Community Forums

GFC · 02-28-2021, 08:57 PM

We're in the process of selling a fairly large boat and we're going to buy a DP.

I have a collection of power adapters and cables from the boat and am wondering if any of these will adapt to RV use. In other words, do the listed power plugs below from the boat work with RV power connections?

50A 125V connections
30A 125V connections
15A 125V connections

R.Wold · 02-28-2021, 09:15 PM

Well RVs use all those. Been so long since I sold my boat (Beneteau 50), I don’t remember what the connections on the shore cord looked like. You could post some pics. But they probably would be useful. I carry adapters to go from 15 (or 20) to 30 to 50 amps and I think most people do.

capnqball · 02-28-2021, 10:51 PM

We owned a 38' cruiser prior to owning our coach and found virtually all our adapters would not work as is for our new coach use. Our boat had a thirty amp cord for shore power which was a twist lock configuration which does not apply to our coach (es). We did not encounter the 50A supply, but I suspect those may also be twist lock. You could change the cord caps to fit your new usage but the cost might be similar to buying new adapters. Just my $.02. Good luck with your new method of travel.

petrel · 03-01-2021, 07:09 AM

Marine 30 and 50 amp connectors are twist lock, RV are not. In my experience they are not compatible. However, if you wish to use your shore cords, you can purchase adapters or replace the plugs, so they are RV compatible.

twinboat · 03-01-2021, 10:32 AM

My 30 amp RV has a 30 amp twist lock outlet on the side for shore power.

I use my 30 amp " boat " twist lock all of the time at home and carry one as an extension if needed.

As an extension, it gets plugged if it the RV and the RV cord plugs into it.

Forget the 50 amp 125 volt cord, that's a rare bird even in boats nowdays. Good cord to make extensions with.

I think some 5th wheel trailers use the 50 amp 120/240 twist lock, at least at the trailer end, and adaptors are avalable.

Kid Gloves · 03-01-2021, 10:46 AM

There are a number of 50A and 30A plugs and receptacles.

Common on RV’s are NEMA 14-50 and NEMA TT-30.

xrated · 03-01-2021, 11:09 AM

A lot of the newer Rv's are going to the Marinco 50A (125/240 volt) type plugs. Here is a link to the plug that is used, and it may look like the boat shore power cord....
https://www.marinco.com/en/6364crn

My Momentum Toy Hauler has this plug on one end of the cord, and then the standard NEMA 14-50P on the other end of the cord. Of course the receptacle on the side of the Toy hauler electrical inlet is the matching Marinco for the Marinco plug.

GFC · 03-01-2021, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

Forget the 50 amp 125 volt cord, that's a rare bird even in boats nowdays. Good cord to make extensions with.

Our boat had two power cords, one 50A 240V, the other a 50A 125V. I was hoping that some of the cables and connectors from the 125V would work.

Oh well, Craigslist here they come.

HopsBrewster · 03-02-2021, 09:40 AM

Take a quick look at an online RV store's plugs, cables and connectors to see if they match what you have.
etrailer.com

GFC · 03-02-2021, 02:19 PM

Good idea. I have a large, yellow Marinco bag that's about half full of connectors and cables. I guess I'll have to haul it up to the local RV parts store.

Gary RVRoamer · 03-02-2021, 06:51 PM

RVs that have detachable power cords (many do not) often use Marinco twist locks at the coach end. However, the power outlets at campsites rarely ever have any type of twist lock - they are standardized as NEMA TT-30R for 30A/120v outlets and NEMA 14-50R for 50A/240v. 15A/120v outlets are NEMA 5-15R

twinboat · 03-02-2021, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary RVRoamer

RVs that have detachable power cords (many do not) often use Marinco twist locks at the coach end. However, the power outlets at campsites rarely ever have any type of twist lock - they are standardized as NEMA TT-30R for 30A/120v outlets and NEMA 14-50R for 50A/240v. 15A/120v outlets are NEMA 5-15R

All true, but adaptors are avalable to use good condition marine cords as extensions for RVs.

Ray,IN · 03-02-2021, 07:36 PM

DO NOT use a 50A 3-prong twist-loc plug for an RV!

Kid Gloves · 03-02-2021, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

All true, but adaptors are avalable to use good condition marine cords as extensions for RVs.

The fewer the adapters/connections the better. If the marine cables have the appropriate conductors, cut off the twist-locks and install the appropriate RV plugs. And let’s face it, a Class A DP will most likely have a 50A, 50’ cable on a reel with a 14-50P, so all you may need is a 50/30 and a 30/15, unless you plan on parking it more than 50’ from a power source on a regular basis.