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FredV · 02-16-2015, 06:02 PM

While using a Camco maximiser adapter with 30A and 15A male connectors on one end and 50A female on the other for the first time this past weekend, I was unable to plug in the 15A plug without popping the circuit breaker on the campgrounds pedestal. Only half of the circuits in my Tropical were functional. I know that there is nothing wrong with my MH because everything works properly when plugged into the correctly wired 50A receptacle in my yard. My question is will a regular 30 amp to 50 amp adapter (dog bone) power all the circuits but at a reduced amperage level that will cause me to only use those circuits that will be within the available amperage.

wb7auk · 02-16-2015, 06:13 PM

Yes a 30 to 50 amp adapter will work and you will be limited to a total of 30 amps.

Mr_D · 02-16-2015, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FredV

While using a Camco maximiser adapter with 30A and 15A male connectors on one end and 50A female on the other for the first time this past weekend, I was unable to plug in the 15A plug without popping the circuit breaker on the campgrounds pedestal. Only half of the circuits in my Tropical were functional. I know that there is nothing wrong with my MH because everything works properly when plugged into the correctly wired 50A receptacle in my yard. My question is will a regular 30 amp to 50 amp adapter (dog bone) power all the circuits but at a reduced amperage level that will cause me to only use those circuits that will be within the available amperage.

Yep, those adapters only work where the 15A is not protected by a GFCI. They detect a short and do what you ran into. All the new parks will be wired that way and you won't be able to use that adapter. Waste of money in my book although they will work at a very limited number of old parks.
As Art said, the regular 30 to 50 amp adapter will power both sides of your rig, but with only 3,600 watts rather than 12,000 available though a correctly wired 50 amp RV circuit.
This may cause us problems with the Magna as the dryer is a 240 volt unit and I don't think it'll run on a 30 amp circuit. Yes, I have verified that it's a 240 volt unit too. Salesman said it was so I verified it.

Joe Jeffries · 02-19-2015, 03:43 PM

Mr D is correct. If the campground is not wired for that it will trip the 15A side. I have one and it works about 50% of the time. We now know what spots at our local lake that have the breakers wired correctly. If you are able to plug in both tails it will preform correctly. If not you will have to go 30amp and be limited to one a/c and no 240v.

FredV · 02-22-2015, 12:46 PM

Thanks to all for responding, I appreciate the information.

wa8yxm · 02-22-2015, 01:14 PM

The proper name for that piece of useless hardware you bought is "GFCI TESTER"

It will not work on any campground with a GFCI on either the 20 or 30 amp outlet (I have seen 30 amp GCI in two places) I have one with two 30 amp plugs, it works when I can plug into either two 30s, or a 30/20 WITHOUT a GFCI. But it will not work anywhere there is a GFCI,

Suggestion...

For winter use,, Slip a 12ga extension cord under a slide out and plug one heater into it.

For summer use..

Find the power wire to your rear A/C (Traditionally they do the rear) and make some changes,, here is the original line for my coach.

Power panel--breaker (20a)----12ga wire----A/C

here is the new one

Power panel/breaker (20A)---12ga---outlet/plug--12ga--20a Breaker--AC

The plug/outlet (20 amp) are in an outside compartment,, Outlet is 15/20,, Plugged into each other I have basically the original hookup, everything works as designed,

Pull the plug and plug in the air compressor and I can inflate service side tires more easily when needed

Pull the plug and plug into a 12ga cord with 20 amp ends, plug into the 20 amp outlet at the park pedistal and .......... The rear A/C is now independent, it works, and the GFCI is happy.