Using extension cord 50A

[thirtydaZe]

What are your experiences with using an extension cord?

We will be going to a CG next weekend, and it's a situation where you parallel park. I'm actually on the wrong side of the road this time, but still want to do a turn around so my door faces camp.

This will likely make my power cord to short.

I'd like to go purchase another 50A cord, and string them together. Is this ok to do, or looked down upon?

[paulcardoza]

For the last couple of years we have spent two months in the fall at a CG where the power poles were doubled up between sites. So, ours was on the wrong side. We used our 25ft extension cord there for the entire time without a single issue, even with all 3 AC units running. You have nothing to worry about.

[bill_h]

The biggest problem with high-current extension cords is the connectors. They should be dry, clean and shiny (male and female) and fit tightly. Monitor their temperature carefully, either by touch or a Raytek.

Keeping them cool by shading or painting them white helps, too. In the Army, we buried high current cables and poured water over the track to keep them cool. No water on connectors, though.

[mudmaker]

I looked on your profile this morning and that was what was listed.

[thirtydaZe]

mudmaker wrote:
I find it hard to believe the OP has a need for 50amp power with a Cherokee 27bh. Most likely a 30amp unit as its standard features come with a 13.5 ac and little other big power devices. That being said, I use 30amp cords on my unit, sometimes more than one. I hate lugging the 50amp cord around and have little need for it since I rarely use both a/c's at the same time. So it just stays home for use during the week. I have an indoor volt gauge and monitor religiously. We group camp and like to be facing units for a general use area so sometimes longer cords are a necessity.

i don't have the cherokee anymore. my sig is updated, where did you see that?

[mudmaker]

I find it hard to believe the OP has a need for 50amp power with a Cherokee 27bh. Most likely a 30amp unit as its standard features come with a 13.5 ac and little other big power devices. That being said, I use 30amp cords on my unit, sometimes more than one. I hate lugging the 50amp cord around and have little need for it since I rarely use both a/c's at the same time. So it just stays home for use during the week. I have an indoor volt gauge and monitor religiously. We group camp and like to be facing units for a general use area so sometimes longer cords are a necessity.

[wilco]

Perhaps contrary to thgoodman's comments, 12 years ago I was all set to buy a 50A extension but balked at the price. Eventually decided just to use the 30A cord I already had (purchased at 1/3 the price) and have used it from time-to-time over the years, but really not that often and don't recall a situation where I really needed 50A where I couldn't reach it with the main cord. Everyone's situation may differ, but I'm so glad I didn't buy the big cord...initial cost and carrying around another (I have more than a few) bulky, rarely needed item.

If you often camp where an extension is required and/or absolutely need 50A power, then probably a good investment.

I've had no voltage or other power problems using the 30A on the end of the 50A (50') with a standard dogbone, other than keeping the draw less than 30A.

[Thunder_Mountai]

I bought a 25' 50 amp extension cord several years ago on eBay so I could hit the sweet spot on a favorite camping site in Utah. Use it once a year. No problems running two air conditioners and microwave. I also have a 25' extension for the stinky slinky. No problem with voltage drops just have to make sure the "stuff" can run down hill.

[Rick_Jay]

When we visit at my brother or uncle's places, I have to add 2 additional 50A extension cords. One is 25', the other is 15'. I think the shore power cord is about 25'- 30' or so. No issues. Yes, they were expensive, but well worth it if you're going to use them fairly frequently. If you're not, then you might want to contemplate if you can get by with 30A service and buy 30A extensions instead. Much cheaper.

Good Luck,

~Rick

[thgoodman]

My 50A power cord is 40' long and is usually adequate length for where ever I stay. When we 1st started full timing (about 7 yrs ago), we ended up in a place where we couldn't get close enough to reach the power post. It was hot as hell and I refused to be without air conditioning so I went out and bought a 35' 50A extension cord. It was too expensive and I was unhappy about it but I wasn't willing to compromise my comfort. Since then, I've used it less than 1/2 dozen times and loaned it out once. So, $/use is high but I have no regrets. It performs well, I never notice any voltage drop and I have electricity when I want it. YMMV

[RoyB]

If you are in cohoots with a RV dealer maybe they will lend you one if you bring it...

They certainly don't come cheap to just use on one time...

just a thought
Roy Ken

[hershey]

The additional 25' of power cord will be little problem. You can still run all of your appliances and AC if the actual shorepower is adequate.
Just monitor your voltage and make sure none of the connections are getting hot.

[thirtydaZe]

thanks for all the input everyone.

[time2roll]

Just don't go more than 100' and you will be fine.

[NORM_WADDELL]

This gets too complicated to explain here, but IF you
use a 30 Ampere extension cord, it will be smaller in
copper diameter than a 50 Ampere cord, will have one
less wire, ...... and will cause
MORE voltage drop that does the 50 Ampere cord.
A 50 Ampere cord contains TWO "HOTS"
and a neutral.......whatever loads are on DIFFERENT
"HOTs" have their currents 'meet' and cancel, so they
cause no neutral current...therefore cause no neutral voltage
drop.....(the imbalance/difference between the current
on the two 'hot' legs does return through the neutral.)
The point here is, you will have MORE voltage drop
through a 30 Ampere cord than through a 4 wire 50 Ampere
cord.