Shore Power Extension Cords
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Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2611
Printed Date: 13 May 2024 at 3:33pm
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Topic: Shore Power Extension Cords
Posted By: KayakkrazyUP
Subject: Shore Power Extension Cords
Date Posted: 28 May 2012 at 10:18pm
| Any tips on adding an extension cord to the 25 foot 30 amp cord that came with the pod? |
Replies:
Posted By: Goose
Date Posted: 28 May 2012 at 11:05pm
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I would think that you could make one your self, but you would want to make sure that the wire you used was sized correct for the amps and the extra lenght that you plan to add. Goose ------------- Mother Goose's Caboose..2011 RP171..07 Grand Cherokee 
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Posted By: Seanl
Date Posted: 29 May 2012 at 12:04am
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I made a 25 foot extension cord using 12 gauge wire but that lowers the max current of the line to 15 amps as the cord that comes with the rpod is 25 feet of 12 gauge (I think the rpod cord is 12 gauge because 12 gauge can handle 30 amps on 25 feet) and the extension is 25 feet so total round trip is 100 feet. The max current through 100 feet of 12 gauge wire is 15 amps. I put a 15 amp plug on the end of my extension so that it cannot be used with 30 amp outlet. You could go with 10 gauge wire but that is really hard to handle and I only needed the extension for shore power at home to keep the fridge cold and the battery up. |
Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 29 May 2012 at 2:17am
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12 Gauge is good for 20 amps at 25 0r 150 feet with AC current. My bet is the shore power cord is #10 since it has a 30 amp plug on it. Unless you need a really long cord #10 wire is fine. DC power does loose current rapidly with length so conductors need to be upsized but not AC. In buildings wiring runs can be hundreds of feet long and are not upsized. ------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 29 May 2012 at 9:24am
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If you don't want to build one.. Wallmart has them. So does any RV shop. We carry 1 30' extension cord, and two water hoses. We have been in sites where we needed them.
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Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 29 May 2012 at 9:28am
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I checked this morning with the National Electric Code, and in general I was right last evening. Wire size per amp is determined by the nature of the insulation on the wire, and temprature. It also depends on the number of conductors in a raceway or cable. #10 for 30 amps in a three conductor cable is going to be correct the majority of cases. #12 is good for 20 amps normally. If you are planning to have an extension cord hundreds of feet long the best advice is not to. Keep them as short as you can. This is based on codes in the US. Canada could be different. ------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: Seanl
Date Posted: 29 May 2012 at 10:02am
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You are correct Keith in Canada as well we use 12 gauge for 20 amps, 14 gauge for 15 amps and 10 gauge for 30 by code but I always like to go up one for for stranded wire. I have a skill saw that is supposed to draw 10 amps running and 12 starting but if I run it through 100 feet of 14 gauge wire it will bog down some but not if I use my 100 foot 12 gauge no problems. I guess I am just a little over cautious. You are safe adding 25 or 30 feet of 10 gauge to the Rpod shore power but that will depend on the quality of power at the park. I have checked some places and the voltage unloaded was 112Volts. |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 29 May 2012 at 12:52pm
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I highly recommend buying a 30 foot 30 amp extension cord, and an extra potable water hose. We don't use ours often, but its one of those things that when you need it, you really need it. If you make your own, here is my favorite voltage drop calculator. For AC you want to keep the drop below 5%. http://www.nooutage.com/vdrop.htm - http://www.nooutage.com/vdrop.htm------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: Outbound
Date Posted: 30 May 2012 at 6:06pm
Wow. In addition to the 28' cord that came with the r-pod, I've got a 25' and a 50'. 'Round here I'm always in need of at least one extension cord, if not both. On occasion, I have to re-position the trailer 'cause the 103' won't quite reach. ------------- Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150 |
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 30 May 2012 at 8:19pm
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You guys are costing me a fortune with all of your good ideas. Thanks anyway. Ordered an extension for the RV cord. Safe Travels. ------------- Camper Bob and Camper Sue Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund) 2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod) 2016 Lance 1685 2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 30 May 2012 at 8:39pm
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I was in our local big box lumber yard today and I picked up a 30' for 29 bucks. UL approved and I cant buy the materials to make one for that. The last time we stayed in the campground where we are going this next trip we had to change sites because I didn't have a long enough cable. We will be good to go this time! ------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |