Forum Discussion

doughere's avatar
doughere
Explorer
Sep 13, 2023

50 amp to 30 amp dogbone

Just purchased a small 5th wheel with a 50 amp service. I have no need for the 50 power, and would like to just connect to a 30 amp cable. Does anyone make a 50 amp female connector to the trailer with 30 amp male end.
  • Options: 30/50 pigtail adapter widely available.
    Put a 50A female plug on a 30A cord. Lighest weight option.
    Put a 30A male plug on the 50A cord.

    In all 3 cases the 2 hot 50A wires are connected to the 30A hot wire.
  • doughere wrote:
    Just purchased a small 5th wheel with a 50 amp service. I have no need for the 50 power, and would like to just connect to a 30 amp cable. Does anyone make a 50 amp female connector to the trailer with 30 amp male end.
    Does the trailer have a detachable cord? Can get a 30 amp to replace it like this: https://www.amazon.com/Conntek-14435-Power-30-Amp-Locking/dp/B00269HEKM?th=1

    Otherwise Amazon adapter: https://www.amazon.com/Kohree-Adapter-Dogbone-Electrical-Handle/dp/B07G58NSDK

    Shop around
  • i did the same thing. we only have one a/c so the need to have the 50 amp all the time isn't necessary. Exception; we have tripped the main breaker at the park post when running a/c and water heater. of course just turn the water heater off.
    we also have a transfer switch installed and use a Honda EU3000IS generator. Haven't had an issue other than the need to isolate a/c when turning it on.
    as far as the cord, Yeah, Amazon is a good place to check and sure beats hauling the large 50 amp cord all over the country.
  • The 30 amp power cord with a 50 amp female and 30 male is the way to go. Much lighter and much easier to handle in cold weather. We carried both and normally used our 50 amp cable, but used the 30 amp cable if park only had 30 amp service.
  • I have a Progressive Industries electrical management box which hangs down from the pedestal and is kind of heavy (probably because I have a security chain on it too). I find the 30 amp pedestal receptacles are generally worn and the 3 wire connectors allow the EMS box to fall off. I use a 50 to 30 dogbone which stays securely in the pedestal. I have a 30 amp main disconnect in the trailer so I am not overloading my 30 amp power cord.

    I believe carrying the adapter to be almost mandatory.
  • just get the 50amp to 30amp adapter, don't modify anything and risk doing it wrong or lowering the resale value later.
  • When I had a 30a FW, I got a 50 to 30 dogbone so I could use the 50a plug at campgrounds. They were generally tighter and much less prone to tripping. My current FW is 50a but only had 1 A/C until a couple months ago. I =always= use the 50a plug unless there is't one available. Dogbones are the way to go; don't take up much room and a lot cheaper and easier than futzing about with changing plug ends or buying new cords.

    Lyle