Community Forums

rdfugere · 07-21-2016, 05:42 AM

We are very close to finalizing our purchase of a Class A Motorhome and are starting to buy what we'll need to equip it.

My question is about dogbones and extensions. What are the best manufacturer of dogbones?

What is the best manufacturers of RV 50amp extensoins and what length should I buy?

Ray,IN · 07-21-2016, 06:24 AM

50A extension cords are normally 30' long, I've never seen a longer one advertised.
As to mfgrs., I think there is only major one, with many retailers, who sell under their own label. Camco is perhaps the most well-known retailer. Their products are sold virtually everywhere, Camping World, Amazon, etc., and seem to be quality products.
I once bought some replacement ends/plugs for my 30A extension cord at Camping World, wired them onto the cord, and immediately my energy management system in the motorhome locked out shore power. Upon investigation, the color-coded wires were reversed in the replacement plugs, which caused reverse polarity in the cord.
Lesson learned? Do not depend on the product to be correct, determine that yourself by testing with a VOM.
I have bought these at flea markets, and got exactly what I paid for, junk...

Gary RVRoamer · 07-21-2016, 01:12 PM

Well, neither Camco, nor CW actually make dogbones. They just sell them, sometimes under their own label and sometimes others.

That said, I've found the Camco, Power Grip and Park Power brands to be decent. Haven't tried a Coleman brand. I prefer the types with some wire between the male & female ends - I think they dissipate heat better. And the type with a handle to pull, so that you aren't inclined to yank on the cord itself.

Old Scout · 07-21-2016, 01:29 PM

13 years and 158,000 miles and have had few if any times where a 50amp extension cord was needed. Unless your new unit doesn't have one, the onboard 50 amp cord is usually good enough for most camp sites. IMHO, a 50 amp cord is heavy, very expensive, and takes up a fair amount of storage space. As an alternative, I found that carrying a 30 amp cord is more practical and has a number of other heavy-duty extension cord uses, if you buy female/male dog-bone ends to adapt from 30 to 20/15 amps...

TonyDi · 07-21-2016, 01:35 PM

50 amp to 15/20 amp allows you to use some of the systems when you're at a place where 30 and 50 doesn't exist. Home, storage etc.

Cat320 · 07-21-2016, 04:03 PM

If you are buying new, or even used from a dealer, he should give you a box containing a dog bone or two, toilet paper, white hose, water press regulator, RV wash soap and other similar type items.

Hooligan · 07-21-2016, 04:36 PM

Agree with Old Scout on 50 amp extensions. I had a 40 ft made up when we did dog shows. Used once in 15 years. Wait to see what dealer or previous owner provides. The dogbones are available to connect both up and down. (15to30, 30to50 or 50to30 when needed. I do not recommend the plug type connectors.

4x4van · 07-24-2016, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hooligan

I do not recommend the plug type connectors.

Why not (just curious)? I have a 50A male to 30A female plug type, as well as a 15A male to 30A female plug type, and have never had a problem with either.

vsheetz · 07-24-2016, 05:23 PM

I like the cables and adapters with handles.
I would buy a 30a extension and save a few dollars, some storage space, and weight. Seldom needed, but very nice to have on occasion.

Hooligan · 07-30-2016, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4x4van

Why not (just curious)? I have a 50A male to 30A female plug type, as well as a 15A male to 30A female plug type, and have never had a problem with either.

Previous MH, used 30amp to 50amp plug type and it got very warm. Pigtail on same hook up did not. YMMV..