Will Using a 50 Amp to 30 Amp Adapter Still Allow Me To Plug My Trailer Into a Generator

Updated 06/09/2020 | Published 03/02/2019

Question:

I have a 50 amp/220v system in my 5th wheel. With an adapter I can go from a 50a/220v to 30a/110. How do I know that purchasing a 2k generator will power the correct side of the bus to operate my recently installed non-ducted Atwood AC unit? I have not seen this type of question before and it seems that it must have been asked since plugging in this adapter would of necessity power only one half of the buss and only operate just some appliances. Yes? Thanks for your help.

asked by: Jim

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you are trying to adapt the 50 amp service on your RV down to a 30 amp service with an adapter like the Mighty Cord Generator Adapter part # A10-G30450VP that way you can plug-in and run your air conditioner unit with a portable generator like the etrailer 2,000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator part # 333-0001. If that is the case then you do not need to worry about pin configuration as the generator, power adapter, and RV will all use an industry standard layout. The hot, neutral, and ground pins for the 30 amp service will be in the same location on the male end of the adapter and the female end of the generator. The 50 amp to 30 amp service adapter will also position the pins correctly so that you won't have any issues when using the power cord on your generator. As previously stated, it is all a standard layout for RV's.

Please note that the above etrailer 2,000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator would not be nearly powerful enough to start the Atwood Air Command Rooftop RV Air Conditioner that you referenced. The main issue you run into with rooftop air conditioners is starting watts. The Atwood Air Command Rooftop RV Air Conditioner will require 3,795 watts upon startup therefore you will need to use a higher rated generator like the etrailer 4,900-Watt Portable Inverter Generators part # 333-0001-0002 which are rated for 4,900 watts starting and 4,2750 watts running.

expert reply by: Conner L

Mike

6/6/2020

is it necessary or can you use a surge protector when using generator to power travel trailer? example, trailer 50 amp service wired, generator would have at least 30 amp tt outlet , may get a set of generators and run parallel kit with 50amp adaptor. surge protector would be quality 50 amp. I have a 50-30amp dogbone adaptor that may be needed if I choose a single generator that only has 30 amp tt outlet available. Also if you will allow, does getting a EFI , fuel injected generator ensure that I can run at, say 8-12,000 feet elevations, or at least 10,000 without difficulty or likelihood of problems? thank you

Chris R.

6/9/2020

You can certainly use a surge protector with your generator. It's not quite as vital as using one when hooking up to a camp ground outlet, but it will still protect against surges that can sometimes occur with a non-inverter generator. As far as operating one at higher altitudes, I would simply look at the specific specs and manual for the generator(s) you're looking at purchasing - they should have this information listed.