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Old 05-28-2014, 10:59 PM   #1
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How long an extension cord?

We just picked up our first travel trailer (Viking 17 BH) and need to purchase a 30 amp extension cord. Generally, is a 25' cord long enough or would it be smarter to get a 50' cord?
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Old 05-28-2014, 11:05 PM   #2
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I figured the 50 was cheaper than buying two 25s, so I went with a single 50. That way, if I need it, I've got it, but if I didn't I could just throw the excess slack under the rig. So far, I've only ever needed it once, when I was in a provincial park where the power pedestal was on the opposite side of the site from where the parking pad was. That one time, I would have needed more than a single 25 so I was glad for the 50.
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Old 05-28-2014, 11:15 PM   #3
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Mine came with a 25ft , I bought another 25ft just in case. Would be awful if you couldn't connect to power! I always say "safe before sorry"
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Old 05-28-2014, 11:31 PM   #4
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I'd rather fight one 25' snake at a time. You only need the second one maybe 10% of the time at the most.
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Old 05-29-2014, 01:05 AM   #5
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My trailer came with a 30 foot cord, I bought 25 more feet to be sure.
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Old 05-29-2014, 04:30 AM   #6
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I went with the 50 foot extension cord & I stood in that isle for about 15 minutes trying to figure it out which one, I ended up taking the advise of the salesperson. As it turns out, the 25 foot one would have worked just fine... "Live & Learn"
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Old 05-29-2014, 07:59 AM   #7
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I just have the one that came with the camper and never had to use any kind of extension.

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Old 05-29-2014, 08:05 AM   #8
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We also just have the 25' cord that came with the camper. Only once have we needed more - and for that I have a heavy duty 20 amp extension cord I bought years ago for our old popup. We typically don't need AC so in a pinch, I just use the 20 amp plug - same as when plugged in at home. Won't run the AC and if the WH is on electric and we run the microwave at the same time, it will trip the breaker. But, in a pinch, its fine. Its not common that you need more than 25 ft.
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Old 05-29-2014, 08:05 AM   #9
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I must be camping in the wrong places, because at least half the time I hook up, the 25' (or maybe it's 30') cord I have is 5-10' too short. Will be picking up a second one soon enough.
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Old 05-29-2014, 08:26 AM   #10
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Have a 25' extension cord. Had to use it a couple of times when the 25' or 30' cord that came with TT was a few feet short.
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Old 05-29-2014, 08:27 AM   #11
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Bought the 50' and have had to use it a couple of times in the last 8 yrs. Better to have too much cable than to have a 25' extension and still be about 3-4' short. Once the 50' is purchased, it doesn't cost anything to store.
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Old 05-29-2014, 05:23 PM   #12
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If I need more than 55 feet of power cord I would just plug in to the generator.
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Old 05-29-2014, 05:31 PM   #13
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I carry 2 - 25 foot extension cords. No sense losing any more voltage than necessary to get power to the camper. I camp at 2 places where a 100 foot extension is needed and only pack it when going there. AC usage can be a problem due to voltage drop in that long a run.

Watch your voltage on AC start up.
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