extension cords
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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Miscellaneous / Off-topic
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=895
Printed Date: 20 May 2025 at 7:21am
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Topic: extension cords
Posted By: yizit
Subject: extension cords
Date Posted: 25 Nov 2009 at 12:21am
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Is there a problem using a 12 gage extension cord in conjunction with the 30 amp cord that comes with the Pod? I'm assuming that running the AC would be out, but running any of the other appliances should be ok. We need more then 60' of cord while park at home.
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Former owner of 2009 172 Darlene & Jim, Ewok our Lhasa Roada our 2004 Roadtrek C190Popular |
Replies:
Posted By: TerryM
Date Posted: 25 Nov 2009 at 2:49am
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If you don't use the AC or the microwave you should be okay. You will have a power loss going that far but I don't know how much. This is just what I THINK. I really don't know. Terry ------------- RP-175 W/Lift Kit 2011 Ford F-150 4X4 Saint Augustine, FL: The first permanent European settlement in the USA: 1565 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 25 Nov 2009 at 7:46am
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Terry is correct. 12 gauge will be fine for charging the battery and running the lights when you are packing for a trip. Voltage drop increases over distance and with higher loads, which is why you don't want to use the A/C or microwave. ------------- 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: 25 Nov 2009 at 12:39pm
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Wow... I guess that things are different all over. In Ontario provincial parks, the power posts are shared between sites and I typically need 50-70' of power cord (sometimes longer, even when strategically parked). I have just over 110' of power cord for the r-pod and occasionally need it all... As a side note for Ontario residents, Campkins in Whitby sells 50' 30amp extension cords for about $70. |
Posted By: yizit
Date Posted: 25 Nov 2009 at 9:48pm
Thanks for the responses. We ended up buying 2 30 amp RV cords, which will give us 90'. I'm assuming we should be ok with running everything with the 3 connected together. We wouldn't be using the mico with AC. But on those hot days (the few we get in WI.. ) we could keep the pod cool while working in there, or if we have overnight guests.
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Former owner of 2009 172 Darlene & Jim, Ewok our Lhasa Roada our 2004 Roadtrek C190Popular |
Posted By: TerryM
Date Posted: 26 Nov 2009 at 12:04am
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Don't be surprised if you can't run the AC. That is a long distance. Terry ------------- RP-175 W/Lift Kit 2011 Ford F-150 4X4 Saint Augustine, FL: The first permanent European settlement in the USA: 1565 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 26 Nov 2009 at 1:05pm
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Its within normal limits, assuming you have 120 volts at the outlet. Over 90 feet with a 13 amp load you'll get a 2.3% drop, or about 117 volts inside the 'pod. Don't use the microwave at the same time, that will drop you into a low-voltage condition. Do you have a 30 amp RV outlet at home? ------------- 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: yizit
Date Posted: 26 Nov 2009 at 11:19pm
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Yes we do have a 30 amp rv outlet. I'll let you know next spring if the AC won't work. It'll be used rarely, we just wanted something with more amps then a heavy duty extension cord. Hopefully, the AC will work. Not concerned about the microwave working. Thanks for the input.
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Former owner of 2009 172 Darlene & Jim, Ewok our Lhasa Roada our 2004 Roadtrek C190Popular |
Posted By: bigcat
Date Posted: 11 Apr 2017 at 8:58pm
What about the fridge? Will cooling the fridge while packing drop the voltage too much? ------------- Big Cat 2017 179 |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 12 Apr 2017 at 6:37am
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The fridge draw on 120V is minimal so no problem there. Don't be mislead by the fact that the A/C turns on and runs. The physics of motors is such that they will keep trying to do their job until they burn up. Measure the voltage at a camper outlet with the A/C running. If it's over 110V your OK. If less than 105V shut it off.
------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: bigcat
Date Posted: 12 Apr 2017 at 7:52am
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Thanks, Charlie. ------------- Big Cat 2017 179 |
Posted By: Ecaspers
Date Posted: 12 Jun 2017 at 1:20pm
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Newbie - and lack of knowledge.... What do I need to do to reset the air conditioner? Turn the circuit breaker on and off in the camper? Would that reset it? Thanks. Newbie ------------- Eileen |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 12 Jun 2017 at 1:27pm
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it has a time delay if shut off unexpectedly. lights working in the camper don't tell us anything, they are 12v. check the breakers in the camper, but usually, they don't trip in series.
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Posted By: Ecaspers
Date Posted: 12 Jun 2017 at 10:08pm
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Thank you. ------------- Eileen |
Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 13 Jun 2017 at 7:46am
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You may need a heavier-duty extension cord. I use a 50' 10-2 with ground. And you need to be plugged in to at least 15amp circuit. 20amps would be better. TT ------------- 2010 176 FJ Cruiser |
Posted By: sailor323
Date Posted: 13 Jun 2017 at 12:01pm
| Yes, a heavier gauge extension cord is best. The inexpensive ones are 14 ga, too small for loads like the AC. If the plug gets hot, the cord is too small. You should have at least a 12 ga cord, 10 ga if the distance is very far |