Community Forums

RickO · 08-27-2011, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macnkat

Also, be careful if you're using an extension cord that it is not a 30amp cord. .

Can you explain? What would be wrong with a 30 amp cable if its only going to a 15/20 amp outlet?

Rick

macnkat · 08-27-2011, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickO

Can you explain? What would be wrong with a 30 amp cable if its only going to a 15/20 amp outlet?

Rick

Nothing, I think I said if you are not using a 30 amp cord. In my case I was using a 15amp cord with a 50 amp breaker. I may not have explained that very well. My point is to be sure your cable is up to what you are going to run through it.

RickO · 08-27-2011, 06:33 PM

Sorry Mark. I read it wrong.

Rick

geno-heidi · 08-27-2011, 07:19 PM

You Guys R GREAT!! Thanx 4 all the help & good advice....only plugged in to garage 15/20 amp tonight with adapter...no A/C, no fridge, no WHtr....just power to keep NEW BATTERIES up to snuff...Lazy Days put in Brand New Interstate motor/chassis battery before we left today...bad connections drew down old batt and was down to 6.7-6.9v...not good...they put new batt with no questions asked...WOW!! That was really nice...you guys have helped me so much!! THANKS!!! Will buy 12 gauge new extension cable tomorrow for sure!! Also will buy new 30 amp ext too...my Coach 30amp cord only reaches to back of front tires, going forward for power...Thanx!! See Ya Soon

ronspradley · 08-28-2011, 08:01 PM

For an extension cord for your new rig you need a 30amp cord which is 10 gauge wire, not 12 gauge. Should be able to get this RV extension at Wally World or RV supply..........All wires have line loss and the larger wire has less of a loss..............hope this helps...............and enjoy your new rig.............you have found a great place to learn about this new adventure................ronspradley

Midniteoyl · 08-28-2011, 09:09 PM

12 ga extention for hooking to a 15/20 amp outlet is plenty.. Lets not confuse them more.

ronspradley · 08-29-2011, 07:15 AM

geno-heidi, how long of an extension cord will you need to hook up to your garage 15 amp?...............ronspradley

geno-heidi · 08-30-2011, 09:03 PM

hey.....just ordered a 30amp RV ext cord from C.World...reg 30 RV grade and plugs...50 footer....I am running @ 32' feet to ext to garage plug (20 amp line)....my reg power tool ext cords got very WARM running 1 ac AND my voltage meter (plugged into coach 120v outlet) DROPPED to @ 100v! In the RED ZONE....I shut the ac down right away! I will wait for the 30amp RV ext line to arrive before hooking into garage for ac...all good for lights and battery charging....whew! Thanx!!

Billieg · 08-30-2011, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macnkat

Also, be careful if you're using an extension cord that it is not a 30amp cord. I melted a 15amp cord using the A/C in front of the house...luckily I caught it soon enough that all I damaged was the cheap cord. Gave me an excuse to get a good 50amp cord.

I have a 50amp service in the garage but if you only have a 15 or 20 amp service it will just trip the breaker if it overloads. Nothing tragic, just a reminder that you have too much running.

2X.... You can buy a 30 amp cord from Home Depot and use that if you need an extension cord. DON'T use a small 15 amp cord. You can only run 1 ac and maybe the TV but that's about it. When you plan a trip put the fridge on A/C and turn off the A/C. the night before to cool down the fridge. Have fun and ask a lot of questions so you can have fun!

Midniteoyl · 08-31-2011, 12:36 PM

Thats cause the 'tool extension cord' was not 12ga...

geno-heidi · 09-08-2011, 08:34 AM

Thanx again Folks!! Very helpful here!!

I have not run the a/c on reg ext cords since the "warm" experience and only 100v reading...just plugged in for batteries and lights. Oh, have fridge still on 'auto' since last weekend 1st "camping" trip @ Ft. DeSoto Park...was GREAT too!

Waiting for 30amp RV ext cord from C.W. There's alot to learn about these "mini homes" on wheels. Kinda fun though!

Going to our first "Samboree" in GA next weekend, my b'day too! ;-))... We will be doing our "shake down" trip within our 30 "fix-it" period from Lazy Days, FL.

Again, many thanks!

topper · 09-08-2011, 10:41 PM

first of all i would suggest a 30 amp surge guard from camping world. they have 2 styles perm mount and portable. after all you are ONLY protecting a 1500$ refigator,a 1000$ ac,tv's need i go on? then get a REAL cord for the load it is to carry (ie) 30 amp x length x voltage . you have to figure in voltage drop for the length of cord. the best thing is if you are planing on parking at home get a compent person to install a Proper receptical at the parking space and the SHORTEST cord possable . the surge protectors from CW will only turn on IF voltage, and polarity are wired properly .this will also protect form miss wireing at camp grounds.low voltage will fry that small $300 card on the back of your frig and all othe electronics in the MH <H1 itemprop="name">30 amp Hard-Wired Surge Guard this is only 35 yrs of experiance trying to help.

Catalog Item # 18540 </H1>