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03-26-2003, 03:03 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
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Power cords
I'm interested in what power cords people carry? Is the 30 amp standard cord enough? Does any carry and use a 30 amp extension or carry heavy 15 amp cords and an adapter?
Thanks
Bill
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03-26-2003, 03:21 PM
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#2
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Hi Bill!
Hey, this was discussed a while back:
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/board/read.php...85&page=1#12259
But essentially, a light duty typical garden extension cord isn't heavy duty enough.
They make and sell a 30 amp extension cord at Camping World, etc. But as long as you don't use a lot of high electrical appliances at the same time, a contractor's heavy-duty "yellow jacket" should suffice.
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03-26-2003, 03:31 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
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power cords
98% of the time you'll do just fine with the standard cord.
But guys tend to be equipment freaks, so...........:E :E
=========
I've carried (and used) an extra 25' 30amp cord and a 60' 12ga cord, but could've gotten along fine without em. :)
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On second thought, both cords paid for themselves on ONE particular week in Florida. If you think you might be camping in 'unusual' places, it's good to be prepared.
- Good idea to carry an extra 30/15amp adapter (wal-mart has em) -
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03-26-2003, 04:03 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
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Cords
Thanks! Somehow I missed that earlier thread? I'm trying not to carry too much stuff but maybe just a 25' 30 amp and 12 ga (and adapter)............to start with :)
Thanks again.
Bill
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03-26-2003, 05:09 PM
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#5
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Gee Whiz, I just love you power hogs! I ditched my 30amp cord along with my converter and made a short 120VAC pigtail from the breaker box to the hull hatch. Then I just use a 12g 120VAC extension cord from there (extension cord is also good for extending 120VAC from inverter in truckto run computer; easier to recharge truck battery if trailer happens to be disconnected). I just couldn't see carrying around all that extra weight ('course, I don't have a/c or a reefer...).
Pete and Rats
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03-26-2003, 05:26 PM
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#6
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15 amps
I run everything on a 15 amp outlet. In fact, I didn't like the heavy 30 amp cord on my Scamp, so I installed a 15 amp power "inlet" in my cable hatch. I routinely run my roof air conditioner or 1500 watt heater with this configuration.
Read all about it on my web site under "modifications and repairs". :sporty
Oh yeah - I carry two cords; a 50 foot 16 gauge extension cord, and a 6 foot 16 gauge extension cord.
-- Dan Meyer
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03-26-2003, 10:44 PM
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#7
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Electrical
I carry a 30ft 10ga 20amp from Wal-mart. Less than $30.
Ron
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03-27-2003, 12:13 AM
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#8
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My 30 amp cord and length is just fine, must be at least 25 feet and lots of insulation.
If you buy an extension make sure it's at least 16 gauge. Throw the 18 in the garbage.
If you really want a cord to go the distance and still remain reasonable in price - try a 14/3 SO or SOW type cabtire (trade name for extension cord).
O= Oil W=Water
If the cord has a J in it.....it's bottom end and you'll likely replace it soon enough. EG: SJ ot SJTOW, skip it.
Hope this helps. :)
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03-27-2003, 10:13 AM
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#9
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J
Thanks, never knew there were codes. I guess the J stands for Junk:omy
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03-27-2003, 11:20 AM
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#10
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A neat extension cord feature
Oh yeah, forgot to mention what I like best about this cord.
The male plug and the female 3 way block at the other end GLOW when power is present.
This came from Sams Club, 12ga 'STJW', stays limber in cold weather, not rated for oil but I find it suitable for camping. :)
,<img src=http://www.fiberglassrv.com/board/uploads/3e8332518f080Casita elect ext cord.JPG/>
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03-27-2003, 11:30 AM
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#11
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Senior Member
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SJ, SJO, and SJTW, are considered light duty cables. If I'm not mistaken SJTW is on your electric lawnmower in a 16 or 18 gauge.
S, SO and SOW are considered heavy duty cables. The are also HEAVY, but they will last a lot, lot, longer. They also cost more.
:)
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03-27-2003, 05:51 PM
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#12
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My Spare Cable reads STW 600volts.Going to put new hardware on ends.
<img src=http://www.fiberglassrv.com/board/uploads/3e8390347f790c1.jpg/>
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03-28-2003, 08:53 AM
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#13
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You mean I have to read the cable, not just get a 16 or 14 or what ever? Well crud. I just bought some. I don't know what letters they have!! (whine) but they work great. :) I'll just keep them out of the oil and soil/sludge/suet (the S, right?) I keep the ends out of the rain, so they have already been wet everywhere else, so if there is no W we are out of luck already. instructions 101 read cord lables. no make that cable lable...that rymes :)
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03-28-2003, 09:59 AM
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#14
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Senior Member
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any of those cables are fine outdoors. Some just last alot longer than others. The letters basically refer to the insulation thickness, composition and recommended usage.....etc
I run a 100 foot 14/3 SOW-A to my TT. This cord has been sitting outside for over 9 years and still looks brand new.
You can buy the better yellow cables, not the "lawnmower grade" (yellow normally refers to marine grade), but they hurt the pocket book and tend to get legs like those honda generators.
If anyone cares - phone up your local electrical wholesale supply house and ask for pricing. (Buy your cord ends there also) Usually sold in 75m reels (250 ft). Sometimes they buy it on much larger rolls and will cut to suit your required length. We call it cabtire here - not sure what our friends to the south call it. Retail markup is killer.
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03-28-2003, 10:16 AM
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#15
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Senior Member
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Oh
Quote:
(yellow normally refers to marine grade),
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well of course I bought yellow. no other color would I let Buttercup carry.
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