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SC_camper's avatar
SC_camper
Explorer
Aug 24, 2016

Portable generator adapter for 30 amps

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-/172254162687
Or this?http://www.ebay.com/itm/DuroMax-XP3030RV-30-Amp-RV-Adapter-Cord-Cable-NEMA-Plug-For-Portable-Generator-/171893764191
I dont want to do damage to my camper or a borrowed generator. Thank for any help.

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  • GordonThree's avatar
    GordonThree
    Explorer
    Aug 24, 2016
    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.

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