Dog bone vs adapters

[Hogsters]

When hooking to the shore power source at an rv park, is either an adapter or dog bone just as good as the other. I have 30 amp trailer and a 50 amp surge protector so there’s a possibility I might need either two adapters or two dog bones. I think two adapters would look better then two dog bones plus wouldn’t be so heavy. Is there a difference or one better then other?

[llamb]

Originally Posted by Hogsters

I think two adapters would look better then two dog bones plus wouldn’t be so heavy. Is there a difference or one better then other?

Not sure you're taking all factors into the equation. Dogbone would be closer to the attachment point and thus be able to carry more load versus the adapter. The adapter would move the weight out further from the contact point and thus amplify the force.

Would be a good study to see which one is truly better though. I don't have that answer.

[NavyLCDR]

I prefer dogbones because I feel that the length of an adapter creates more leverage pulling down on the connection from the weight of the cable attached to it.

[wmtire]

Usually with the puck adapter you have to leave the pedestal cover up...... but with a dogbone adapter, you can close the cover in case of rain. It does depend on if the dogbone has the handle grips too.

[jjuscg]

I have heard others say, and have confirmed by my own experience that the dogbone is less prone to overheating - because of the separation of the two plug connections, maybe?

[BriaBeck]

I prefer a dogbone as well, less chance of the weight of the cord or torque from "twist" in the cord unplugging you from the receptacle.


I also have never seen a burned up dogbone (yet). I've seen several burned up "puck" adapters.

[Reverse_snowbird]

I think it depends. If you're going from a 50 amp post to a 30 amp to the trailer, you could put a 30 amp puck at the end of the surge protector to decrease the length of the connection.
However, if you're going from a 30 amp to the 50 amp surge protector, then to the 30 amp to the trailer, you're probably going to need the above connection PLUS a 30 to 50 amp dogbone to attach to the post. Which is better? I don't know.
Whatever connection you use, you're probably going to have to find a way to keep it off the ground and protected from rain without completely enclosing the connections.

I think that's why we got a 30 amp surge protector for our rig and a 50 amp dogbone in case there is not 30 amp available. Less connections to figure out.

[Sarahcat]

I prefer dogbones.

Sarah’s Dog

[NJKris]

Originally Posted by Sarahcat

I prefer dogbones.

Sarah’s Dog

lol Sarahcat. I just got a dogbone so my 30 amp trailer can plug into a 50 amp post if necessary. I like that plugs are in opposite directions on each end, so that I can plug in my EMS, and it's still facing away from post so I can see display. I like seeing how many amps I'm pulling to manage appliance use.