jagibson58
Member
I would suggest evaluating what do you need to go camping with. Is the front area over loaded causing a weight imbalance? Maybe purchase a storage container and mount it on the rear of the camper.
50A Cord Reels & Basement Organization Question
- Thread starter M and E
- Start date
UFF
Well-known member
Yea seems like a lot. Have 2 Lectric Bikes on back. Full of cloths, groceries, and 5 gallons in black tank and gray tank and 10 gallons in fresh tank I am at 3k pin weight and have right at 900 pounds to spare so I can fill fresh tank up if boondocking. That’s why the chock blocks, gen and other stuff are in the truck. You save a lot without a washer, dryer and on board generator. Will have to weigh again this year. Traded the ford for a Ram.
Chaseweston
Well-known member
I used to coil the cord up and put it in basement but stopped doing that this last time out since it goes in and then gets pulled right back out at the next spot whether to hook back up or get out of the way reaching other things while dry camping. I've been just wrapping it up, securing it with a Velcro cord management thing and putting it in the bed on top of the folded exterior mats. No issues yet.
Looking into the SOOW cable, I am assuming you have a 30 amp power requirement? I am reading that a 4/4 SOOW cable is needed for a 50 amp service if it is a long run. I would appreciate any comments on the matter. I really like the idea, because it shrinks the space required and ease of handling.
I am wondering why a space conscious manufacturer would not move in this direction? Would it be cost or some other concern. I can't imagine supply would be the issue. I also can't imagine it would be durability of the conduit for the wires.
I am wondering why a space conscious manufacturer would not move in this direction? Would it be cost or some other concern. I can't imagine supply would be the issue. I also can't imagine it would be durability of the conduit for the wires.
George
Well-known member
I can''t say why 6awg SOOW ampacity is a bit lower lower than off-the-shelf RV cords (usually 6/3 + 1/8) but I can say I've seen no instances where a leg of split phase ever got close to 50A. The most I've ever measured is about 35A. The SOOW charts I've seen say 6 is good for 45A so I would be comfortable using SOOW. Just my $0.02
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I also made up a 40’ SOOW 6AWG extension cord, which I have used along with the 44’ SOOW 6AWG while running all 3 AC units as well as our typical electrical loads with zero issues and no hand detectable heat. This was all an intentional test due to the concerns you mentioned above. I’m perfectly comfortable with this cord after using it on 2 different 50 amp campers for the past 6 years.
BryanValRox
Elite Member
WE3ZS,
Thanks for sharing this information.
Out of curiosity I have a question.
Did you happen to measure any voltage drop numbers? Specifically, what is your measure line voltage under load in your rig with your 44 foot cord? And then the same question with the combination of your 44 foot and your 40 foot extension. I would think at 84 feet the voltage drop would be measurable.
As an example, when we first got our coach and were driveway camping waiting on the truck, we would watch Sunday football games and run the fireplace while plugged into the house with a 12 gauge 100 foot extension cord. Measured voltage would dip to about 108 volts. I switched to a 12 gauge 50 foot extension cord and increased voltage by 1 and 1/2 volts under the exact same conditions.
I am curious how your larger gauge cable handled the voltage at the extended length.
Low voltage numbers are not kind to equipment in the long run.
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Flyer32RLS
Active member
From your comment it sounds like you actually change out cords from 30A to 50A. ESver thought of just getting a 50A to 30A adapter? It is far less space than a 30A cord!I like your reel. Mounting it to the tray is a great idea.
I have a 30 amp plug at home. Generally when on the road I use 50 amp sites when available, however occasionally I will stay at a 30 amp site only park. I am constantly switch back and forth between my 30 and 50 amp cord. While I like the idea of a cord reel, I guess in the end they are not for me.
As far as storage organization. I simply carry too much stuff. My other issue is that I prefer to do all my cooking outside.
I never use the stove. With that in mind I carry too much kitchen stuff in my basement.
Between tables chairs, generator, coolers, outdoor TV my basement is a packed organized mess. If there is such a thing.
For the most part I know where everything is...until I need it
Flyer32RLS
Active member
I assume from a statement you made later in this thread that you were "gifted" the cord. Just looked and at Amazon and for a 50' cord SOOW 6 gauge 4C cable they wanted $299, just for the cabgle then you have to buy the ends. For that, my blue cord holder will have to work. It is a PIA when cool weather but for that price I'll deal with it
I have a whole assortment of adapters, when needed, however a 30 amp service simply requires a 30 amp cord. Physical space to store the cord is less of an issue than handling the cord. A 30 amp cord is much smaller and lighter than a 50 amp cord.
There is no need to deal with the size and weight of a 50 amp cord if your not running 50 amps thru it.
I will always prefer to deal with the smaller lighter cord when appropriate.
Yep...installed it a while back (install video here) and LOVE it. The cable is very flexible, even in cooler weather. I just put it away a few days ago in Nevada and it was 28 degrees when I did that. Now, it was being used up to the time I put it aways, so I am sure that kept it a bit warmer on the inside. @M and E
Thanks. I was subscribed to your channel and saw your video. You may want to cover that component, if you are looking for content to add..LOL. I was hoping you would verify. I am going to mount this reel to my ceiling underpass storage. On to my underbelly project!!
