Looking for ideas on how to Roll up/store 50 amp cord

SUMRX4 wrote:


Well I have located the wire and it's not as expensive as I thought it may be. (thanks for the suggestions ) My question is about the Camco ends that were recommended. Seems the reviews are about many of them overheating and melting over time. Plus they aren't waterproof. Any suggestions for a better ends?
Curious if the 'Meltdowns' and simply because folks don't know how to sufficiently tighten an wire terminal?

Camco ends should be fine, the blades are made to standards set by NEC/UL to fit other 50A connections. Thickness, width of the blades have to be made to a set standard in order to get approvals to stick UL label on them.

Meltdowns can happen with ANY plug or socket if you are drawing max rating or above max rating and if the socket and/or plug have been damaged by corrosion and/or by not turning off breakers and plugging in or removing plugs under a heavy load causing heavy arcs across the contacts.

Campground sockets can also be heavily corroded by arcing and the socket spring tension can be weakened over time from constant plug/unplug cycles and/or heavy loads.

As far as reviews goes, I ignore the glowing 5 star and the slamming 1 star reviews. I settle on the reviews which are in the middle, those tend to be the more honest with less of an axe to grind or nothing to gain..

I would not sweat using the Camco ends and if you do have one that gets damaged over time, just replace it and go on..

As far as being waterproof goes, well your connection with 1 piece molded on ends laying out on the damp/wet ground isn't waterproof either.

The fix is simple, place connection on a short board to keep the connector from sitting on the ground, then cover connection with a small bucket.

They also sell waterproof boxes purposely designed for temporary electrical connections with extension cords.

Like THIS SEARCH

Of course you would have to verify the box you selected will fit the connectors.

Laundry basket. Enough of female end is left out to reach shore power input. Required amount of pedestal end is pulled out of basket.

I just loop mine in my hand and place it in the storage compartment. No bin needed. Because of its weight it’s stays looped. I keep all my electrai l cords in the same compartment, even the cable line.
No need to complicate it with an extra bin.

^^^^^ YEP those are the ends. Thanks for posting the pics.

SUMRX4 wrote:
So where does someone buy an extension cord made with SOOW cable? I have yet to find one. I can find the cable itself sold by the foot but I have to buy the male & female plugs. Is that what your folks did or are the available complete somewhere?

Most extension cords use cheaper or lower quality materials like copper covered wire or thermoplastic coverings which are very stiff to get the cord to be in certain price point that folks are willing to pay for.

You most likely will have to make it yourself.

Buy the wire you want and then the ends you need.



Camco 55353 Female replacement receptacle found HERE for $19



Camco 55255 Male replacement plug found HERE for $19

No, you are not going to "save money" by DIYing it, but you do control the overall quality by buying the cable type you want considering Camco's 25ft 50A extension is $42 at Amazon and the replacement ends are running almost $40 for the set..

Buy the length you want and add the yellow Camco ends.

SUMRX4 wrote:
So where does someone buy an extension cord made with SOOW cable? I have yet to find one. I can find the cable itself sold by the foot but I have to buy the male & female plugs. Is that what your folks did or are the available complete somewhere?

Exactly! I got 40' of cable from another member, I had the that purchased as spares, and built the cable. It has been in constant use for over four years, and still is in great shape.

I have not measured but my power cord is roughly 20-25' long. Even so it is stiff and hard to deal with. It is very rare for me to need the full length or anything longer.

When needed, I also have a 25' extension cord. I have another extension cord that is 100' long but only 12 gauge. It will still handle lighting, battery charging and use of one appliance at a time. I have used it only a couple of times when visiting relatives and access to power required a long extension.

So where does someone buy an extension cord made with SOOW cable? I have yet to find one. I can find the cable itself sold by the foot but I have to buy the male & female plugs. Is that what your folks did or are the available complete somewhere?

Simply look at my pic above. It's like a wet noodle.