50 amp cord versus 30 amp cord

[firetrucker]

I've debated whether to just carry the 30 amp cord and save space and weight, but I've put off leaving the 50 amp cord behind (sometimes procrastination pays off).

On our trip back from Calgary, we pulled into Logan, Utah, Tuesday night, 4 September, as the area was being hit by severe thunderstorms and a possible tornado. Travel Land RV Park is a nice place, but poorly designed as far as utilities. The electrical box was about 50 feet from the back of the trailer, which I didn't notice until well into the setup process, which was hurried because of the rain and wind.

Bottom line is that I'm glad I had both cords and the right adapters to get us hooked up. Now, if I could just get the pipe mounted underneath the rig to store the cord, I wouldn't have to coil it up, and I'd have more room in the basement for other junk.

Bob

[stiles watson]

Good post, thanks.

[Montana Sky]

Like you, I have never been able to rid myself of the 50 amp cord. Now that I have two a/c units, the cord is a must and I am sure glad I kept it. I also tote along the 30 amp cord in the bottom of the laundry basket that I keep the 50 amp cord coiled in, never know when I may need them both as well...

[Driftwoodgal]

We carry two 50 amp cords with us. On our trip to Tennessee we had to use both of them twice because the campgounds were set up for RV's that aren't as long as our 3400. We also carry two water hoses just in case. The just in case problem came up as well.

I would love for DH to put in an under the belly tube to carry the wonder cord. I will lug and tote as long as I have to inorder to have my two AC's.

Colleen

[Longwell]

Driftwoodgal, you must have been a [s]boy scout[/s], oops, girl scout 'cause you sound like you want to "be prepared."
We are planning on doing the same thing. We think it's a small price to pay to have what you need when you need it.
Larry

[simonsrf]

Bob,

We've wondered the same thing.

We only have one air conditioner, and still carry that bulky 50 amp cord. I have debated several times about buying a 30 amp cord so there is the added benefit of not having to "coil" that anaconda, and still have the option of having the extra length with the 30 amp cord.

We have never had the problem of not being able to reach the pedestal, so there is the quandary.

Is there any advantage to carrying the 50 amp cord if we only have one air conditioner?....Would carrying ONLY a 30 amp cord be adequate?

[richfaa]

We have a 50 amp camper so we use the 50 amp cord. It fact we have a 50 amp extension cord in case we are far away from the pedestal..which we have been. We also have TWO 30 amp cords just in case there is no 50 amp service and we are far from the pedestal. I think my shinny new F-350 DIESEL can deal with the extra weight//Like Larry..we like to "be prepared."

[bigmurf]

Changed the end on a 30 amp cord to a 50 amp (trailer end). Jumped the two legs in the 50 connector. Carry a extra 30 amp cord for long runs. One AC and NO washer. This has worked for four years now.

[Mudchief]

We have a 50 amp extension that we carry and 3 times this year we have had to use it.

[one_strange_texan]

Like some other respondents, I have 2 50 amp cords and 2 30 amp extensions as well (plus every adapter you can imagine),

Didn't think I needed a 50 amp extension, then two or three trips in a row, I ended up not being able to park the Montana exactly where I would have wanted due to the reach to 50 amp service at the pedestal. One was at Fort Wilderness, Disneyworld. Fortunately, Campers World had an extension on sale. 50 "ampers" are not cheap!

The extra 30 amp was acquired due to my "losing" my first in plain site in my Montana not too long after acquiring it (the new Montana). I thought I had left the original in the pop-up that I sold. As it is, I have used both, primarily for one of those rigs that can establish 50 amp service from 2 30 amp receptacles if they are on different breakers.

[mobrownies]

We only have a 30A cord, which is generally all the amperage we need, but I am considering switching to a 50A service just for voltage drop reasons. A surprising number of camp grounds have poor voltage and the voltage drop in the cord and trailer don't help. So I would suggest that you keep your 50A cord and use it rather than a 30A cord.

[Parrothead]

Use to using 50 amp, we have spent the last week on 30 amp. Never again if 50 amp is available and I would never spend an extended time on 30. We have blown twice when we had the fireplace and dryer going at the same time. I like not having to worry about what we are using. Ed says when the 50 amp cord gets to heavy then he will quit RVing.
Happy trails...........................

[ronstan]

Since we only have one A/C and no washer or dryer I just carry one 25 Ft and one ft 30amp. Now if we can hook up to 50amp I will use a 50 to 30 adapter. Seems to have better voltage that way.

[mtheo]

I also only have one A/C, have 2-30 amp cords and a 50 to 30 adapter. Always use the adapter when 50amp available.

[RADHAZJOE]

Please do not use a 30 amp extension on a 50 amp circuit. The voltage drop at hign current will be too great and the cord might overheat, especially at the connection points, including the internal assembly of both the plug and socket.

[capn chris]

I always check the power to the rig before unhitching to be sure we're OK, rather than have to re-hook to move if the pedestal is faulty?! Others said they store their cords or hoses in the propane compartments?! Whatever works1

[Bill and Lisa]

I carry the one 50 Amp cord and two 30 Amp cords. I have a Surge Guard attached to my 50 Amp Cord. I store that cord in the street side propane compartment and the two 30 amp and my gas line to my BBQ in the curb side Propane Compartment. works great and really frees up that space in previously taken up in the front compartment.

Bill