Stupid question about power cord.

[Tlauden]

Ok folks, I have a really stupid question. This is driving me nuts and there's no way I can be the only one with this problem!!

When shoving the 30 amp power cord back into the hole outside the camper, how does everyone keep it from getting knotted up inside? I think I've removed the panels inside to get to the cord countless times to untangle this dang thing... No matter how carefully I put it away is always gets twisted around itself somehow. I think I may just to get a 50' 30amp extension cord and just never pull more than 2-3 feet out of the camper. Just run the extension cord from the pedestal to the camper and leave the excess bundled laying under the camper for the duration of our stay?

Anyone ever had this problem? What do you all do? The PUP we used to use had really easy access to the cord (under dinett seats) so if it got tangled it wasn't a big deal. This new hybrid the cord isn't as accessible and I certainly don't wanna have to pull panels off every time we go camping...

[Cummins12V98]

rhagfo wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
Actually 6/4 is a waste of money, nothing wrong with it tho. 6/3 with a #8 ground is all that is needed for a proper 50A rated cord. Cord shown lived it's first life as a 50A construction temp power feed.

.

6/4 is not a waste if it what is available at a reasonable price. 🙂
It doesn't make a difference the cord in my 3 gal bucket is 6/4 and coils just fine. :B

I agree! I was just letting people know the 6-3 X 8-1 cord is fine and in theory should be less money.

Bottom line a flexible cord sure is nice!!!

[rhagfo]

Cummins12V98 wrote:
Actually 6/4 is a waste of money, nothing wrong with it tho. 6/3 with a #8 ground is all that is needed for a proper 50A rated cord. Cord shown lived it's first life as a 50A construction temp power feed.

.

6/4 is not a waste if it what is available at a reasonable price. 🙂
It doesn't make a difference the cord in my 3 gal bucket is 6/4 and coils just fine. :B

[tomman58]

The insulation on our older cords was a harder plastic so they never were a problem

[Cummins12V98]

Actually 6/4 is a waste of money, nothing wrong with it tho. 6/3 with a #8 ground is all that is needed for a proper 50A rated cord. Cord shown lived it's first life as a 50A construction temp power feed.

.

[Veebyes]

This is why I have a general dislike for mechanical things that are supposed to make life easier. They work great until they stop working.

Used to hand coil the 50amp power cord. Oh, that was fun in cold weather. No more hassel. It coils very nicely into an oval laundry basket which is then easily lifted into the storage area.

[bguy]

Stretch the cable out full length before attempting to store it. The cable needs to be free to roll as it is retracted into the storage compartment.

[rhagfo]

SoundGuy wrote:

minnow wrote:
I also interested in making up my own SO cable. Would this work ?

50 Amp cord

10 gauge?!! Not even close for a 50' cable wired for 50 amp service, you'd want at least 6 gauge.

This is what you need just a little shorter.
6/4 50 AMP

[SoundGuy]

minnow wrote:
I also interested in making up my own SO cable. Would this work ?

50 Amp cord

10 gauge?!! Not even close for a 50' cable wired for 50 amp service, you'd want at least 6 gauge.

[minnow]

I also interested in making up my own SO cable. Would this work ?


50 Amp cord

[wa8yxm]

The Marinco solution is the best, here is a cheaper one

you will need.. one each TT-30 Outlet and Plug.. Tools including knife, Hacksaw and screwdriver(s).

Pull the cord all the way out,, About 6" above the ground (if possible) cut cord using hacksaw (NOTE DO NOT PLUG IN)

Tress and trim the RV end and install the plug

Dress and trim the shore cord end and install the outlet, Thus converting the shore cord to an extension cord.

NOTE: for 30 amps you need to be able to cut back and install new plugs (And sockets) from time to time,, Stock 2 TT-30 plugs and one socket in your spares.

The reason for this is that 30 amp plugs tend to ... melt.

[rhagfo]

Well the old Anaconda will be staying at home from now on!!
Please note the difference in storage space required!! :B Shared the purchase of cable with another forum member, got a great deal on the 50 AMP ends, total cost about $160, ease of putting away Priceless!!

This is the OLD 35' very hard to deal with cable, unless it is over 90 degrees outside.




This is 40' of 50 AMP cable, in a 3 gal bucket.

[Tango__AE7UI]

Originally the fifth came with a "mouse hole" for the cord.
That lasted less than a week before I replaced it with about a 5" x 5" opening with a lockable door.
Security was not a concern since they all have the same lock set but ease of "stuffing' the 30 amp back in.

[Cummins12V98]

rhagfo wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
Make your own quality cord. SO cord with Camco ends.

X2!!!!
Just got my SO cable (40') for my 50 amp, new storage container is a 3 gal. bucket!
This will make winter camping So much more enjoyable.

Good for you! This is one of the best RV mods IMHO.

[rhagfo]

Cummins12V98 wrote:
Make your own quality cord. SO cord with Camco ends.

X2!!!!
Just got my SO cable (40') for my 50 amp, new storage container is a 3 gal. bucket!
This will make winter camping So much more enjoyable.