50 amp RV cord same as 50amp Gen cord?

[jimmarako]

Originally Posted by Bhrava

Generator cords, such as you find in box stores to power a house during a storm are rated 30 amps. No, they won't work for a 50 amp RV. A 30 amp RV can be powered with one, provided the proper ends are used.

There are 30A and 50A generator cords. All the 50A generator cords I've looked at have the typical 4 prong "RV" like plug (NEMA 14-50P) on the generator end. Some have the RV type twist lock (NEMA SS2-50R) on the building side, some have a similar looking (CS6364) connection but with a meatal point sticking out the middle.

Basically a generator plug is going to cost the same as a RV plug because the same #6 wire and the same ends are used. Other than a possible mark up for calling it "RV".

Now I'll blow everyone's mind. This year I was at a site and my 50A cord just reached. I think it was only touching the ground for about 3 feet. I decide to get an extension cord "just in case" for the future. 50A extension cords are crazy expensive. So I found this one on Ebay:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/224195109228

Sharp eyes will notice that is only #10 wire, therefore only good for 30ish amps. But it was $70 vs $200. And in three years of camping I've never needed one. And I know with my trailer with only 1 AC unit I can easily keep to less than 30A per leg. If fact I would have to "try" to exceed 30 on 1 leg. So now it sits unused in my front bin. Well Actually I used it the first trip I got it as a test. It was only a 30A site so no overload possible.

Enjoy.
Jim M.

[Bhrava]

None of the box stores around here have 50a cords, hence my answer.

I power my 5th with a 30amp circuit and a 100' power cord from the barn, but I use a Watchdog to protect everything. I can run one AC unit that has a soft start, if I install a soft start in the front AC then I could actually run both units and stay under 30 amps. I ran a test by starting the front AC first, then the rear AC with soft start and the watch dog, which has bluetooth app, shows max current draw well under 30 amps. It's the startup that draws the most, and will trip the Watchdog if one is running and the other tries to start.

Knowing what the actual current draw is, goes a long way to knowing how well protected the lines leading to the RV are. On my unit it is mainly just to keep the 12v system charged and the outdoor reefer going since we tend to use it during the summer while parked, but I don't power everything up when connected to the house current. IOW, if you are just plugging it in to run the 12v, and nothing else, then you can get away with a lighter cable, just make sure you use some kind of brownout prevention.

[pt35cruiser]

I bought a 50 ft 50 amp RV extension from Vevor for $150. God quality and works great.
vevor.com/products/50-ft-rv-extension-power-cord-100-copper-wires-trailer-motorhome-camper-14-50p?gclid=Cj0KCQiAnuGNBhCPARIsACbnLzoXiT0tdVl4MrmQ 0ppL9yzIXJ8NO_wWpK4GCnPyEqU3BarkUJ2iBp0aAt01EALw_w cB

[wildmanabe]

well update...
Electrian came over ran cord believe it is a 8/1 cord from panel thru attic down thru soffit at back of house.
$700. done. Has it's own breaker. Plugged in RV. turned on breaker an all things worked great.

[frankraney]

Originally Posted by wildmanabe

well update...
Electrian came over ran cord believe it is a 8/1 cord from panel thru attic down thru soffit at back of house.
$700. done. Has it's own breaker. Plugged in RV. turned on breaker an all things worked great.

Great. That was cheap. cable was half that or more. It is not cheap! Could it have been 8/4? Two hots, neutral, and ground.

[Flybob]

This Link appears to be to a 40A max cable.

Originally Posted by pt35cruiser

I bought a 50 ft 50 amp RV extension from Vevor for $150. God quality and works great.
vevor.com/products/50-ft-rv-extension-power-cord-100-copper-wires-trailer-motorhome-camper-14-50p?gclid=Cj0KCQiAnuGNBhCPARIsACbnLzoXiT0tdVl4MrmQ 0ppL9yzIXJ8NO_wWpK4GCnPyEqU3BarkUJ2iBp0aAt01EALw_w cB