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07-06-2022, 01:39 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2022
Posts: 3
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plugging in at home
is it ok to plug in at home using an extension cord and the pig tail just overnight to keep the batteries charged?
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07-06-2022, 01:40 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Catonsville Maryland
Posts: 1,848
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i keep mine plugged in at home all the time. keeps the fridge cold.
__________________
HTT: "EscapeII" 2016 Shamrock 23WS (current)
PUP: "Escape" 2010 Rockwood HW 277 (gone)
TV: "Bruce" 2011 Dodge Durango V8 Hemi Crew
Just us gals (me, Sis and our daughters)
We spend alot of money to go sit in the woods
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07-06-2022, 01:41 PM
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#3
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Part-Time Campground Host
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: Upstate NY
Posts: 2,309
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No problem at all. Just don't try to run a bunch of 120 volt stuff on what probably is a 20 amp circuit.
__________________
Craig & Cath
2018 2902WS Rockwood Ultra Lite (with tons of Mods)
2022 F250 Lariat Super Cab, 7.3 gas w/10 Spd Xmsn
Equalizer Hitch w/4-Point Sway Control
Days camped since 2015(retirement): 1272
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07-06-2022, 01:50 PM
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#4
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Site Team
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Northeast Louisiana
Posts: 29,572
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kccycle2003
is it ok to plug in at home using an extension cord and the pig tail just overnight to keep the batteries charged?
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Just to be sure, what exactly are you calling a pigtail? We need to make positive this is an "adapter".
__________________
 2011 Flagstaff 831 RLBSS
I'd appreciate receiving junk mail far more if it actually came with pieces of junk.
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07-06-2022, 02:10 PM
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#5
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Pickin', Campin', Mason
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: South Western PA
Posts: 16,062
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wmtire
Just to be sure, what exactly are you calling a pigtail? We need to make positive this is an "adapter".
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X2... and that it is proper voltage for your R/V.
DO NOT plug into an old dryer, welding, stove or air compressor outlet.
And be sure the extension cord is rated for whatever size outlet you are plugging in to. (15a - 20a)
Home electric is no different than campground electric. Many folks think the campground pedestal has some magical kind of R/V electricity.
__________________
_________________________________________
2016 Flagstaff 8529IKBS Diamond Package 5th Wheel•Goodyear Endurance Tires•2017 Ford F-Series SCREW 4x4•Factory Puck•B&W Companion•TST Tire Monitor w/Repeater•Sinemate 3500w Gen.
F&AM Lodge 358 Somerset, PA - JAFFA Shrine - Altoona, PA
Days Camped: '17=38 ☼ '18=49 ☼ '19=58 ☼ '20=110 ☼ '21=116 ☼ '22=90
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07-06-2022, 02:17 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: Saint Cloud, Florida
Posts: 350
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Be sure to use the proper extension cord, or you may end up with something like this. (Not mine; saw this on an FB page)
__________________
2018 Georgetown XL 377TS
2020 Jeep Gladiator "Toad"
CAMPING - When you walk the dog in your pajamas with a cup of coffee in one hand and a bag of dog poop in the other while striking up a conversation with total strangers.
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07-06-2022, 04:16 PM
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#7
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2019
Posts: 6
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plug in from home
Hi I have a 2017 Class C Coachman Leprauchan and I had a 30amp plug installed and whenever I am home, I usually keep my RV plugged in; especially in the summer to keep the refrigerator cold and I don't have to keep moving food around.
I also use a trickle charger for my cab battery during the winter, because I can plug it into the plug behind the truck seats and it keeps my cab battery healthy.
Barbara
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07-06-2022, 04:30 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: TEXAS
Posts: 6,182
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 5picker
DO NOT plug into an old dryer, welding, stove or air compressor outlet.
And be sure the extension cord is rated for whatever size outlet you are plugging in to. (15a - 20a)
Home electric is no different than campground electric. Many folks think the campground pedestal has some magical kind of R/V electricity.
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^^^^x2. We used to plug our tt into the house electric the night before to get the fridge cold. Works for the batteries too.
__________________
2015 Dynamax REV 24TB class C
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07-06-2022, 04:58 PM
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#9
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: Encinitas
Posts: 22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kccycle2003
is it ok to plug in at home using an extension cord and the pig tail just overnight to keep the batteries charged?
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I use a trickle charger to keep the battery charged up when my trailer is in my driveway. The day before we leave, I connect the trailer power cord to a dog leg extension (short) so I can run an extension cord to my 20 amp garage receptacle. Then I can use check operation of electrical appliances, the a/c, the awning, cool down the fridge, raise and lower the power tongue lift on my slanted driveway to connect to my tow vehicle without the fear of running down the trailer battery.
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07-06-2022, 05:24 PM
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#10
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2021
Location: Maine
Posts: 10
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plug in at home
those cords in the picture posted look like the heavy duty that come with campers. Any explanation on why they burnt??
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07-06-2022, 05:49 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Michigan
Posts: 430
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plugging in at home
I installed a 30 amp RV plug on the side of my detached garage so I can keep it plugged in all the time.
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07-06-2022, 08:44 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Baraboo, WI
Posts: 528
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I keep my TT plugged in whenever it is at home with a 12ga cord on a 20 amp circuit. I rely on my PD converter to cycle my batteries. The batteries have not been out in the 5 years I have owned the unit. I check the water level a couple of times a summer.
The batteries stay in all winter long no matter how cold it gets (and it has been down to -30F a couple of times.
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07-06-2022, 09:02 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: Saint Cloud, Florida
Posts: 350
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fishinfellow
those cords in the picture posted look like the heavy duty that come with campers. Any explanation on why they burnt??
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One cord, the one with the red plug, is the RV's 30 amp cord. The other is an extension that the owner had replaced the female end on. Apparently there was arcing from a loose connection that caused burning of cable ends. Fortunately, they were in a campground and their "next door neighbors" alerted them to the situation.
Moral of the story: Sometimes replacement is wiser than DIY electrical repairs!
__________________
2018 Georgetown XL 377TS
2020 Jeep Gladiator "Toad"
CAMPING - When you walk the dog in your pajamas with a cup of coffee in one hand and a bag of dog poop in the other while striking up a conversation with total strangers.
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07-06-2022, 09:23 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Florida
Posts: 474
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I had a 50A RV plug for our MH installed when we built our current retirement so we can run everything if we're prepping for a trip or I'm doing some work inside since Florida's heat and humidity are stifling and not just during the summer either.
__________________
Dana & Terri - (Retired) 
Our Cocker Spaniel "Shadow" (6 y/o)
Stephanie (daughter)/Rick/Callie (14 y/o)
Great Granddaughter - Cora (2 y/o)
Great Grandson - Zek (1 y/o)
Phillip (son)/Charlotte (6 y/o)
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07-06-2022, 09:51 PM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: TEXAS
Posts: 6,182
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kccycle2003
is it ok to plug in at home using an extension cord and the pig tail just overnight to keep the batteries charged?
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Just to be clear.... you need one of these if your rig is 30amp. They make them for 50 amp also. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Of course, we don't know what rig you have so we really don't know what to recommend.
__________________
2015 Dynamax REV 24TB class C
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07-06-2022, 10:10 PM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2020
Posts: 3,239
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cboss
No problem at all. Just don't try to run a bunch of 120 volt stuff on what probably is a 20 amp circuit.
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Including loads both inside and outside the RV.
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07-07-2022, 08:47 AM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Colorado
Posts: 1,260
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Be sure the circuit you're plugging in to is 20 amp. 15 will work but limits what you can run even more. Get a good quality extension cord. Heavier gauge than a Wally World cheapy. You should be good to run your fridge, and your converter to keep your batteries charged. If you try to run your AC's you'll end up with plugs like the ones pictured above. It pays to periodically check the plugs for heat. Just a good safety check.
__________________
2003 Duramax
2017 Crusader 315
2016 Boston Whaler Montauk 150
Former Montana owner
Colorado Cruiser, Over the Pass and Down the Hill
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07-07-2022, 09:17 AM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Richmond VA
Posts: 3,135
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In my last house I just ran a regular 15a HD power cord to the 20a outlet in my garage. In my current home I have a 30a RV outlet outside (trailer is 30a) but often don't bother dragging the 30a cord out of the trailer and use the same 15a cord and a couple of adapters. AC runs fine but I don't try to run the microwave, water heater, and AC at the same time.
-- Chuck
__________________
2006 Roo 23SS behind a 2017 Ford Expedition
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07-07-2022, 12:40 PM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Roanoke, VA
Posts: 529
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Bad juju
Quote:
Originally Posted by PopFla
Be sure to use the proper extension cord, or you may end up with something like this. (Not mine; saw this on an FB page)
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On a chilly Saturday morning during the first trip with our camping club after breakfast something told me to check the power pedestal. Lifted the cover and the 30 amp plug was hot to the touch. NOT good. Opened the breaker and pulled that hot plug out. Socket was blue and scorched. I had arrived after after dark and not used a light to inspect before plugging in.
Avoided issues by that gut feeling.
Lesson learned - ALWAYS check socket condition with a light when arriving after dark.
__________________
2006 Sunseeker 3100SS/LTD
2008 Smart Passion Cabriolet TOAD
1986 Honda Helix (Original owner)
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07-07-2022, 01:03 PM
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#20
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Pickin', Campin', Mason
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: South Western PA
Posts: 16,062
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vasnipe
On a chilly Saturday morning during the first trip with our camping club after breakfast something told me to check the power pedestal. Lifted the cover and the 30 amp plug was hot to the touch. NOT good. Opened the breaker and pulled that hot plug out. Socket was blue and scorched. I had arrived after after dark and not used a light to inspect before plugging in.
Avoided issues by that gut feeling.
Lesson learned - ALWAYS check socket condition with a light when arriving after dark.
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What was the remedy?
Did you have campground maintenance replace the outlet or possibly use the 50a outlet? (if equipped)
__________________
_________________________________________
2016 Flagstaff 8529IKBS Diamond Package 5th Wheel•Goodyear Endurance Tires•2017 Ford F-Series SCREW 4x4•Factory Puck•B&W Companion•TST Tire Monitor w/Repeater•Sinemate 3500w Gen.
F&AM Lodge 358 Somerset, PA - JAFFA Shrine - Altoona, PA
Days Camped: '17=38 ☼ '18=49 ☼ '19=58 ☼ '20=110 ☼ '21=116 ☼ '22=90
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