Extension Cord

[drjjj]

We are about to move in to our new (and hopefully last) stick home. I have added a 50 amp plug at our meter for plugging in the Monty when I bring it home to load it prior to a trip. I need to buy or have made a 50 foot extension cord to reach from the plug to the coach cord. Does CW sell one that is adequate, or should I contact a welding shop to have one made? What is the minimum size (gauge) to prevent any problems? Thanks.

[mobrownies]

A number of RV stores sell 50 amp extension cords with the standard RV male and female ends. I think most are 4 conductor #10, which is the minimum size. The longer the cable, the more the voltage drop. If you think you will need most of the 50 amps when parked at home or if you need more than another 30', then a larger cable might be needed. A 4 conductor #6 or #8 cable will be pretty expensive, so it might be cheaper to move the outlet as the wiring is cheaper.

[Ozz]

It also depends on what loads you will be having on. If you don't run the A/C, H.W. htr on electric, and just have lighting and the converter, you can get by on a lighter cord with adapters.

[HughM]

I have always made my own since I need varing lengths of wire. Go to a electrical supply house and get the length you need of 6/4 (6 gauge- 4 wire) wire and male and female ends. Its not that difficult to wire.
Hugh

[Eagle Man]

quote:Originally posted by Ozz

It also depends on what loads you will be having on. If you don't run the A/C, H.W. htr on electric, and just have lighting and the converter, you can get by on a lighter cord with adapters.

Good idea.
When parked at home loading up, we never use the full 50 amp service. Don't need hot water or much other power, a few lights, maybe air cond...and get by with 30 amps.

[minkid]

Older mobile homes used the same cord,you may want to check with a dealer or an older mobile home park. I'm sure they would be a whole lot cheaper,used to have 6-8 of them till i went full timein.

[Garin1]

You probably will not need the full 50 amps at home but if you do the cord will need to be 4C/8AWG minimum and 26-30 feet in length. If you need to go further than that for a home hook up then you may want to look at a professionally installed post for power.There have been several members that also have installed permanent hook ups at thier stick house.(50 amps is the max allowable for 8awg by the NEC)