30 amp power cord overheating

[deepdoc1]

I've searched around and can't find the info I'm looking for. I have a 30' 30-amp shore power cord hard-wired to a built-in Surge Arrest, and I frequently use a 30' 30-amp extension cord for yard camping. I've noticed the prongs starting to show signs of overheating where the shore cord and the extension are connected together.

I occasionally run the AC, and may sometimes forget to switch the water heater to propane while running AC, so that may be the culprit. I am thinking I need to replace the cords, but I had an idea I need to check out with the wizards here.

My thought is to make my own upgraded cords using two 30' lengths of 8/3 or even 6/3 (or 6/3 - 8/1 if I can't find 3 conductor) SOOW from HD or Lowes. My thought is that the OTC 30-amp cords are at their limit with 10 ga, so going fatter may reduce heating issues.

Most other best practices are being followed (for the most part) such as making sure the power is off at the post before connecting or disconnecting the cords, etc. Thoughts? Tips?

Thanks!

[ksg5000]

Yard camping usually implies your hooked into 15 amp house connection - if so that is likely at max capacity running just the AC and might not even be able to do that depending on type/length of extension cord. When I do that I usually switch the fridge and hot water heater to propane and use a kill-a-watt to monitor the voltage in the rig to make sure it doesn't drop too low and damage the air conditioner. If your batteries are low the converter can also be a major electric draw.