R-pod Owners Forum : Electrical Question in Campgrounds https://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks : Electrical Question in Campgrounds Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Sun, 28 Jun 2026 14:49:18 +0000 Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:23:49 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 https://www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=3609 R-pod Owners Forum https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.rpod-owners.com/ Electrical Question in Campgrounds : me too!! thanks for all the info... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34519#34519 Author: hogone
Subject: 3609
Posted: 18 Jun 2013 at 3:23pm

me too!!  thanks for all the info

]]> Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:23:49 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34519#34519 Electrical Question in Campgrounds : Originally posted by techntrek... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34518#34518 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 3609
Posted: 18 Jun 2013 at 3:12pm

Originally posted by techntrek

  Yes.  But knowledge is power. 
 
No pun intended.
 


Thanks Doug.  I needed that. Big smile
]]> Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:12:15 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34518#34518 Electrical Question in Campgrounds : It is a minimal risk, yes. Notjust... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34517#34517 Author: techntrek
Subject: 3609
Posted: 18 Jun 2013 at 2:43pm

It is a minimal risk, yes.  Not just from damage to the cord but also overload.  I've had enough stuff on in the pod that the internal breakers didn't trip but the 30 amp breaker outside did.  With a 50 amp breaker outside I could have caught the big cord on fire.
 
Just saying that in reply to the question "100% safe?", the answer is no.  I do have a dogbone, and one without the extra breaker since I didn't fully understand the problem when I bought it.  Would I still use it if the pole only had a 50 amp outlet?  Yes.  But knowledge is power. 
 
No pun intended.
 
 
]]> Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:43:45 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34517#34517 Electrical Question in Campgrounds : With all due respect to Tekntrek... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34490#34490 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 3609
Posted: 18 Jun 2013 at 10:20am

With all due respect to Tekntrek and Seanl, and I have a lot of respect for these gents, the risk of using the 50A connection with a 30A cord/trailer is really minimal. The trailer circuit breaker will protect almost all of the trailer wiring and all wiring downstream of the main breaker. That only leaves the actual external cord laying on the ground. The chance of a fault in this cord or its connectors that would be caught with a 30A breaker, but not caught with the 50A breaker is really minimal.  You can't protect against everything. That said, if you can find an adapter with a built in 30A breaker, go for it. I didn't know they existed.
]]> Tue, 18 Jun 2013 10:20:32 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34490#34490 Electrical Question in Campgrounds : Originally posted by hogoneSo... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34486#34486 Author: Seanl
Subject: 3609
Posted: 18 Jun 2013 at 9:31am

Originally posted by hogone

So are you saying that if a campsite has 50a service, it will also/always have 30a service in the same box?  I guess I thought and was under the impression that there are campsites with just a 50a hookup(no 30a), and that's why one may need the adaptor.  I think I'm confused now.  hogone


Some campgrounds have 30 amp and 50 amp sites I don't think I have ever seen a campground that only had 50 amp sites. The 50 amp sites are usually big sites as most 50 amp rigs are either Class A or 5th wheal rigs. 
]]> Tue, 18 Jun 2013 09:31:09 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34486#34486 Electrical Question in Campgrounds : I've seen campgrounds with... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34485#34485 Author: kymooses
Subject: 3609
Posted: 18 Jun 2013 at 9:25am

I've seen campgrounds with any and all combos of service at their poles.

90% of the time there will be 50a and 30a connections both from my experience.
75% of the time there will also be a 15a 110 connection also at the pole.

I've been to campgrounds where there is only 30a or a 50a at a pole.  But those are sites that are usually sized for the type of camper that would use that connection.  A large pull through site might sometimes only have the 50a connection, whereas a smaller campsite, something for Pods or Pop-ups and other sized campers might just have the 30a because a large rig could never park there.

What I've had happen is sometimes there may only be a 50a site left at a campground.  At times like that I'm glad to have my adapter and able to take the only remaining site.  Also there have been times where some people describe that the 30a connection is just overused and loose at times.  

I like having my adapters at the ready.  My 50a -> 30a, a 30a -> 15a, and an extra 25ft of RV extension cabling for when a pole is for some crazy reason miles away from your campsite.  Just like having extra water hose.  It's just a nice thing to be prepped for.
]]> Tue, 18 Jun 2013 09:25:27 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34485#34485 Electrical Question in Campgrounds : So are you saying that if a campsite... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34481#34481 Author: hogone
Subject: 3609
Posted: 18 Jun 2013 at 9:07am

So are you saying that if a campsite has 50a service, it will also/always have 30a service in the same box?  I guess I thought and was under the impression that there are campsites with just a 50a hookup(no 30a), and that's why one may need the adaptor.  I think I'm confused now.  hogone

]]> Tue, 18 Jun 2013 09:07:52 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34481#34481 Electrical Question in Campgrounds : Originally posted by hogoneGood... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34474#34474 Author: Seanl
Subject: 3609
Posted: 18 Jun 2013 at 7:50am

Originally posted by hogone

Good info.  So what do you guys do?  Or as techntrek stated, purchase the adapter(dogbone) that has the 30 amp breaker built in? 

I have always used the 30 amp plug at the campgrounds and I have never had any problems. At home I don't have a 30 amp so I use a 15 amp adaptor. this is safe because if I overload the circuit I just trip the breaker in the house. This has only happened once. 
]]> Tue, 18 Jun 2013 07:50:46 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34474#34474 Electrical Question in Campgrounds : Good info. So what do you guys... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34473#34473 Author: hogone
Subject: 3609
Posted: 18 Jun 2013 at 7:38am

Good info.  So what do you guys do?  Or as techntrek stated, purchase the adapter(dogbone) that has the 30 amp breaker built in? 
]]> Tue, 18 Jun 2013 07:38:30 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34473#34473 Electrical Question in Campgrounds : Originally posted by hogoneso... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34472#34472 Author: Seanl
Subject: 3609
Posted: 18 Jun 2013 at 7:10am

Originally posted by hogone

so not 100% safe is what I'm gathering, correct?



1 am with Techntrek on this. While you do have a 30amp breaker on the trailer that would not protect you from a short in the cord from the post to the trailer. So it is not 100% safe.]]> Tue, 18 Jun 2013 07:10:01 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34472#34472 Electrical Question in Campgrounds : so not 100% safe is what I'm... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34470#34470 Author: hogone
Subject: 3609
Posted: 18 Jun 2013 at 6:56am

so not 100% safe is what I'm gathering, correct?]]> Tue, 18 Jun 2013 06:56:16 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34470#34470 Electrical Question in Campgrounds : Originally posted by hogoneVery... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34446#34446 Author: techntrek
Subject: 3609
Posted: 17 Jun 2013 at 7:34pm

Originally posted by hogone

Very good info throughout this post.  Just want to confirm that plugging into a 50 amp outlet with the 30 amp adapter is 100% safe for the pod. 

Almost.  The breaker on the pole is really there to protect the wiring between the outlet on the pole and the converter.  A 30 amp outlet has a 30 amp circuit breaker, a 50 amp outlet has two 50 amp breakers (one on each 120 volt leg).  When you use a dogbone you tap one of those two breakers.  Now you have a 50 amp circuit breaker protecting wiring that is designed to only carry 30 amps.  If that wiring becomes damaged allowing an arc fault it can start a fire without drawing enough amps to trip the circuit breaker.

That said, I have seen higher-quality dogbones which include a 30 amp circuit breaker built-in.

]]> Mon, 17 Jun 2013 19:34:22 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34446#34446 Electrical Question in Campgrounds : I'm ordering one as we speak... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34434#34434 Author: hogone
Subject: 3609
Posted: 17 Jun 2013 at 4:39pm

I'm ordering one as we speak as well as an extra 25 foot cord just in case.  Thanks for the info.  jpp]]> Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:39:28 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34434#34434 Electrical Question in Campgrounds : Originally posted by CharlieMOne... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34428#34428 Author: rpodcamper.com
Subject: 3609
Posted: 17 Jun 2013 at 3:23pm

Originally posted by CharlieM

One minor point. All that has been said is true, but with one additional thought. I have seen it reported that some of the campground 30 Amp connectors are worn out or non-functional whereas the 50 Amp connectors are working. Probably due to heavier use of the 30 Amp service. For those cases I carry a short 50 Amp to 30 Amp "Dog Bone" adapter. I've never used it but I love to solve problems before I have them. Quote the Boy Scouts. Smile

I have a 50 amp pigtail i carry all the time and when I do use electric I will use the 50 amp circa as I have found them to be cleaner.

]]> Mon, 17 Jun 2013 15:23:15 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34428#34428 Electrical Question in Campgrounds : Originally posted by hogoneVery... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34399#34399 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 3609
Posted: 16 Jun 2013 at 9:58pm

Originally posted by hogone

Very good info throughout this post.  Just want to confirm that plugging into a 50 amp outlet with the 30 amp adapter is 100% safe for the pod. 


With the proper commercial "dog bone" adapter (with the molded connectors) it is safe for you and the pod. These adapters are available at camping stores. One end will only fit the 50A socket on the power box. The other end will fit the 30A plug from your Pod. No home brew adapters unless you REALLY know what you're doing.
]]> Sun, 16 Jun 2013 21:58:11 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34399#34399 Electrical Question in Campgrounds : Very good info throughout this... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34394#34394 Author: hogone
Subject: 3609
Posted: 16 Jun 2013 at 9:23pm

Very good info throughout this post.  Just want to confirm that plugging into a 50 amp outlet with the 30 amp adapter is 100% safe for the pod. ]]> Sun, 16 Jun 2013 21:23:38 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34394#34394 Electrical Question in Campgrounds : Thank you all for the great information.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34322#34322 Author: TRICERA-POD
Subject: 3609
Posted: 13 Jun 2013 at 7:33pm

Thank you all for the great information. We will use the A/C only at night when we are sleeping and cook with LP on the stove. If using the microwave/convection oven we will do so but not run the A/C at the same time.
We tend to spend most of our time outside digging for rocks, minerals, gems and/or visiting National Parks. Tricera-pod is just a place to lay our head down at night or a quick meal. This is how we have done things in the past when tent camping.]]> Thu, 13 Jun 2013 19:33:53 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34322#34322 Electrical Question in Campgrounds : As everyone else has answered... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34320#34320 Author: Outbound
Subject: 3609
Posted: 13 Jun 2013 at 6:22pm

As everyone else has answered the amperage question, I thought that I'd mention that the air conditioner pulls just under 12 amps running and the startup surge isn't that outrageous that it'll trip a 15 amp breaker. As long as the campground is delivering (at least) 110 volts, you can run the A/C using a 15-30 adapter. Note: that doesn't leave many amps for other loads, so if you're doing this, run the water heater on propane and don't run the micro/convection, coffee pot or hair dryer (or any other significant draws) while the A/C is turned on.

Oh, one more thing: here in Ontario in the provincial parks, a 60 or 70 foot run to the power post is common, so most of us carry at least 50' of 30 amp extension cord.]]> Thu, 13 Jun 2013 18:22:28 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34320#34320 Electrical Question in Campgrounds : Originally posted by bhamster Originally... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34319#34319 Author: Thinker
Subject: 3609
Posted: 13 Jun 2013 at 5:07pm

Originally posted by bhamster


Originally posted by Thinker

Using a dog bone to convert 50A to 30A is only using half the power of the 50A connection.

Everything you said is right, but I'm afraid some people will read "half the power of 50A" and think only 25A and therefore not enough for 30A service. This is not the case. The 50A service is really TWO 50A 110V lines (out of phase), so you could theoretically pull 100A at 110V if you used both legs. So pulling 30A from one leg at 110V is well below the 50A limit of each leg.


Thanks for making that clear. I totally agree. The 50A is 50@220v.
or 100A@110v.

I should have said "only using less than half the available power from the 50A circuit"

]]> Thu, 13 Jun 2013 17:07:45 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34319#34319 Electrical Question in Campgrounds : Originally posted by ThinkerUsing... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34318#34318 Author: bhamster
Subject: 3609
Posted: 13 Jun 2013 at 4:39pm

Originally posted by Thinker

Using a dog bone to convert 50A to 30A is only using half the power of the 50A connection.

Everything you said is right, but I'm afraid some people will read "half the power of 50A" and think only 25A and therefore not enough for 30A service. This is not the case. The 50A service is really TWO 50A 110V lines (out of phase), so you could theoretically pull 100A at 110V if you used both legs. So pulling 30A from one leg at 110V is well below the 50A limit of each leg.
]]> Thu, 13 Jun 2013 16:39:28 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34318#34318 Electrical Question in Campgrounds : Please note and remember 30 Amp... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34314#34314 Author: Thinker
Subject: 3609
Posted: 13 Jun 2013 at 2:59pm

Please note and remember 30 Amp RV service is 110/120 Volt service. 50 amp RV service is 220 Volt service.

It is the nature of 220 that one hot leg plus the neutral will give 110/120.

Using a dog bone to convert 50A to 30A is only using half the power of the 50A connection.

I know, I know... too much information.]]> Thu, 13 Jun 2013 14:59:51 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34314#34314 Electrical Question in Campgrounds : Originally posted by CharlieMOne... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34312#34312 Author: TerryM
Subject: 3609
Posted: 13 Jun 2013 at 1:56pm

Originally posted by CharlieM

One minor point. All that has been said is true, but with one additional thought. I have seen it reported that some of the campground 30 Amp connectors are worn out or non-functional whereas the 50 Amp connectors are working. Probably due to heavier use of the 30 Amp service. For those cases I carry a short 50 Amp to 30 Amp "Dog Bone" adapter. I've never used it but I love to solve problems before I have them. Quote the Boy Scouts. Smile


I have 1 of those also and have used it.

Terry
]]> Thu, 13 Jun 2013 13:56:20 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34312#34312 Electrical Question in Campgrounds : One minor point. All that has... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34311#34311 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 3609
Posted: 13 Jun 2013 at 1:02pm

One minor point. All that has been said is true, but with one additional thought. I have seen it reported that some of the campground 30 Amp connectors are worn out or non-functional whereas the 50 Amp connectors are working. Probably due to heavier use of the 30 Amp service. For those cases I carry a short 50 Amp to 30 Amp "Dog Bone" adapter. I've never used it but I love to solve problems before I have them. Quote the Boy Scouts. Smile]]> Thu, 13 Jun 2013 13:02:50 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34311#34311 Electrical Question in Campgrounds : Now I see said the blind man.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34309#34309 Author: TRICERA-POD
Subject: 3609
Posted: 13 Jun 2013 at 12:04pm

Now I see said the blind man. Thank you so very much. I did get the 15 amp adapter from my dealer so I am set there. I figured the 50 amp was for those big rigs. But better to ask those whom have gone before me to be safe]]> Thu, 13 Jun 2013 12:04:48 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34309#34309 Electrical Question in Campgrounds : Originally posted by TRICERA-PODTricera-Pod... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34308#34308 Author: Seanl
Subject: 3609
Posted: 13 Jun 2013 at 11:55am

Originally posted by TRICERA-POD

Tricera-Pod came with the standard electrical cord that is used to hook up during campground stays, 25ft. I was wondering if anyone knows what the standard amperage these electrical cords are rated for? 30amps, 50amps?
I know one has to have at least 30amps to run the A/C unit, but if there is only 50amps available at a campground does this mean I will burn out my cord and/or Pod is I use 50 amps to run my power?

Last year while tent camping in Keweenaw P. we were at a camp site with power. I had a extension cord that we used to power our computers. This was fine as we were not drawing allot of power to run a computer.
However, if we had our Pod then the electrical cord that came with the pod would have never reached the outlet, I needed at least 50ft to each the outlet.
With that being said, does anyone use an extension cord with the standard issue power cord that came with their pod? If so, should I get a heavy duty extension cord rated for 30 or 50 amps?

Electrical items always scare me a bit so I want to ensure I do not burn anything down when I hook up. I know a standard extension cord is not something one wants to use when powering the Pod in a campground. SO any advise would be great.

Hi,

The cord that comes with the Pod is a 25 foot 30 amp cord. It will only plug into a 30 amp plug at the campground unless you have an adaptor. You can get a 15 amp adapter for the 30 amp plug that will allow you to plug the pod into a standard 15 amp household plug. When you do this you cannot run everything in the pod or it will blow a fuse or breaker. There are 50 amp plugs at some campgrounds for the big rigs but they have a different plug. 

As for extention cords I have a 25 foot 30 amp extension cord that I use because campsites don't always put their plugs in the right place. You should not have any issue with a 25 foot extention. This is a link to a cord on amazon like the one that I have.
http://www.amazon.com/NU-CORD-94579-25-Feet-30-Amp-Extension/dp/B000IPAK9S/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1371138835&sr=8-9&keywords=thirty+amp+extention+cord+rv

]]> Thu, 13 Jun 2013 11:55:53 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34308#34308 Electrical Question in Campgrounds : Your power cord is rated as 30amps.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34307#34307 Author: TerryM
Subject: 3609
Posted: 13 Jun 2013 at 11:53am

Your power cord is rated as 30amps.  When you use an adapter to use a 50amp power post you are only tapping 30amps of the 50amps that are there.  That is why you need the adapter.  I always carry an extra 30amp cord and an extension cord for 15amp (regular 115v AC outlet).

Terry
]]> Thu, 13 Jun 2013 11:53:41 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34307#34307 Electrical Question in Campgrounds : My 174 has a extension cord. Came... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34305#34305 Author: Craneman
Subject: 3609
Posted: 13 Jun 2013 at 11:14am

My 174 has a extension cord. Came with from previous owner. Check with your local rv, or boat stores
            Moe
]]> Thu, 13 Jun 2013 11:14:57 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34305#34305 Electrical Question in Campgrounds : Tricera-Pod came with the standard... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34304#34304 Author: TRICERA-POD
Subject: 3609
Posted: 13 Jun 2013 at 10:28am

Tricera-Pod came with the standard electrical cord that is used to hook up during campground stays, 25ft. I was wondering if anyone knows what the standard amperage these electrical cords are rated for? 30amps, 50amps?
I know one has to have at least 30amps to run the A/C unit, but if there is only 50amps available at a campground does this mean I will burn out my cord and/or Pod is I use 50 amps to run my power?

Last year while tent camping in Keweenaw P. we were at a camp site with power. I had a extension cord that we used to power our computers. This was fine as we were not drawing allot of power to run a computer.
However, if we had our Pod then the electrical cord that came with the pod would have never reached the outlet, I needed at least 50ft to each the outlet.
With that being said, does anyone use an extension cord with the standard issue power cord that came with their pod? If so, should I get a heavy duty extension cord rated for 30 or 50 amps?

Electrical items always scare me a bit so I want to ensure I do not burn anything down when I hook up. I know a standard extension cord is not something one wants to use when powering the Pod in a campground. SO any advise would be great.]]> Thu, 13 Jun 2013 10:28:13 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3609&PID=34304#34304