50 amp extension cord?

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jymbee

jymbee

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Found the below quote from very old post (2012) when I was looking at options for a 50 amp extension cord.
Wondering just what this "cheater box" consists of?

I also saw that some folks-- due to weight considerations-- carry a 30 amp extension even though their RV is 50 amp. I do see the merit in that approach given the few times the extra length might be needed, using 30 amp service would not be that big a sacrifice.

Gary RV_Wizard said:
We stay in a variety of places with different power sources and find the occasional need for all sorts of electrical contrivances. I carry a 15 ft 50A extension, two 30A extensions (one 10 ft and one 25ft),  a "cheater box" to connect to any combination of 30 and 15 amp outlets, several different outlet adapters, and a 10 gauge 15A extension as well.  If it has power and is in the same county as I am, I can usually figure a way to hook up to it!
Click to expand...
 
I have 50A service in my RV and carry a 15 ft 50A extension, but no 30A cords. To me that would be a waste of space. Instead I carry a 30A to 50A adapter like this: https://www.rvupgradestore.com/RV-Adapters-with-Extra-Grip-Handles-p/55-6852.htm.

And just in case only 15/20A is available, I carry a 15A to 30A adapter that would attach to my 30A to 50A adapter -- https://www.acehardware.com/departments/automotive-rv-and-marine/recreational-vehicle-parts-and-accessories/rv-electrical-equipment/8291916.

Finally, I carry a "cheater cable" that connects to 30A + 15A outlets for 45A -- https://www.rvupgradestore.com/Power-Maximizer-p/55-7031.htm.
 
Because we were vending at the time and could not dictate where the motor home and vending trailer were parked, I had two 100' 30 amp extensions and one 100' 50 amp extension. Made them up my self. Cable and plugs from electrical supply house.  Never had a problem with voltage drop. I remember one location though where I had to use all three (300'). That time we used only one air conditioner.
 
I could have written that quoted text.  Did not but could have. it more or less describes what I carry.

The 30 amp cords (Save for one) go back to my Trailer days they are "left overs" that I decided to keep cause sometimes I need a lot and I mean a lot of courd but for other reasons.

One cord I have is technically a "Frankenstein"  It originally was a 1 foot 30 amp shore cord for a 50 amp RV (50 amp Marinco outlet. soon to be replaced it finally (13 years) failed, TT-30 plug) and a 30 amp Superflex (Winter grade) power cord.. The plug and socket (TT-30's) melted (They do that) so I spliced the cords together (Good proper splice  have the tools to do it. and the training) that was like a decade ago. WHY?  Well if I'm on a 30 amp site. that cord is less than half the weight and about 10 times more flexible than the 50 amp shore cord. and it winds up easy even below freezing.
 
jymbee said:
Found the below quote from very old post (2012) when I was looking at options for a 50 amp extension cord.
Wondering just what this "cheater box" consists of?
Click to expand...

A "cheater box" is a device that plugs into either two 30 amp outlets, or a 30 amp and a 15/20 amp utility outlet, with a 50 amp outlet on the output side. Each input connection is connected to one leg of the 50 amp outlet with a combined neutral connection. If any of the input outlets are GFCI protected, it will trip, making the box useless in that case.
 
These days the "cheater bx" is sold under the label "Y connector". It allows the 50A cord to plug to two different outlets simultaneously.  Here is an example:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0752XV4H1/

There is currently a discussion of the Y adapter and its uses & restrictions in this topic:

http://www.rvforum.net/SMF_forum/index.php/topic,117383.msg1065300

Back in the day the cheater was usually made with a standard surface-type waterproof outlet box that had a 50A receptacle installed, plus two pigtails with 30A plugs on the end. This is  was a "box" rather than a Y-shaped power cord. Identical function, though.
 
My power cord is 30 ft 50 Amp.  I carry a 15 ft 50 Amp extension - which I needed last weekend.  I also carry a 30A - 50A dogbone and a 50A - 30A dogbone as well as a 30A - 20A plug.  I can plug into a 50A or 30A or 20A power.

At home, I have a 50 Amp receptacle outside.  Initially, I needed the 15 ft extension to reach the FW.  I have since relocated it in the yard (happy wife, happy life) and now use a 50 ft 30 Amp extension and dogbones to power the FW.  30 A is plenty of power for use at home, including running one A/C.  That extension was half the price of a 50 Amp cord!
 
Great-- thanks for the updates and links to additional info!

Gary RV_Wizard said:
These days the "cheater bx" is sold under the label "Y connector". It allows the 50A cord to plug to two different outlets simultaneously.  Here is an example:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0752XV4H1/

There is currently a discussion of the Y adapter and its uses & restrictions in this topic:

http://www.rvforum.net/SMF_forum/index.php/topic,117383.msg1065300

Back in the day the cheater was usually made with a standard surface-type waterproof outlet box that had a 50A receptacle installed, plus two pigtails with 30A plugs on the end. This is  was a "box" rather than a Y-shaped power cord. Identical function, though.
Click to expand...
 
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