RV Plug Adapters

Which RV adapter plug do I need for my camper?

Match two things: the plug on the end of your RV power cord and the outlet you are plugging into. A 30 amp RV uses a three-prong TT-30P plug. A 50 amp RV uses a four-prong 14-50P plug. A household outlet is a 5-15 or 5-20. Read both ends of each adapter in this collection before ordering. One end must fit your cord and the other must fit the pedestal or outlet. Dogbone-style adapters have a short cord and a grip handle, which takes strain off the pedestal receptacle and makes the plug easier to pull. If you need an adapter for the power inlet on the RV side instead, see our RV detachable power cord adapters.

Can I plug a 50 amp RV into a 30 amp pedestal with a power cord adapter?

Yes. You need a 30 amp male to 50 amp female RV power cord adapter. The adapter does not add capacity. Your RV is limited to 30 amps at 120 volts, which is about 3,600 watts. A full 50 amp service supplies up to 12,000 watts. On a 30 amp hookup, run one air conditioner at a time and avoid running the microwave, electric water heater, and AC together. Doing so will trip the pedestal breaker.

Can I plug my camper into a regular household outlet?

Yes. A 15 amp male to 30 amp female camper adapter plug lets a 30 amp RV connect to a standard 5-15 or 5-20 household outlet. Power is capped at the outlet's rating, which is about 1,800 watts on a 15 amp circuit. That covers lights, converter battery charging, and a refrigerator on electric mode. A rooftop air conditioner will usually trip the breaker. Do not plug a 30 amp RV into a 30 amp dryer outlet (10-30 or 14-30). Those outlets supply 240 volts and can damage the 120 volt electrical system in a 30 amp RV. A TT-30 RV outlet is the correct 30 amp receptacle.

Does an RV electrical adapter protect my RV from bad campground power?

No. An RV plug adapter only changes the plug configuration. It does not protect against voltage spikes, low voltage, open grounds, or reversed polarity at a miswired pedestal. Pair your adapter with a surge protector rated for the service you are connecting to. Options include our Southwire Surge Guard RV surge protectors and Bluetooth RV surge protectors, which let you check pedestal voltage from your phone. If you are unsure which adapter matches your setup, text or call 817-984-1852 with your RV's amp rating and plug type.