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Old 04-22-2016, 04:26 PM   #1
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What size extension cord for home?

Thought my camper was broke but discovered it was my extension cord. Phew. What do I need? 16 gauge? Just plugging in at home to keep battery charged, lights, etc.
Thanks!
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Old 04-22-2016, 04:29 PM   #2
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I would go with a 12 gauge if I was buying one, but use a 10 gauge because I have it.
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Old 04-22-2016, 04:36 PM   #3
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Get an extension cord rated for the same amperage as your trailer. That way when you need a longer cord at the campground you have one.
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Old 04-22-2016, 04:43 PM   #4
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Get an extension cord rated for the same amperage as your trailer. That way when you need a longer cord at the campground you have one.
Can I plug that into a regular outlet in my garage though?
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Old 04-22-2016, 04:43 PM   #5
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Can I use a 16 or 14 gauge?
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Old 04-22-2016, 04:44 PM   #6
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Check your breaker 15amp 14ga wire. or 20amp then 12ga.wire. You can use a 12gauge wire with a 15amp breaker and you should be safe. I would use a extension cord that was 12ga. , just my opinion
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Old 04-22-2016, 05:58 PM   #7
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I got a 14 gauge because I needed 100ft and they are so expensive. I shut the breakers in the camper off for the a/c and water heater is that ok? Don't want my son going in there and trying to turn those on and ruining something.
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Old 04-22-2016, 06:28 PM   #8
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Lukenick1; I wouldn't use less than 12 ga on 100 ft. And don't use heavy power user like A/C and Microwave. There would be to much voltage drop.
There's a saying; Pay me now or pay me later. So better invest in a proper extension cord.
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Old 04-22-2016, 06:30 PM   #9
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Lukenick1; I wouldn't use less than 12 ga on 100 ft. And don't use heavy power user like A/C and Microwave. There would be to much voltage drop.
There's a saying; Pay me now or pay me later. So better invest in a proper extension cord.
I am only keeping it plugged in so the battery doesn't die while it waits for the next trip. I suppose I could probably drop to a 50 ft if I move the camper closer to the house.
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Old 04-22-2016, 06:35 PM   #10
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It is my understanding that the further your are from the power source the heavier gauge wire you need. I would go with the 12ga.
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Old 04-22-2016, 06:39 PM   #11
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that guage should be fine just for the charging part to maintain battery .. I use a 100 foot cord that guage to keep the battery up on my car hauler and I have never had a problem
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Old 04-22-2016, 06:50 PM   #12
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It is my understanding that the further your are from the power source the heavier gauge wire you need. I would go with the 12ga.
If I shorten the distance to 50ft will a 14ga be ok?
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Old 04-22-2016, 06:53 PM   #13
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that guage should be fine just for the charging part to maintain battery .. I use a 100 foot cord that guage to keep the battery up on my car hauler and I have never had a problem
Should I shut the breakers off in the camper for all the appliances? Do I leave the 30amp breaker on?
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Old 04-22-2016, 06:56 PM   #14
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Use the 14 ga. as long it is just for maintaining your battery. As I said don't run the A/C or Microwave.
I run 12 ga on 75 ft.
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Old 04-22-2016, 06:57 PM   #15
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I would leave the main on but if possible if your worried about the kids turning something else on I would locate and turn them off
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Old 04-22-2016, 07:33 PM   #16
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The geographic distance is irrelevant.
If you have a 100' cord, then the current/energy will travel 100' through that cord.
No matter if there is 50' of the cable coiled up.
It still has to travel the full distance of the extension cord's length.
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Old 04-22-2016, 08:37 PM   #17
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Go minimum 12ga wire for the cord. You have to add the distance from your house panel to the receptacle to the cord length and then the length of your trailer cord when considering voltage drop.

5 amps (600w) load on 14ga only allows a total distance of 134ft before reaching the max 3% voltage drop. With 12ga that increases to 200ft.
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Old 04-23-2016, 07:40 AM   #18
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Really this ?? has a real simple answer. "If all your doing is keeping the battery charged", any typical orange extension will do. Just keep it as short as necessary to reach the nearest outlet. If you might use the RV as a temp mancave when family visits then I would go with something heavier than the 16G we use with the weed eater. I have ran my AC while set up in my brother in laws side yard on a visit a couple years ago. I ran the AC pretty much 24/7 on a 14G 50' orange cord. Not recommended but will work fine in a pinch.

I use the White Hawk several times a year when family and grandkids visit the farm. I installed a 30amp CG type outlet on a 5x5 post behind my house where the TT lives when at home. What you need to do should be based on how you intend to use the setup.
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Old 04-23-2016, 07:44 AM   #19
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I can go with the 50 ft cord to reach the TT but we will be driving over it daily with our vehicles. Is that an issue? Don't forget here guys that even though my username is Lukenick1 I am female. Lol.
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Old 04-23-2016, 08:59 AM   #20
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No, never run over any power cords
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