50 amp extension cord(s)

[Broome101]

Dave,
They are somewhat correct when they are thinking 240 VAC, that is what a true 50 amp service is a 240 VAC. The cable ends and panel in your rig is what switches it back to, two separate 120 VAC lines within the camper. So long and short of it, the line going to the power box will be 240 VAC and the drop cord or extension cord will be 240 VAC going to the 5th wheel. It is seperated with in the panel. Hope this helps little bit.

[dsprik]

quote:Originally posted by Sweetfire

Dave, sounds about right, I just paid $1,700.00 for a 200 foot, dual 50 amp installation.

Thanks for the encouragement, Dennis...

[dsprik]

quote:Originally posted by Broome101

Dave,
They are somewhat correct when they are thinking 240 VAC, that is what a true 50 amp service is a 240 VAC. The cable ends and panel in your rig is what switches it back to, two separate 120 VAC lines within the camper. So long and short of it, the line going to the power box will be 240 VAC and the drop cord or extension cord will be 240 VAC going to the 5th wheel. It is seperated with in the panel. Hope this helps little bit.

Thanks, Rodney, I believe I have read your posts, or someone else's, explaining this. So I semi-understand this principle. Which is what makes me so dangerous...

[dsprik]

Well, I believe the property with the 75' run may just have gotten nixed tonight. Cheryl and I looked at some friends' "free" property. No water, no sewer and most importantly, no electric. Can I boon dock for 7-8 weeks? With a Kipor 3000ti, and 4, 6v golf cart batteries? I don't know if I want to try this... Maybe.

How much gas am I going to burn up with that gen, running it intermittently to charge those batteries? Obviously, 2 A/Cs are out of the question.

I don't know about the logistics of doing this. I am skeptical... It's that doggone "FREE" word (and yes I know that's a four letter word) that really gives me pause... otherwise I'd be movin on quickly.

[Sweetfire]

Dave don't feel bad about not understanding 240/110, 50/30 Amp wiring. I had to have George Homer get on the phone at the, Spring Rally, and talk with my electrician friend to explain what it was that I needed.

[gkbutler]

Dave,

If you have a true 50 amp service, your cord provided with the unit will be adequate to run your second A/C. If you want to run an extension cord of 100' or longer, you are going to lose voltage like Al and Carol said. In runs longer than 100' you are going to have to run #4 wire. Four separate wires of #4 wire. Most places like Home Depot, Menards, Lowe's
won't carry wire heavier than 6-3 either in UF or Romex. This is rated for 50 amps, but only if your run is under 100 feet. When you go over 100' runs, you are going to have to run #4 wire and you are going to have to run 4 different wires and tag each of them so you won't burn up anything when you hook up your plug.

With the price of #4 wire today, you are going to spend over $800.00 just to make the cord; and that is not SO cord. I have not seen a #4 SO cord. #4 Romex is so unwieldly that it is not feasible to make an extension cord out of it.

If you hook up to a true 50 amp service, you should have no problem running two A/C's.

[boat391]

I built my own extension cord for my gen to coach just went donw to local hardware store got four wire six guage flexable shield and put the ends need for the gen and the coach I can laymine out about 70 feet with the one provided with the coach and my extension its very easy to build if you need a hand just PM me and I'll walk you through it wire was about $1.50 a foot plus the ends

[Montana_1240]

This link will have everything you need to know about 50 Amp service.

http://www.myrv.us/electric/

At the bottom of the "Installing RV Service" link's page is a "Voltage Drop Calculator." http://www.nooutage.com/vdrop.htm

Steve

P.S.

Can anyone guess that I've gotten my Internet Explorer "FAVORITES" reinstalled?

S.

[dsprik]

Thanks, Gary and Steve! Very helpful. Tim, I may very well take you up on your offer. I need to double check with some other people and distances first. I will make some phone calls this AM.