Another noob question.....extension cords

I paid for the relatively expensive 10/3 Camco cords with the molded handles. Not cheap... but they have remained cool at the connections for years.

With copper prices down, I'd not skimp on wire gauge. If you go bigger, you lose nothing other than few dollars. If you go too skinny, you wind up with fires, pitted/fried connectors, and oftentimes, more damage to fix than what the difference in cost would have been between a cheapie cord and a well made one.

I'd just go 10/3. It only hurts in the wallet once to do the job right.

I found two 50-foot 10/3 Contractor Extension Cords from a local garage sale... Grabbed those up in a heart beat haha...

I would NOT use any size smaller than 12/3 for sure... I also would NOT use any of those small round RV30A-15A adapters as well. I use the RV30A/15A long dogbone type adapters (WALMART) here...

Whatever you use keep checking for heat around the connection points... Gets expensive when those connections get hot and burn up things...

Roy Ken

I would go with the 10/3 for one simple reason: over time it's easy to forget and turn something on that is too much for the lighter cord. The extra cost of the 10/3 cord eliminates that issue.

I think the better option is go with the 10/3. Then, you'll have it if you need it.
But, I use a 75' 12/2 to keep the batteries on our Southwind charged and use the interior lights. Never had a problem.
If you want to save some money, the 12/3 will get the job done, depending on the job.

12/3 works for me except when I turn the welder on the television goes blurry !

If you will not turn on the A/C, microwave, electric water heater, or use a coffee maker, blow dryer, or electric heater, the 12/3 cord at 75 feet will be just fine.

Dcarner wrote:
I'm headed to pick up a extension cord to plug my rv into shore power. It will run accessories and fridge, not the ac. I'm looking at 75-100ft 12/3 cord rated at 15amp. Is there any reason to go with 10/3 at that length of cord?

I have done it with no issues, I don't run the water heater on electric either.

I would invest in a 10AWG cord. you never know when you may really need it