Unusual 30 to 15 adaptor?

[obgraham]

I hardly ever plug in now in the B, except at home where I have a dedicated RV outlet. But I still schlep the heavy 30 amp cord around "in case I need it".

What I really want is a dogbone-like adaptor so that I could plug in to 110 with my standard extension cord if need be, then leave the 30 amp cord at home.

It needs to have a 30 amp female twist lock on one end, and a 15 amp Male plug on the other.

Can't seem to find it at any store I've looked in or online RV supplier. Anyone? Bueller?

[avanti]

I think such an adaptor exists. But, you can buy everything you need to build one at Home Depot. That's what I did. Interestingly, I made mine to use at home, since I don't have a 30 amp outlet.

[eric1514]

...
Edit: Nevermind, I think I'm confused.

[booster]

Is this what you are talking about?

One Piece Adapter with a 30A 125V Locking Connector and a 15A 125V Straight Blade Plug | Marinco

[mlts22]

This adapter, perhaps? You still will need a 30A cord from it to your rig, but this, as well as a 50 amp to 30 amp adapter, are must haves.

[obgraham]

Booster, yours might do it, if only I can find some place that sells it!

Mlts22, your adapter doesn't have the 30 amp pin configuration that the locking connectors use. I'm trying to get rid of the need for the 30A cord.

[obgraham]

Uff-dah. Booster's is at Amazon after all. (Isn't everything?)

Thanks.

[Davydd]

Originally Posted by eric1514

You could also change out the duplex 110 outlet with 1 30amp outlet that fits your cord. You'll need a new cover plate also. It will still only be 15 or 20 amps depending on the circuit, but you won't have extra connections to worry about.

That's how I did it at my house. It's probably not code but I can change it back if I have to.

Edit: nevermind, I think I'm confused.

I would think to meet code you would have to upgrade your wiring all the way back to the breaker box to a 30A breaker. But what you are doing could have been solved simply with an adaptor on the end of your 30A cord. You are just losing that plug in point for every other possible use.

[Davydd]

I have the Smartplug configuration so I am afraid an adaptor right at the van might not exist so would have to continue to carry my cord with the 30A>15A adaptor at the other end of the cord. I am going to contact Smartplug to see if they don't have one. It is not on their web site. I suppose I could make a short pigtail cord as it would be nice to have a backup in case I lose my cord for any reason. Oh well, it is not all that critical of a worry.

[wincrasher]

I've used one of these with a 20 amp drop cord. Amazon.com: Conntek 14205 RV 1.5-Feet Pigtail Adapter Power Cord 15-Amp Male Plug To 30 Amp Locking Female Connector: Patio, Lawn & Garden

Initially I got it to connect my portable generator to the RV. Instead of a long drop cord, I got a dryer cord as they are short, but high amperage.

[eric1514]

Originally Posted by Davydd

I would think to meet code you would have to upgrade your wiring all the way back to the breaker box to a 30A breaker. But what you are doing could have been solved simply with an adaptor on the end of your 30A cord. You are just losing that plug in point for every other possible use.

The plug is outside right where the RV is. There is another duplex 20amp set of outlets nearby. The only time I'll need to meet code is if the house is inspected for some reason like selling it. Then I'll just swap it back out.

I didn't want to use an adaptor because it was just one more connection. The way I have it looks just like an RV pedestal, waterproof and all.

[mkguitar]

Originally Posted by obgraham

It needs to have a 30 amp female twist lock on one end, and a 15 amp Male plug on the other.

easy enough to make one- I have.

this demands common sense on the part of the owner- don;t try to run the microwave and the a/c at the same time...

with a 15A supply I know that I can run all the 12 volt stuff and the dometic 3 way on ac...and the a/c on a low fan setting.

if you overload- you'll pop the breaker on the house supply.

starting with an extension cord of the desired length w/ std "Edison" plug, lop off the female end.
wire into a Hubbell 30A female plug ( home depot)- the large spade with the 90º is ground ( green wire), the smallest spade is +( black) and the remaining is neutral ( white).

the Hubbell also makes other sizes...a 20A won;t match up...it has to be 30A for the spades and the lock tang to line up.


at some point I will wire up an outside box- I have no pressing need so it's on the to-do eventually list- the rv pad is adjacent to the laundry room with has unused 50A dryer power...so I just have to make up an exterior box with 50A, 30A, and 15A and wire it up

mike

[obgraham]

Well, Booster, that Marinco 30 to 15 adaptor showed up this evening (Amazon is amazing!) and is exactly what I was looking for.

Very compact, gives me a way to plug in should the rare need arise, and I can leave the 30A cord at home.

Thanks for the link!