DIY to waterproof dog bone adapter connection?

[DrBob7762]

We camp in the Pacific Northwest - which means alot of rain.

Sometimes I need to use a dog bone adapter to step down our 50A power cable to plug into a 30A post. But the connection between the two is often out in the rain. Twice in the last 3 days we've blown the main breaker on the post because of rain getting between the two. To make matters worse, the dog bone is so short that the connection is left suspended in mid air - so an overturned bucket won't solve my dilemma.

I can't find a commercial "box" that will cover the junction between the two and protect it form the rain. The box needs to go on and off fairly easily, because sometimes it doesn't rain (amazingly), or I don't need to use the dog bone.

Anybody got a DIY mod to share that will solve my problem? Or a commercially available solution?

Thinking of making my own, I envision some kind of Tupperwear box, with slots on 2 sides, sized for the 2 cables. But a couple of D-shaped grommets would be needed to somewhat seal the box.

Before I waste a lot of time and brainpower - show me your elegant solution.

Cheers,
B

[wolfgolden]

I've used a 30A extension from the post to anywhere under the RV out of the rain.
Then use the dogbone under the RV.

I also do this with a 50A extension to move my portable EMS under the rig to keep it out of the rain.

[RRR]

Garbage bag and zip tie it to the cord. Not good for a deep dive but should handle our PNW rain.

[Old-Biscuit]

IS your RV Cord plug fully seating into the Adapter plug or is there a Gap between the 2 plugs???

I have hung a portable Surge Protector, an adapter and then my RV cord from 1000's of CG Power Pedestals in all kinds of weather---Heavy wind driven rain, Snow, Ice Storms, Hail and Huge Dust storms and have never tripped a CB due to wetness etc

If plugs are NOT fully seating....why?
You can always wipe the male blades/prongs with dielectric grease before plugging together
Dielectric Grease is NON-Conductive and Insulator

[UFO Pilot]

Originally Posted by RRR

Garbage bag and zip tie it to the cord. Not good for a deep dive but should handle our PNW rain.

[RickLight]

Never had an issue, also in PNW. But if I was worried, I'd wrap some tape around the joint.

I've seen people use a Tupperware type box. It works but isn't worth the space or cost for me. Really a bit of water won't hurt anything.

[chs]

We were in South Florida last year and went through a tropical storm. Covered the post, electrical box, cord and EMS with a tall kitchen bag with the pull tie. worked great though not very elegant.

[twinboat]

Rain water is not a good conductor. You could dunk the end of the cord in a bucket of watet and not trip a breaker.
Don't stick any part of your body in it though.

A wet dog bone is not tripping a circuit breaker.

[MSHappyCampers]

I would suggest a Rubbermaid box with a snap-on lid. Cut slots in each end that the cable will slip into. Lay the box upside down on the ground so that any water sill does not accumulate in the box but drains off. I don't really believe you would need the grommets, although they certainly wouldn't hurt!

[153stars]

A poster suggested plastic ammo can fits two 50A plugs. You would need to create a foam gasket for cord if it hangs. I recommended a hole in bottom if you hang it. Any moisture the enters will sweat in completely sealed electrical box most have rain cover and not air tight.

[Podivin]

How about some dielectric grease to help seal things up to keep the water out.

[THenne1713]

There was a recent post w/ pic looked pretty good on using a plastic toolbox notched for the cords?

[eddndee]

Ditto a plastic bag, taped on both ends. If you want to get fancy, a slit down one side and Velcro tape along the slit.

[Old-Biscuit]

Originally Posted by twinboat

Rain water is not a good conductor. You could dunk the end of the cord in a bucket of watet and not trip a breaker.
Don't stick any part of your body in it though.

A wet dog bone is not tripping a circuit breaker.

Folks really need to re-read this post^^^^^^^^