Oct 18, 2026News & Insights
RV Power Adapters & Cords: B2B Guide
30 A vs 50 A RV service, dogbone adapters, generator leads and shore-power cords - what distributors should confirm before a private-label run.
This is the sourcing entry point for RV power products at ALUX: shore-power extension cords, dogbone adapters, generator adapters and Y-splitters. It is written for RV accessory distributors, campground suppliers and outdoor power distributors. The single decision that drives most enquiries is 30 A versus 50 A service, so we start there.
30 A vs 50 A: the difference that matters
A 30 A RV service is a 120 V three-wire connection (hot, neutral, earth) on a TT-30 connector. A 50 A service is a 120/240 V four-wire connection (two hots, neutral, earth) on a NEMA 14-50 connector. The two are not interchangeable: an adapter changes the connector, not the available current. An adapter cannot make a 30 A pedestal deliver 50 A.
Service | Connector | Voltage / wiring | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
30 A | TT-30 | 120 V, 3-wire | Smaller RVs, travel trailers |
50 A | NEMA 14-50 | 120/240 V, 4-wire | Large motorhomes, twin air-conditioners |
15 A household | NEMA 5-15 | 120 V, 3-wire | Driveway and overnight charging |
Extension cords
A shore-power extension cord extends the reach between the pedestal and the RV inlet without changing the service rating. Specify the connector pair, the conductor size and the length together: a 50 A cord needs a heavier conductor than a 30 A cord of the same length.
Adapters and dogbones
Adapters solve a mismatch between what the pedestal offers and what the RV inlet takes. The common pairings are 15 A to 30 A for driveway charging, 30 A to 15 A, 30 A to 50 A, and 50 A to 30 A. Confirm which direction you need - the plug and the receptacle are different parts.
15 A to 30 A adapter, 5-15P to L5-30R · 30 A dogbone, TT-30P to L14-30R · 30 A to 15 A dogbone · 15 A to 50 A shore-power adapter
Generator connection
Portable generators typically present a twist-lock receptacle, so the lead between generator and RV is a generator adapter rather than a standard shore-power cord. Match the generator receptacle (for example L5-30R or L14-30R) to the RV inlet and confirm the conductor size for the run.
Outdoor power use cases beyond the RV park
The same cord and adapter families are used for campsite and marina shore power, outdoor events and mobile catering, temporary site power, and backup generator hook-ups at home. Tell us the use case and we will match the jacket and connector to it.
OEM and private-label options
Jacket colour. Cord length. Moulded grip and finger-pull design. Plug and receptacle combination. Logo moulding or printing. Retail packaging, barcode and label artwork. Model marking on product and carton. MOQ and lead time are confirmed per specification.
Related technical guides
30 A to 50 A RV adapter: what to check first · Why RV adapters melt, and how to prevent it · 30 A vs 50 A RV extension cord
FAQ
Can an adapter let me run a 50 A RV on a 30 A pedestal? It will let you connect, but the available current stays at 30 A. High-draw appliances may trip the pedestal breaker.
Which adapter direction do I need? Match the pedestal or generator receptacle to the RV inlet. Send both if you are unsure.
Do you make private-label RV cords? Yes, with jacket colour, length, moulded grip and packaging to your brief.
More sourcing guides
Request a quote
Send: destination market; 30 A or 50 A service; plug and receptacle pairing; conductor size and length; quantity; packaging and private-label requirements.