Do you extend your 30a power cord?

[Bluesky46]

This should probably be a new thread, but since I don't know how to start one, I'll ask it here. Does anyone extend the full length of their 30 amp shore power cord outside of the RV when connecting to shore power. I know the owners manual says yes, you should do that, but often times at full utility sites I am parked within 10-15' of shore power and it's awfully easy to only extend that much of the cord, the rest of it stays curled up in the storage compartment. Also if anyone knows how to start a new thread, please let me know too! Thanks. I know the FAQ's say to click on the "New Thread" button but I cannot find that. At the bottom of my screen it says I am eligible to start new threads.

[Wanderer]

I fully extend my shore cord every time even though I am close to pedestal. Is a pain to put away but the alternative scares me so I do it.

[norty1]

If you want to start a new thread: go to the section of the forum you want to post in and at the top left there is a black rectangle marked "new thread". Click that and follow the directions.

easy peasy

[TaftCoach]

I never have pulled it all the way out. I never gave it a second thought until now.

The views expressed may not be mine in five minutes.

[norty1]

Mostly I used to just pull out what I needed to reach the pedestal. Never had any problems. Every so often, I would pull it all the way out and wipe it down.

[Jopopsy]

I do as a matter of need now. I cut my power cord in half so I could put my Autoformer in the middle of it (and have the Autoformer sheltered under the coach). So I have 2 ~14' long runs. As a consequence, I let it all hang out. :P

[Kahoneys]

Definitely pull all of your cord out and do not loop it for the cord does produce heat and when it is all coiled up it can cause a fire. This is why the owners manual tells you do so.

[TCNashville]

I never used to pull it all the way out and never had any problems but I've now converted it to a detachable. I do loop the excess around the bumper so it's not laying on the ground.

[Jagiven]

I have to admit, I do not always pull it all the way out at home.

The short answer, yes you should pull it all the way out and not leave it coiled. When coiled, the wires produce much more heat, when pulled out and scattered on the ground the heat can dissipate.

[jal0710]

Just a quick question. We leave our FW "plugged in" all winter with only enough cord pulled out to reach the receptacle. Since there is very little draw on the power during the winter, will that cord get hot enough to be a problem? Not trying to be combative, just would like to know whether I should go out and try to pull all the cord out.

[SouthCo]

Previous camper was a 30amp setup. I never pulled the shore power cord all the way out.

[Danny]

I always pull my out.

[havnfun]

Used to always pull mine out due to the potential heat/fire possibilities. Now I have plugged up that mouse hole by installing a Marinco quick connect plug/receptacle. It keeps the critters out. I store the cord when not in use.
Happy RVing,
Jeff

[oldmanAZ]

Originally Posted by jal0710

Just a quick question. We leave our FW "plugged in" all winter with only enough cord pulled out to reach the receptacle. Since there is very little draw on the power during the winter, will that cord get hot enough to be a problem? Not trying to be combative, just would like to know whether I should go out and try to pull all the cord out.

IMO, don't bother pulling the rest of the cord out. I don't. In fact, I have the whole 30amp cord stuffed in with an adapter at the end. I run a 15amp extension cord between my trailer and house.

I pull out the entire cord only when camping and the air conditioner has to run virtually constantly to keep the TT comfortable. I believe the concern is heat build up from high current flow with the cord jammed into a confined space. I guess I'm just close enough to being 'fire phobic' that I sleep better at night knowing it won't be an issue.

[hoppers4]

Not on my list of things to be concerned about.

[The Logans]

Only pull it all the way out if using the AC. Without the AC, I've never felt it get warm.

Interestingly enough, our electrician neighbor said that if the cord is just stuffed in the compartment (not neatly coiled), it's not an issue as no resistance coil is formed. Guess messy is better!

[Nukeneck]

Originally Posted by hoppers4

Not on my list of things to be concerned about.

This! X2

[TWP723]

I always pulled the cord completely out of my pop-up. Made it easy to walk around the camper, especially at night. We'd route the cable so we wouldn't trip over it. I'd bring the cable straight down to the ground then route it to the pedestal.

[Mudd]

Add another thing to the list of things I never would of thought about before buying a trailer...

[crumgater]

Jal0710 - You could use an infrared thermometer to check the temperatures occasionally. Or get a thermometer that records min/max temperatures to leave out there on the cable. Then you can see for sure if temperatures are climbing to potentially dangerous levels.