|
|
04-22-2016, 04:26 PM
|
#1
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Springfield
Posts: 341
|
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!
|
|
|
04-22-2016, 04:29 PM
|
#2
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Exeter
Posts: 151
|
I would go with a 12 gauge if I was buying one, but use a 10 gauge because I have it.
__________________
2015 Nissan Frontier SV CC 4WD
2014 Jayco Sport 8
|
|
|
04-22-2016, 04:36 PM
|
#3
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: McKean, PA
Posts: 1,071
|
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.
__________________
2011 Skylark 21FKV
|
|
|
04-22-2016, 04:43 PM
|
#4
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Springfield
Posts: 341
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by us71na
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?
|
|
|
04-22-2016, 04:43 PM
|
#5
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Springfield
Posts: 341
|
Can I use a 16 or 14 gauge?
|
|
|
04-22-2016, 04:44 PM
|
#6
|
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Eatonton
Posts: 305
|
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
|
|
|
04-22-2016, 05:58 PM
|
#7
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Springfield
Posts: 341
|
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.
|
|
|
04-22-2016, 06:28 PM
|
#8
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Sparwood, BC
Posts: 2,800
|
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.
__________________
2014 Ram 1500 CrewCab 4x4 5.7 Hemi 3.92 Rear and Air Lift 1000
2005 Jayco Jay Feather LGT - 29Y GVWR-7000 lbs.
Dexter Axle Lift 4-9/16" - installed with sub-frame.
Pro Series 1200 lbs. WDH with Double Sway Bar.
Champion 3100/2800 watt Inverter/Generator-Onboard Solar Power
|
|
|
04-22-2016, 06:30 PM
|
#9
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Springfield
Posts: 341
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by ALJO
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.
|
|
|
04-22-2016, 06:35 PM
|
#10
|
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Eatonton
Posts: 305
|
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.
|
|
|
04-22-2016, 06:39 PM
|
#11
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Fort Wayne
Posts: 1,271
|
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
__________________
2011 F250 King Ranch Crew Cab Diesel , 2015 Jayco Eagle 338 rets
|
|
|
04-22-2016, 06:50 PM
|
#12
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Springfield
Posts: 341
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by ninjahbob
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?
|
|
|
04-22-2016, 06:53 PM
|
#13
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Springfield
Posts: 341
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Paintinfool3
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?
|
|
|
04-22-2016, 06:56 PM
|
#14
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Sparwood, BC
Posts: 2,800
|
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.
__________________
2014 Ram 1500 CrewCab 4x4 5.7 Hemi 3.92 Rear and Air Lift 1000
2005 Jayco Jay Feather LGT - 29Y GVWR-7000 lbs.
Dexter Axle Lift 4-9/16" - installed with sub-frame.
Pro Series 1200 lbs. WDH with Double Sway Bar.
Champion 3100/2800 watt Inverter/Generator-Onboard Solar Power
|
|
|
04-22-2016, 06:57 PM
|
#15
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Fort Wayne
Posts: 1,271
|
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
__________________
2011 F250 King Ranch Crew Cab Diesel , 2015 Jayco Eagle 338 rets
|
|
|
04-22-2016, 07:33 PM
|
#16
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Abilene
Posts: 579
|
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.
|
|
|
04-22-2016, 08:37 PM
|
#17
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Nanaimo
Posts: 455
|
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.
|
|
|
04-23-2016, 07:40 AM
|
#18
|
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Dale Hollow Lake Tn/Ky
Posts: 2,525
|
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.
|
|
|
04-23-2016, 07:44 AM
|
#19
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Springfield
Posts: 341
|
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.
|
|
|
04-23-2016, 08:59 AM
|
#20
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Exeter
Posts: 151
|
No, never run over any power cords
__________________
2015 Nissan Frontier SV CC 4WD
2014 Jayco Sport 8
|
|
|
|
|
Thread Tools |
Search this Thread |
|
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Threads |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|