13500. I have access to borrow a generator for this trip. 5700 running watts, 7125 starting watts. Generator has outlet plug marked 120V/240V AC, 4 lug. Can I buy a simple adapter plug to go from the 4 lug to 3 lug 30amp? I keep reading about hard start kits, soft starting the ac, adapters that dont provide enough amps since using 1 leg of gen outlet and imbalance of gen causing vibration and damage.Something like this?http://www.ebay.com/itm/RV-Camper-Generator-240-volt-4-Prong-Male-Plug-Adapter-Twist-for-30-Amp-Female-/172254162687Or this?http://www.ebay.com/itm/DuroMax-XP3030RV-30-Amp-RV-Adapter-Cord-Cable-NEMA-Plug-For-Portable-Generator-/171893764191I dont want to do damage to my camper or a borrowed generator. Thank for any help.

Yes, you can use one of the adapters.

Sounds like an open frame generator, it won't have any trouble starting your 13K5 ac unit. You won't need any hard start kits, or worry about an asymmetric load on the generator causing any trouble. Your A/C will only need 50-60 amps for a fraction of a second, then it settles down into a 13-15 amp draw. Those adapters look OK, but I would use a multimeter to BE SURE the voltage coming out is only 120v. Who knows how they're wired on in the inside. Another alternative is to use one of the 20 amp outlets on the generator, and leave the 240 volt outlet alone.

Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.com/itm/252423231466Here you go...

sfpcservice wrote:Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.com/itm/252423231466Here you go...Working Link

You can. I don't think you will have the full 5700 watts, as this is a 240 generator, the power is split between both legs. You will only be using one leg. But, it should still provide enough to run the AC, rather loudly probably.Here is the adapter you will need.https://www.amazon.com/Conntek-15872-Generator-Connector-Indicator/dp/B00BHGXUFI

Portable generator adapter for 30 amps | Good Sam Community

12 Replies

wa8yxm
Explorer III
Aug 24, 2016
Note that unless the generator has a 120/240 volt switch you may not be able to get full power out of that outlet... Just half.

note also many generators that DO have such a switch, also have a 30 amp 3 wire outlet.. And there are adapters for those as well.
CharlesinGA
Explorer
Aug 24, 2016
Home Depot has the L14-30 Twistlock to TT-30 adapters. They are like the one you show in your first link, no cord, just a molded nugget with prongs sticking out. They are in the tool section near the other generator stuff.

Charles
2007 Winnebago View 523H on a 2006 Dodge (Daimler-Chrysler aka Mercedes) Sprinter 3500 chassis (T1N). Bought Sept 2015 with 18K miles on it, Prog Ind HW30C, Prog Dymanics PD4645, Chill Grille, PML/Yourcovers.com deep alum trans pan, AutoMeter 8558 trans temp gauge, Roadmaster sway bar, Fantastic Ultra Breeze hood, added OEM parabolic mirrors and RH aspherical mirror.
Dusty_R
Explorer
Aug 24, 2016
Each leg only gets 1/2 of the 7500 watts, 3750 watts.
j-d
Explorer II
Aug 24, 2016
sfpcservice wrote:

The adapter in this case is only using one 120v leg, the neutral and ground. The opposite 120v leg is unused.

That's what I thought. So a meter will show continuity from three of the four twist lock prongs, to the three RV receptacle end slots...?
Diesel_Camper
Explorer
Aug 24, 2016
SC camper wrote:
Thanks for the help folks!
I will check it out with a DVOM before the trip.
What about using the 20 amp outlets?

The adapter in this case is only using one 120v leg, the neutral and ground. The opposite 120v leg is unused.
SC_camper
Explorer
Aug 24, 2016
Thanks for the help folks!
I will check it out with a DVOM before the trip.
What about using the 20 amp outlets?
j-d
Explorer II
Aug 24, 2016
I hadn't thought you could take two 120VAC circuits, opposite phases, that make up 240, and combine to double the amps at 120. Maybe I'm wrong, electricity isn't high on my expert scale.

BUT I can say this with certainty: If you want to run 15 Amps or more through an Adapter, Do Not Use a PUCK, the $15 one. You need the Dogbone type, with cable between the plug and receptacle, to dissipate heat. The puck will melt and when the rubber melts the contacts lose contact, gets hotter, melts more...
ChooChooMan74
Explorer
Aug 24, 2016
You can. I don't think you will have the full 5700 watts, as this is a 240 generator, the power is split between both legs. You will only be using one leg. But, it should still provide enough to run the AC, rather loudly probably.

Here is the adapter you will need.

https://www.amazon.com/Conntek-15872-Generator-Connector-Indicator/dp/B00BHGXUFI
Corkey05
Explorer
Aug 24, 2016
sfpcservice wrote:
Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.com/itm/252423231466

Here you go...

Working Link
Diesel_Camper
Explorer
Aug 24, 2016
Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.com/itm/252423231466

Here you go...