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Old 01-03-2018, 08:17 PM   #1
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50 amp extension

I want to get a 50 amp extension chord. Any suggestions ? Wire gauge, # of wires, Length? What about reasonable cost.

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Old 01-03-2018, 08:45 PM   #2
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Just buy one off the internet in whatever length you need. Search for RV power cord. Good ones are spendy!
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Old 01-03-2018, 08:58 PM   #3
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Originally Posted by Pete'sMH View Post
Just buy one off the internet in whatever length you need. Search for RV power cord. Good ones are spendy!
Yes, I'm looking at them. Lots of choices. How long is too long, and what gauge wires are recommended?
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Old 01-03-2018, 09:24 PM   #4
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I have 15 feet extension, in last 2 years haven’t used it. Normally 15 feet should be plenty. My 2 cents!
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Old 01-03-2018, 09:36 PM   #5
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Originally Posted by Jegdrum5050 View Post
I have 15 feet extension, in last 2 years haven’t used it. Normally 15 feet should be plenty. My 2 cents!

I have a 31' MH. Have you gone front first in a back in site, with all the hookups on the opposite side? Is the 15' enough for this condition?
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Old 01-03-2018, 09:38 PM   #6
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Didn’t have to use it face first.
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Old 01-03-2018, 11:05 PM   #7
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If your rig is doing it's best to use ALL of those amps: shorter will always be better.
Aren't those 50 amp cords pretty heavy to haul and store?

I keep a spare 50 foot cord with me, but I'm hooking up to 30 amps.
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Old 01-03-2018, 11:06 PM   #8
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50 amp shore lines are usually 6 gauge for L1, L2 and neutral and ground is 8 gauge. The finer the wire strands are the more expensive the shore line is per foot. Thinner wire strands will allow tighter bends and more bending before breaking. I would think the cheapest extension would work because it is seldom used. I carry a 15 ft 50 amp and a 35 foot 30 amp with a 30 amp to 50 amp dogbone.
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Old 01-03-2018, 11:41 PM   #9
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Angry

I carry the 'normal' 50A cord with RV to shore connections, a 30-50A adapter, and two 25 foot 30A extensions (from previous rig)...

The 30A extensions are much cheaper and easier to handle/store.

Haven't had the case yet where I needed both the extensions AND more than 30A.... But certainly could happen.
I leave water heater on propane when on 30A..
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Old 01-04-2018, 12:05 AM   #10
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do you need this NOW for a site where your existing cord can't reach, or is this just a question about having one 'just in case'?

50a cords are heavy and expensive... stay away from carrying one unless you for sure you know you will need it - the expense will probably cause you this thought to begin with. We've traveled A LOT, for over 80,000 miles, and to Canada and Alaska, and I can't ever remember needing an additional 50a cord(my 50amp shore cord is already 30').

IF, and I say if, you really are 'concerned' you may not somehow be able to reach a 50a shore power pole, you can also purchase a 30a extension cord instead - at least you can then reach the power, but be settling for 30a instead of 100. In temperate weather, 30amps is plenty anyway. Very hot, and Very cold weather are where you really need 50a(100) when running multiple AC units, or a lot of HEAT(especially electric heaters).

You'll be fine. Don't sweat it.
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Old 01-04-2018, 12:37 AM   #11
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I bought THIS 50A x 25' extension cord. I use it when we load up for every trip to hook up to my 50 A box i had installed in the garage. This cord has the same specifications as what came with our MH. Makes loading and unloading comfortable. I have only used it twice at a CG to get the MH in the best place for the view and privacy. I bought it on Amazon a little over a year ago for $77 and it is now listed at $97.
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Old 01-04-2018, 12:49 AM   #12
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The thing about "extension" cords is that you are making the distance longer than originally designed. With Voltage, that means that the voltage at the RV has a probability of being lower than the RV expects, thus starting a whole electrical issue.

Extension cord conductors HAVE to be sized correctly, such that the voltage and current that arrives at the RV power center is within the 2-4% that most designers expect power to fluctuate.

There are a lot of good electrical heads on this forum that can get very deep into this, but the take away is try NOT to use an extension cord on top of the RV power cord, and if you have to, spend the money for the Correct conductor size cords.

Just my 2 cents,
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Old 01-04-2018, 12:54 AM   #13
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I’d stay with 20 ft or less and go for a larger wire to avoid a voltage drop on a long run. Any longer and it will be totally too heavy and bulky. And if you can’t get any closer to a post than that maybe you should choose a different site. I think mine is 15 ft and I’ve only used it a couple of times - usually when I chose to park in a site “backwards” (which is usually frontward!) and had to route my cord just that much farther.
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Old 01-09-2018, 12:09 AM   #14
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I needed an extension at home. I got a good deal on a 25 ft. They are bulky and heavy. They give you more options on where to park and how to park. A friend had to power his RV with a portable generator once and the extension placed the noisy thing farther away.
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Old 01-09-2018, 04:18 AM   #15
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I bought this adapter in 50 amp version
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to prevent cord from coming apart hanging down, cut the original cord in half with 4 prong plugs added, so had 2 - 12.5' to 15' cords, already had a 15 ' extension so now can plug in short, medium or long.
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Old 01-09-2018, 01:32 PM   #16
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Here is a link to a wire chart that I have found handy. You can see what wire size you need to have to have the desired voltage drop for the desired length of wire.

https://www.bluesea.com/resources/1437
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Old 01-09-2018, 01:37 PM   #17
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Originally Posted by tenbear View Post
Here is a link to a wire chart that I have found handy. You can see what wire size you need to have to have the desired voltage drop for the desired length of wire.

https://www.bluesea.com/resources/1437
The "desired" voltage drop is always zero. I think that table is for an acceptable voltage drop.
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Old 01-09-2018, 01:48 PM   #18
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The "desired" voltage drop is always zero. I think that table is for an acceptable voltage drop.
I think we all know that if you are drawing any current through a wire, a zero voltage drop is impossible. The user has to decide what voltage drop is tolerable. Probably at least in part determined by how much you are willing to pay.
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Old 01-09-2018, 02:58 PM   #19
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Several years ago we were in a CG out west (can't remember where) that I needed a longer power cord. I ended up buying a 25' 50amp extension just in case it ever happen again. Over the years since then I have only needed it once or twice but when you need it you need it.
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Old 01-10-2018, 03:56 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tenbear View Post
Here is a link to a wire chart that I have found handy. You can see what wire size you need to have to have the desired voltage drop for the desired length of wire.
https://www.bluesea.com/resources/1437
............
To figure voltage drop in an AC circuit (50 amp service) use this calculator. Voltage Drop Calculator

Practical way to check:
When using extension cords I check voltage where I plug in and at the RV to see what the drop is. I plugged into 20 amp circuit with 125 volts, 70 feet away, voltage at RV was 116 volts with nothing turned on. As you add to the load that voltage will drop. Below 108 volts can damage motors and electronics. I am comfortable with 111-112 volts, allows for surge when AC starts or Converter kicks in to charge batteries.
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