50 amp only at campground

MikenKaren · 08-01-2014, 07:16 PM

New jayco owner, can't I camp at a campgroung that only has 50 service with my 30 amp camper ? manual says no adaptors of any kind...could damage my electrical system ?

Paulx213 · 08-01-2014, 07:22 PM

Not sure why it would damage anything. The voltage is the same and the trailer will only draw what ever current it needs.

Every plug in your house can put out 15 amps but there's nothing wrong with plugging in an one amp appliance.

You would need an adapter plug though.

MikenKaren · 08-01-2014, 07:23 PM

on reserve America some of the campgrounds will list multiple service hookups, and then again some only say 50 amp...would an adapter plug or converter type adapter hurt my 30 amp rv at a 50 amp plug with the adapter ? thanks

MikenKaren · 08-01-2014, 07:24 PM

the owners manual says not to use one...new to this...just don't want to void the warranty

tnchuck100 · 08-01-2014, 07:32 PM

There is NOTHING wrong with using the proper 50 amp male to 30 amp female dogbone adapter. It will NOT harm your trailer. It will NOT void your warranty. The lawyers for the manufacturer make them put that warning in the manual. It is just lawyer crap.

howie · 08-01-2014, 07:37 PM

50 amp only campgrounds are not common around here. Matter of fact, I have never seen one.
I do believe this is the adapter you would need.
Shouldn't be an issue.

tnchuck100 · 08-01-2014, 07:42 PM

The dogbone type is preferable to the hockey puck type. The hockey puck type tend to overheat under heavy load.

clubhouse · 08-01-2014, 08:16 PM

I've never seen a 50 Amp only CG. My experience is CG list the highest capacity, everything less is there too. Last week, the box at my campsite had 20A, 30A & 50A outlets and breakers.

RoyBraddy · 08-01-2014, 08:21 PM

X2 on the dogbone type. they are also available from most WALMARTS..

Will look like this google image...

As you can see from this DMBRUSS diagram only one 50A Leg is connected to your 30A trailer.

Most of us carry all the necessary ADAPTERs to get going when at the different pedestals we run into at the campgrounds. A necessary PLAN B item to have with you...

Roy Ken

**FPM III** · 08-01-2014, 08:22 PM

If the 30A socket doesn't feel "tight" when I plug into it, I'll use my 50A to 30A adapter and plug into the 50A socket because they tend to be used less often and therefore have less wear.

lx22f/c · 08-01-2014, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clubhouse

I've never seen a 50 Amp only CG. My experience is CG list the highest capacity, everything less is there too. Last week, the box at my campsite had 20A, 30A & 50A outlets and breakers.

X2

Brownjm · 08-01-2014, 08:52 PM

You can get the dog bone adapter at Menards (if there is one in your area) in the electrical department. I don't remember the cost.

mcfarmall · 08-02-2014, 04:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikenKaren

New jayco owner, can't I camp at a campgroung that only has 50 service with my 30 amp camper ? manual says no adaptors of any kind...could damage my electrical system ?

*************SARCASM WARNING***********************

For your own personal safety, you should not use your new camper.

************END OF SARCASM**************************

Gotta love the first 20 pages of any owners manual. I'm glad Bic razors don't come with an owners manual or I'd look like ZZ Top.

howie · 08-02-2014, 05:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoyBraddy

X2 on the dogbone type. they are also available from most WALMARTS..

Will look like this google image...

Roy Ken

Not at any of the Wal Marts near me.

Bassdogs · 08-02-2014, 08:44 AM

Remember the service rating is referring to "max" amps available. Your 30A system is protected with a 30a breaker and you can't pull more than that thru your converter without popping the breaker. Plugging into a 50a service will still supply you with 110V power just like a 30a service. there is the potential for a larger amp load from a 50a service, but your system is protected and will not allow more than a 30a draw. Put another way, many CG water systems have very high PSI that would damage your internal plumbing if attached directly to the RV. You should always use a pressure restrictor to limit the pressure getting into your camper. The 30a breaker in your converter does the same thing.

Get yourself one of the dogbone addapters others have suggested and I would also suggest you get a 30a to 15a adapter so you can plug in to a standard outlet in your garage or while spending a night at a friends house.

**norty1** · 08-02-2014, 09:45 AM

Look in the camping section near hardware.

campingva · 08-02-2014, 12:30 PM

Amazon can be your friend.

ChuckD37 · 08-02-2014, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FPM III

If the 30A socket doesn't feel "tight" when I plug into it, I'll use my 50A to 30A adapter and plug into the 50A socket because they tend to be used less often and therefore have less wear.

That is the main reason I carry the adapter. Many 30 amp receptacles are over used and are bad connections. I have never had a problem with it.

TeamFoxy · 08-02-2014, 01:51 PM

When I bought my first camper 7 years ago, the dealer told me I should take the 50-30 amp adapter as part of their "free kit". He assured me that most CG's were changing over and would only have 50A service. I have never had to use it.

troutslayer · 08-02-2014, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FPM III

If the 30A socket doesn't feel "tight" when I plug into it, I'll use my 50A to 30A adapter and plug into the 50A socket because they tend to be used less often and therefore have less wear.

I generally wrap a bungee cord around the plug (of my surge protector) and the post. That seems to keep it tight in the 30 amp socket. BTW, I also wrap Glad Press'N Seal around where the RV cord plugs into the surge protector because it usually hangs out of the post box and is subject to getting wet. The Press'N Seal keeps the connection dry. Just some additional "garbage info" for ya'

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