50 Amp service

[Rene T]

I have a 2011 Montana High Country. The outlet that the 50 amp power cord plugs into is in the back of the RV. Usually the campground power is typically near the front of the RV. What I want to do is run another outlet on the drivers side about 10 feet back from the front. Does anyone know what size wire I should be using. I looked at the wire that's run to the rear outlet but I can't read what size it is. Thanks.

 

[SeilerBird]

I can't ever remember an RV park or a campground with the power outlets near the front of the RV, usually they are near the back.

If I am reading your idea correctly it sounds like you want to have two outlets on outside of your RV and you could plug your power cord into either one. If that is right then you will need 8 gauge copper wire. If you have no experience at terminating wire that large I would recommend you hire a competent electrician.

 

[weewun]

I would be concerned about power to the unused receptacle as it is a male connector.  I know you have a cover but all it takes is one curious kid.

If I was going to have multiple input receptacles I would install either a mechanical switch or Automatic Transfer Switch that would transfer the source of SP between the receptacles.

 

[Molaker]

I think I would just get a 15'-25' extension cord.  Not cheap, but a whole lot easier than running heavy wires and addressing the safety issue mentioned, too.

 

[Rene T]

I was just at a campground this past week and I was in a drive thru site. The power box was adjacent to the front landing legs and I had to park my truck in the back of the rig. The front of my trailer was even with the road. My cord just long enough. I would by another 50 amp extension cord but they're so big and bulky, I was trying to get away from that. I new that the outlet not being used would be powered up but I like the idea of a switch or maybe I could design some type of locking method for the cover. Maybe one of the doors which measures roughly 6" X 6" with a locking mechanism would work. I could put one over each receptacle. They shouldn't be too expensive.

 

[John From Detroit]

I have seen it done both ways.. (Outlets near front and outlets near rear that is park pedistal outlets) Rear is far more common, or middle.

I carry an extension cord.. Best way in my book.

 

[jim and di]

Rene T, are you not buying a extension cord anyway. If you run cable from back to front then buy the connectors and plugging. Seems to me the stand alone extension cord saves money and labor. What is the advantage of a hard wire you will only use some of the time?
Jim

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

The hard wired version is installed in/on the RV and doesn't have to be carried in a bay or toted out to use. It's also cheaper, since the wire doesn't have to be jacketed for portable use/abuse.

I've encountered a some parks that have the power pole near the front, but it is usually for some special reason, e.g. keeping it away from a lakeside or on rocky ground where trenching is difficult. The majority of parks place the pole midway or toward the rear.

 

[Wizard46]

The switch you talk about using for 50 amp would cost a lot more than a new extension cord

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Home Depot has a 100 amp manual transfer switch for $118, which is about the price of a 15 ft 50A extension cord.

I use the 15 ft, 50A extension and don't find it that much hassle. It coils up in the bottom of the compartment that holds the main power cord and I only get it out a 2-3 times a year.

 

[weewun]

Auto Transfer Switches are not that expensive, less than $200 on Amazon ( "http://www.amazon.com/Go-Power-TS-50-Automatic-Transfer/dp/B00153EYU8/ref=sr_1_2/191-0625913-0506527?ie=UTF8&qid=1373631388&sr=8-2&keywords=automatic+transfer+switch#productDetails) even less on EBAY.  You do not have to use an "RV" ATS which is very expensive.

The cost of the ATS is roughly the same as an Extension Cord and it out of the way and resolves the "safety" issue.

 

[Marsha/CA]

We just purchased a 15' 50 amp extension by Camco from Amazon for $60.00.  Never thought we'd need one, but just this year after 10 years of RVing, we did.  Like Gary, ours just coils up and fit in the electrical bay.  Since we have a "Prime" account with Amazon it was shipped for free in two days.

I think it would be lots less work to just get an extension cord.

Marsha~

 

[Rene T]

You guy's made a believer out of me. I didn't know that the extension come in 15' length. It's funny, I went to Camping World about 15 minutes ago and ordered one. Total cost with shipping came up to about $98.00. I then went to this forum and was going to reply as to what I did when I read what Marsha/CA had done. I then went to Amazon and they had them for a little over $50.00. I ordered it thru them and then had to go back to C/W to cancel the original order. PHEW!!!!!  I need a break. Thanks to everyone who responded. This Forum has helped me out sooooo many times.

 

[cvrvr]

What your looking for is called 6-4 SO cord. It has 4 conductors of #6 awg wire, 2 hot wires (black & white, 1 neutral wire(white), and 1 ground (green)

By the time you add the end connectors to the cord, you are going to have a very expensive cord.

Good luck
George