Making 2 50 amp Electrical Cords from 1

[dkvoelter]

I have a 36' 50 amp cord for my 2015 Columbus and it gets heavier as I get older. I'm considering cutting the cord at 11' from the male plug and adding the proper plugs/connectors at each of the cut ends giving me a 25' cord and an 11' foot cord. I would use the 25' most of the time but would then plug them together when I need a cord longer than 25'. Will this work? Or will it reduce the power going thru the two connected cords too much? Thanks for your responses. Dr. V

[crunchman12001]

There will be no problem doing what you need to make the cords shorter. Get high quality, waterproof end plugs.

[elind]

In my option this should work. The longer the cord the (after 36') there will be a voltage drop. But being two cords were one, it shouldn't change the voltage drop. Just make sure you use quality plugs when cutting the cord.

[formerFR]

no problem, and you're very SMART to think of it - there's no need many times for such lengthy heavy cords when you don't need them. Plus, having more than one cord gives you more flexibility - and connectors don't impact your power flow, so the more the merrier!

(I have several myself for the same reasons, though the 50a size cords are the 'hardest' to handle... 30a cords are much more flexible...)

[spock123]

Why not put in a electric cord reel, then you could stop having to mess with a heavy cable

[dkvoelter]

Does putting it on a reel make it lighter?

[OntarioFireFighter]

You may find the ends a bit difficult to put on...

A 50A cord will (typically) be 6/4 or 6/3+8/1 SJ cable - that can be a pretty stiff jacket, and if you're not familiar with stripping and prep'ing that type and size of cable; putting the ends on can be a challenge.

There also will be a (slight) increase in resistance, from the connections and terminations - but shouldn't be enough to be an issue; assuming everything's properly done.

That said - if you have some patience, and are comfortable working with cable and connectors; there's no reason why not!

[D_B Travelers]

Originally Posted by dkvoelter

Does putting it on a reel make it lighter?

Not lighter, but way easier than coiling it up! I have a hand cranked reel on my cord and it is so much better than trying to coil up 25' of stiff cord when it is cold outside, or wet, or muddy...

[JP Camper]

Originally Posted by dkvoelter

Does putting it on a reel make it lighter?

It makes you spend big dollars for something you do not need, stick with your original plan. The cost of a reel amounts to several nights at a campground. JMHO

[Goferbroke]

I did this exact thing about a year ago and have never had a problem. I now have a 25' cord with an 11' extension. MUCH easier to handle. Cost was about $30 total and an hour of my time. These are the plugs I used.
https://www.amazon.com/Camco-55255-P...placement+plug
https://www.amazon.com/Camco-55353-F...placement+plug

[palmetto rogue]

I bought a 25ft 30 amp cord and an 50/30 adapter to plug into the trailer and use this instead of the 50 amp cord that is on a reel. I seldom need 50 amps and use the 30 amp cord all the time plus I now have an extension cord which I have needed several times.

[Haul-a-Fifth]

I purchased a air hose reel from Harbor Freight for less than $20 and wind my 50-amp 36 ft long cord on it with no problem and saved a ton of money.

[dkvoelter]

Thank you all! I just ordered the same two plugs that were suggested. I too think it is a good plan. Dr. V

[dkvoelter]

I roll up my cord in a galvanized bucket, a foot tub. Works great.

[Davidg]

Anytime you have two or more extension cords connected, especially in the weather with high current draw, I always check the connections occasionally for high temps. If the connector<s> are warm, that's telling you there is a voltage drop across that connection. Not something to obsess over, but certainly a good thing to check.

[Jeff_and_Abby]

Jeff the sound dude, says you are doing absolutely the correct thing. You are starting with a proper gauge cord for the 36-foot length, so no issues with the combined length. Most of the time you will likely only use the appropriate length cord, so you are actually ahead of the game, using an appropriately shorter cord, hence less voltage drop and heat than the original full length. As mentoned before, use high quality connectors and follow the install instructions, most UL/NEMA connectors are packaged with their specific instructions, if not just look up on web.

When we dis-assembled our previous TC, one of the "salvage" items was the original 30-Amp power feed. Cut it down to about 17 feet and use it as a "shortie" whenever we can, instead of our full-length that came with the trailer.

[Jeff_and_Abby]

Sorry, couldn't resist ....

[DouglasReid]

Originally Posted by formerFR

no problem, and you're very SMART to think of it - there's no need many times for such lengthy heavy cords when you don't need them. Plus, having more than one cord gives you more flexibility - and connectors don't impact your power flow, so the more the merrier!

(I have several myself for the same reasons, though the 50a size cords are the 'hardest' to handle... 30a cords are much more flexible...)

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