Connecting shore power

[John McLean]

I have a 2019 Montana High Country that uses 50-amp shore power. Can I use 30-amp shore power to connect to open my slides? And do I need a special adapter to attach my 50-amp plug to a 30-amp outlet in my garage?

[Rotnjonny]

Yes, you can use 30 amp to run nearly everything that you want, except for two ac units at the same time

Yes, you will need an adapter to go from 30amp to 50 amp RV plug

Adapters can be purchased through Amazon or local RV dealer. I also saw them this evening in Tractor Supply.

[Foldbak]

Also your slides run off the batteries not AC shore power.

[rohrmann]

BEFORE you connect to that garage 30 amp outlet, make very sure it is not a 240 volt dryer type outlet, or you will do serious damage to the electric system of your rig. The 30 amp RV outlet will have only one 120 volt hotleg, one neutral, and one ground. Typical 30 amp dryer outlets that are three prong outlets will have two hotlegs and a ground.

[BB_TX]

What Bob said. Click on 30 amp service in the link below.

https://www.myrv.us/electric/

In addition to a 50 to 30 adapter get a 30 to 20 adapter. They come in handy in the event you only have a 15 or 20 amp outlet available. My trailer was always plugged into a 15 amp outlet using adapters while in storage.

[drjjj]

I never connect my rig to shore power without my surge protector with one exception: the night before we leave our stick and brick for a trip I use an adapter to connect to a 110 volt outlet so that the fridge stays on overnight. IMHO safest way to prevent anything "frying"

[DutchmenSport]

It's good to pick up each one of the step-up and step down adapters and / or dog bones to make sure you have every combination at any time for any condition. I know there are those who say they've never had to face having only a 30 amp outlet to plug in their 50 amp camper, but if you travel, you probably will run into a state park or even some older private parks that still have only 30 amp hook-ups .... especially in some Indiana State Parks.

So, the adapters are relatively cheap and they are absolutely priceless when you actually need one. So, no matter what the price, when you need one, you'll be glad you paid the price ahead of time and have the adapter with you. Because, once you are "there" chances are, you won't have anywhere close to get the one you are needing and don't have.

Also, even though it's costly and you may not use it very often, but also pick up a 50 amp RV extension cord. An extension cord has the male and female end for 50 amp. The female end will let you plug in your regular 50 amp cord for your camper. The regular cord has the bayonete mount that slides in and turns into your camper hook-up. That's NOT the extension cord. The extension has the 4 male prongs on one end and 4 female insert holes on the other. Don't confuse the 2, think that getting a regular cord IS an extension. Nope! I paid about $250 for an extension, only to find out it was NOT the extension. I kept it for a back up (and glad I did later), but did turn around spend another $200 for a 25 foot EXTENSION that was a 50 amp EXTENSION. (And I've used it many times .... many!)

So, pick up a:

25 foot 50 amp (Male) end to a 50 amp (Female) end EXTENSION cord.

Also a:
15/20 (house hold male end) to 30 amp (RV female end) dog bone.
30 amp RV (male end) to 50 amp RV (female end) dog bone.

50 amp RV (male end) to a 30 amp RV (female end) dog bone.
30 amp RV (male end) to a 15/20 amp household (female end) dog bone.

With these 4 different adapters / dog bones, you'll be covered for any type of electric hook up. Again, having them and not needing them is more comforting than landing on a campsite and needed them and KNOW you don't have them. Be prepared .... especially if you travel. Every campsite and ever campground IS different.

[rpkittle1]

my trailer has a 50 amp 240 volt system. I park at many places using different power setups. I can go from a 15 amp 120 volt to 30 amp 120 volt to 50 amp 240 volt power usin adapters. One place I stay at on had a 30 amp 240 volt plug (runs everything including my electric water heater). Another place I stay on has a 40 amp 240 volt plug (no problems). I have a 25 amp (3000 watt) 120 volt inverter. When you go to the lower amps you have to learn what you can power at one time (I run the microwave on the inverter). I found that when I am on 240 volts my trailer does not ever need more that 30 amp per leg. The 50 amp 240 volt system is way more than I need but is nice to have.