Top 12 RV Power And Extension Cords in 2022

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Modern RVers from novices to veterans know that the charge level of RV battery banks affects the performance of a wide range of amenities onboard. If camper owners let the batteries deplete, they would lose the ability to take advantage of their amenities and that leads to low comfort levels. 

Nowadays, RVing enthusiasts may use many power sources to charge battery banks but usually, an RV power cord is necessary. Without a solid cord to move electricity from power sources to batteries, RVers would have a hard time restoring the charge level of battery banks. Therefore, unless you want to run your batteries to depletion, you need to search the market for a high-quality power cord before heading out. By keeping a good cord on your rig, you could utilize power sources on the road to keep batteries charged throughout your travel. 

RV Power Cord Basics

What is an RV power cord?

In layman’s terms, a RV power cord is a heavy-duty power cord that links vehicles to their power sources: generators, charging pedestal, etc. After RVers set up the connection, power cords should let electricity flow from the power sources to batteries through them. Compared to their residential counterparts, power cords for RV tend to be thick which enables them to handle high loads. In addition to that, a number of RV power cords incorporate integral lock rings that provide added security during connection. 

Benefits of RV power & extension cords

  • Charge: Assuming that you install your RV power cords properly, they would guarantee a constant flow of electricity from power sources to your battery bank. That means it’s easy to bring the battery back to full charge for the next part of the trip. 
  • Schedule: With RV power cords by your side, you don’t have to wait for long to fully charge the battery bank of your rig. The faster you restore the level of charge of the batteries, the earlier you could head back to the road. Hence, staying on schedule is a walk in the park. 
  • Adaptability: Capable of working in a multitude of conditions, RV power cords permit you to charge the battery of your RV regardless of the weather. That is a big plus if you spend most of your time in the outdoors. 
  • Safety:  Usually, owing to the exterior casing, modern power cords for RV resist heat, cold, moisture and so on well. Besides that, such power cords also integrate a couple of features to minimize the odds of failures throughout the charging. As a result, you should be able to charge batteries via RV power cords with a high level of safety. 

Types of RV power cords

At a glance, the market contains numerous models but it’s possible to split RV power cords nowadays into three types: 15 Amp, 30 Amp and 50 Amp. 

  • 15 Amp Power Cords: Designed for basic application, 15 Amp power cords resemble residential models with two thin vertical prongs (hot and cold) and one round prong (ground). Due to the low load limit, cords of the type could only support the charging of batteries on small vehicles. At 1,800W, the amount of power that these cords deliver is barely acceptable. In the case that your rig lacks power-hungry appliances like air conditioners, 15 Amp power cords would match it well. 
  • 30 Amp Power Cords: For mid-size travel trailers with medium charging requirements, 15 Amp power cords prove to be excellent choices. In use, the majority of models of the type have an easy time charging batteries of vehicles with a single A/C in the interior. On average, such power cords should bring 3,600W to the RV battery bank at any one time. About prongs, 15 Amp power cords pack three prongs but the prongs sit at an angle instead of parallel/above-under.  
  • 50 Amp Power Cords: Being the biggest models, 50 Amp power cords have the best load limit on the market which makes them well-suited for high-end charging. The four prongs (two hot, one neutral and one ground) of models of the type would give batteries a total of 12,000W in the course of charging. Interestingly, it’s worth pointing out that 50 Amp power cords actually supply power in separate feeds. That is why RVers could use power cords with the 50 Amp rating to power independent legs of services at the same time. 

Best 30 AMP Power/Extension Cords

1. Camco 55191 – Best Overall 30 Amp Power Cord

Camco (55191) 25' PowerGrip Heavy-Duty Outdoor 30-Amp Extension Cord for RV
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Key Features:

  • Length: 25 Feet
  • Rating: 30 Amperes 
  • 100% copper wiring 
  • Flame retardant sheath
  • Bendable cord adapter

Why This Is The Best Overall 30 Amp Power Cord:

Boasting 100% copper wiring, Camco 55191 is able to facilitate the flow of electricity from power sources to batteries in various conditions. In addition, the wiring of this power cord for RV features a flame-retardant sheath that resists heat too. As a result, there is no need to worry about it overheating to the point of catching fire during the charging process. This RV power cord also handles outdoor elements superfly too which is by all accounts a big plus for full-time RVers. 

The integration of a grip plug makes the power cord from Camco popular among our testers who desire no-nonsense charging setups. When the need arises, we could plug as well as unplug the ends without straining the wiring. It’s noteworthy that since this cord is accompanied by a bendable cord adapter, converting the male end to a female one is a cinch. Hence, in terms of adaptability, we believe it to be one of the best models in its price range nowadays. 

At 25 feet, 55191 is long enough to connect batteries of vehicles to power sources in camping locations for most of the time. The length of the cord matches standard storage compartments so adding it to standard rigs is child’s play. 

Things We Like:

  • Economical 
  • High endurance 
  • Installation is a breeze 

Things We Don’t Like: 

  • The plug tilt downward on occasions 
  • A few people report fitting difficulty 

2. Conntek 14364 – Editor’s Choice

Conntek 14364 30 Amp RV Extension Cord
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Key Features:

  • Length: 50 Feet
  • Rating: 30 Amperes 
  • Heavy-duty molded plug
  • Earl grips 
  • UL-certified 

Why It’s An Editor’s Choice:

So you keep finding your power cord falling short as you charge the batteries of your rig at RV parks? Then there is a good chance that you would come to like Conntek 14364. Possessing a length of 50 feet, this RV extension cord is capable of connecting your battery bank to distant power sources at a moment’s notice. Moreover, thanks to the use of pure copper for wiring, it allows electricity to pass through with relative ease and that accelerates the charging time. 

In use, the heavy-duty molded plug of 14364 could withstand everything we throw at it so interruptions to charging tend to be minimal. Interestingly, since the elbow face of the plug provides excellent strain relief, we rarely have to do much once it comes to wiring arrangement. About rating, at 30 amperes, this cord is compatible with a wide range of modern medium vehicles. Last but not least, certified by UL, it guarantees a high level of safety for people and electronics in the outdoors 

Reaching the market at a reasonable price, the 30 Amp RV extension cord from Conntek suits the shopping budget of ordinary RVers. To reassure customers, Conntek willingly backs its cord with a one-year warranty that brings peace of mind. 

Things We Like:

  • Budget-friendly 
  • Dependable and reliable 
  • Cord length is splendid 

Things We Don’t Like: 

  • Quality control is less than ideal
  • Customer service could use some work 

3. Coleman Road Power 95707508

Road Power 95707508 10/3 30' STW 30-Amp RV Extension Cord
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Key Features:

  • Length: 30 Feet
  • Rating: 30 Amperes 
  • Light indicator 
  • Weather-resistant 
  • Transparent female end

Why We Love It:

Versatile and flexible, Coleman Road Power 95707508 is a solid power cord for camper that rarely fails to please RVing enthusiasts. Designed from the ground up with an emphasis on durability, it easily endures prolonged exposure to elements, chemicals, abrasion, etc. Additionally, with a rating of 30 amperes, this cord is able to support loads that the majority of RVers require to charge batteries of their rig. That is why regarding adaptability, it’s superior to typical RV cords available for purchase on the market. 

The installation of the cord from Coleman is intuitive so our testers need mere seconds to set it up on the road. Owing to a combination of light indicator and transparent female end, we could tell whether there is power at a glance. While the length of this cord is unexceptional, 30 feet is sufficient for us to bring electricity from external power sources to our battery bank. Finally, since the maintenance of this cord involves just a bit of time and effort, keeping in top shape is a walk in the park. 

For storage, Road Power 95707508 occupies a small amount of space on RV after people finish rolling it up. That means people don’t need to leave key items behind to add this cord to the travel inventory. 

Things We Like:

  • Resilient 
  • Simple to maintain 
  • Packaging is sublime 

Things We Don’t Like: 

  • Debris sometimes accumulate in the female end 
  • A number of cords arrive unusable 

4. GoWISE Power RVC3002

GoWISE Power RVC3002
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Key Features:

  • Length: 50 Feet
  • Rating: 30 Amperes 
  • Twist-lock
  • Cord organizer included 
  • Molded connector and handle.

Why We Love It:

Despite its plain appearance, GoWISE Power RVC3002 could meet the charging demands of RVers around the globe. Packing the convenient molded connector and handle, this RV cord outmatches many of its contemporaries in terms of handling characteristics. Furthermore, featuring a twist-lock, it’s going to stay secured after the setup process concludes which is handy. Needless to say, RVing enthusiasts who hate using loose extension cords throughout the charging of batteries think highly of this cord. 

One of the things we like about RVC3002 is that it’s capable of reaching out to external power sources over long distances. Thus, with this 30 Amp RV power cord twist-lock, our testers don’t have to worry about parking close to power sources to charge the battery bank. Aside from that, to ease storage, GoWISE Power distributes its cord alongside a cord organizer. By taking advantage of the cord organizer, we not only optimize storage but also prevent this cord from getting tangled outside of use. 

The GoWISE Power extension cord is not exactly a dirt-cheap model but it’s far from a bank-breaking purchase. All in all, if you make a couple of calculations, you could squeeze it into your spending plan. 

Things We Like:

  • Long-lasting 
  • Sublime compatibility 
  • Space-saving

Things We Don’t Like: 

  • RVers complain about getting cords with missing hardware 
  • Post-purchase support still leaves something to be desired 

5. Champion Power Equipment 48034

Champion Power Equipment 48034
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Key Features:

  • Length: 25 Feet
  • Rating: 30 Amperes 
  • Triple outlet plug 
  • Integral dust cover 
  • Cold/heat-resistant 

Why We Love It:

Slim and sleek, Champion Power Equipment 48034 permits camper owners to extend their power cord while conserving space. Constructed to be cold/heat-resistant, this extension cord for RV is less vulnerable to changes in temperature than other market models nowadays. In addition, the wiring is able to remain flexible as temperature rises and drops so installation is a piece of cake. Unsurprisingly, a multitude of cord reviews consider this 30 Amp camper extension cord to be a good buy for year-round travel.

Since the Champion Power Equipment cord features a triple outlet plug, we could use it to split the flow of electricity. From a 30 Amp source, this cord lets us power three 15 Amp appliances at the same time and that helps a lot in RVing. To stop dust from buying up inside the plug, all we have to do is to cover it with the accompanying dust cover. As a result, keeping it in working condition is a simple affair that requires minimal attention.

As proof of confidence, Champion Power Equipment backs 48034 with a one-year limited warranty. If your cord fails due to manufacturing defects within the warranty period, you may claim a RV 30 amp power cord replacement free of charge. 

Things We Like:

  • Sturdy and stable 
  • Longevity is tip-top
  • No-nonsense setup process

Things We Don’t Like: 

  • Plug compatibility is barely acceptable 
  • Owner’s manual should be rewritten 

6. Parkworld ‎886184

Parkworld RV 30A Extension Cord NEMA TT-30
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Key Features:

  • Length: 75 Feet
  • Rating: 30 Amperes 
  • Lighted 
  • Electroplated copper terminal
  • Built-in handles

Why We Love It:

Capable of bringing electricity from external power sources to RV batteries over a maximum distance of 75 feet, Parkworld ‎886184 tends to outperform its competitors regarding flexibility. With this extension cord for travel trailer, RVers could proceed to charge batteries no matter how many obstacles sit between their rigs and charging stations. Moreover, since its plugs contain built-in handles, people never have to do much to set it up/ put it away. It’s worth pointing out that the incorporation of the three-prong TT-30 connector leads to splendid compatibility.

Unlike traditional RV extension cords, ‎886184 utilizes electroplated copper terminals that effectively and efficiently reduce surface oxidation on the road. That means it’s possible to leave this cord out in the open for an extensive period of time to restore the charge level of battery banks. Also, at 3,750W, the voltage limit of this extension for RV easily supports the charging of batteries of our testers. That is why we seldom have to change our travel schedule because the charging takes too long. 

Though the cord made by Parkworld is a bit expensive, the values it provides match its price tag. Asides from that, the longevity of this extension cord lengthens the interval for cord replacement which saves money in the long run as well. 

Things We Like:

  • Rugged 
  • Safety level is fantastic 
  • Second to none handling 

Things We Don’t Like: 

  • Kind of pricey 
  • Occasional complaints about burnt plugs 

7. Marinco ParkPower Power Cord

ParkPower by Marinco 30 Amp 125V
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Key Features:

  • Length: 25 Feet
  • Rating: 30 Amperes 
  • Watertight 
  • Molded-in LED light
  • Swivel head handle

Why We Love It:

Engineered for today’s standards and built to last, Marinco ParkPower Power Cord performs steadily in quite a few arrangements. Carrying a swivel head handle, this 30 amp RV power cord permits RVing enthusiasts to keep their hands away from high voltage contacts. Additionally, it facilitates the insertion and removal of plug too so it receives positive remarks from cord reviews. In storage, the box cover of this cord covers it completely and that prevents the accumulation of dirt.

For optimal security, the cord from Marinco ParkPower integrates a system lock that keeps the connection from getting disconnected. The inclusion of tabs on the locking rings guarantees a watertight connection so the charging of batteries of our RV progresses smoothly regardless of weather. In terms of supervision, it packs molded-in LED light that glows red when electricity passes through it. Hence, by glancing at the LED light, we could determine if our battery bank is getting charged at any time.

Once it comes to post-purchase support, Marinco ParkPower Power Cord is backed with a five-year manufacturer warranty that covers defects. As a result, in the case that your cord runs into troubles during charging, you have something to count on. 

Things We Like:

  • High quality 
  • Commendable resilience 
  • Reasonable price 

Things We Don’t Like: 

  • Several cords seem damaged on arrival 
  • The angle of the connector is inconsistent 

Best 50 AMP Power/Extension Cords

8. Camco 55194 – Best Overall 50 Amp Power Cord

Camco 15' PowerGrip Heavy-Duty Outdoor 50-Amp Extension Cord for RV
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Key Features:

  • Length: 15 Feet
  • Rating: 50 Amperes 
  • 90-degree angle 
  • PVC sheath
  • Cord organizer and strap handle

Why This Is The Best Overall 50 Amp Power Cord:

Thanks to a user-oriented design, Camco 55194 earns a lot of compliments from modern camper owners that focus on convenience. Created with NEMA 14-50P male and 14-50R female connectors, this 50 amp RV extension cord fits standard charging setups with relative ease. Furthermore, since it boasts the Power Grip handle, plugging/unplugging the connectors in the outdoors is a breeze. Aside from that, the 90-degree angle of the connectors provides important relief for stress on the cord over time too. 

About the wiring, 55194 uses 100% copper which allows electricity to move through it with resistance in most of the cases. That is why by keeping it onboard, our testers could speed up the charging of battery banks to stay on schedule. Noteworthily, this cord also incorporates PVC sheath that keeps heat in check so overheating is less than in use. Lastly, with the shealth slowing down the wear and tear, it’s going to remain intact for years in regular use. 

While its length is a bit short, the cord of Camco still extends the reach of RV power cords by 15 feet. A combination of short length, cord organizer and strap handle save available storage space inside RV. 

Things We Like:

  • Strong 
  • Easy to store 
  • Maintenance is intuitive 

Things We Don’t Like: 

  • Mediocre length 
  • Cords kink every now and then 

9. Miady ‎EC5030 – Editor’s Choice

Miady 30ft 50Amp Heavy Duty RV/EV Extension Cord
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Key Features:

  • Length: 30 Feet
  • Rating: 50 Amperes 
  • All-around protection 
  • Ergonomic handles
  • Heavy-duty

Why It’s An Editor’s Choice:

Safety is your top priority and you seek an extension cord that would address that? In that case, you have to take a look at Miady ‎EC5030 to see what it could do for you on the road. Owing to all-around protection, this 50 Amp RV extension cord is able to resist abrasion, short circuit and corrosion and so on. In addition to that, it includes ergonomic handles so you only need moments to insert and remove the ends without straining the wiring in the process.

On arrival, the cord made by Miady comes with an adjustable duty cord organizer so it takes up a small amount of space. Besides that, our testers appreciate the accompanying carry strap handle as it eases the installation of charging setups. Because of that, we have no trouble relocating this cord as we see fit despite the fact that it’s pretty long (30 feet). Finally, the presence of NEMA 14-50P male and 14-50R female connectors ensures that we easily charge our batteries via typical power sources. 

Regarding maintenance, the nature ‎EC5030 means keeping it in good condition as time passes by is a snap. If things go south, you could count on the eighteen-month warranty of Miady to help you out. 

Things We Like:

  • Flexible wiring
  • Solid ends 
  • Instantaneous installation 

Things We Don’t Like: 

  • Hardly adequate quality control 
  • RVers notice screws stripping 

10. Valterra Mighty Cord (A10-5025EH)

Valterra A10-5025EH Mighty Cord RV 50-Amp Extension Cord
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Key Features:

  • Length: 25 Feet
  • Rating: 50 Amperes 
  • Rubber housing 
  • Finger grips 
  • For outdoor and indoor use

Why We Love It:

In spite of the lack of exceptional qualities, Valterra Mighty Cord (A10-5025EH) remains a wise investment for RVers that enjoy traveling around the year. Put together with rubber housing, it’s capable of withstanding outdoor elements as well as physical impacts. Moreover, this 50 Amp RV power cord features finger grips on both ends so people could manipulate them as they like without much difficulty. As a result, the installation of this extension cord for RV concludes in a matter of seconds and that is nice. 

One interesting thing about Valterra Mighty Cord (A10-5025EH) is that it’s made for outdoor and indoor use. Hence, our testers don’t have to spend a lot of time adapting this cord to current charging demands. With a length of 25 feet and a rating of 50 Amp, this cord is compatible with a multitude of situations that we experience. Also, since it’s a breeze to maintain, RVing enthusiasts may spend more time on traveling and less time on cord maintenance. 

Mighty Cord (A10-5025EH) is an economical model so its purchase would have insignificant influences on future spendings. Needless to say, those with tight shopping budgets but still like to own quality extension cord tend to hold it in high esteem. 

Things We Like:

  • Inexpensive 
  • Setup process is swift 
  • Responsive customer service 

Things We Don’t Like: 

  • Shipping should be overhauled 
  • Require a bit of effort to store 

11. Leisure Cords Power Cord 

Leisure Cords 25' Power/Extension Cord with 50 AMP
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Key Features:

  • Length: 25 Feet
  • Rating: 50 Amperes 
  • Marine-grade cable 
  • Watertight molded plug
  • Twist-lock 

Why We Love It:

Once it comes to travels near the coast, numerous RVing enthusiasts deem Leisure Cords Power Cord to be a must-have. Integrating marine-grade cable, this cord could support battery charging in atmospheres with a lot of moisture, salt, etc. Additionally, since it employs watertight molded plug, the risk of water getting into contact with the flow of electricity is insignificant. A twist-lock is present as well which allows it to stay secured throughout the charging of battery banks.

Our testers value the 14-50P male and SS2-50R female connectors of the cord from Leisure Cords as they match an assortment of power sources. With it, we don’t have to worry about cord compatibility as we charge the batteries on camping grounds for RV. Aside from that, boasting a length of 25 feet, this cord is sufficient to link batteries and power sources in typical setups. Since cord is flexible, maneuvering it around obstacles in the outdoors is also a cakewalk. 

Certified by ETL and CSA, Leisure Cords Power Cord delivers a high level of safety in use. Upon purchase,  the 50 Amp RV power cord twist-lock comes alongside a one-year warranty that speaks volumes of its quality. 

Things We Like:

  • Lightweight 
  • Consistent performance 
  • Storage is child’s play 

Things We Don’t Like: 

  • A couple of cords show up both bent plug 
  • Reports of missing adapter appear sporadically

12. Conntek 14300

Conntek 14300 RV Power Cord 4-Foot RV 50 Amp
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Key Features:

  • Length: 4 Feet
  • Rating: 50 Amperes 
  • Black
  • Thick insulation 
  • Exposed end 

Why We Love It:

While it’s not usable out of the box, Conntek 14300 is a popular model among RVers that desire a level of customization. Designed with an exposed end of four wires (three 6-gauge and one 8-gauge), this cord could hook up to a wide range of connectors. Therefore, with the right tools and skills, camper owners should be able to adapt it to variable charging setups in a blink of an eye. Furthermore, the thick insulation ensures that after people attach the connector, the odds of shock remain low. 

Compared to other power cords on the market, 14300 seems to be kind of short as it’s only 4 feet long. That being said, many of our testers enjoy using it on the road owing to the ease of installation. Since this cord possesses excellent handling, we never have to spend much time setting it up when a need arises. The short length of the cord is irrelevant if we just use it to extend the reach of our existing cord a bit. 

Costing around several dozens of dollars, the Conntek cord is one of the cheapest models available for purchase at the moment. If you care about affordability, it’s strongly recommended that you add this cord to your shortlist. 

Things We Like:

  • Versatility is top-notch 
  • Low-priced 
  • Safe 

Things We Don’t Like: 

  • Somewhat stiff when the temperature drops 
  • People complain about cracked insulation from time to time 

Critical RV Power Cord Considerations

Regarding camper power cords, different RVers tend to look for different things but to make a wise investment, you must memorize the following. 

Load

All in all, the load limit of a travel trailer power cord dictates the amount of electricity it’s able to handle. As a result, while assessing models available for purchase, it’s strongly recommended that you keep load in mind. In the case that you don’t use a lot of electricity on the road, you may settle for 15 Amp and 30 Amp power cords. However, if you own a rig with high power consumption, you should keep an eye out for 50 Amp models. 

Length 

For many reasons, it’s sometimes impossible to park vehicles close to external power sources to recharge batteries. Because of that, to get the most out of your power cord for RV, you have to give length some thought. The industry standard is 25 feet which is sufficient for a lot of situations but it’s noteworthy that other lengths exist. Usually, by taking a look at the owner’s manual, you could determine the length of a model with relative ease. 

Durability

Overall, it’s ill-advised to treat power cords roughly but you don’t want to pick up flimsy models that fail shortly after purchase. Unless you have the money to spend on regular cord replacement, it’s suggested that you pay special attention to durability. One way to tell whether a model would hold as time passes by is to check out its materials. Models made from high-quality materials last for years to come and that is advantageous in full-time RVing. 

rv extension cords
Photo: Konstantin Zaykov / Shutterstock

Storage

Space is a luxury on RV, thus, it’s imperative to take storage into account to select appropriate camper electrical cords. The last thing you need is an oversized cord that occupies a huge chunk of the storage space of your rig. For good measure, prior to committing to a purchase, you should inspect the dimensions of the cord you like via the owner’s manual. Additionally, it’s a good idea to read a couple of reviews of customers to see what they say about the ease of storing particular models. 

Price 

  • $40 – $80: Being entry-level models, power cords in the range perform well in use despite the fact that they don’t have a lot of features. Furthermore, the affordability of models with prices between $40 and $80 earn a shower of praise from cost-conscious camper owners. 
  • $80 – $160: Able to satisfy the majority of charging demands without costing a fortune, power cords in the range provide great values. If you seek solid cords but your wallet is kind of tight, you should stick to modes that cost from $80 – $160. 
  • Above $160: By making good use of innovations in technologies, materials and so on, power cords in the range give a good account of themselves in various conditions. Needless to say, those that place quality above all else hold models with prices exceeding $160 in high esteem. 

How To (And Why) Replace An RV Power Cord

Generally speaking, no matter how modern, everything on travel trailer breaks down one day and the RV power cable is not an exception. The moment the cord gives out, RVing enthusiasts would experience multiple headaches from slow charging to disruptions in the operation of appliances. 

Hence, RVers including novices as well as veterans regard the knowledge of cord replacement as essential in RVing. Assuming that the replacement of cord proceeds smoothly, RVers could put an end to fluctuations in the flow of electricity. Of course, you always have the option of leaving the replacement of cord to professionals if you don’t have confidence. Still, if you like to save money, feel free to replace the malfunctioning cord on your own. 

  • For damaged plug: Disconnect power, cut away the plug and expose the wires. Next, connect the wires to a replacement plug that uses the same design as the old one. After you manage the wires, hook up the plug to an external power source to see how it performs. 
  • For damaged cord: For cords with minor damages on the exterior, electrical tapes should be adequate. Nonetheless, if the cords sustain extensive damages, it’s best to buy new ones. 
rv power cords
Photo: Leisure Travel Vans

FAQs About RV Power & Extension Cords

1. Does power cord come with RV?

Upon purchase, most rigs arrive alongside a power cord to connect to external power sources. Depending on the RV, the rating of the stock cord varies between 15, 30 and 50 Amp. Normally, the owner’s manual contains details regarding the power cord from location to specs. If you cannot locate a cord on your vehicle, you have to equip it with one at the earliest opportunity. 

2. Can I use a regular extension cord for my RV?

For your safety, you must refrain from using regular extension cords to charge the battery bank of your rig. Non-RV cords cannot handle the kind of loads that RVing desires so it won’t take long for them to overheat. Obviously, when extension cords overheat, all sorts of issues would occur which place the vehicle as well as the people at risk. Thus, it’s imperative that you stick to purpose-designed models while buying extension cord for your RV. 

3. What size extension cord do I need for my RV?

The gauge of extension cords depends on the load that passes through them to the batteries of vehicles. For 15 Amp and 30 Amp power cords, the minimum size for extension cords is 10 gauge. In the case that you use 50 Amp power cords, it’s widely advised that you prioritize 6/3 + 8/1 and 6/4 gauge extension cords. 

4. Can I adapt my RV power cord up?

It’s possible to adapt power cords to external power sources with higher ampere rating in times of need. To do so, you have to get your hands on an adapter to match the rating of your power cord to that of the sources.

5. Do I need a dogbone/adapter for every situation?

Today’s camping locations usually have power sources of variable ratings but for good measure, you should prepare at least two adapters. For instance, if your RV carries a 30 Amp power cord, it’s a good idea to include 30 Amp-to-15 Amp and 30 Amp-to-50 Amp adapters to your inventory.

Interestingly, if the rating of the power cord of your RV is 50 Amp, you could combine adapters when a need arises. By combining a 50 Amp-to-30 Amp adapter and a 30 Amp-to-15 Amp one, you should be able to connect your 50 Amp cord to 30 Amp power sources.

6. Can you use an extension cord for your RV power cord?

You could extend the reach of your RV power cord using extension cords but you have to use models rated for RV. If you use non-RV extension cords, it’s only a matter of time before troubles surface during the charging process. 

7. Is a 50 Amp RV plug 110 or 220?

Presently, the majority of camper run on 120V so the power cords that accompany them, including 50 Amp models, have a voltage rating of 120/240V. In most of the cases, you could plug your RV cords into 120V power sources but remember to stay away from 220V ones.

Plugging modern cords for RV into 220V power sources would cause extensive damages to electronics onboard. Fortunately, few camping locations nowadays carry 220V power sources so the odds of a mix-up tend to be low. 

About Peter Wade

Peter Wade is a co-ordinator and writer at www.RVTalk.net. His hobbies are coffee, RV camping and photography. He now enjoys exploring the U.S. by RV with his two dogs. After obtaining a MA degree in Public Relations and Journalism, he had 8 years of experience working for the R&D Department of Outdoorsy. Peter provides a unique look and insightful knowledge about the RV lifestyle, and fills his blog with everything from RV camping guides to reviews about necessary RV accessories. If you are an RV enthusiast and want to get the most-updated trends of the RV industry, Peter’s articles are the must-visit contents.

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