Can You Use 12 Gauge Extension Cord For Travel Trailer?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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For RV’s that need to get 15A power, we recommend using a 10 Gauge Extension Cord. This is a good cord to run at any length, as it has a very durable jacket, and thick stranded wire.

At minimum we recommend using a 12 gauge extension cord.

Can you use a regular extension cord for an travel trailer?

Yes, you can extend your RV power cord’s length with an extension cord, but you must use one that’s properly rated to carry the amount of current you need to use.

Never use a regular household extension cord for this purpose

. Bear in mind that you’re dealing with high amperage (current) and will be using it outdoors.

Do you need a special extension cord for an RV?

How many amps will a 12 gauge extension cord handle?

For 100 feet, the 14 gauge cord works for 11-13 Amps, while the 12 gauge cord is best suited for

14-15 amps

. If your cord is 150 feet long, the 14 gauge is best suited for 1-7 Amps, whereas the 12 gauge will support 8-10 Amps. This shows that the extension cord’s length also plays a part in the power it helps safely.

How far can you run an extension cord to a camper?

As long as it’s rated for 30 amps,

there is no maximum distance

. The question should not be how many feet, but how many cords. For example, two 50 foot, 30 Amp extension cords should be considered to have less capacity than one 100 foot extension cord.

Can you run an RV AC on 110?

Can an air conditioner run on 110 electric power?

Yes, you will be able to run your air conditioner with that level of power

. However, you will not be able to run anything else because it will take up the majority of your electric power.

What extension cord do I need for 30 amp RV?

The

Camco Heavy-Duty RV/Electric Car Extension Cord with PowerGrip Handles (30-Amp, 50-Foot, 10-Gauge)

is designed to provide you with the necessary length to power your RV or charge your electric car from distant power outlets.

Can an extension cord handle 30 amps?

Be sure the extension cord is fully seated into the socket before you connect anything to it; however, never force an extension cord into a socket where it does not fit.

The best extension cords for smaller RVs are usually 30 amps

while larger ones can require 50 amps.

What kind of plug do I need for an RV?

The plug on your RV is

a large three-prong, heavy duty 30 Amp, 120-volt plug

. Most campgrounds you go to will provide you with a 30 Amp outlet that your RV power cord will plug directly into.

Can you bury a RV extension cord?


Never bury an extension cord in the ground

. The elements will eat through the insulation and cause a fire.

What gauge of extension cord do I need?

Recommended wire gauge for extension cords

Larger numbers mean smaller wires, which in turn means it can carry less power. A cord measuring

14 AWG is the thinnest we recommend

—and at lengths of only 25 feet or shorter—and the much thicker 10 AWG is likely the thickest gauge you’ll find in an extension cord.

How long of an extension cord do I need for my RV?

For RV’s that need to get 15A power, we recommend using a

10 Gauge Extension Cord

. This is a good cord to run at any length, as it has a very durable jacket, and thick stranded wire. At minimum we recommend using a 12 gauge extension cord.

Can a 12 gauge extension cord handle 30 amps?

A 12-gauge aluminum extension cord has a rating of 20 amps at 167°F and 25 at 194°F. A copper wire of the same AWG has a rating of 25 at 140°F.

It’s rated 25 at 167°F and 30 at 194°F

.

Which is better 10 gauge or 12 gauge extension cord?

Round down = 10 Gauge.

Most devices will do fine with 12 gauge extension cords

. Power hungry devices such as lawnmowers, heavy machines, require a lower gauge such as 10AWG. Keep in mind, the lower the gauge means the thicker the cord.

Which is better 12 or 16 gauge extension cord?


Within 50 feet of your outlet, use a 16-gauge light-duty cord for blowers

. For a higher Amp or a greater distance from the outlet, go with a 14-gauge medium-duty cord. Look for a “W” on the jacket if the cord is rated for outdoor use.

Is 30 amps enough for my RV?

The key to living on 30 amps is to not exceed the amperage of an individual circuit, and to not exceed a total of 30 amps at any given time.

With a better understanding of your RV’s electrical system and some simple electrical formulas you can live comfortably on 30 amps with little to no problems

.

Can I power my RV from my house?

While

you can hook your RV up to a home’s electrical system

, you won’t be able to run every appliance or use the electricity 24/7. You will most likely need to set your RV up to be able to connect to the standard 3-prong household plug you use at home.

Can you connect two 50 amp RV cords together?

If you have two 50 amp shore power cords,

a 50 amp 4-prong generator adapter can be used to connect the two cords together

.

How many amps does a travel trailer AC use?

120 Volt AC Amp Ratings Appliance or Electronic Equipment Estimated Amps Air Conditioner (X number of A/C)

12-16 Amps
Blender 5-6 Amps Coffee Maker 5-8 Amps

Do RV RVs run on propane?


An RV’s air conditioning does not directly use propane to run

as does not operate as an absorption cooling. The only way to run your campers’ air conditioning with propane is to use an onboard generator or portable generator that uses propane to create the power to run your air conditioning unit.

How many amps does a RV AC unit draw?

EQUIPMENT AMPERAGE DRAWS Lights (per bulb) 0.5 -1.5 Amps Water Heater (6-gallon, heating) 8-13 Amps RV Air Conditioner (Start-up)

16-18 Amps
RV Air Conditioner (Running) 13-16 Amps

Does travel trailer come with power cord?


Almost all RVs come with a power cord

to plug into the electrical pedestal at a campground (developed campgrounds with available hookups, anyway). This is also known as a “shore power” connection. These power cords come in two amperages: 30-amp and 50-amp.

How much power does a travel trailer need?

How much electricity does an RV use? Average use for a typical RVer is around

20 kWh a day

. This comes out to about 608 kWh a month or 7,300 kWh a year. Usage will be lower during fair weather and higher during heating and cooling seasons.

Jasmine Sibley
Author
Jasmine Sibley
Jasmine is a DIY enthusiast with a passion for crafting and design. She has written several blog posts on crafting and has been featured in various DIY websites. Jasmine's expertise in sewing, knitting, and woodworking will help you create beautiful and unique projects.