Plugging RV into house outlet

[jeff64]

I've always found it a great idea to run your hand over the entire connection from the TT to the outlet and check for a cord getting warm to the touch. Especially around those 15a to 30A dogbones. That spells Trouble anywhere you feel the heat! And the rest of the advise in this thread is pretty right on.

[Coquilleguy]

You are spot on. If you need it and you don't have it, things get dark, quiet and warm/cold; especially the wife. I highly recommend both 25 ft. additions.

[chuckstaubus]

Originally Posted by rjshiflet

X2...almost!

When we bought our previous fifth wheel on our first trip out the cord was about 5' short. No way to move the camper to make it work, so we drove to a nearby CW and bought a 25' 50-Amp extension. Used it all week - stored it and carried it for the next four years before I decided we'd never use it again.

It is now in my shop (anybody need a good 50-amp extension cord??) and it was a very expensive one-time-use-addition.

Rjshiflit---knowing that shipping could be an issue, I might be interested in buying your 25' cord.

[DouglasReid]

Originally Posted by rjshiflet

X2...almost!

When we bought our previous fifth wheel on our first trip out the cord was about 5' short. No way to move the camper to make it work, so we drove to a nearby CW and bought a 25' 50-Amp extension. Used it all week - stored it and carried it for the next four years before I decided we'd never use it again.

It is now in my shop (anybody need a good 50-amp extension cord??) and it was a very expensive one-time-use-addition.

X2...........Still have it, and the original 50' extension even though we now have a new unit that needs 50A.

[chuckstaubus]

Originally Posted by DouglasReid

X2...........Still have it, and the original 50' extension even though we now have a new unit that needs 50A.

A 25 footer is what I need. Let's make a deal.

[TitanMike]

As others said, the house outlet will be the weak link. My outdoor outlets are merely connected to the same circuit that provides outlets inside the house. They're designed to plug in an electric weed-whacker or shop vac to clean out your car.

Regardless, if you plan on using one and need an extension, build one out of 10/3 SJOOW powwer cord from Home Depot, Lowes, etc.

Use the 30 amp RV receptical and plug on each end (the receptical may have to be mounted in an electrical box as I don't think they make a cord end with that configuration.

I built one 40' long as I also use it to power my house from my portable generator when the wind blows strong enough to cut power.

40 feet may seem long but my experience has been that power outlets are all too often just a few feet away from whatever you have, main cord plus any extension you might be carrying.

I have run my A/C on the end of this extension cord and the only issue was the receptical on the house heating up. I replaced it with a "Hospital Grade" receptical and the heating went away. It is a good idea to make sure the batteries have charged before running the A/C. That extra draw may trip the breaker in the house.

[BillyBass]

Just go to wal mart and buy another rv cord they cost about 50.00.there 25 ft long

[B and B]

I have a 30 amp twist lock on the side of my garage for trailer packing and maintenance. This is the same twist lock on my Generator. I have a 40 ft twist to 30 amp to use with these two hook ups. The SOB has 50 amp, the cord reel has 35 ft and I also have 30 ft 50 amp extension. Last trip I used all of it at our site. I also have a dual 30 amp to 50 amp progressive splitter and 2 50 ft 30 amp extensions two. All bases covered.

[mbbutler]

Be certain to check your breaker amp rating. You state 15amp outlet, but most states building codes require 20amp 12ga for outlets and 15amp 14ga for lights.

[dbledan]

I bought the extension to use when at home. I have used at one campground so far and one bbq. I converted a 30amp 220 outlet by rewiring it in the garage to be 120 30amp as my 15 was tripping the breaker too often.

You will need to make sure that there is nothing else plugged into that circuit (flip the breaker and you will know what else is there) if you want to run anything large in the trailer. A fridge in the garage could trip 15 amps if you have that and the converter alone running depending on the age of the fridge. That was my issue until I fixed it.

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by mbbutler

Be certain to check your breaker amp rating. You state 15amp outlet, but most states building codes require 20amp 12ga for outlets and 15amp 14ga for lights.

Code allows both lights and outlets on 14 ga, 15 amp circuits, it just limits the total number (of all combined) to less than what's allowed on a 12 ga, 20 amp circuit.