Modern RVs and motorhomes come equipped with all the amenities and luxuries that you could imagine having in the wilderness. When going to live away from your home, you’d need all these onboard appliances and have yourself some quality time.
It might all look simple but your RV’s electrical system and power cord are quite complex and have to be according to to set standards.
Let’s explore the RV power cords in detail, their size, gauge, and how long you can run a 30 amp RV cord. This guide has every detail you’re looking for and you’ve landed at the right place for all the right information.
RV 30-amp Extension Cord Specifications
When using your RV’s 30 amp cord, it is not always going to be enough for you, particularly when you have set up the camping site ad trying to use different appliances.
RV 30 amp power cords come in different lengths, such as 25ft or 50ft, depending on your RV’s specifications. Other important things to consider are the power and Gauge.
The majority of the 30-amp power cords and extensions can support up to 3,500 watts of power, enough to take care of all onboard and portable appliances, including the fridge, TV, and heater.
Another important thing to consider is the gauge. According to the standards set by SAE, the gauge of the wire is defined by its thickness. The lower the number, the higher the diameter of the power or extension cord. More than the length or size, it is important that you get the right gauge of the RV 30-amp cord. The most commonly used, or the standard gauge is 10 and these wires are rated to handle 3,600 watts of power.
Importance of Using the Right Size Power Cord for an RV
It is needless to mention that you’re going to use your 30-amp power cord and definitely going to need an extension cord as well. It is crucial that you get the right size of the power cord and most of these wires are available in 25ft, 50ft, 75ft, and even 100ft for your convenience.
If the wire is to thin, it could stress the appliances you’re running, create a focus of power or hotspot, and even a short circuit. It could become a possible fire hazard putting everyone in jeopardy, not just the RV and your luggage.
How Long Can a 30-amp RV Cord Be?
Technically, there is no limit to how long a 30amp RV cord be and you could potentially keep on adding extension cords of compatible size and gauge. It could be either 50, 75, 100ft, or even more.
As long as the right gauge and size are met, you could extend your RV’s power cord using a 50 or 75-feet extension cord. While it is possible to run your RV power cord with extensions, keep in mind that the longer you keep the power cord, the more amperage drop and power loss you’re going to face.
It is also important that you get a single long power cord, rather than joining different extensions to increase the length. For instance, having a 100ft power cord is better than having 4x 25ft extension cords, as there is a high probability of power loss and hotspots with multiple extensions.
FAQs
How many appliances can I run at once on a 30-amp RV?
It depends on the wattage of the appliances, but generally speaking, you should be able to run about three or four appliances at once without tripping the circuit breaker.
Can I upgrade my RV's electrical system from 30 amps to 50 amps?
Yes, it is possible to upgrade your RV's electrical system, but it is a fairly involved process that should only be attempted by someone with experience working with electricity. If you're not comfortable doing the work yourself, you can always hire an electrician to do it for you.
I have a 50-amp RV but the campground I'm staying at only has 30-amp hookups. What can I do?
You can either use an adapter to connect your RV to the 30-amp hookup or install a 30-amp power inlet on your RV.
How do I convert my RV from 30 to 50 amps?
If you have a 30-amp RV and want to be able to use 50-amp hookups, you'll need to install a 50-amp power inlet on your RV. This is a fairly simple process that can be done by most people with basic electrical knowledge.
You'll first need to disconnect your RV from all power sources. Once it is completely powered down, you can remove the old 30-amp inlet and replace it with the new 50-amp inlet.
Citations
https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f7/length-of-30amp-cord-60965.html
https://www.irv2.com/forums/f54/30-amp-power-cord-question-347079.html
https://www.thorforums.com/forums/f4/100ft-30amp-extension-cord-27843.html
Ever since I was a kid, I've been fascinated by travel. I inherited this passion from my parents. Since my college years and to this day, I have had a passion for traveling in a motorhome. I am here to share my experiences with you.
