Camco PowerGrip RV Shore-Power Adapters: 15A, 30A & 50A Connection Guide
An RV shore-power adapter must match two different connections: the outlet supplying power and the plug on the RV's power cord. Camco PowerGrip adapters are available in 15-, 30- and 50-amp connector patterns, but their direction matters. For example, a 50-amp male to 30-amp female adapter is not interchangeable with a 30-amp male to 50-amp female adapter.
RV power adapter connection diagrams
Read each connection from left to right: power source → adapter's male plug → adapter's female connector → RV shore-power cord. The diagrams identify connector directions only; they are not wiring schematics.
Common PowerGrip dogbone adapters
These four flexible adapters have different plug and receptacle arrangements. Select the one that matches both ends of your connection, rather than relying on the adapter's colour or its overall shape.
15A source to a 30A RVCamco 55165 · 12-inch PowerGrip dogboneFor connecting a 30-amp RV cord to a suitable grounded 15-amp household-style receptacle. Available power remains limited by the 15-amp source.View adapter
50A source to a 30A RVCamco 55175 · 18-inch PowerGrip dogboneConnects a 30-amp RV shore-power cord to a compatible 50-amp campground receptacle. The RV-side connection remains a 30-amp connection.View adapter
30A source to a 50A RVCamco 55185 · 18-inch PowerGrip dogboneConnects a 50-amp-style RV cord to a 30-amp TT-30 pedestal. It does not supply the RV with full 50-amp or 240-volt service.View adapter
15A source to a 50A RVCamco 55168 · 12-inch PowerGrip dogboneFor limited-power use when a 50-amp-style RV cord must connect to a compatible grounded 15-amp outlet. The adapter does not create 50-amp power.View adapter
Compact adapter and reverse-direction option
A compact plug adapter serves the same connection purpose without the short flexible cord. Camco also offers a reverse-direction adapter for using a 15-amp-style device at a compatible 30-amp TT-30 pedestal.
15A source to a 30A RVCamco 55223 · Compact PowerGrip plug adapterA no-cord alternative to the 55165. Matches the same power-source and RV connector types without the flexible section.View adapter
30A pedestal to a 15A deviceCamco 55155 · 12-inch PowerGrip dogboneThe reverse direction from 55165: a 30-amp TT-30 source to a standard 15-amp female outlet. Not for connecting a 30-amp RV to a 15-amp home outlet.View adapter
Camco PowerGrip part number and plug chart
Male identifies the plug that fits the power source. Female identifies the connector that accepts your RV cord or other compatible equipment.
| Camco MPN | Connection direction | Male plug | Female connector | Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55165 | 15A source to a 30A RV | 5-15P | TT-30R | Flexible dogbone |
| 55175 | 50A source to a 30A RV | 14-50P | TT-30R | Flexible dogbone |
| 55185 | 30A source to a 50A RV | TT-30P | 14-50R | Flexible dogbone |
| 55168 | 15A source to a 50A RV | 5-15P | 14-50R | Flexible dogbone |
| 55223 | 15A source to a 30A RV | 5-15P | TT-30R | Compact plug |
| 55155 | 30A pedestal to a 15A device | TT-30P | 5-15R | Flexible dogbone |
| 55138 | 15A source → 30A RV | 5-15P | TT-30R | Compact |
| 55135 | 50A source → 30A RV | 14-50P | TT-30R | Compact |
| 55133 | 30A source → 50A RV | TT-30P | 14-50R | Compact |
Camco 55165 and 55223 serve the same 15A-to-30A connection, but 55165 is a flexible dogbone and 55223 is compact. Other compact options include 55138 for 15A-to-30A, 55135 for 50A-to-30A and 55133 for 30A-to-50A.
How to choose the correct adapter
- Identify your RV's cord end. A conventional 30-amp RV plug uses the TT-30 pattern; a conventional 50-amp RV plug uses the four-prong 14-50 pattern. Check the actual connector, especially if your RV has a detachable cord or a previous modification.
- Identify the available supply outlet. A standard grounded 15-amp outlet uses the 5-15 pattern; RV pedestal outlets can also have dedicated 30-amp TT-30 or 50-amp 14-50 receptacles. Match the supply outlet before selecting the adapter's male end.
- Choose the correct direction. The male plug must fit the outlet, and the female connector must accept the RV cord. For a 30A RV at a 50A pedestal use 55175, not 55185. For a 50A RV at a 30A pedestal use 55185, not 55175.
- Limit the loads. Camco rates its 15A-source dogbones here at 125V / 1,875W and its 30A-source dogbone at 125V / 3,750W. These are adapter ratings, not a promise that the supply has spare capacity. Reduce RV loads accordingly and follow the power system's instructions.
- Inspect the connection. Use correctly grounded, compatible outlets and cords in good condition. Switch off the pedestal breaker before connecting or disconnecting when the installation allows, keep plugs fully seated and avoid standing water. A basic dogbone adapter is not a surge protector or a substitute for appropriate electrical protection.
Need to replace a damaged 30A power-cord end rather than adapt a pedestal? See the Camco 55245 TT-30 male replacement plug and Camco 55343 female replacement connector. Repair of a shore-power cord requires correct conductor connections and electrical testing; consult a qualified RV electrical technician.
For product configurations and ratings, see Camco's official PowerGrip adapters and dogbones collection.
Parts pictured in this guide
Select an image for product details, or view the diagrams and parts lists. Match the complete model and part number before ordering.
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