Report from using 7.2kw ProPower generator at campsite without shore power

[EricR]

I have a 8.5x20 enclosed trailer and want to add power. If I get a L14 to L5 adapter like this https://www.amazon.com/L14-30R-Adapter-Generator-Transfer-4-Prong/dp/B081DVVXBX/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1JE31WAWYZVCE&keywords=l14-l5&qid=1655761822&sprefix=l14-l5,aps,85&sr=8-1 and install a L5-30 inlet, will this allow me to take advantage of both A and B circuits in my 7.2Kw PB?

I plan to add A/C to my trailer but right now I just want to add a 30amp breaker and some 120v outlets.

No.

The 30A outlet on PPoB 7.2KW is a L14-30R (receptacle/female). So a L14-30P (pin/male) is needed to connect with it.

Also, any off-the-shelf adapter, dog-bone, cable, etc. that goes from the 4 wires of the L14-30 down to 3 wires (i.e. L5-30) will only give you one of the circuits - either A or B. The other circuit is not connected.

You would need to run 4-wires (Hot: Curciut A, Hot: Curciut B, Neutral, and Ground) back to the trailer to take advantage of both A and B circuits.

Hopefully this reads clearly.

-Eric

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[Blackout150]

Just curious. I have a 50 amp trailer plug. So would this adapter work to get the full 7.2kw?

CircleCord 4 Prong 30 Amp to 50 Amp RV Generator Adapter Cord with Grip Handle, L14-30P Twist Lock Male to 14-50R Female, Heavy Duty STW 10 AWG for Generator to RV Trailer Camper https://a.co/d/0TZemMM

 

[Atlee]

Just curious. I have a 50 amp trailer plug. So would this adapter work to get the full 7.2kw?

CircleCord 4 Prong 30 Amp to 50 Amp RV Generator Adapter Cord with Grip Handle, L14-30P Twist Lock Male to 14-50R Female, Heavy Duty STW 10 AWG for Generator to RV Trailer Camper https://a.co/d/0TZemMM

It's my understanding that dog one will power your 50 amp RV just like a 50 amp post at a campground.

 

[Blackout150]

It's my understanding that dog one will power your 50 amp RV just like a 50 amp post at a campground.

Thanks

 

[Meterman]

No.

The 30A outlet on PPoB 7.2KW is a L14-30R (receptacle/female). So a L14-30P (pin/male) is needed to connect with it.

Also, any off-the-shelf adapter, dog-bone, cable, etc. that goes from the 4 wires of the L14-30 down to 3 wires (i.e. L5-30) will only give you one of the circuits - either A or B. The other circuit is not connected.

You would need to run 4-wires (Hot: Curciut A, Hot: Curciut B, Neutral, and Ground) back to the trailer to take advantage of both A and B circuits.

Hopefully this reads clearly.

-Eric

Thanks Eric, it’s clear.

 

[EricR]

Thanks Eric, it’s clear.

 

[JEB]

It's my understanding that dog one will power your 50 amp RV just like a 50 amp post at a campground.

Not quite. The Powerboost will deliver about 60% of what you’d get at the campground, actually. A 50 amp campground pedestal will deliver campers/trailers with 50 amp service a total of 12,000 watts (2 phases X 50 amps X 120 volts). The Powerboost will deliver a total of 7,200 watts (2 phases X 30 amps X 120 volts).

 

[Blackout150]

Not quite. The Powerboost will deliver about 60% of what you’d get at the campground, actually. A 50 amp campground pedestal will deliver campers/trailers with 50 amp service a total of 12,000 watts (2 phases X 50 amps X 120 volts). The Powerboost will deliver a total of 7,200 watts (2 phases X 30 amps X 120 volts).

yeah I knew it wouldn’t do all 50 amps. Was just hoping that I would get both legs for a full 240 volts. Thanks for the info

 

[JEB]

yeah I knew it wouldn’t do all 50 amps. Was just hoping that I would get both legs for a full 240 volts. Thanks for the info

You can, but you have to be very careful in your dogbone selection. I went through three before I found one that kept both phases hot. The first two had the right connectors on each end, but they tapped only one phase.

 

[Blackout150]

You can, but you have to be very careful in your dogbone selection. I went through three before I found one that kept both phases hot. The first two had the right connectors on each end, but they tapped only one phase.

Which one did you get if you don’t mind me asking

 

[JEB]

Which one did you get if you don’t mind me asking

This one worked for me. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076ZTZMHM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
But I’d still recommend testing it with a multimeter before heading out and relying on it.

 

[Meterman]

No.

The 30A outlet on PPoB 7.2KW is a L14-30R (receptacle/female). So a L14-30P (pin/male) is needed to connect with it.

Also, any off-the-shelf adapter, dog-bone, cable, etc. that goes from the 4 wires of the L14-30 down to 3 wires (i.e. L5-30) will only give you one of the circuits - either A or B. The other circuit is not connected.

You would need to run 4-wires (Hot: Curciut A, Hot: Curciut B, Neutral, and Ground) back to the trailer to take advantage of both A and B circuits.

Hopefully this reads clearly.

-Eric

Can I get some advice on what breaker panel would I need to install? I was looking at this so I could take advantage of either the 120v or 240v but then I noticed it was a 3-wire and I assume this one will not work because it is a 3-wire and I need 4-wire, is that correct?

QO Series, type QO, load center, 1-phase, 3-wire, 70A, 120/240V
https://www.electrical.com/Products...-UEOWXLRNLC-WuWvD1T6tdPi2XVPiX2RoC6isQAvD_BwE

If anyone has any suggestions for a Load Center I would greatly appreciate it.

 

[EricR]

Can I get some advice on what breaker panel would I need to install? I was looking at this so I could take advantage of either the 120v or 240v but then I noticed it was a 3-wire and I assume this one will not work because it is a 3-wire and I need 4-wire, is that correct?

QO Series, type QO, load center, 1-phase, 3-wire, 70A, 120/240V
https://www.electrical.com/Products...-UEOWXLRNLC-WuWvD1T6tdPi2XVPiX2RoC6isQAvD_BwE

If anyone has any suggestions for a Load Center I would greatly appreciate it.

Maybe @Hullguy or @Gros Ventre can help.

 

[Meterman]

Maybe @Hullguy or @Gros Ventre can help.

Thanks EricR, hopefully they can make a recommendation.

 

[Blackout150]

Can I get some advice on what breaker panel would I need to install? I was looking at this so I could take advantage of either the 120v or 240v but then I noticed it was a 3-wire and I assume this one will not work because it is a 3-wire and I need 4-wire, is that correct?

QO Series, type QO, load center, 1-phase, 3-wire, 70A, 120/240V
https://www.electrical.com/Products...-UEOWXLRNLC-WuWvD1T6tdPi2XVPiX2RoC6isQAvD_BwE

If anyone has any suggestions for a Load Center I would greatly appreciate it.

That panel is for 240 volts. That will work. There are 2 lugs for the input. Each at 120v. Then there is a separate neutral lug and then a ground bar. Usually when you by wire they don’t count the ground wire. Hence the 3 wire that it says.

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