What kind of electrical cord do I need?

[sheripoms]

We just brought a Shamrock hybrid. What kind of electrical cord do I need for set up? Just a regular extension cord? Also do I just need a adapter for the end? Sorry kinda new at this.
Thanks everyone

[rockhillmanor]

sheripoms wrote:
We just brought a Shamrock hybrid. What kind of electrical cord do I need for set up? Just a regular extension cord? Also do I just need a adapter for the end? Sorry kinda new at this.
Thanks everyone

To yourself a BIG favor and buy an RV extension cord that matches what your RV needs. Costs a few bucks more but well worth it.

I spent $$ buying residential extension cords and adapters to hook them together to carry with in case I needed it.

If you don't buy the correct heavy gauge household/contractors extension cords(which are the most expensive ones) they heat up etc. AND you have to buy the adapters to hook them together creating more places for resistance.

Also the new contractors extension cords which are the gauge you need to buy? OSHA has added a new twist on what the prongs look like which you can NOT plug into. Don't ask me how I found that out AFTER I got back to the RV with it.:R

I finally bought 2 "RV extension cords" and what a difference in ease of operation and no heating up/resistance problems.

RV extension cords have the correct ends on them. No need for adapters and end up costing the same as buying the correct gauge extension cord.

Walmart usually carries a good selection of RV Extension Cords. And I find them to be less expensive than camping stores. Last tip the ones with the handles are nice to have and makes plugging in and out easier.



Good Luck. Welcome to the wacky world of RV'ing! :C

[tenbear]

Great post RoyB. :B Should be a sticky.

[NinerBikes]

I know RoyB just made a sticky on the subject matter. It should be made a PDF for all to have access to.

[cochise49]

Was thinking of scanning a line drawing of the blade configurations for each type of plug/socket. Then...I saw RoyB's post. Outstanding! I printed it as a PDF for future reference whenever this question comes up.

[RoyB]

Need additional info to get the correct answer for you... The SHORE POWER Electrical Cord is a very important SAFETY feature for your trailer.

It must have three wires - A 30-AMP trailer will have One HOT - One NEUTRAL - and One GROUND... Keep in mind the Shore Power connection at the Camp Ground Pedestal is how your trailer gets its FRAME GROUND to prevent Electrical shock when touching the metal sides of the trailer.

There are two STANDARD ways the Shore Power Cord is installed on your trailer.

One is a pull-out cord that stays connected to the 120VAC Distribution Panel and is installed in a small compartment where you push the cable back into it when disconnecting from Shore Power. The access door may look like this



When you push in your Shore Power Cable there will be enough room inside the access door to allow your 30AMP Cable MALE end to be stored with the access door closed.

The other method is Permanent mounted MALE PLUG on the side of the trailer behind a small access door which will look like this.


The typical 30AMP connection for your Shore Cable is a standard RV Twist lock connection.


This 30AMP Cable is able to be disconnected and stored inside your cable when not in use. Available from RV Parts locations.

Also NOTE you will find a INFORMATION DECAL around these access doors identifying what 120VAC Service your trailer is wired for.

Both these methods are the APPROVED SAFE METHOD for providing 120VAC Power to your trailer. These cables are usually around 25-feet in length and mounted on the drivers side or rear of your cable so that the cable ends will plug into the standard 30AMP SHORE POWER PEDESTALS at the campgrounds.

This is a typical wiring diagram of the Camp Ground Pedestals


This is a typical SHORE POWER CONNECTION Panel at the camp ground.


Some camp grounds may only have a 30AMP Connection Shore Power Cable Pedestal


Please submit which method you are asking about.

Alot of comments on here about different ways of using cheap WALMART brand extension cords to get connected to the 120VAC Power source but I suggest you do the proper manufacture's method for this first SHORE POWER 30AMP Power Cord installation. Your dealer should have provided the proper 120VAC Power Cord for you to use.

Non standard connections will get extremely hot on you being plugged into 30AMP Service connections. Plenty of burned up adapters and extension cord head connections on Google Search to view...

Don't short change yourself in this important SAFE 120VAC power connection. It could be your kids that get shocked.

Just saying...

Roy Ken

[wa8yxm]

You need a cord like the one that is on the RV. RV's come in 3 sizes power wise.

Some small pop ups have 20 amp service (I have seen one with 15 amp)

A 15 amp plug is like the one on your computer.
A 20 amp plug is also like the one on your computer except the neutral blade is turned 90 degrees Kind of like this | -

Most small trailers and small Motor homes have 30 amp plugs They have 3 prongs two of which are angled like this / \ and the 3rd is round or U shaped.

Larger trailers and RVs have 50 amp cords. The plug has 4 prongs 3 flat and parallel one above the other and one round or U shaped.

You need a cord matching the plug you have

you also should consider getting a dogbone adapter (So called because it is shaped a bit like a dog bone with a plug on one end (Big bulge) and an outlet on the other (likewise) and six to 18 inches of cord in between.

This dogbone will adapt either from 30 to 50, or from 50 to 30 depending on your RV,, might get one that lets you plug into a 15 amp outlet as well. (Plug in at home to keep battery charged) .

If you need more cord for pluggin in at home.. Get 12ga

[Tachdriver]

Did your TT come with a pull-out cord or a detachable? If it was detachable was it not included?

As mentioned before if you are going to run the AC or multiple appliances I would recommend staying with your 30A cord, not just an extension cord unless you are going to keep the batteries juiced up.

I had a pull out cord but converted it to a detachable mainly for the reason that the connection between the outside cord and the house wiring to the power panel was inside of a metal junction box. The neutral wire nut came off and shorted to the box and ground. I made a temporary repair and bought a conversion kit which now I can safely sleep at night.

[BobsYourUncle]

If you have a 30A service in your rig, you will need the appropriate cable to plug into a 30A service, IF you want to run your AC, if equipped.

But if you only want the basic 110V to keep the batteries up and run the basics, then a regular extension cord will do the job just fine.

And yes you will need a 30 - 15A adapter, available anywhere. Wally World has them.

Just make sure the cord you use is 14 gauge and you will be fine.