Forum Discussion

salem's avatar
salem
Explorer
May 18, 2014

Extension Cord

I plug in my trailer a couple of days before a trip so we can stock the refrigerator/freezer. The trailer is a 30 amp. system. I run an extension cord from a regular house outlet to the trailer using an adapter. I believe it's a 15 amp. adapter. May turn on a light occasionally. We don't try running the air conditioner, microwave, etc. What gauge wire ext. cord do you suggest would be the safest? Thanks

40 Replies

Show More
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    May 18, 2014
    12 ga is fine

    You do have that trailer level when operating the fridge...correct?
  • RJsfishin's avatar
    RJsfishin
    Explorer
    May 18, 2014
    We lived in our MH for 5 months on a 100 ft 12ga ext cord. Tripped a 20 amp breaker only 1 time when we forgot, and fired the Microwave while A/C was on.
    For your fridge and lites, and batts already charged, even 50 ft of 12ga is overkill.
  • TucsonJim's avatar
    TucsonJim
    Explorer II
    May 18, 2014
    You may not need to spend the money for a 12AWG cord. Use the chart below. for example, if you have a 25 foot run, and you are drawing 10 amps, you only need an 18AWG cord. However, if you were to pull that same 10 amps and have a 150 foot cord, you'd need a 10AWG extension cord to handle the load.

  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    May 18, 2014
    Hi,

    #12 with the load of just the fridge and converter will be excellent. Shorter is always better.
  • salem's avatar
    salem
    Explorer
    May 18, 2014
    Thanks westend. Probably 20-25 feet. But, I can shorten that if needed by just pulling outmore of the trailer cord, thus being able to use a shorter ext. cord. . How long would too long be?
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    May 18, 2014
    +1 for #12 wire. Good for at least 100' with those minor loads.

    Verify breaker is 15a before you use #14.

    And #16.... forgetaboutit
  • monkey44's avatar
    monkey44
    Nomad II
    May 18, 2014
    Regular 15a and 20a house outlets have 12g wire ... should be fine if the run is not too long. Could probably run at least fifty feet with 12g. Just get house wire from Home Depot and add a plug and socket at each end.

    Or, if it's close 20 feet or so, a regular 16g or 12g extension cord will do it too ... I've run my fridge to cool it down all weekend with a 20' / 16g cord on a 15a plug and had no issues.
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    May 18, 2014
    I'd suggest a 12 Ga. extension cord but you don't state part of the equation, the distance involved.

About Technical Issues

Having RV issues? Connect with others who have been in your shoes.24,294 PostsLatest Activity: Aug 04, 2025