I remember seeing a thread about 50A power cords being made with a lighter weight material, but I can’t seem to find it. Is there such a thing and is it safe.

Southwire makes a 50 amp cord that's quite flexible. It's sold under the Surge Guard label.https://www.amazon.com/Surge-Guard-50A30MFSE-Flex-Cord/dp/B00LH2E8SK

That cord is an extension cord, for use with a power cord. Unless you cut off the end and add your own.

Most all 50 amp cords are "Extension Cords" some have the matching plug and outlet some have a different Outlet (Marinco style) than the TT plug.I used to have a 30 amp cord for use on 30 amp sites. it had a 50 amp Marinco Outlet and it was also a "Superflex" lighter weight jacket which did not get stiff when it got cold.. Very nice. But only 30 amp.. they make a 50 amp version too. The one linked you will need to add the MARINCO outlet to it (The connector that "Pluggs into" the INLET on the RV)https://www.rvupgradestore.com/surge-guard-replacement-electrical-flex-cord-p/50a15mose.htm

Most factory cords are a type of plastic cover that works but is thicker and heavier than rubber cord. I changed mine to rubber cord and it is a big improvement.

50A cord is going to weigh about the same no matter. Buy "SO" cord and add the yellow Camco ends for a nice flexible cord.

Lighter weight power cord | Good Sam Community

19 Replies

larry_cad
Explorer II
May 08, 2023
Cummins12V98 wrote:
fj12ryder wrote:
C'mon, these 50 amp cords aren't that bad. Unless you have disability problems it's just not that big of a deal. I'm 74 and getting it out of the truck, coiling and uncoiling, and plugging isn't enough to really stress anyone out. Sounds like you guys need to eat a bigger bowl of Wheaties. :)

The meaning of a "Manyl Man" right there folks!!!

:B
rhagfo
Explorer III
May 04, 2023
Cummins12V98 wrote:
theoldwizard1 wrote:
rhagfo wrote:
Well we built our own with correct ends for 50 amp cable. The cable is 6/4 SOOW electrical cable. It is rubber insulated rather than PVC. Stays flexible even below freezing.
6/4 SOOW cable

There is no need to use SOOW cordage ! It is rated for 600V. SJOOW is rated for 300V. Also rubber insulated.

Depending on the length, you probably only needed 8/4.

My cord is from a temp power box. It's 6/3 & 8/1 for the ground. Mine is "SOW"

While that is true, I got my cable from a fellow forum member for a very good price. That said, I would not step down to a 8 gauge cable as with Cheap heat I draw 20 amps on both legs during winter.
The real killer is that I wasn't sure my 40' cable was going to reach the 30 amp outlet I installed in my daughters garage when we spent last July there. I built a 23' SOOW extension cord, but I easily reached with our 40' cord.
fj12ryder
Explorer III
May 03, 2023
Very close, but it was a Big Chief tablet, we didn't have loose leaf notebooks at that time. :) And a #2 pencil.
way2roll
Trailblazer
May 03, 2023
Cummins12V98 wrote:
fj12ryder wrote:
C'mon, these 50 amp cords aren't that bad. Unless you have disability problems it's just not that big of a deal. I'm 74 and getting it out of the truck, coiling and uncoiling, and plugging isn't enough to really stress anyone out. Sounds like you guys need to eat a bigger bowl of Wheaties. :)

The meaning of a "Manyl Man" right there folks!!!

Yep, walked to school in 6 feet of snow, barefoot, uphill both ways after killing a bear with a loose leaf notebook.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
May 02, 2023
theoldwizard1 wrote:
rhagfo wrote:
Well we built our own with correct ends for 50 amp cable. The cable is 6/4 SOOW electrical cable. It is rubber insulated rather than PVC. Stays flexible even below freezing.
6/4 SOOW cable

There is no need to use SOOW cordage ! It is rated for 600V. SJOOW is rated for 300V. Also rubber insulated.

Depending on the length, you probably only needed 8/4.

My cord is from a temp power box. It's 6/3 & 8/1 for the ground. Mine is "SOW"
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
May 02, 2023
fj12ryder wrote:
C'mon, these 50 amp cords aren't that bad. Unless you have disability problems it's just not that big of a deal. I'm 74 and getting it out of the truck, coiling and uncoiling, and plugging isn't enough to really stress anyone out. Sounds like you guys need to eat a bigger bowl of Wheaties. :)

The meaning of a "Manyl Man" right there folks!!!
way2roll
Trailblazer
May 02, 2023
Cord reel might be helpful. Had one in our previous FW and it was a nice feature. Ours was powered but I am sure hand crank ones are pretty cheap.
Darryl_Rita
Explorer
May 02, 2023
theoldwizard1 wrote:
rhagfo wrote:
Well we built our own with correct ends for 50 amp cable. The cable is 6/4 SOOW electrical cable. It is rubber insulated rather than PVC. Stays flexible even below freezing.
6/4 SOOW cable

There is no need to use SOOW cordage ! It is rated for 600V. SJOOW is rated for 300V. Also rubber insulated.

Depending on the length, you probably only needed 8/4.

Thus the comments on the weight difference. SOOW is going to be heavier than SOW, and 6/4c heavier than 6/3c 1/8, and even a bigger difference than 8/4c.
theoldwizard1
Explorer II
May 02, 2023
rhagfo wrote:
Well we built our own with correct ends for 50 amp cable. The cable is 6/4 SOOW electrical cable. It is rubber insulated rather than PVC. Stays flexible even below freezing.
6/4 SOOW cable

There is no need to use SOOW cordage ! It is rated for 600V. SJOOW is rated for 300V. Also rubber insulated.

Depending on the length, you probably only needed 8/4.
fj12ryder
Explorer III
May 02, 2023
C'mon, these 50 amp cords aren't that bad. Unless you have disability problems it's just not that big of a deal. I'm 74 and getting it out of the truck, coiling and uncoiling, and plugging isn't enough to really stress anyone out. Sounds like you guys need to eat a bigger bowl of Wheaties. :)