Extension Cord purchase ow

[handbuilder]

Dang - it was a purchase I hadnt counted on.

I kept the cord I purchased for my new (back then) 2005 Jayco TT. That many years ago for the heavy duty construction grade, weather/water resistant (Rigid brand) 50' 10 gauge cord, cost was 75-. I have to say, The cord is still so awesome - incredibly flexible even after all these years of constant weather exposure, the rubber casing is not even cracked or hard, its been run over more times than I can count.

DH has adopted this cord (for shop use) last Fall after we put the A Frame away for the winter and dont think he'll give it up easily. haha So, today I decided it was probably best if I just bought a new one. OUCH! The same cord now cost 96-. The cost of peace of mind (DH keeps old cord, I get new one) of having enough length of shore power at the dog shows is worth it.

We dont take an extension cord if we are staying at a campground because the trailer's 25' on board cord is long enough to reach the power source....otherwise (same reason as for the dog show) we bring the generator.

Do many of you bring along an extension cord?

[OldCoot]

Have carried a 50' in a milk crate for several years. Seldom use it, but sometimes it is a necessity. Would rather have it and not use it than need it and not have it.

[D-mo]

If you camp in Ontario parks .. you definately have to come prepared ...
We carry a 50ft 30 amp extension, plus an extra 100ft of extension ... just incase we run into serious issues.
Just a note to those who are new to this ...dont go out and purchase a cheap plastic coated extension, then wind it on an " extension caddy". We had done this for a few years ... and I wound it off from the post to the trailer .. i found that the last 20 or so ft. were basically cooked together ...
So now, 30 amp is pretty well all we use .. extension cords and 15/30/50 adapters will do in a pinch .. if we camp on electrical sites.
d-mo

[handbuilder]

D-Mo, thats good advice. Any old extension cord is not adequate and presents a fire hazard. Be sure the cord can handle the power. One look at the cord coming out of your RV should be enoigh for one to realize that anything smaller isnt adequate. 10 gauge for 30 amps, anything smaller is going to heat up and possibly melt. Also newbs need to remember to pull the RV's on- board cord all the way out if plugged in - DONT leave it coiled inside as it can get hot.