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30 AMP Extension??

Started by debbiedee1957, Oct 11, 2004, 05:44 PM

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debbiedee1957

Can I buy a 30 AMP Extension to allow me to park further from the Elec hookup??

I have a site that I like at Hills Creek SP in PA, but the electric box was placed way in the back of the site, up a hill...obviously a real camper designed this site.  I was able to place the camper close enough for electrical hookup, but I had to have it up on all sorts of blocks to compensate for the uneven pad because it was up the hill.  What an ordeal!

HersheyGirl

Yes, you can buy them.  I have seen them at Home Depot, Lowes, and even Walmart in the RV section.  I have an extention cord and it has come in handy at times.  I know Tracy and Lee have them too, as I have used them:D

debbiedee1957

Great Thanks!

I wasn't sure if you could safely use an extension with 30 AMP, now I know.  I will have to get me one :)


Quote from: HersheyGirlYes, you can buy them.  I have seen them at Home Depot, Lowes, and even Walmart in the RV section.  I have an extention cord and it has come in handy at times.  I know Tracy and Lee have them too, as I have used them:D

Kelly

Quote from: debbiedee1957Can I buy a 30 AMP Extension to allow me to park further from the Elec hookup??

You sure can!   CampingWorld has them, but I'm sure you could find them cheaper some place else.  I think I got mine at Fleet Farm or maybe Northern Tool.  

It's a great thing to keep in your camper ~


topcat7736

I have 2-25' 30amp cords I purchased from Camping World (Kelly's link). But, before you get them there's something to remember. The wires have resistance and the longer the run, the less current they can carry. So, your 50' run of 30 amp wire cable might only let you safely use 15-20 amps! Use the following links to play with the numbers yourself before purchasing any of the cords.

Compute cable size from power requirements

tlhdoc

The extension cord I bought from my dealer has heavier wire than the 30 amp cords they sell at Wal-Mart.  On our group trip last weekend MTNDAVE was down the hill from the rest of us.  He had electric, but we didn't.  We kept talking about running power up the hill for the rest of us. :yikes:

bearbait

I agree with Tracy,  the cords that large discounters sell are not of the same quality as the one I have from my dealer.  It's the wire guage that is as equally important as the correct male/female plugs on each end.  The lower the number guage wire the cable is made of,  the more amps you are going to be able to safely get to your camper (this is exactly what Topcat is talking about).  So for instance a cable made with 8 guage wire inside is much better than one made with 10 or 12 guage wire.  Cheaper is not always better,  and as Topcat said,  when you start stretching your cords out to 50 feet and beyond,  your going to appreciate the extra money you spend up front as your going to have more usable electricty at the trailer.

 
One other note to keep in mind,  when you purchase a cord such as this,  your going to be able to utilize it if you decide in the future to get a TT or larger unit.  So it certainly is not a pop up specific purchase,  but an investment in all your future camping adventures.

debbiedee1957

What do you think of this one on ebay?  I emailed the seller about the gauge wire.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2493787534&fromMakeTrack=true

bearbait

Wait for the seller to return an email with the wire guage this one is made of.  In the meantime, go to an RV dealer (or call,  they might give you the price right over the phone) and price a 25 foot cord and if the wire guage is the same,  bid accordingly. That 8.50 shipping might be a deal breaker if this cord goes a bit too high and wouldn't be worth it.  Your going to have to do a little research,  but knowledge is power whenever you buy things on ebay.

debbiedee1957

Thanks for the advice...I will check it out.

Quote from: bearbaitWait for the seller to return an email with the wire guage this one is made of.  In the meantime, go to an RV dealer (or call,  they might give you the price right over the phone) and price a 25 foot cord and if the wire guage is the same,  bid accordingly. That 8.50 shipping might be a deal breaker if this cord goes a bit too high and wouldn't be worth it.  Your going to have to do a little research,  but knowledge is power whenever you buy things on ebay.

tlhdoc

I paid under $30 for my extension cord at Rhone's Travel Trailers near Williamsport.  I remember it was less than the cord at Wally World. :)