Question about cord adapters | Vintage Trailer Talk

mel
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1964 Shasta Airflyte

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Question about cord adapters Jun 12, 2017 9:00:15 GMT -8

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Post by mel on Jun 12, 2017 9:00:15 GMT -8

Hello,
I need to buy a 30A twist lock cord for my camper and a 30a female to 15a male adapter so I test it at the house.

This is the cheapest I could find, Im just unclear if something like this is safe? My concern is that is clearly states on the adapter for temporary use only.

www.ebay.com/itm/25FT-Foot-30A-Amp-RV-Extension-Cord-Trailer-Motorhome-Camper-Power-Supply-Cable-/172180420959?hash=item2816c0b95f:g:cqMAAOSw2GlXHpQc&vxp=mtr

The other option is to spend a little more money and buy the regular 30a cord, then buy one of these adapters.

www.ebay.com/itm/15A-male-to-30A-RV-Power-Cord-Adapter-female-Pigtail-Boat-Adapter-US-Free-Ship-/262623886920?hash=item3d259a7e48:g:xYwAAOSw-itXtXHD&vxp=mtr

To be honest I would rather spend the least amount of money, but I do want to be safe. So thats why I'm asking for you opinion.

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Ross
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2016 Starcraft Autumn Ridge 235

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Question about cord adapters Jun 12, 2017 9:29:14 GMT -8 mel likes this

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Post by Ross on Jun 12, 2017 9:29:14 GMT -8

To reduce to 15amps for a 30amp system is not recommended, I believe, is because people will try to operate the entire electrical system as usual.....ac running, microwave running, refrigerator, etc.....pulling too much power through a restricted line.

However, we do use a 15amp pigtail when our rv is parked. It will tender the battery and we can operate the interior lights, as needed. I have even operated just the ac unit when I am working inside the trailer, but know not to pull too many amps at once, which puts a strain on the system.

I would recommend using a 30amp to 15amp pigtail over an adapter. This is what we have and use.

Last Edit: Jun 12, 2017 9:30:42 GMT -8 by Ross

Ross
1960 Scotty Sportsman Silverside

vikx
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Question about cord adapters Jun 12, 2017 20:27:32 GMT -8 Ross and mel like this

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Post by vikx on Jun 12, 2017 20:27:32 GMT -8

I agree, the pigtail is a little safer. Remember to operate the trailer ONE ITEM at a time if you drop down to 15 amps. The wiring could overheat if more than one thing is on. Lights are OK but ONE other item.

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saracaroline01
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Question about cord adapters Jan 9, 2021 8:19:26 GMT -8 via mobile

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Post by saracaroline01 on Jan 9, 2021 8:19:26 GMT -8

Jun 12, 2017 9:00:15 GMT -8 mel said:

Hello,
I need to buy a 30A twist lock cord for my camper and a 30a female to 15a male adapter so I test it at the house.

This is the cheapest I could find, Im just unclear if something like this is safe? My concern is that is clearly states on the adapter for temporary use only.

www.ebay.com/itm/25FT-Foot-30A-Amp-RV-Extension-Cord-Trailer-Motorhome-Camper-Power-Supply-Cable-/172180420959?hash=item2816c0b95f:g:cqMAAOSw2GlXHpQc&vxp=mtr

The other option is to spend a little more money and buy the regular 30a cord, then buy one of these adapters.

www.ebay.com/itm/15A-male-to-30A-RV-Power-Cord-Adapter-female-Pigtail-Boat-Adapter-US-Free-Ship-/262623886920?hash=item3d259a7e48:g:xYwAAOSw-itXtXHD&vxp=mtr

To be honest I would rather spend the least amount of money, but I do want to be safe. So thats why I'm asking for you opinion.

Jun 12, 2017 20:27:32 GMT -8 vikx said:

I agree, the pigtail is a little safer. Remember to operate the trailer ONE ITEM at a time if you drop down to 15 amps. The wiring could overheat if more than one thing is on. Lights are OK but ONE other item.

saracaroline01
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Question about cord adapters Jan 9, 2021 8:23:10 GMT -8 via mobile

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Post by saracaroline01 on Jan 9, 2021 8:23:10 GMT -8

My newly acquired old Williams Craft has a female plug on outside for shore power. I know what a suicide cord is and prefer to keep living. I have been told to put a ground wire in and then buy an adapter. Would post pic of breaker box if I knew how.

Teachndad
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Question about cord adapters Jan 9, 2021 10:07:30 GMT -8

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Post by Teachndad on Jan 9, 2021 10:07:30 GMT -8

Hello Welcome,

I can't help you with your electical question, but I can provide you a link to directions on how o post pix. vintagetrailertalk.freeforums.net/thread/7276/add-photos-hosted-flickr-tutoria It takes a little work to get set up, but once you have your album, it's pretty easy after you have done a few picture posts.

Cheers,

Rod

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oakback
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Question about cord adapters Jan 11, 2021 5:21:43 GMT -8

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Post by oakback on Jan 11, 2021 5:21:43 GMT -8

Echoing the others, we always keep ours plugged into a 15amp outlet at home, the tiny fridge and a dehumidifier are always running. We also run the a/c (small window unit) when the dehumidifier can't keep up. If we use the electric stove and a/c together, the breaker for the outlet on the house will flip.

Added bonus, it's an exterior GFCI outlet, which has helped me find out I had a bad ground on one of my trailer circuits.

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