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Old 02-17-2015, 09:09 PM   #1
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Buying new power cord. What length to get?

Well, I knew we would end up having to buy a new power cord when the dealer we bought it from could not "find" the cord for the camper we bought. He strung us along for about 3 weeks saying he was going to look for it. My husband called last week for the 20th time and was told he was no longer working there. He sold out the business to his partner and knew when he was no longer going to be there so he wouldn't be the one to have to deal with us anymore or buy us a new cord. So we are looking to buy a cord very soon. We aren't sure whether to get a 25' or 50'. What would you guys suggest? In a way, we are leaning towards a 50' since we wouldn't want to be stuck in a campground where we wouldn't be able to reach the hookups but don't know if 50' would be overkill. Our plug-in for the camper is in about the middle of the camper, not towards the back.
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Old 02-17-2015, 09:18 PM   #2
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You can always coil up excess but you can't stretch cord when you don't have enough, go for the 50 ft.
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Old 02-17-2015, 09:19 PM   #3
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Well, I knew we would end up having to buy a new power cord when the dealer we bought it from could not "find" the cord for the camper we bought. He strung us along for about 3 weeks saying he was going to look for it. My husband called last week for the 20th time and was told he was no longer working there. He sold out the business to his partner and knew when he was no longer going to be there so he wouldn't be the one to have to deal with us anymore or buy us a new cord. So we are looking to buy a cord very soon. We aren't sure whether to get a 25' or 50'. What would you guys suggest? In a way, we are leaning towards a 50' since we wouldn't want to be stuck in a campground where we wouldn't be able to reach the hookups but don't know if 50' would be overkill. Our plug-in for the camper is in about the middle of the camper, not towards the back.
I always carried a 25' with a 25' extension. My extension was really my original old cord that had a damaged end and I replaced it and made it an extension.

With two you only use what you need.
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Old 02-17-2015, 09:24 PM   #4
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I would go back to the dealer - have a polite but firm conversation with the "partner" and explain the situation. The partner was part owner of the business when the promise was made, and he should honor the commitment. IF he chooses not to give you a cord, then I would wait for the first really nice busy Saturday and make a huge spectacle in front of a lot of potential customers.

As far as which cord to buy, why not get two 25 foot cords. You may never need the second one, but if you do.......
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Old 02-17-2015, 09:25 PM   #5
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I always carried a 25' with a 25' extension. My extension was really my original my old cord that had a damaged end and I replaced it and made it an extension.

With two you only use what you need.
I agree with this! Buy (2) 25' cords! PS Live & Learn! Youroo!!
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Old 02-17-2015, 09:34 PM   #6
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Buy the 50' and a 25'. Over the 50 plus yrs I've been camping, I have found I have needed both. I also carry a 50' extension I've used once or twice to get the full 125'. Don't like it, but sometimes you just have to make do when the conditions warrant.
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Old 02-17-2015, 10:26 PM   #7
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X2on2 25 footers
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Old 02-17-2015, 10:49 PM   #8
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Our Flagstaff came with a 25 and we got a 30 foot extension, never needed more than that, plus weight would eventually be an issue, 30 feet of 30 amp extension cord is not lite and when added to everything else you carry does not take long to get to your carrying capacity. Even worse if into 50 amp cables, those things weigh a ton. My bigger concern was water hoses, one CG we were 6 inches short and had to re-hook the TT up and move over a foot to hook up water. Never a bad thing to have more than you think you need...just watch the weight creep.

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Old 02-17-2015, 10:58 PM   #9
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If you have a 30 amp hook up 25' and 50' are ok, but if you
have 50 amp stay with 25' cables. The 50 amp suckers get heavy and stiff.
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Old 02-17-2015, 11:18 PM   #10
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Were I camp I usually need 100 ft minimum. I have 135 feet on board. The resistance gets up there at that length. Keep this in mind and turn off unessary loads to prevent overcorrect and burned ends.
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Old 02-18-2015, 02:17 AM   #11
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I was told by an old camper guy years ago when we first got into camping to"Always carry at least 100' of cord with you"so I carry 2-50' and a 25',this way I can mix and match to what I need.
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Old 02-18-2015, 07:38 AM   #12
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I carry a 50' and two 25' cords
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Old 02-18-2015, 08:09 AM   #13
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The first cord plugs into trailer should be 25 Ft.
Any other cord should be an extension cord 25ft.
Depends on where you camp but in most cases these two cords should be enough.
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Old 02-18-2015, 08:19 AM   #14
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I firmly agree with the majority here.
2 25 footers are more convenient than a single 50.
Most of the time we are ok with just 25.
I rarely need the extra 25 but have used it on occasion and was
glad to have it. It's also easier to dry and coil up and stow a shorter
cord.

I also have a 14 ga 30' regular end extension cord that I have never used.
I could use it with the adapter in a pinch. I wouldn't run the air conditioner
but it would be fine for lights and battery charging and TV.
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Old 02-18-2015, 10:33 AM   #15
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Just remember the longer the cord the more line loss. You always want to use the least amount of cord possible. Low amperage is murder on electronics, a/c, microwave, etc. Better off with several shorter cords than a real long one, just use what you need.
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Old 02-18-2015, 10:52 AM   #16
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The Dealer owes you the cord that should have came with the unit. It should be 25-30 foot long. Get that first. The go to wally world and get a 25-30 foot (30amp or 50 amp what ever your unit is) cord for when you need the extra length. this is what I have.
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Old 02-18-2015, 11:10 AM   #17
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You guys are all making me nervous...with my single 25 (or maybe 30?) foot cord. I've used ALL of it a time or two, but have yet to find the need for a run to the camp store (or further) for an extension. I'm sure that day will come though.
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Old 02-18-2015, 11:22 AM   #18
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I use the 50' cord alot while boondocking to get gennie away from camper.
But I have been at a few sites where the plug was just to far to manage.
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Old 02-18-2015, 11:23 AM   #19
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You guys are all making me nervous...with my single 25 (or maybe 30?) foot cord. I've used ALL of it a time or two, but have yet to find the need for a run to the camp store (or further) for an extension. I'm sure that day will come though.
I wouldn't worry about it. It's kind of a belt and suspender mentality that I suffer from to a degree. it makes me prepare for ever possible scenario. I takes up storage space and adds weight. I'm camping right now, my extension cord is in my garage.

Three must have things to carry with you: WD40, Duct Tape, and a toilet valve.
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Old 02-18-2015, 11:36 AM   #20
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I wouldn't worry about it. It's kind of a belt and suspender mentality that I suffer from to a degree. it makes me prepare for ever possible scenario. I takes up storage space and adds weight. I'm camping right now, my extension cord is in my garage.

Three must have things to carry with you: WD40, Duct Tape, and a toilet valve.
And a multimeter. .... Jus sayin
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