Universal RV Hook-up Adapter?

[BinDerSmokDat]

I want to be able to occasionally use a conventional RV site with a hookup for electric.
Even some state campgrounds only supply electric to sites via 30 amp or 50 amp service, no standard 110 outlet.

I only want to run a few 110v devices, charge batteries, electronics, small fan, etc. so a standard 15 or 20 amp outlet equivalent is fine for me.

Is there a simple dogbone or set of adapters that get me from whatever the RV site is running to a standard 3 prong 110v outlet?
Any recommendations?

 

[Trebor English]

You can use a 50 amp to 30 amp adapter followed by a 30 amp to 15 amp adapter.  When you do that keep in mind that the 50 amp breaker might not be the best for your 20 amp cable with 15 amp plugs.

 

[tx2sturgis]

Yes, you can buy a 'dogbone' adapter that plugs right into the 30 (or 50) amp socket. Then you plug your standard 15 amp cord into that.

In fact, in my experience hooking up to the standard 120v outlet at the various park or campground pedestals with my standard shore power 120v plug, sometimes the GFCI in the power pedestal is not happy, since it's really not designed to power a small van/camper/trailer etc, with its somewhat variable ground currents. 

The GFCI at the pedestal can 'trip' from the slightest thing, like stepping in and out of the trailer, damp ground, or in my case, transmitting on a ham radio.

It is much more reliable to power your rig from the 30 amp (or 50 amp) socket using the dogbone. No GFCI issues when you do that. You can also buy a dogbone with a 'power on' indicator light, which is handy.

 

[highdesertranger]

yes they make all the adapters but like Trebor said be wary of the breakers. it's also a good idea to run a surge protector and have one of those polarity checkers on hand because RV parks are notorious for bad electrical. also use as few adapters as possible. highdesertranger

 

[grahampa]

So I bought a 30 amp shore power outlet and a dogbone 30 to 15 connector and the 30 amp connections did not match. Can anyone recommend me the correct shore power outlet to match my dogbone connector? Is there maybe a marine style different than rv ones? Or European vs American plugs?

 

[tx2sturgis]

So I bought a 30 amp shore power outlet...

For your home base or maybe adding to a generator or something along those lines?

Ok, what you want is a NEMA TT-30, typically called a 30 amp RV outlet.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NEMA_connector#NEMA_TT-30

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Connecticut-Electric-30-Amp-RV-Power-Outlet-CESMPS13HR/100669968

If that is what your outlet looks like, then you probably bought the 30 amp twist-lock adapter, ( L5-30P ) which is usually for the receptacle on some RVs, mounted on the RV itself, but can be found on some portable RV style generators.

Really, we need to see know what you have or are trying to do, or post a pic and we can provide more help.

 

[grahampa]

For your home base or maybe adding to a generator or something along those lines?

Ok, what you want is a NEMA TT-30, typically called a 30 amp RV outlet.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NEMA_connector#NEMA_TT-30

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Connecticut-Electric-30-Amp-RV-Power-Outlet-CESMPS13HR/100669968

If that is what your outlet looks like, then you probably bought the 30 amp twist-lock adapter, ( L5-30P ) which is usually for the receptacle on some RVs, mounted on the RV itself, but can be found on some portable RV style generators.

Really, we need to see know what you have or are trying to do, or post a pic and we can provide more help.

Think you hit the nail on the head. Pretty sure I bought a locking style boat shore power outlet. The NEMA TT30 looks like it would work perfectly.

I'm looking to have an option to hook into as many power sources as possible just to charge my house batteries. Is it overkill to buy a 30 amp outlet for this?

 

[maki2]

there are two different styles of 30 amp connectors
One style is for the twist lock. I have that type of 30amp input receptacle on the side of my RV and I need a matching style of plug to fit into it.
That locks the cord in to resist it being unplugged.

The more common, less expensive style does not have the locking tab features on the 30 amp plug.

If need be you can make your own adapter plugs cables of whatever type and length you need with the clamp onto the wire end fittings from the hardware store and a length of electrical cable. But always get heavy duty rated plugs. I also suggest you use the self sealing silicone, waterproof tape to wrap around the transition of cord to plugs for a little extra weather proofing when making up your own electrical cables.

 

[maki2]

there is no universal works with everything gadget, people end up carrying a box of adapters around to meet all kinds of situations

here is a twist lock 30 amp to a 110 plug adapter
https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-L5-3...lug+to+110&qid=1553152082&s=hi&sr=1-3-catcorr

here is a marine twist lock to standard RV type 30 amp adapter
https://www.amazon.com/LeisureCords...d=1553152170&s=hi&sr=1-12-catcorr-spons&psc=1

Too bad there are not sets of different pin ends that fit onto a cable such as the one I have for my electronic gear that has a wide selection of ends to fit various types of cellphones, sll those different USB types, ethernet cables, even telephone cables, etc. One set to rule them all

 

[Gr8ful]

So I bought a 30 amp shore power outlet and a dogbone 30 to 15 connector and the 30 amp connections did not match. Can anyone recommend me the correct shore power outlet to match my dogbone connector? Is there maybe a marine style different than rv ones? Or European vs American plugs?

Much of Europe uses 220v for house current as we use 120. I hate 240v US plugs & recepts sng phase. I have over a 5 gallom bucket & never seem to have the right one. 240 & 480v 3 phase is so much easier 1 for each & they only difference is the L shape plu is reversed.

 

[B and C]

For shore power the RV 30 amp plug is almost ubiquitous. Any RV park will have them. Couple that with the 30-15 dogbone and you're set.
This is what I do as I have 30 amp service plug for my RV. I also bought a 50 to 30 dogbone but have never needed it. Twist locks are for boats because boats move on the moorings and it won't come unplugged and fall in the water (AFAIK).

 

[BinDerSmokDat]

Thanks for all of the great advice!
I already knew some power sources at campgrounds and state parks can be dodgey.
I have a plug type outlet tester and a non-contact tester already.

This is only to power a single outlet for laptops, phone charging and a small desktop type fan for drying gear or really hot nights. I won't be using any where near 15 amp service, let alone 30 or 50 amps.

So if I get the two adapters below and carry a good 10 gauge extension cord, I should be set at all US campgrounds?

https://www.amazon.com/LeisureCords...eway&sprefix=50+amp+to+30+amp+,aps,364&sr=8-3

https://www.amazon.com/LeisureCords...sprefix=50+amp+to+30+amp+,aps,364&sr=8-3&th=1

 

[highdesertranger]

those will do it. highdesertranger

 

[tx2sturgis]

Yep, those will work fine.

I have one like this, its not as 'pretty' but it includes the indicator light and a little pull-ring which is a bit safer when you are standing on wet ground and pulling out the plug. 

https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Cabl...th+lighted&qid=1553613164&s=hi&sr=1-4-catcorr

Power pedestals have breakers, and sometimes the breaker is hard to see in the dark as to whether it is ON or OFF...having the indicator in the cord helps you know you have power.

 

[BinDerSmokDat]

Thanks HDR and Tx!

 

[grahampa]

So I had already bought a dogbone adaptor and now I have my Chicago electric 30amp RV outlet with pole breaker in the mail. I have two 100ah batteries and 3 100 watt solar panels which should be overkill for how much energy I will actually end up using.. but what charger should I buy for when I am hooked up to shore power? Noco genuis for a single battery bank(2 house batteries=1battery bank)? Or should I do a 20amp charger good for two battery banks and hook my starter battery up as well?

 

[highdesertranger]

grahampa, the charger should be sized to the battery bank. the manufacturer will have a spec as to how big a charger you need. hopefully some one who knows the jargon better then me will explain it. highdesertranger