Forum Discussion

maxwell11's avatar
maxwell11
Explorer
Feb 28, 2014

camper electrical cord storage question

I know it's not a tow vehicle question, but when the trailer is hooked to the TV, it's kind of part of the total camping experience.

we bought a new Jayco 28ft trailer and it is a nice trailer,
only real problem we have had, the pull out electrical cord. They must have installed that cord on a 100 degree day and the cord had been stored in the sun all afternoon, so it was very soft.

when it's cold or cool, we have problems getting the cord out or back in the storage holder.

Question:
1. can I safely just cut the cord off so it only comes out of the trailer about 1 foot and use an extension cord to hook up my trailer to the campsite electrical power?

2. just use a extension cord, hook it to the trailer electrical cord, leaving the trailer electrical cord coiled up inside the trailer cord holding area?

******This option would be easy, but is it safe to have the wire coiled up inside the trailer as its being used?*****

I can produce pictures of bloody, skinned hands trying to push this XXXXX stiff cord back into the trailer storage area. cord storage area is in center of the back of the trailer, behind the bike rack, the cord storage box area is very small, the cord fits fine on a hot summer day: cool, cold day, not so much.

I plan to do something before next camping season, just want others thoughts on solving the problem.

thanks for any information on solving this problem.
Tow Vehicles
  • edsland's avatar
    edsland
    Explorer
    Feb 28, 2014
    You can use a 30 amp rv extension cord, I own one I case my electric box is too far for cord to reach. The only thing is the plugs are really tight to put on and take off.
  • diazr2's avatar
    diazr2
    Explorer
    Feb 28, 2014
    Why would you have to cut the cord to do that? Just use your extension cord with the main line. Just don't try and pull the main line all the way out. Just pull it out a ft or two. When you only use an extension cord you don't get the use of all the electrical power in your rig. Smaller cords mean more heat build up in the line and more problems your solution should include leaving the main cord it's the best option. IMHOP. The electrical guys on this list will be able to give you the reasons for this. But just know bigger is better.
  • the_bear_II's avatar
    the_bear_II
    Explorer
    Feb 28, 2014
    A lot of RVs now come setup like boats. The cords are separate from the RV. You plug the cord into the RV and the other end into the campsite pedestal.

    You could re-wire and add the plug on the side of the RV and then get a new cord with the correct ends or add an end to the cord you cut off.

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