Generator cord

[c214dick]

I want to but an RV cord for our newly purchased Generac 5500. I see there are adaptor plugs or cords. Is one better than the other? I also see there is quite a variation in lengths. Does the longer cord lose power over the shorter ones? Are all plugs created equal or do I need one specific to my brand?

Thanks

[HamRad]

Dick,
A Generac 5500 is probably pretty heavy. You aren't planning on using it as a portable are you? I'd think you'd want to have it mounted in your rig. In answer to your questions: I'm sure there are "better" quality plugs as well as cords but just about any of them should work well for you. Length does cause a loss of some power but in the 25 to 50 foot common lengths you will be safe enough. Just make sure you have a really firm fit when you plug it in. I do not believe any of the common generators are plug specific. If I were buying today I'd get the cords and plugs that have the little handles on them. You see them in CW all the time. They should be available in just about any RV supply place.

Good luck, Dennis.

[H. John Kohl]

quote:Originally posted by c214dick

I want to but an RV cord for our newly purchased Generac 5500. I see there are adaptor plugs or cords. Is one better than the other? I also see there is quite a variation in lengths. Does the longer cord lose power over the shorter ones? Are all plugs created equal or do I need one specific to my brand?

Thanks

Dick,
Yes long cords loose power so to compensate that they use larger wire which has less loss. Now the question gets into how much and for that the engineers need numbers.

Ref the plugs: they function the same. Some may be of better material but again the engineers need numbers and specifications.

When I am dealing with RF energy we try to keep the number of splices with conectors or adapters to a minimum. So I use that same concept for electrical power and recommend building a cable for your generator with the generator plug on one end and your trailer power pedestal socket on the other. Cost and usage does have to weigh in.
With that said I do have a short 6' cable that plugs into the generator and then has the 30 amp socket which I plug my normal 30 amp power cord into. (I am breaking my own suggestion.)

You have asked a good question and the answers can have many variables.

I hope a electrical expert will come in and validate my comments or set me straight.

Hope this helps.

[c214dick]

I have seen some adaptors as short as 18" which are the yellow ones with the handle. If I go to a plug adapter than I will eliminate any additional cord and will use my existing 30 amp rv cord.

I know the unit is heavy, about 200#, my only interest in having it rv ready is in case I lose power I can set up the rv as temporary living quarters until power is restored. My other option is to have a transfer box(?) installed to the house. In either case I would want a longer cord and keep the generator housed in our storage shed to protect it and keep the noise down for the neighbors.

[NCFischers]

Dick,
If you did that, how long would your cord need to be?

[mhs4771]

If you keep it in a shed, make darn sure the exhaust is vented outside. Know some fellows who burnt down a shed and generator from the hot exhaust.

[SlickWillie]

quote:Originally posted by c214dick

I have seen some adaptors as short as 18" which are the yellow ones with the handle. If I go to a plug adapter than I will eliminate any additional cord and will use my existing 30 amp rv cord.

I know the unit is heavy, about 200#, my only interest in having it rv ready is in case I lose power I can set up the rv as temporary living quarters until power is restored. My other option is to have a transfer box(?) installed to the house. In either case I would want a longer cord and keep the generator housed in our storage shed to protect it and keep the noise down for the neighbors.

I have a Generac 5500 mounted on the rear carrier on our Mountaineer. I looked at building a short cord, but those dang plugs are too high. I just bought an adapter from Tweety's. Sixty bucks delivered. Has the 30 amp four prong locking plug for the generator, with a 50 amp female plug on the other end. This one has molded ends, and is Camco brand.

[c214dick]

The distance from the proposed shed site to where the rv would be parked would be about 100' which is probably way too far to be effective. If I pay to have a transfer switch installed I'm probably looking at about $500 and would still have the noise problem. I'm sure there is something on the market for noise insulation that would keep the neighbors at bay. On the flip side, if I'm w/o power than they are too. At the very least I will purchase an adaptor like Will. All my other rv adapters are Camco and I have never had a problem.

[Illini Trekker]

I would buy as short a L14-30R Twist-Lock to 30 amp RV female plug. Then adapt to your 50amp cord to the camper.
This is a link to Tweetys
http://tweetys.com/15-30a-extension-...handles-1.aspx

[c214dick]

Thanks Dennis, I just ordered it.

[SlickWillie]

quote:Originally posted by c214dick

Thanks Dennis, I just ordered it.

Just curious. Did you get the one at that link? It appears to be 30-30 to me. They have one that adapts 30 to 50. Adapter. Our Generac uses the L14-30 4 prong plug.

[c214dick]

I ordered the L14-30 4 prong which is what my manual called for.