30 Amp extension cable failure

[billkaz]

After 3 trips in 2 months had a failure of a new 30A extension cable while camping. It worked for 2 days running the ac & then mysteriously quit. Had an electrician call ($$) to diagnose the outage before the problem was identified.

Has anyone else experienced this problem with a cable? Golly, how much can go wrong with something so simple?

[TURBS]

Take the cord back to where you bought it and get a new one.
Btw why did you buy a new cord to begin with?


2015 Columbus 320RS
2008 2500HD Duramax
2015 nights camped "34"
2016 nights camped "10"

[AquaMan]

Loose connections cause heat, which can cause the connections in a plug to come undone. Is this an extension added to your regular power cord?

[youroo]

Aqua is on it,Main power cord was prob "Burnt" causing Heat build up! Youroo!!

[Mr Havercamp]

Originally Posted by AquaMan

Loose connections cause heat, which can cause the connections in a plug to come undone. Is this an extension added to your regular power cord?

Exactly

Most likely burnt where the wire is soldered to the brass prong or lug inside the molded plugs. Get some replacement Camco power grip ends and fix the cord?

They solder the connection in those molded plugs. When you have a loose connection at the pedestal and the cord end heats up, the first to thing to fail is one of those soldered joints.

I doubt you burnt a wire in the middle of the cord somewhere.

[Bama Rambler]

I hate those molded on ends. About the first thing I do when getting a new RV or cord is to replace the molded on ends with aftermarket ends.

I also carry a 50A male-30A female dogbone adapter, and if the 30 amp plug looks abused or if when I plug the cord into it, it isn't good and tight, I use the 50A>30A dogbone.

[Mr Havercamp]

Originally Posted by Bama Rambler

I hate those molded on ends.

Me too

I have 3 or 4 30 amp cords that started out as 30' and are now all 28' or so.

[billkaz]

That computes, soldered connection failing. Have made an exchange for a new cord, will watch this one closely.
Thanks for all the replies

[TURBS]

How long is your normal cord?
How long is ext cord?


2015 Columbus 320RS
2008 2500HD Duramax
2015 nights camped "34"
2016 nights camped "10"

[billkaz]

The trailer cord is about 20' & the extension is 30'

[TURBS]

In a cg with low voltage could cause your problem with that long of a run possibly up to 2 or 3 volts with a 20 amp draw.


2015 Columbus 320RS
2008 2500HD Duramax
2015 nights camped "34"
2016 nights camped "10"

[johng4706]

Do you have a surge protector? On my new trailer, I cut my original power cord that was stuffed into a "rat" hole and installed the hard wired Progressive Industries 30 amp surge protector with wall indicator and installed the Marinco power disconnects.

Protects my trailer and I can inspect the ends. I also bought a Marinco power cord with molded ends that I always start off with. I took my original 30 ft cut off power cord, installed a 30 amp female plug and have a 28 ft extension cord to use when I need a little longer.

[billkaz]

No surge protector
From previous comments I'll be watching the connectors. Until then, if it ain't broke, don't worry.

[waiter21]

The cause could also have been a bad receptacle that you were plugged into.

If the connections are loose or worn in the receptacle, it won't make a good connection with your plug. Heat can build up, and damage your plug.

When I plug into a 30 amp pedestal, if the receptacle seems loose, I'll use my 50 amp adapter and plug into the 50 amps (if there is one). Generally, the 50 amp receptacles get less use and are in better condition than the 30 amp receptacle.

[billkaz]

Thanks for that suggestion