Extension cords

cherv · 12-12-2018, 04:37 PM

Anyone use a additional shore power ext. Cord of same guage as coach line. Any problems with coach line in storage getting hot. During cold months the coach shore line is very stiff so i want to use an extension cord of same electrical makup as originat coach line

**Midnightmoon** · 12-12-2018, 04:44 PM

I have a couple of these. They are very nice, high quality extensions.

https://www.amazon.com/Camco-Extensi...extension+cord

RAurand · 12-12-2018, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midnightmoon

I have a couple of these. They are very nice, high quality extensions.

https://www.amazon.com/Camco-Extensi...extension+cord

Same here.

jimp · 12-12-2018, 04:58 PM

I use one when I plug the TT in (30amp) to get it ready for a trip but only run the fridge to cool it down, no AC. I can run the entire TT now as I installed a 30amp outlet but will still have to use the extension cord if/when that time comes. Have not noted it being "hot" from current flowing/resistance.

cherv · 12-12-2018, 05:54 PM

Thanks, do you leave the coach cable in its storage place and attach the extension cable to the coach cable to the shore power. Any issues like stored cable getting hot because is is coiled up in storage.

RogerR · 12-12-2018, 06:40 PM

I keep my extra 30 amp coiled in my locker. Rarely use it but really nice to have when you need it.

My on-board storage for the permanent cord would not accept 35 more feet. I would not store it connected anyway. Why add line loss if you don't have to.

I also carry a 120 volt to 30 amp. conversion plug and a 60 to 30 conversion plug.

I also have a 25 foot 120 volt cord to use for the toaster at the picnic table, lights or whatever.

wags999 · 12-12-2018, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cherv

Anyone use a additional shore power ext. Cord of same guage as coach line. Any problems with coach line in storage getting hot. During cold months the coach shore line is very stiff so i want to use an extension cord of same electrical makup as originat coach line

if your using a cord the same as the original, then it would be just as stiff. It's the wire that makes cord stiff. As far as using an extension cord and leaving the RV's cord in the unit, you shouldn't have an issue in the winter, unless your using electric heaters. More amps you pull the more the cord will get warm, rolled up doesn't allow it to cool as an extended cord would.

If your just using the cord for a few lights and charging the battery, you can get away with a smaller (larger number) gauge wire, ie a 12 gauge rather than 10 gauge if you have a 30 amp service.

Imazman · 12-12-2018, 09:35 PM

I put a 120v to 30A adapter on the end of the original 10guage cable that came with the RV, then plug that into 12 guage 50' extension cord and plug that in my 120v outlet in garage (20A house circuit). Did this all summer and did the same past 10 years when I had a TT...never any problems nor overheating. I even ran my TT air conditioner (TT AC only used 11Amps). However, I did do something stupid this summer...
...I tried using my motorhome AC (~14A draw) when plugged into a 14 guage cheap orange extension cord...when I heard the AC unit start to be starved of current I quickly unplugged the RV and then I noticed the cheap orange extension cord had started melting. Any bit longer and either the house fuse would have blown or the orange cord would have caught on fire.
I am back to using my 12 guage high quality extension cord and NOT turning on the AC :-)

cherv · 12-13-2018, 05:30 AM

thanks, I leave the extension 10 gage line stretched out in driveway next to coach all winter. just disconnect it from the coach cable when we want to exercise the coach. coach line stays in its storage compartment, just the plug hangs down for connecting to extension line..

jimp · 12-13-2018, 06:19 AM

I keep my extension cord in the shed rolled up year round, hanging on a J hook. I have not taken it with me on a trip as have never had the need. We frequent the same local CG's and the factory one reaches the power pole with length to spare.

cherv · 12-13-2018, 06:28 AM

Do you run your coach in winter to exercise the engine and fluids or does it sit for winter months. Factory cord is too stiff to stuff back in compartment so use spare 10 gage cord to keep coach and chassis batteries charged all winter.

geezerbob · 12-13-2018, 06:31 AM

I do the same as Roger

RVermont · 12-13-2018, 06:41 AM

Before I added a 50 amp outlet onto the house I just used a 12 gauge extension cord on the unit during the winter. I kept the main cord coiled up on the reel. The only thing the extension cord was doing was supplying power to the converter. The lights are 24volt so everything ran through the converter. I don't know the amp draw of the converter but can not imagine it is enough to cause heating of the main cord. If I wanted to run the heat or use 110 Outlets I fired up the generator or pulled out the main cord. Note that the manual specifically states to only plug into 50 amp outlet. Now that I have the 50 amp outlet I plug in the main and forget about it. It us slightly more difficult to wrangle with the cold cord.

cherv · 12-13-2018, 07:08 AM

Thanks. Do you connect the extension to the end of the coach cable that is rolled up??? I AM ONLY USING IT TO KEEP BATTERIES IN COACH AND CHASSIS CHARGED. 2019 JAYCO CLASS C 22J

201822j · 12-13-2018, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cherv

Do you run your coach in winter to exercise the engine and fluids or does it sit for winter months. Factory cord is too stiff to stuff back in compartment so use spare 10 gage cord to keep coach and chassis batteries charged all winter.

This is my first winter. My RV is parking to far from a 20 amp outlet (I don't have 30 amp) for on board power cord. I have been wondering when I should plug in to charge battery. I would have to run a standard heavy duty extension cord to do that. I would not be running any thing.

Also I do not think one should run the engine once you set it up for storage. Typically one changes the oil/filter and that's it until you are ready to drive for 30-45 mins. Running a motor for short periods doesn't give it enough time to burn off contaminates that get into the oil (Water + gas). These contaminate make the oil acidic and not a good mix to just sit.

RVermont · 12-13-2018, 07:36 AM

Yes I kept it on the reel and ran the female end into the cord compartment. Keep in mind this is just for the maintaining of the batteries via the converter in the cold of the winter. Each person had to decide for themselves if that will work for them and not cause any issues with hot cord. Any 110 power I unroll the cord.

cherv · 12-13-2018, 07:45 AM

If weather permits will take it for a 20 mile run

cherv · 12-13-2018, 07:45 AM

Thanks, what unit do you have

Pfflyer · 12-13-2018, 07:52 AM

If you are just wanting to plug in to maintain the batteries a standard 12gauge extension cord with an adapter will work. If you are wanting a 30amp cord that is easier to store year round then buy a good quality cord. The one I bought for the van conversion is stiff and hard to roll up to store in any temps but the Camco cord I got in the starter pail that came with the Rv is very easy to roll up year round. Don't forget the maintain the starter battery in the chassis while in storage.

Good luck

RVermont · 12-13-2018, 08:05 AM

Seneca 37ts 50 amp cord.

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