Getting ready- got question

peskin · 03-21-2011, 08:23 AM

Finally getting ready for a long awaited trip out West. Taking two months off from work to take the Georgetown on a long awaited trip to the North West. Got a question I could use some feedback on. The class A comes with a 25 foot 50 amp cord. I have never needed an extension as of yet. Does anyone really see the need for purchasing an extension cord to take along and if so what size would you suggest? They are pretty pricey.
Thanks in advance for your input!

Paul
2009 Georgetown 374TS
Honda CRV Toad

polkatronron · 03-21-2011, 08:37 AM

No not really. I carry a 12 guage ordinary extension cord and of coarse, make sure you have the adapter to put on the end of your 50 amp cord so you can plug an ordinary extension cord in. At least in a pinch you would have 15 amps which in most cases will run everything you would need in a pinch. Have a great trip.

peskin · 03-21-2011, 08:48 AM

Thanks for your quick response. Have the adapters and a 'Standard" heavy duty 12 guage 50' cord.
Can't wait for the trip!

cfsoistman · 03-21-2011, 09:55 AM

I bought one and have not used it yet while camping. I do use it at home because I haven't moved my 50 amp receptacle box yet. Once I do I'll probably never use it. I did see someone use one at a campground where their 50 amp service was bad and they ran it to another site. Their unit was too large to fit in that space so they just ran the cord there. Paul I envy you, I can't wait to go camping but still have about a month before I go any where. Have a great time and be safe.

Post some pictures for us less fortunate campers.

shabby · 03-21-2011, 10:51 AM

Last year I went to a campground and the way I wanted my TT set up on the lot left me short about 15' so I went out and bought a 25' extension for my 50amp cord and now I don't need to worry about that again. The cord cost about $45-$50. I wouldn't want to use just 15amp service myself especially in the summer when you are using AC and other appliances in your TT. Some people say no but you never know when it will come in handy and really $50 isn't that bad considering what you would pay for just your average extension cord, but it is up to you!!

kenandterry · 03-21-2011, 11:25 AM

If your 50amp cord was too short, a 15amp extension cord won't power all the same things you probably want in your rig. I carry a 15amp extension cord to run direct from the power pedestal anything I don't want/need to go through the breaker panel of the RV for whatever reason. I would purchase a 30amp extension cord for any time you need to extend the BIG power cord. 30amp cords cost less than 50amp per foot too, and there's probably more chance you'd come up short at a park with 30amp service than for the big rigs that really need 50amp service.

frankm · 03-21-2011, 03:11 PM

Hopefully no one will be insulted by this reply so here it goes: a 2009 Georgetown 374TS runs close to $100k, and a 25' 50AMP extension cord is less than $100 (no k!), I forgot the original question.

SaskCampers · 03-21-2011, 03:29 PM

We don't have a MH but do carry a 50' 30Amp (thats all our trailer has). We have not had a reason to use it when at full hookup sites but use it pretty much all the time when boondocking to hook up to the Honda. Now I know MH's have gennies so that use is negated. I would still keep an extra 25 footer with you as you know that Murphy guy is gonna find you one day.

polkatronron · 03-21-2011, 05:18 PM

I agree. I forgot to mention I carry a 30 amp extension as well.

campnqueen · 03-21-2011, 06:28 PM

way to go FrankM! Yep I agaee... we have a 30amp 25' extention cord...haven't had to use it YET...but just in case... and yoah... a 12 gauge extention core may melt if you are using/needing 50amp power... SPEND THE $$$! Cheap insurance!

hoffkm · 03-21-2011, 07:58 PM

We have a 25' 30 amp cord for our 30 amp hookup and use it at least 3-5 times per year. At one of our campgrounds that we frequent each year for the 4th of July (my wife and I first met there while we were in high school on the 4th of July) we tried a different site and needed at least 65' of total cord to get to the power box. Won't be using that site again.

In summary, get the 50 amp cord or you may wish you had. Campgrounds will charge premium $$ to purchase one from them.

peskin · 03-22-2011, 06:48 AM

Frank,
Insulted no! But the question wasn't about money. The question was do I have a need to carry around another item that may never be used. As we all find out as we travel we try and limit our unneeded extra items so as to not exceed our space and weight limits. The weight of a 25' extension cord carried for no reason means I can carry 3 or 4 bottles less of Scotch.

Smokyroo · 03-22-2011, 07:26 AM

Bring an extra cord and perhaps an extra water hose too. I dont use the spare tire very much either...but I am sure glad when I have it. Just say'n... Peskin, we never come close to maxxing out our trailer in regards to weight...man you must bring a ton of scotch!!!!

frankm · 03-22-2011, 07:53 AM

Hello peskin and thanks for not taking my reply the wrong way. Like the subsequent responses, I also agree on preparation being a key to happy camping, and there are a couple of areas (primarily things that would make the DW unhappy!) that I try to cover: those are electricity and water. We usually tend to start our camping trips late afternoons so camp setup is often done after hours, so being sure that I'm ready to handle whatever the campground throws at me is REALLY important. Most other issues can wait until the morning. AND when it comes to electricity NO shortcuts are allowed (you know what I mean).

Happy camping! Oh, one more thing, where do you keep the Scotch?

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