30 amps for 50 amp trailer

[juancho0969]

Hello. I am thinking of going to a campsite where the only site available is limited to 30 amps. I know I can get a converter plug and hook up, and I understand that only one of my A/Cs will work. Two questions. First, can I choose which of the two A/Cs to turn on at a given time, such that I have the living room one on during the day and the bedroom one at night, or will only of the two work at all. Second, is there any damage that I can cause to my electrical system by doing this? Thanks in advance.

[CA_Traveler]

Bobbo,

I think he was referring to the 30/30/50 adapter not the 30/50 adapter. Definitely pros and cons on the 30/30/50 adapter but it can be helpful.

[SDcampowneroper]

30a = 3600w. 50a = 12600 w potential Power mizering is a lesson we learned long ago.
Turn fridge, furnace , cold water heater to propane. You now have most wattage available except for the small drain for lights tv and such.
What this means is you can run 2 power hungry devices at a time, like 1a/c and hair dryer, Toaster and coffee pot, and so on.
Not 3 .
A/cs typically draw 12-15 a on start, run at 10-11a Thats yes you can run 2 a/cs on 30a IF you have reduced all other load.
If an a/c runs at 12a usually less, thats 1500watts. 2 is 3000watts leaving 600 w for incidentals. just fine.
You cant hurt anything just trip a breaker that reminds you you forgot to shut something off before you tirned on something else.
Learn to proactively manage your load Many years on construction sites or on a friends back yard and we have run 1 a/c on 15 amp many times.

[Bobbo]

afidel wrote:

starlord wrote:
OK,first, I have 50 amp service and have stayed at places without 50 amp available. It is possible to use an adapter that runs to both 30 amp service AND 15/20 amp service giving you the ability to run everything you normally would. As stated, I have had to do this multiple time with no problems what so ever.

Ouch, $55 for those adapters, since I can run my trailer on 20A including the AC I don't think I'll be picking one up anytime soon.

$15.99

30amp to 50amp dogbone

[afidel]

starlord wrote:
OK,first, I have 50 amp service and have stayed at places without 50 amp available. It is possible to use an adapter that runs to both 30 amp service AND 15/20 amp service giving you the ability to run everything you normally would. As stated, I have had to do this multiple time with no problems what so ever.

Ouch, $55 for those adapters, since I can run my trailer on 20A including the AC I don't think I'll be picking one up anytime soon.

[starlord]

OK,first, I have 50 amp service and have stayed at places without 50 amp available. It is possible to use an adapter that runs to both 30 amp service AND 15/20 amp service giving you the ability to run everything you normally would. As stated, I have had to do this multiple time with no problems what so ever.

[Lwiddis]

“It is never a bad idea to monitor the voltage. If it stays above 107 all is well.”

Hughes has an excellent voltage monitor for $16 on Amazon. Ask for Howard.

[pianotuna]

It is never a bad idea to monitor the voltage. If it stays above 107 all is well.

[time2roll]

I recommend to set the fridge and water heater to propane only if available.

[Lwiddis]

An RVer can live quite well on thirty amps...or even 20.

[the_e-man]

With an adapter, sometimes called a dog bone, you can connect your 50 amp camper to a 30 amp pedestal. In addition to running only one AC, you may want to watch what else you run. For example, you may find that running a larger AC and the microwave at the same time might be too much. As long as you don't try to run everything all at once, you should be fine.

[StarkNaked]

CA Traveler wrote:

StarkNaked wrote:
No split - only one will work.
No you can't damage anything.

Basically you are only powering up half of the breaker panel. Only the things on the hot side will work.

Incorrect post. The 30/50 adapter connects both 50A hots to the 30A hot so you will have 120V everywhere in the rig. Run either A/C and it they are smaller both may be OK.

You will not damage anything by using the adapter, assuming good pedestal voltage. IF you have a EMS then you may need to switch it from 20A to 30A since it cannot tell the difference and will default to 20A.

Sorry, my error. Thinking of a different wiring system.

[ford_truck_guy]

Like Bob said above me....

You can run EITHER AC at a time, just not more than 1 at a time.. We have used a 30amp site a few times.... Turned the living area AC on during the day, in the evenings, turn that off and turn on the bedroom... No damage at all assuming your power pedestal is NOT damaged and working as it should.

[CA_Traveler]

StarkNaked wrote:
No split - only one will work.
No you can't damage anything.

Basically you are only powering up half of the breaker panel. Only the things on the hot side will work.

Incorrect post. The 30/50 adapter connects both 50A hots to the 30A hot so you will have 120V everywhere in the rig. Run either A/C and it they are smaller both may be OK.

You will not damage anything by using the adapter, assuming good pedestal voltage. IF you have a EMS then you may need to switch it from 20A to 30A since it cannot tell the difference and will default to 20A.

[StarkNaked]

No split - only one will work.
No you can't damage anything.

Basically you are only powering up half of the breaker panel. Only the things on the hot side will work.