Forum Discussion

Explorer II

Dec 25, 2016

How to coil up an extension or shore power cord!

Always having your electrical cords get all twisted up when stretching them out when setting up camp? There is a real easy way to prevent this and it's called the over/under method. Electricians in the movie industry use this method on all sorts of cables.

I tried it recently on our 30 amp shore power cord and it actually works great! Doubt it will work on a 50 amp cord due to weight and bulk, but will work on everything else like co-ax cable and 15 amp extension cord. Am an EE and started in the biz 40 years ago and have never heard of this before. It's supposed to work with a garden hose too but haven't tried it yet. I guess it will work on a rope too. This will definitely help with our co-ax out to the sat dish.

Here's a couple of youtube vids:

3 minute vid.

This is a better explanation but is a kinda long-winded.
10 minute vid.

Seeking Advice

34 Replies

wnjj
Explorer II
Dec 25, 2016
I learned that technique a few years ago. It works great and allows you to throw a long cord out by simply tossing the coil while holding the end. I even use it on the air hose on my shop compressor. You can wind a cord up faster this way once you get the hang of it since you don't have to deal with all the twisting and knots.
Johno02
Explorer
Dec 25, 2016
One of the best places to use a "figure-8" wrap in on you long vacuum cleaner cord. Keeps it from getting all kinked and twisted. To coil a 50A power cord, lay it out straight to start with, so it can roll, then just coil it up twisting it each loop. The Over-under works if you have more storage room.
1320Fastback
Explorer
Dec 25, 2016
Very interesting and I can see it being challenging with thicker cords.

My shore power I keep in plastic totes and they are coiled in the tubs carefully each time and stored.

Being a carpenter by trade at home my extension cords I wrap in a daisy chain braid but that doesn't translate well to RV use I've found. Carpenters knot
Terryallan
Explorer II
Dec 25, 2016
You know what works REAL good? A hose, or wire reel. Sold at Lowes, or WalMart for $7.00. You just get the cord started, and crank it on. It NEVER gets tangled, and when camping. You can just unwind as much as you want.