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DinTulsa's avatar
DinTulsa
Explorer
Jul 08, 2017

Help me build a 30 to 50 amp extension cord...

Just installed a 30 amp rv outlet at my house, the outlet is 60ft from my panel and is powered by 8/2 wire. I couldn't run a 50 amp didn't have the space.

My plan was to buy a 50ft 30 amp cord and use my adaptor to hook it to my 50 amp rv cord. But I got to thinking that the 60ft from the panel, then a 50ft extension cord tied to my 30 ft rv cord might be a little long considering voltage drop. That puts my total run at 140ft to power the rv. The only thing this plug will run are lights, fridge and 1 AC while it's parked getting ready to travel. We will not be staying for extended periods of time or running microwaves, water heaters or anything else because we can't keep it parked for longer than 48 hours.

My question is, if I wanted to build a 50ft 8/2 extension cord with a 30 amp male and 50 amp female connection, how would I wired the 50 amp female side to ensure I power both legs.

Thanks
  • AFChap's avatar
    AFChap
    Explorer
    Jul 08, 2017
    DinTulsa wrote:
    So you don't feel it would be an issue with what I'm wanting to power to run this..http://www.homedepot.com/p/Camco-30-Amp-50-ft-Power-Grip-Extension-Cord-55197/206813636?cm_mmc=Shopping%7CTHD%7Cgoogle%7C&mid=stzcD2aLN%7Cdm_mtid_8903tb925190_pcrid_195274179091_pkw__pmt__product_206813636_slid_&gclid=CjwKEAjwhYLLBRDIjoCu0te4niASJAC0V4QP5O5K6RqzD38il5c5DG2Bp9WYarPqbseIFMN9DT5VshoC827w_wcB

    From my outlet to my rv shore cord? I already have the 30/50 adaptor.
    Not a problem at all! I would prefer a solid adapter to the dogbone style as they don't get as hot. If you don't have the solid one Home Depot sells it
  • toedtoes's avatar
    toedtoes
    Explorer III
    Jul 08, 2017
    AFChap wrote:
    A 50' extension is probably unlikely due to concern with voltage drop. For longer runs I use a 30' 50a extension connected to a 30' 30a extension. I also have a 30' very heavy 20a extension that I have used a few times.

    If you absolutely insist on no connections over the entire 50', creating your own extension is likely the only way. But for something that is not permanent, there would be no problem with connecting a 30a extension to a 50a extension. I would not be comfortable connecting a 50a extension to a 50a extension due to the concern with voltage drop.


    From the Amazon link I just provided above Here is one 50ft extension cord.

    Here is one and a second one with one loose wire end. You would just have to connect a 50amp female plug to it to turn it into an extension cord.
  • DinTulsa's avatar
    DinTulsa
    Explorer
    Jul 08, 2017
    So you don't feel it would be an issue with what I'm wanting to power to run this..http://www.homedepot.com/p/Camco-30-Amp-50-ft-Power-Grip-Extension-Cord-55197/206813636?cm_mmc=Shopping%7CTHD%7Cgoogle%7C&mid=stzcD2aLN%7Cdm_mtid_8903tb925190_pcrid_195274179091_pkw__pmt__product_206813636_slid_&gclid=CjwKEAjwhYLLBRDIjoCu0te4niASJAC0V4QP5O5K6RqzD38il5c5DG2Bp9WYarPqbseIFMN9DT5VshoC827w_wcB

    From my outlet to my rv shore cord? I already have the 30/50 adaptor.
  • AFChap's avatar
    AFChap
    Explorer
    Jul 08, 2017
    A 50' extension is probably unlikely due to concern with voltage drop. For longer runs I use a 30' 50a extension connected to a 30' 30a extension. I also have a 30' very heavy 20a extension that I have used a few times.

    If you absolutely insist on no connections over the entire 50', creating your own extension is likely the only way. But for something that is not permanent, there would be no problem with connecting a 30a extension to a 50a extension. I would not be comfortable connecting a 50a extension to a 50a extension due to the concern with voltage drop.
  • toedtoes's avatar
    toedtoes
    Explorer III
    Jul 08, 2017
    Amazon has a bunch

    Adding: I changed out my 30amp hardwired cord for a marinco removable cord. Now, I keep one cord inside my RV for when I go someplace with electrical (not common), and I keep the second cord plugged in at home and just disconnect at the RV when I leave. So much quicker than trying to wind that cord up inside that little opening in the RV. And makes short trips to the gas station, etc., less annoying.
  • DinTulsa's avatar
    DinTulsa
    Explorer
    Jul 08, 2017
    I need a 50ft extension cord, I'm not finding any 50' rv extension cords.
  • Ed_Gee's avatar
    Ed_Gee
    Explorer II
    Jul 08, 2017
    Agree with the above. Buy the 50A extension and use either an adapter as previously pictured, or a dog bone adapter. KISS!

    Years ago I built my own 30A 100' extension with 10/3 cable purchased at Home Depot. I rarely use it but the few times I have I did not have any serious voltage drop at the coach. The cable plugged into my coach 30' 50A cable through a dog bone adapter.
  • toedtoes's avatar
    toedtoes
    Explorer III
    Jul 08, 2017
    agesilaus wrote:
    AFChap wrote:
    K.I.S.S. ... why go thorough the trouble to wire up something special? I would buy a 50a extension cord and use an adapter like this on the 30a end. It does what is described above easily, quickly, and accurately. The 50a cord will be heavy enough to carry the power you will use.


    Ditto or buy a dogbone


    That would be my solution. You get the heaviest wire cord all the way down the line and buy an inexpensive dogbone (those puck styles do seem to melt as has been mentioned; and the dogbones are easier to remove when necessary).
  • agesilaus's avatar
    agesilaus
    Explorer III
    Jul 08, 2017
    AFChap wrote:
    K.I.S.S. ... why go thorough the trouble to wire up something special? I would buy a 50a extension cord and use an adapter like this on the 30a end. It does what is described above easily, quickly, and accurately. The 50a cord will be heavy enough to carry the power you will use.


    Ditto or buy a dogbone

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