Options to use "regular" extension cord when storing RV

[jaybauman]

I'm trying to plan ahead, and I wasn't able to find an answer by using the search function.

In a few weeks I'll be picking up my new Flying Cloud. With 50A service and dogbones to scale down to 30A and then to 15A, I know I will have the ability to use the 20A electrical at the storage garage I'm renting. However, I would rather not deal with the heft of the 50A cable that comes with my trailer. Is it possible to use a 10gauge 15A extension cord from trailer to electrical hookup without using the heavy cable? What does everyone else use?

Thanks,
Jayson

[Mollysdad]

The issue will be the trailer connection.
I bought a second AC cord, which came with a 50 amp female and a 30 amp male. I got it mostly for the generator, but it's been more handy in the storage facility.


It weighs 1/4 of what the 50 amp cord does.

That reminds me, I ditched the Airstream 50 amp cord that coils like a bridge support cable in favor of one that is much easier to handle.

The right angle female takes the weight off the connector. It coils into a 18" loop easily.

[Flht2k]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

The issue will be the trailer connection.
I bought a second AC cord, which came with a 50 amp female and a 30 amp male. I got it mostly for the generator, but it's been more handy in the storage facility.

I also did the same, pick them up on Amazon. I primarily use the 30 amp cord, no real need for the 50 unless in high heat or humidity climate's

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by jaybauman

. . .
Is it possible to use a 10gauge 15A extension cord from trailer to electrical hookup without using the heavy cable? What does everyone else use?
. . .

As long as you are not going to draw more than 15 amps of 120v you should be fine, assuming your #10 AWG cord is 50' or less IMO. We have a #12 50' cord on a 15 amp circuit to keep the batteries charged and run the fridge on 120v to get it cool before a trip. Your #10 is better IMO, and would probably permit longer than 50' per your amperage draw.

Clearly A/C and water heating is too much expect. Are there functions in your new 30' which will put you over 15 amps, like the Alde system and battery charger/converter? Guess you should add up the amperage of what you want to use, and let the total guide your cord selection.

Peter

[steverino]

To run converter and fridge while in storage I use this adapter plus a 15A power cable. Light weight, easy to handle.

https://www.etrailer.com/RV-Wiring/M...-1550DAVP.html

[Adventure.AS]

I use a 30 amp to 15 amp cord adapter that plugs into the trailer twist-lock connector and the end of my 10 gauge 100' extension cord.

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by steverino

. . .
. . . To run converter and fridge . . a 15A power cable . . .
. . .

How long is your cable and what is its AWG wire size please?

Thanks,

Peter

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by Adventure.AS

. . .
. . . my 10 gauge 100' extension cord.
. . .

What appliances and mech units do you run with this, and what are the total amps, please?

Thanks,

Peter

[Lab lover]

We store our airstream in a barn and use a 110v outlet and ordinary 10A cord for winter storage. Nothing’s running except the battery charger and furnace set at 40. It works fine. We also use a long 12A cord to run to the curb in front of our house the night before a trip to run the refrigerator. No problemo.

[Ron1934]

I use a shore power(at the marina where I store/use my AS 2019 Sport 16) 110v 20amp to 30amp adaptor connected to the dealer provided 25' 30 amp cable.Most managable weight wise. I also note that either 120v 15/20amp shore power and/or my Honda 2200eu Gen can easily energize and run my RV 11000 Btu AC ,with power to spare for other AC appliances.

Honda Watt Guide RV Air Conditioner
Sport 16 11000 BTU
Approximate Starting Wattage 1600 Approximate Running Wattage 1010

Other AS's 13500 BTU
Approximate Starting Wattage 2800 Approximate Running Wattage 1800

Ron1934. 1934 is my BD year.

[Jugadorone]

I used a 50 amp to 15 amp cord adapter like the 30 amp one shown by Adverture.AS
just to run lights and small stuff when at home.

[tjdonahoe]

Originally Posted by jaybauman

I'm trying to plan ahead, and I wasn't able to find an answer by using the search function.

In a few weeks I'll be picking up my new Flying Cloud. With 50A service and dogbones to scale down to 30A and then to 15A, I know I will have the ability to use the 20A electrical at the storage garage I'm renting. However, I would rather not deal with the heft of the 50A cable that comes with my trailer. Is it possible to use a 10gauge 15A extension cord from trailer to electrical hookup without using the heavy cable? What does everyone else use?

Thanks,
Jayson

yes...50 amp to 15 amp adapter...

[kpm]

Originally Posted by jaybauman

[...] Is it possible to use a 10gauge 15A extension cord from trailer to electrical hookup without using the heavy cable? [...]

Technically you run a risk if any part of your trailer connection is rated less than the circuit breaker at your power source. If your breaker is 20A, all wiring should be rated for at least 20A.

I use this 20A to 30A adapter with my normal trailer cord when connecting to my home or any campground 20A circuit. It wasn't that easy to find - most dogbones are only rated for 15A. I haven't looked for a 20A to 50A adapter since my trailer only uses 30A.

[NWRVR]

50A to 15/20A dog bone connecting to a 50' 10 gauge (12 gauge would also work) to primarily run the four stage charger/converter when in storage or parked between trips. I run the hot water heater and refrigerator 48 hours prior to departure.

[Adventure.AS]

Originally Posted by OTRA15

What appliances and mech units do you run with this, and what are the total amps, please?

Thanks,

Peter

Fridge (2.7 amps) and converter/battery charger (8 amps). Of course the fridge and charger are not running 100% of the time.

[OTRA15]

Thanks Ray, that is close to what I had figured for our FC20.

Peter

[Wazbro]

Originally Posted by NWRVR

50A to 15/20A dog bone connecting to a 50' 10 gauge (12 gauge would also work) to primarily run the four stage charger/converter when in storage or parked between trips. I run the hot water heater and refrigerator 48 hours prior to departure.

Why run the water heater for 48 hours before trip?
Mine heats up completely in under 30 minutes.

[brick1]

Originally Posted by Jugadorone

I used a 50 amp to 15 amp cord adapter like the 30 amp one shown by Adverture.AS
just to run lights and small stuff when at home.

I do the same at our storage yard. Runs the battery charger only. Also have a 50 amp RV outlet at home, so we can plug in and cool down before leaving on a trip.
brick

[Rover22]

Originally Posted by Adventure.AS

I use a 30 amp to 15 amp cord adapter that plugs into the trailer twist-lock connector and the end of my 10 gauge 100' extension cord.

Attachment 334874

I use this one as well...easy peezy.

[USCGMAN]

Cheap solution

https://www.ebay.com/p/ALEKO-L15-50-...d459cdffd78d7a