30 amp options on 2001 DSDP?

[smthng]

Hey all, I've been lurking and searching here for a bit, but can't find a solution to a problem that I think I'm going to have to address real soon.

We've just started full-timing and plan to visit a number of state and national parks. Unfortunately, many of them only have 30 amp pedestals. We have a 2001 DSDP, Model 3852 with a 4 prong, 50 amp cable and transfer switch. We've tried several adapters and combinations and can't get a lick of power unless we're on a full 50 amp connection.

I know we won't be able to run AC or microwave or anything else that's "power hungry" on less than 50 amps, but is there any way I can get at least parts of the systems powered when only 30 amp is available? Just having lights, a water pump and batteries charged would go a long way to making us stay longer at low power sites.

Is there any "trick" or anything I can do to safely have at least some systems run off less than 50 amps? Thanks!

[Hitchhiker]

Welcome to iRV2, we’re really glad to have you here as a new member and are looking forward to reading your posts about your RVing experiences and adventures. You’ll find a great bunch of folks on this site who are very knowledgeable of RVing, the rigs we use, and the places we go in them.


You should be able to use your rig on 30 amp power using a properly functioning adapter similar to this one from RVupgrades.





As you’ll see, members are eager to help and share their knowledge and experiences with others. Again, welcome to iRV2, we’re glad you joined.

[Route 66]

The adapter that Hitchhiker mentions is the one I use. No problems.

[lonestarace]

Welcome!
We have a 50 amp 98 DSDP and visit 30 amp parks and use an adapter.

You'll should be able to run any combination of things except the 2 roof airs at the same time. Maybe not a roof air, the microwave/convection, and coffee maker at the same time either?

On our Alaska trip last summer, we even stayed in a cg that only had 15 amp service.

[smthng]

Thanks for the quick replies...

I have an adapter very similar to the one Hitchhiker posted. I also have a "cheater" adapter that looks about the same except it has two 30-amp plugs on one end and the 50-amp socket on the other. Neither does anything at all for our rig.

It could be the adapters, but I doubt it. I'll be happy to verify the pins with an ohmmeter if someone can tell me how their working connector is pinned.

Assuming it's not the adapter that's the problem, what's going on with my rig that it won't let me run on 30?

[Hitchhiker]

With the adapter disconnected from both the power source and the RV, hold it with the round pin of the 30 amp end facing you and with the pin at the top.

Looking at it that way:

1. There should be continuity between the right angled spade of the 30 amp plug to both the X and Y spades on the 50 amp end.
2. There should also be continuity between the left angle spade of the 30 amp plug and the W spade of the 50 amp end.
3. Additionally, you should read continuity between the round connector on the 30 amp plug to the G connector of the 50 amp end.

[pkendzor]

Jonathan,

Do you have any aftermarket surge protector or buck and boost transformer on your coach?

It is possible that some type of monitoring device is not seeing the 240 volt input you would receive from a 50 Amp supply and not allowing your transfer switch to operate.

Are you comfortable doing any voltage tests?

Paul

["007"]

Welcome smthng to the Newmar forum.
With your adapter plugged in check your load center and make sure main switch is operated and if you can open face plate of load center and read voltages on both sides of load center buss.
With adapter should get readings both sides.

[pkendzor]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pkendzor Jonathan, Do you have any aftermarket surge protector or buck and boost transformer on your coach? It is possible that some type of monitoring device is not seeing the 240 volt input you would receive from a 50 Amp supply and not allowing your transfer switch to operate. Are you comfortable doing any voltage tests? Paul

Step #1

Plug in your 30 A To 50 A adaptor to your shore cord.
Next plug your 15 A adaptor into your 30 A
Run an extention cord to your stick house outlet

Step #2

Follow the end of your 50 Amp shore cord....... This should enter your transfer switch panel.

Check voltage at terminal strip in your transfer switch.

You should have 110 v between each hot leg and neutral.

This will also verify your adaptors are working properly.

Keep us posted !

Paul

["007"]

Be careful working in transfer switch do not cross anything to circuit board in there.

[smthng]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hitchhiker There should be continuity between the right angled spade of the 30 amp plug to both the X and Y spades on the 50 amp end. There should also be continuity between the left angle spade of the 30 amp plug and the W spade of the 50 amp end. Additionally, you should read continuity between the round connector on the 30 amp plug to the G connector of the 50 amp end.

Yep, all three of those test out as you listed it, that rules out the adaptor, IMO.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pkendzor Do you have any aftermarket surge protector or buck and boost transformer on your coach?

Not that I can see, but there's got to be something somewhere. The reason I say that is because there's about a 20 second delay after we plug in (to 50 amp) before any of the appliances will power up. Our electric bay looks pretty "stock" in my opinion, but I have no idea what kind of stuff is included in the transfer station.

I'll try testing the transfer switch when we find another 30 amp site (probably tomorrow). Right now, we're on 50 amp and there's not much point in testing that. :S

Quote:

Originally Posted by 007 check your load center and make sure main switch is operated and if you can open face plate of load center and read voltages on both sides of load center buss.

Uh, I have no idea what a load center is. Are you referring the transfer switch?

I may post up a request or two about exactly what and where to test on the transfer switch once I get it open, assuming I can get some kind of cell service tomorrow in the Everglades.

Thanks again, hopefully we'll get it figured out eventually!

[Hitchhiker]

Load Center is electrician's language for the breaker box or panel box.

[Route 66]

The 20 second delay is normal after power is applied to the coach and you should hear the transfer switch operate at that time..

The load center is the circuit breaker panel.

[tbussche]

The "Cheater Box" that you have can not be used when you have a GFI outlet. The GFI outlets are normally 20 amps. Another adaptor to take the right hand plug down from a 30 amp to a 20 amp plug is used.

Can you run everything at the same time when you are on 50 amp shore power? If your coach powers up on 50 amps, it almost goes without saying, it will power up on 30 amps.