orange extension cord

[dogshowrv]

[FONT="Tahoma"]Well, another newbie question...my RV is parked farther from the house than the RV electric cord plus the 50' RV extension cord together will reach. I read that it's not a good idea to use one of those "orange" extension cords to connect to my 15 amp house outlet. Yes, I agree - not as a permanent solution - but temporarily? Why? I also have a surge protector as added precaution and don't intend to use the a/c (wishful thinking) or microwave. I don't intend to keep using the "orange" extension cord. I just temporarily would like to make sure it batteries are charged and fridge is cool before using it for a trip.

[16ACE27]

As long as the only load is lights and/or charging batteries you could get by but I always carry a heavy duty 12 gauge extension cord if I need that extra little reach to a 15/20 amp 120 VAC supply. The orange ones are mostly 16 gauge.

[TurnerFam]

the charger and fridge more than likely are using well less than the typical 15a outlet provides, and most any 'extension cord' is quite suitable. If you feel the extension cord and it feels warm or hot, then too much electricity is running thru it for it's size wiring, but chances are you won't have any problem.

[wredman]

get one of these, or 2

https://www.globalindustrial.com/p/e...xoCy08QAvD_BwE

[Bob Denman]

Keep the load "light",m and you'll be perfectly fine.
But I found a 10 gauge, 100 foot long extension cord online for about $75 bucks...

I think that I could use it as I tow-rope: if the need ever arose!

[dogshowrv]

Thank you for your replies. FYI: I just ordered a 12 gauge 100 foot extension cord (and cord holder :-) I travel with a 50 foot RV extension cord. But I figured this would be a good thing to have at home.

[revjeffrey]

Is it better to carry or use 1 100 ft 10/3 or 2 50 ft 10/3 extension cords ?? Not sure what to buy the 2 50's or the 1 100. thank you !

[Bob Denman]

The fewer connectors: the better! If you need 100': buy a single cord.

[revjeffrey]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

The fewer connectors: the better! If you need 100': buy a single cord.

I "might" need a 100 someday but would prob. use 50 most of the time.. I'm thinking 2 50's.

[TyCreek]

Originally Posted by revjeffrey

Is it better to carry or use 1 100 ft 10/3 or 2 50 ft 10/3 extension cords ?? Not sure what to buy the 2 50's or the 1 100. thank you !

A 25-35' should handle the majority of travel use. Having a 50 on hand is nice for the rare occasion and coupled with the 25' nets a pretty good 75' distance for even rarer needs. Any use of a 100' cable is simply a PITA IMO... If for some reason I felt the need for overkill, I mean further reach, I'd rather carry/use another 50' vs. messing around with using any 100' cord! Who really cares about the .001% better with no connections little factoid? We're talking about 75' or 100' + run for heavens sake ...

Personally I carry a 35' 30A cord and a 25' 20A backup that I've never used. But then, my having a pole to connect to when not parked in my garage is a rare destination.

[JamieGeek]

Originally Posted by TyCreek

A 25-35' should handle the majority of travel use. Having a 50 on hand is nice for the rare occasion and coupled with the 25' nets a pretty good 75' distance for even rarer needs. Any use of a 100' cable is simply a PITA IMO... If for some reason I felt the need for overkill, I mean further reach, I'd rather carry/use another 50' vs. messing around with using any 100' cord! Who really cares about the .001% better with no connections little factoid? We're talking about 75' or 100' + run for heavens sake ...

Personally I carry a 35' 30A cord and a 25' 20A backup that I've never used. But then, my having a pole to connect to when not parked in my garage is a rare destination.

We carry the 25' 30A that came with the camper, another 25' 30A extension and a 25' 15A that we use for lights, etc. (plugged into the side of the camper when camping), think I have another 6' 15A for the same reason.

[Bob Denman]

Originally Posted by revjeffrey

I "might" need a 100 someday but would prob. use 50 most of the time.. I'm thinking 2 50's.

That's why I said "If you need 100'..."
But if a pair of 50's fit the bill even better: that's your wisest choice!

[Cason61]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

Keep the load "light",m and you'll be perfectly fine.
But I found a 10 gauge, 100 foot long extension cord online for about $75 bucks...

I think that I could use it as I tow-rope: if the need ever arose!

Hey, might even use it for a lasso to round up stray cows that wander into the campground... Great Ceaser's Ghost! I'd pay to see that happen, an it wouldn't be my 'first Rodeo' either! ROTF LMAO! All right, All right, All right!

[Bob Denman]

I don't think that it's flexible enough for that...

But if you can make it happen:

[wredman]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

I don't think that it's flexible enough for that...

But if you can make it happen:

100' of 10ga is always good for ballast till you need it.

[Bob Denman]

Yup! It ain't light; but it'll take whatever you throw at it!

[Hooligan2]

The longer run causes a voltage drop. When you are connected check the voltage in the RV. If the voltage drops to 110 volts you are about max. load. Anything 108 or lower may damage motors, electronics.
Not precise but a good check. Also with same power demand, as voltage drops the current (amps) increases.
I used a long run (100') at my daughters, 125 volts at the house, 118 at the RV with nothing on, 112 with fridge, lights, TV and converter/charger.

[oldbird]

I've been in a few situations where I needed a real long run (daughters house). Is it best to start out with the lowest gauge wire at the oulet, then continue on with a lighter gauge wire or just the opposite? I'm referring to the voltage drop. I've heard it both ways, start with heavier gauge and start with lighter gauge. This question is if you don't have with you a long run of wire of lowest gauge and have to combine extention cords.

[Bob Denman]

Originally Posted by Hooligan2

I used a long run (100') at my daughters, 125 volts at the house, 118 at the RV with nothing on, 112 with fridge, lights, TV and converter/charger.

Good point!
What gauge wire was it?

[The Gritz Carlton]

You can go to Lowe's or HD to the bulk wiring section and make an extension cord for the specific purpose you need, whether it be 14' or 67'. Go with 10g or 12g.